GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have been referred to as weight loss “game-changers” or “miracles” for people living with obesity. A 2021 clinical trial found that 86.2% of more than 800 participants experienced significant weight loss after taking 2.4-milligram (mg) doses of semaglutide for 68 weeks. While that sounds promising, 13.8% of participants did not see clinically significant weight loss. 

When it comes to GLP-1 medications, health experts state that people fall into two camps: responder or non-responder. The former indicates that people positively respond to the medications and experience weight loss, while the later indicates that the medications have no effect on the person. Just like with other medications, one prescription is not a one-size-fits-all remedy for every single person. That is especially true for managing obesity. 

Doctors want to remind patients that there tends to be more than one reason why a person ends up in the responder or non-responder categories. Even though the drugs may seem ideal in clinical trials, they do not work for everyone. Just like other medications, they can be unpredictable, both in how they perform and how a person responds to them. Why is that the case? Continue reading to learn about five of the most common reasons, according to health experts. 

Existing Medical Issues

It’s possible for a person to have underlying medical issues that are either untreated, undertreated, or undiagnosed. Hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, and chronic insomnia, for example, can all interfere with weight loss. Those conditions should be dealt with prior to starting a weight loss journey, let alone a weight loss medication. Patients who have an issue with obesity and a binge eating disorder should also address the eating disorder prior to using GLP-1 medications. The binge eating disorder will not correct itself just because you take a GLP-1. 

Medication Interference

People who take GLP-1 drugs alongside other medications may experience less weight loss, or none at all. It’s common for people who take antidepressants and beta blockers to have a difficult time losing weight. Adding a GLP-1 drug to the mix will not encourage weight loss, though. It is better to speak to your healthcare provider about other medications prior to taking a GLP-1. 

Insulin Resistance 

Ozempic is a GLP-1 drug designed to help diabetics lower their A1C. According to a 2022 narrative review, though, people may lose less weight while taking GLP-1 medications. When you have a pre-existing metabolic disease, it can feel like an uphill battle to reverse those abnormalities, especially if you’ve lived with them for a long time. This is due to the physiological response. Typically, GLP-1 aids blood sugar control by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin after meals. That response may be less potent in individuals who do not have type 2 diabetes. The weakened response to GLP-1, then, can make it more difficult to manage blood sugar and lose weight, which can require alternative treatment methods. 

Lifestyle Changes

Trials for semaglutide have included lifestyle intervention for both placebo and medication groups. In a 2021 trial consisting of more than 1,900 adults, for example, researchers wanted to see what influenced the best response to a GLP-1 medication. The general recommendation was that patients should:

• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress
• Maintain a predominantly plant-based diet
• Get quality sleep
• Avoid substance use
• Keep strong social relationships with family and friends

Now, those recommendations are not novel in regards to losing weight and living healthier. In fact, those are things that you should do if you want to be healthier and lose weight. It’s possible that some of these efforts can interfere with GLP-1 medications or reduce their efficacy, but more research is necessary on this matter.

What If You Don’t Experience Weight Loss?

Sometimes, you may not experience weight loss immediately after starting GLP-1 medications. Some people have to take the medication for up to 12 weeks before seeing results. If you have doubts about this, or see that these medications are not moving the needle, consider speaking with your doctor or engage in some of the previously mentioned lifestyle changes. 

You can also consider the Dherbs Full Body Cleanse, which is a 20-day program that has helped millions of people lose weight and experience better overall health. It outlines exactly what you need to do to succeed during the cleanse. Although a lot of people use the cleanse to lose weight (potential to lose 10 to 30 pounds during the 20-day cleanse), its main purpose is to cleanse the body’s major organs and systems. Using the Full Body Cleanse can help the pounds go down and improve overall health and wellness. Not to mention, it’s about one-tenth the cost of GLP-1 medications!

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If you are on a weight loss journey, you have probably heard of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other diabetes drugs that people use to lose weight. Recently, however, Ozempic is under legal and medical scrutiny. The once-promoted breakthrough shortcut weight loss drug is currently facing over $2 billion in lawsuits in the United States. Patients have reported severe side effects, ranging from vision loss to stomach paralysis.

