Give your water a glow-up
Spa water has officially been given a social media makeover by TikTok creator Kelly Stranwick, who refers to her super-hydrating concoction as “sexy water.” An updated riff on the infused water trend, trending sexy water (or glow water) hydrates with the help of fruit, herbs, and supplements.
Fans of this trend add ingredients like sprigs of spearmint, citrus slices, colostrum, and powdered adaptogenic mushrooms to glasses of water. To make increased hydration appealing to all the senses, some also add extra ice, a metal drinking straw, and a pretty bottle or cup.
Although research shows that water infused with herbs and fruit may not retain enough nutrients to have any real health benefits, it does add a nice flavor to the water. Adding some sparkle to the process can help motivate you to reach your daily water drinking goal of 2 to 3 liters, which will benefit your health!
Try sweet-and-sour tamarind
Native to tropical climates in South Asia and Africa, tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a type of fruit that comes from the tamarind tree. Known for its intensely sour flavor and sticky texture, under-ripe tamarind needs to be cooked or pickled before it can be eaten. Ripe tamarind pulp, which comes in solid blocks or as a paste, can be added directly to recipes.
As a savory ingredient, tamarind is used as a meat tenderizer, in curry dishes, and—most famously for North Americans—in pad Thai sauce. Also prized for its sour flavor in sweet recipes, it can be found in candy, chutney, and in the form of spicy-sweet straws for Mexican mangonadas.
In some medical studies, tamarind has shown promise for its positive effect on dry eye, peptic ulcers, and inflammation. In traditional medicine, the soft bark and roots of the tamarind tree are used to treat constipation.
Revisit the menstrual cup
Menstrual cups and discs are enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight thanks to a recent study published by UC Berkely. The study revealed that tampons can contain toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Of particular concern is the fact that the vaginal wall is able to absorb these chemicals more efficiently than other parts of the body.
Enter the menstrual cup—or its younger sister, the menstrual disc. Now available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, this innovative product is a small, flexible cup made of soft material such as silicone, natural rubber, or latex. The cup or disc is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow and then removed, emptied, and rinsed so it can be inserted again.
The benefits of using a menstrual cup or disc are numerous: they can be left in for up to 12 hours, you can wear one before your period starts, they’re more eco-friendly than disposable products, and they can hold more liquid than a tampon.
Shadow box your stress
Relieve stress and anxiety while getting your heart rate up with shadow boxing, a high-intensity exercise program that can be modified for any fitness level. Unlike heavy bag boxing, which requires a punching bag and boxing gloves, shadow boxing can be done at home or at the gym—it can even be done sitting in a chair.
Shadow boxing typically consists of punching and footwork drills, jump training, and bodyweight strengthening exercises such as push-ups and planks. Like traditional boxing, shadow boxing may produce a variety of health benefits, including improved strength, endurance, and heart health.
This sport and exercise method also has a positive effect on emotional health. In one study, non-contact boxing showed promise as an intervention tool for those suffering from the effects of mental illness.