Why Is Ozempic Facing Lawsuits?

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist was originally designed for diabetics. It skyrocketed to fame when celebrities and influencers began using it to lose weight. Before long, social media feeds revealed before and after shots, which increased the demand worldwide. Unfortunately, folks, you sometimes have to pay the price if you want to lose weight by using a medical shortcut. 

According to some sources, there are more than 1,200 GLP-1 lawsuits. They have been consolidated into multi-district litigation in the Eastern district of Pennsylvania. Reports suggest that patients are suing after experiencing gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), vomiting, vision problems, and other complications after using Ozempic. People are alleging that Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company, failed to provide adequate warnings about these potential adverse side effects. 

What Does Novo Nordisk Have To Say?

Plaintiffs argue that the company failed to disclose risks, especially when used for weight loss. Novo Nordisk continues to deny any wrongdoing, stating Ozempic is a safe drug when used as directed. It claims that Ozempic is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for diabetes only. Additionally, Noro Nordish claims that the labels already warn about gastrointestinal side effects. The company argues that using Ozempic specifically for weight loss use has exploded beyond its scope due to social media hype. 

All of that said, legal experts suggest that the $2 billion lawsuits could be the tip of the iceberg. Now, it is true that not all users experience side effects. Many people have used Ozempic to lose weight successfully without issues. Health experts warn that the drug’s short-term gains may come with long-term risks, though. 

Doctoral Advice For Current Users

It is true that not all users face severe side effects, or any for that matter. Many people have reported successful weight loss without major issues or complications. It is true that you can experience side effects after you stop using GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, but that is the body’s transition away from the drug. The lawsuits toward Ozempic are for people actively using the drug to lose weight. 

Health experts warn that short-term gains may come with long-term health risks. Doctors recommend that people already using Ozempic should:

• Report persistent nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision
• Schedule regular check-ups for gut health and vision
• Consider lifestyle-based weight loss methods that are much safer with no side effects and beneficial long-term results. 

The Takeaway

The reality is that Ozempic is not the magic weight loss wand people can wave and reap unimaginable results. It is much safe and more beneficial to the body to go the natural route, such as the Full Body Cleanse. This Dherbs cleanse provides people with a plan that can help set them up for success. The herbal supplements are 100% natural and free of additives. Accompanied by a raw vegan diet, the Full Body Cleanse is designed to cleanse the body of impurities and improve the function of the body’s major organs and systems.

If you use Ozempic, it’s like receiving a fish from a fisherman. With the Full Body Cleanse, you learn to fish, and that will only benefit you in the long run.

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To embrace the self for all of its attributes, whether mental or physical, and negative or positive, is self-acceptance. It’s possible for someone to struggle to accept certain qualities of the self from time to time. That is especially true in a time when it’s very easy to compare the self to everything that is happening on social media or popular culture. Perhaps trauma from childhood also makes it difficult to extend compassion to the self. Whatever the case, accepting who you are is vital for overall happiness and well-being. 

Self-Acceptance For Psychological Health

If you have low self-acceptance, your psychological health may suffer. The incapability to fully accept yourself can put you at a higher risk for experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some research notes that rejecting negative qualities about yourself can cause you to fixate on those attributes, which encourages negative self-talk. Some examples of negative self-talk include:

• “I’m such a failure.”
• “I’m not good enough.”
• “That person is so smart and I could never be like that.”

Negative statements such as the ones listed above can cause you to lose feelings of hope and self-worth, and increase feelings of anxiety and sadness. When you can finally accept yourself, even the qualities that you may not be proud of, you retain more control of your emotions. That means that self-acceptance may help prevent anxiety and depression, provided you put the work in. 

How To Practice Self-Acceptance 

Self-acceptance sounds easy, right? Like anything, practice makes perfect, but you have to know where to start. Below, we’ll take a look at three techniques that will help you practice self-acceptance. 

Keep A Gratitude Journal

Do you ever find yourself ruminating about things that went wrong during the day? Don’t dwell on negativity or negative qualities, unless you want to spiral out of control. Shift to a more positive mindset by keeping a journal, or even writing notes on your phone. A great daily practice to help foster a more positive mindset is to write down five things that you are grateful for. When you focus on the positive, you start to reduce feelings of negativity. This practice helps you accept yourself more mindfully. 

You Are A Work In Progress

The great part of being human is that you can always learn new things. When starting a new hobby or learning a new skill, it is natural to not be very good at it. You are just starting and there is a learning curve! Maybe you decide to participate in a baking class and notice that your classmates have baked perfect cookies. You look at your oven and you see that your cookies are burned. Don’t let negative thoughts like, “I’m such a terrible baker,” enter your mind. You can return to class and should not be discouraged by a small setback. Tell yourself that you are a work in progress, so that you can better handle your thoughts. You can always try again! Don’t expect to be perfect on the first go-around, or else you will wind up spiraling into negativity.

Look At Your Experiences From A Different Perspective

Do you find yourself thinking about an event, emotion, or experience that brings about feelings of unhappiness? Look at the situation from a different perspective in an attempt to find a silver lining. There is nothing wrong with viewing the glass half full! Maybe you get dressed up to go out and take a sip of a drink that you spill all over your shirt/dress/top. Now that’s a frustrating experience, but you don’t need to add fuel to the fire and make it more frustrating. Instead, find the positive or talk to a friend about what just happened to get a little more perspective on the matter. If you remain stuck in your feelings, you look at things too negatively. Find a fresh take on the subject and you may notice things that you didn’t before that help you accept yourself.

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It’s safe to say that people are more connected than ever in our digitally driven world. Just because people can connect digitally in seconds, does that mean that they are making meaningful, social connections on a regular basis? Now is the time to create a supportive social network, both digitally and in-person. In this article, we delve into the concept of social health and different practical strategies that help foster social engagement to achieve holistic wellness. 

What Is Social Health? 

As much as you do not want to believe it, social health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Often referred to as social wellness, social health relates to the connection and need for community. Most people achieve this through relationships with family and friends. It’s the sense of belonging that comes from connecting with these groups of like-minded people who support, value, and love you. In simpler terms, social health comes from the relationships you build with others and the connection those relationships provide.

Social health is supported by five pillars, all of which work to keep the structure (your well-being) intact. We’ll detail them below:

• Communication skills: The ability to communicate clearly is paramount to build healthy social interactions. If you can communicate effectively, you can express your thoughts and feelings. You can also listen actively and understand where others are coming from, a practice that fosters great social connections. 
• Quality of relationships: Your goal should not be to have as many social connections as possible. It’s about quality, not quantity. The quality relationships are the ones in which you feel safe, heard, seen, and completely understood. These relationships are the ones that enhance your health. 
• Ecosystem of social support: It’s very common for people to rely on different support systems to navigate life’s more difficult challenges. These support systems essentially form an ecosystem of strong connections, in which you can find guidance, reassurances, and companionship. You often become more resilient with the people around you in these ecosystems. 
• The role of community engagement: Humans are social creatures, which explains the joy you receive when you are part of a strong community. Being a community member gives you the assurance that you are part of something larger than yourself. 
• Boundaries and self-care: Without healthy boundaries, you cannot foster optimal social health. You have to know when to say no, and understand that your social network will respect your decision. Boundaries help ensure that your limits are respected by peers and that helps create a healthier, stronger social life.

The Benefits Of Strong Social Health

It is clear that social health plays a role in helping individuals create more meaningful lives. There are numerous benefits to having a strong social support system, from your mental health to physical well-being. Read on to learn more about them: 

• Social support offers comfort, or a sense of belonging, that helps boost self-esteem and confidence. 
• Supportive relationships not only positively impact your productivity levels, but also enhance accountability. 
• Strong social networks tend to help people handle stress more effectively and reduce the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression. 
• Social support works to keep mental health in check and may increase productivity. 
• Leveraging social support can lead to an overall more fulfilling life and enjoyable experiences. 
• Belonging to supportive social circles can improve both mental and physical health. 
• It’s possible for individuals to experience a reduced risk of chronic illnesses and stronger immune function when they have strong social connections. 

Integrating Social Health Into Your Daily Life

As detailed in the previous bullet points, it is clear that maintaining social health benefits you in numerous ways. Unfortunately, it is often easier said than done, especially considering the modern reliance on digital technology. Yes, technology can enhance connectivity, but it also can promote isolation and detract from social health. The constant accessibility can blur the line between work and real life, which can lead to burnouts or strained relationships. 

Social media tends to foster feelings of inadequacy, not empowerment. Navigating the social media landscape can be very tricky, which is why online interactions are often less meaningful and supportive than offline interactions. If you want to meet your social health needs in the real world, focus on ways to connect with others in meaningful ways. Join a community wellness environment, attend social events, prioritize face-to-face interactions, and set boundaries with technology. Do all of those things and more and you’ll be well on your way to experiencing better social health.

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Pride Month is a chance to celebrate the community, acceptance, and equality of LGBTQIA+ people. There are parades, events, parties, and more all over the world during Pride Month. It’s safe to say that this month can positively affect mental health by bringing more LGBTQIA+ people together as one community. The idea is that these celebrations bring hope for a brighter future, one that is united for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. 

What Is Pride Month?

It was 1969 and the sun was shining…In all seriousness, Pride Month started with the Stonewall uprising in 1969. These protests were in response to police raids in gay bars in New York. These raids took place due to discrimination and persecution against the LGBTQIA+ community. After the Stonewall uprising, the first Pride Rally in the United Kingdom took place a few years later in London, England. 

Every June, Pride Month honors the history of Stonewall and the activism it sparked to push LGBTQIA+ rights to the place where they are today. Although Pride Month is somewhat of a mild protest, it is truly a movement, a chance for people to fight for equality and stand on the shoulders of the activists who came before them. Additionally, Pride Month is a celebration of the spaces that members of the LGBTQIA+ community can share. It’s hugely helpful, empowering, and a way to recognize queer lives. And the biggest benefit is that people of the LGBTQIA+ community get to unite together and remember that they are not alone.

The Context Of Pride Month And Mental Health

Mental health is important, regardless of the time of year or specific celebratory month. Regarding Pride Month, though, there has been a lot of discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, and that still exists to this day. The rights for LGBTQIA+ members are still ongoing, and Pride Month continues to be somewhat of a catalyst for positive change and equality. 

It is often the joyous times and celebratory nature of Pride Month that benefit people of the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, the inclusion and unified efforts help combat social isolation, low self-esteem, and the homophobic or transphobic political stances in the media. It is truly sad that people still have these hateful or negative views toward the LGBTQIA+. 

A lot of LGBTQIA+ activists have observed two interesting things regarding Pride Month. The first is that the fight for equality and rights can be quickly weaponized against them. The second is that LGBTQIA+ people often dim their internal light for safety, depending on the setting, situation, or surrounding people. 

How Can Pride Month Enhance Mental Health In The LGBTQIA+ Community?

Whether it’s a publicized goal or not, Pride Month brings together the LGBTQIA+ community and all its diversity. There is beauty in diversity and community, but it can be tough for people to individually navigate their own isolation. Many organizations and peer spaces are available to the LGBTQIA+ community and are there for people, in good times and bad. 

Pride Month also helps undo what the negative media puts out against the community. A lot of people who may not be “out” yet or struggle with their own gender identity or sexuality. Pride Month, then, serves as a space of solidarity for those still living in the closet. 

At the end of the day, Pride Month is a time of acceptance, despite whatever homophobia, transphobia, or biphobia still exists in the world. It is for the LGBTQIA+ community, but allyship can help advance community efforts. Families and friends of LGBTQIA+ community members can help participate in events and empower everyone. Being a great ally can help advance the community, but it also means that you learn more about the issues that affect the LGBTQIA+ community. You are there for the people in your life who require support!

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Resources for improving mental health are abundant. From in-person therapy sessions to calming apps on your phone, there is no shortage of mental health tools, many of which are free. Mental health is more than just a buzzword, though. It is about the functionality of the brain and everything that impacts it. Many factors influence your mental health, such as genetics, family history, and life experiences. 

Although you may not have full control over the hand you’re dealt, you can influence many other aspects of your mental health. Your ability to improve your mental health can help you maintain a more even-keeled mental state. 

Why Is Mental Health So Important?

Whether it’s the way you handle stress, relate to others, or make choices, your mental health influences a lot. Caring for your mental health can help:

• Clarify your thinking
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve your mood
• Enhance self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth
• Deepen relationships

By nurturing your mental health, you can also help manage mental health conditions that are worsened by anxiety and stress. This nourishment also helps you perceive the world through a clearer lens and helps you handle things that life throws at you. Continue reading to learn about daily habits that can boost your mental health. 

Reduce Social Media Engagement

When you constantly consume information about other people’s lives, you compare your own experience to theirs, whether you know it or not. This can promote feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem, both of which fuel depression and anxiety. To spend less time on social media, try to keep your phone in a drawer or outside your bedroom while you’re in bed. Turn off social media notifications, so you are not prompted to check it every time you get a “bing.”

Move Your Body On Your Own Terms

There is no denying that regular exercise benefits mental health and brain function. Scientific studies have proven that exercise can elevate mood, relieve stress, and help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not everybody exercises or moves their body in the same way, though. That’s why you have to move on your own terms, be it in a Zumba or Pilates class, boxing boot camp, walk around the neighborhood, or gardening in the backyard. There are many fun physical activities that you can do outside the gym. Take stretch breaks every hour during work or go on a family hike! You do not need a vigorous workout in the gym to support mental health. 

Get Restful Sleep

Sleep is the body’s natural way of rejuvenating itself. In fact, sleep is a nonnegotiable element of physical and mental health. According to an American Psychological Association (APA) report from 2023, sleep deprivation makes people more anxious and less happy. Sleep is vital, but the quality matters even more. Disrupted sleep can worsen mental health symptoms. To ensure that you get quality sleep, start with these habits:

• Make your bedroom quiet, clutter-free, and relaxing
• Try to keep the temperature in your bedroom between 60ºF and 65ºF
• Avoid caffeinated beverages after 3 p.m.
• Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day

Know When To Take It Easy

It’s very possible that on a difficult day, you may not have the energy to do anything. That can make you feel even worse about yourself, but sometimes you have to allow yourself a day to take it easy. Turn to compassion and find accessible strategies, for example: 

• Engage in breath work, even if only for a few minutes
• Take a bath or long shower
• Give yourself permission to rest
• Avoid snacking on processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy

Spend Time In The Sun

Not only is the sun a great source of vitamin D, but studies show that spending time in the sun can improve attitude and mood. You do not have to spend your entire day in the sun, so don’t worry about frying like an egg. Experts suggest five minutes of uninterrupted blue skies per day to benefit the mind and heart. You do not just have to stand in the sun; rather, you can take a short walk, exercise outside, eat lunch at a park, open a window near your desk, or take a phone call outside. 

Savor Nutrient-Dense Foods

There are certain foods that detract from mental health, but there are also foods that support it. Dietitians encourage people to focus on foods that contain mood-boosting nutrients, some of which are: 

• Whole grains
• Beans
• Bananas
• Berries
• Omega-3s

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help you avoid dehydration, which actually denies your brain and body the nutrients necessary for optimal function. Alcohol, caffeine, refined carbs, and added sugars can actually worsen anxiety, so limit your consumption of those foods. 

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Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, or bumpy. When a flare up occurs, it is highly uncomfortable and can be extremely difficult to avoid itching the affected area(s). Symptoms start to flare up if you encounter an irritant or allergen, and you have to use one or more remedies to stop the itching. 

More often than not, itchiness is the most common symptom, although itchy patches of skin can begin to ooze or crack from excessive scratching. Itchiness is the result of an overactive immune response, causing irritation or inflammation in the skin. The urge to scratch that itch can interfere with social life, general concentration, and your ability to sleep. To help stop scratching when you have eczema, give the following strategies a try. Some (or all) may not work for you, so keep experimenting until you find what works.

Stress Management

Stress is a common trigger for eczema and can worsen the severity of a flare up. Chronic stress, which stems from financial insecurity or major life events, can have a major impact on eczema. For this reason, dermatologists encourage eczema patients to develop stress management methods, such as: 

• Meditation: There is more than one way to meditate, people! You can experiment with solo meditation, guided meditation, or even walking meditation. Yoga and Tai Chi are also excellent forms of moderate exercise that promote stress reduction. 
• Limit social media time: According to mental health experts, spending too much time on social media can cause stress. Additionally, consuming too much news can cause high stress, so put away your socials and news sources to help curb stress. 
• Sleep: The average adult requires about seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Failure to get enough sleep can ignite symptoms. Make sure to go to bed at the same time every day and keep the bedroom at a cool temperature. 

Moisturizers

If your skin is dry, then you will likely feel itchy in problem areas. With eczema, dryness occurs because of issues with the skin barrier, which is the outer layer that retains moisture. To combat dryness, apply moisturizers to help preserve the barrier and its function. Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer at least twice daily, especially after bathing. There are oil-rich eczema creams and ointments, which are thicker than lotions and slightly more effective. Moisturizing daily can help reduce the number of eczema flare ups, according to research. 

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a possible treatment for atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. This therapy involves the use of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which researchers believe act on nerve endings that cause itchiness. One study found that 93% of people using UVB as eczema treatment reported relief after a couple weeks. 

EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychological therapy commonly used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some early research suggests that EMDR may relieve the itchiness associated with atopic dermatitis. It may also help reduce daytime scratching and increase self-control, which ultimately improves overall quality of life. During an EMDR session, you will visualize the discomfort and itch while a therapist stimulates your eyes to move. Alternatively, the therapist may expose one or both ears to certain sounds that help you adapt to the discomfort of an eczema-related itch.

Cold Compress

By applying a cold compress to the affected area, you may help relieve itchiness and inflammation. This is a remedy that can be applied whether you have eczema or not. To make a cold compress, soak a towel or washcloth in cold water. Make sure to wring it out before applying to the itchy areas. Once you do this, make sure to apply a moisturizer for ultimate relief. Avoid applying an ice pack directly to the skin, as this can increase burning or itching. 

Habit Reversal Techniques

This is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves changing your behavior and relationship to your eczema itch. This is something that you practice with a therapist or counselor. During your sessions, you’ll focus on disrupting the “itch-scratch” cycle and learn techniques to distract yourself from that itch, all while promoting mindfulness.

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It’s no secret that cases of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are on the rise. In fact, data from 2022 found that nearly 10% of American adults ages 65 and older have dementia. Another 22% experience mild cognitive impairment. An even more unsettling fact is that dementia cases are projected to double by the year 2060. That means that new dementia cases will rise to reach one million per year. 

Researchers note that the current lifetime risk of developing dementia after age 55 is 42%. Women face an even higher likelihood due to their longer life expectancy. Although aging is the dominant risk factor at the moment, health conditions including hypertension, poor mental health, obesity, and diabetes can contribute to the rising crisis. These projections are grim, but there are things you can do to delay, or at least reduce, your risk of developing dementia. A recent study, however, found that there is one promising solution to delaying the onset of dementia: staying socially engaged. 

Late-life Social Activity Could Delay Dementia Onset By Five Years

The recent study of conversation was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of Alzheimer’s Association. It highlighted how frequent social interactions could help preserve cognitive health into old age. The study involved about 2,000 older adults for a period of nearly six to seven years. Researchers tracked their social engagement and cognitive status. 

The results indicated that those who were the most socially active delayed the onset of dementia by five years compared to those with minimal social interactions. Study authors also observed a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, which is an early stage of memory decline. More specifically, study authors found that the participants who were more socially engaged had: 

• A 38% lower risk of developing dementia
• A 21% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment

These findings highlight the role that social connections play in maintaining brain health. More importantly, social connections may reduce the national burden of cognitive decline. 

How Does Socializing Benefit The Brain?

According to study authors, the mechanisms behind this brain boost are not fully understood yet. At the moment, researchers put forth the following theories:

• Stress reduction: Having positive social interactions on a regular basis can help reduce chronic stress, which can harm the brain. Lowering your stress levels can help protect the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain that is essential for memory.
• Cognitive stimulation: Social interaction not only provides mental challenges, but also diverse conversations that can promote new neural connections, a process called neurogenesis. This is integral to delaying the onset of dementia, considering that altered neurogenesis has been identified in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. 
• Physical activity: More often than not, social interactions are typically coupled with some sort of movement. You may have a lunch date, which involves sitting, but you can take a walk or engage in a yoga class with a friend as well. Incorporating more movement into your social interactions can help protect against cognitive decline. 
• Hormonal balance: According to research, social engagement helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This helps control stress responses and can influence overall brain health. 

What Can You Do?

If you want to stay socially engaged as you age, you don’t have to make tremendous alterations to your life. A few simple ideas can help foster new social connections, and a few examples are:

• Volunteer: Giving back to the community is a great way to meet new people in your community. Not only that, but it provides a sense of purpose!
• Keep learning: Perhaps there is something you want to learn, and your age shouldn’t stop you from doing that. Enroll in a course or attend a workshop that encourages learning and interaction. 
• Join a club: This could be a book club, gardening group, or local ceramics class. These classes  harbor people with shared interests, which usually ignite conversations and connections. 
• Stay physically active: It’s no secret that exercise offers brain-boosting benefits. Rather than just working out by yourself, though, health experts encourage you to take fitness classes or join a physically active group to get the social and physical benefits.

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Do you typically find yourself mindless scrolling through Instagram reels? Are you glued to your television binge-watching different shows and movies on a nightly basis? If you find that chunks of time are slipping away because of your screen addiction, you are not alone. Roughly 61% of people admit that they are addicted to digital screens and the internet. Worse than that, the constant connection to screens can take a toll on your mental health and overall quality of life. 

That’s where a digital detox comes into play. A digital detox can help relieve anxiety, improve self-esteem, and encourage more restful sleep. According to one survey, about one-fifth of people cited technology as a source of stress. About 43% of respondents checked their emails, messages, and social media constantly. Another study found that about 25% of smartphone owners between the ages of 18 and 44 don’t remember the last time their phone wasn’t within arm’s reach. 

Health experts note that heavy smartphone use can cause alterations in the brain. Every scroll, email check, or text message ping sends a dopamine rush to the same area of the brain that responds to addictive substances. If you feel like that describes you, a digital detox may be the right choice. Continue reading to learn how to do one.

Turn Off Your Push Notifications

Seeing constant updates about what is happening in the world can inform you of what is happening at all times. It can also be distracting, especially if you allow yourself to get interrupted throughout the day. You’re never truly focused if you are constantly distracted by notifications. One easy fix is to turn off as many notifications as you can live without. Consider muting group messages between friends that do not contain vital information, or turn off social media notifications. 

Put Away Your Phone During Mealtime

How often do you go out to eat and see people with gleaming smartphone lights directed back at their faces? According to research, having your phone on the table can reduce the quality of interactions, even if you don’t check it. What happens is that your brain is essentially waiting for the phone to light up, meaning you are not fully present in the conversation. The more energy you direct toward your device, the less energy you have to give to whoever is with you. 

Make Your Bedroom A Tech-Free Zone

Do you feel naked without your device in hand or next to you at all times? If you do, you need a digital detox. Now, most people use their phone as an alarm clock, so keeping it out of the bedroom may be an impossible feat. That said, if you take your phone to bed, it’s easy to start scrolling as soon as your head hits the pillow. Leave your phone on your nightstand, or in the drawer of your nightstand and invest in a simple alarm clock to avoid temptation. Screens also emit blue light, which can trick your brain into staying awake because it thinks that it’s daytime. 

Limit Yourself To One Screen At A Time

How often do you watch something and end up on your phone about 10 minutes or so into whatever you’re watching? Multitasking is not a bad thing, but multi-screening is. Make a habit of only looking at one screen at a time in order to help improve concentration. Plus, focusing on a movie with the family can lead to more enjoyment, which you may not otherwise experience if you checked Facebook 12 times while watching the movie. 

Convert To Black And White

We are not saying that you should revert back to the era before color television. What we are saying, though, is that smartphones are very alluring because of the vibrant colors and clarity. Many smartphones allow you to change the settings, allowing the phone to appear in grayscale. Removing vibrant colors may make your phone less pleasurable, which causes you to reduce overall screen time. 

Spring Clean Your Social Media Accounts

Research shows that the more time you spend on social media, the likelier you are to feel worse about yourself. In fact, one study found that the more time participants spent on Facebook, the poorer their mental health outcomes were. That isn’t surprising when you consider the fact that people only see a highly curated version of peoples’ and celebrities’ lives. Don’t allow social media to suck you into its vortex! You can spring clean your social media accounts by blocking, muting, unfollowing, or deleting people or things that do not bring joy or happiness into your life. You can use social media to inspire positivity!

It’s impossible to escape technology these days, but you can do things to limit your screen time. If you find yourself checking emails, texts, and social media too frequently, consider doing a digital detox. It may just help you improve sleep, posture, and self-esteem.

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If you are like any other American adult, then you are no stranger to a little sleep trouble. In fact, one in three American adults does not get a sufficient amount of sleep every night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A lot of people turn to a number of vices in order to get quality shut-eye. 

Magnesium spray, which is a trendy relaxing spray that was popularized on social media platforms, is said to promote sounder sleep. Can a few spritzes on your skin be the all-natural sleep aid you’ve been looking for? Is misting yourself with magnesium spray just another overhyped social media trend? We’re going to cover all that and more in this article. 

What Is Magnesium? 

Magnesium is a vital mineral in the body that is involved with numerous functions, including those relating to nerves and muscles. Magnesium also aids with mood regulation and energy production. Although the body produces magnesium, health experts recommend obtaining it via magnesium-rich foods or supplements. Alternatively, you can apply magnesium oil topically on the skin, which absorbs the mineral. In order to make magnesium oil, you add magnesium chloride flakes to water to create an oily liquid. 

What Is The Connection Between Magnesium And Sleep?

As previously mentioned, magnesium supports nerve function and muscle relaxation. It also aids with the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps control the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium is also essential for DNA and protein synthesis, in addition to reproduction and cellular health. 

When magnesium levels dip too much, you may find yourself tossing and turning, or waking up too early. It’s also possible to feel more stressed or restless at night when magnesium levels are low. According to research, people with higher magnesium levels experience better sleep, longer rest, and improved energy during the day. A February 2022 systematic review found a link between magnesium levels and sleep quality. That said, researchers that examined clinical trials noted magnesium supplementation for sleep disorders were mixed. 

As of now, scientists believe that magnesium influences brain chemicals, including GABA, NMDA, cortisol, renin, and melatonin. All of these can affect relaxation and sleep quality. So how much magnesium do you actually need? The general recommendation is 310-420 milligrams per day for adults, depending on age, sex, and pregnancy status. 

Does Magnesium Spray Actually Work?

According to studies, taking magnesium orally may improve sleep quality, reduce daytime drowsiness, and regulate circadian rhythm. That said, clinical evidence for skin absorption is lacking at the moment. That said, many magnesium spray users report that it helps them sleep better, due to the spray’s muscle-relaxing properties. Just keep in mind that more studies are needed to confirm if magnesium spray is a viable sleep aid. 

Absorption Is The Problem With Sprays

Research confirms that topical application of magnesium oil can help relieve nerve pain and muscle cramps. One of the issues, however, with magnesium spray is that it is not as easily absorbed by the body compared to oral intake. For people who have gastrointestinal issues, or issues taking supplements, magnesium oil can be a viable option. The spray, however, may not be as easily absorbed by the skin. No published data indicates a better or worse comparison of transdermal absorption compared to magnesium supplementation. Some data, however, indicates that the skin can absorb the spray when used in close proximity to a high density of hair follicles. Basically, spritz the magnesium spray where you have a lot of hair follicles to increase absorption. Don’t just mist it in the air and think that you will sleep like an angel. 

How To Choose The Right Magnesium Spray

Just like most items under the health and wellness umbrella, not all magnesium sprays are created equal. Health experts encourage you to look for the following in your magnesium spray:

• Magnesium source: Magnesium chloride is the most recommended because it is more easily absorbed by the skin. 
• Third-party testing: Choose a brand that is independently tested for safety and quality. You can tell this by a seal on the spray bottle or information on the company website. Common third-party testers include NSF and USP. 
• Purity: Make sure to select products that are free of artificial additives and unnecessary chemicals. Magnesium sprays should only contain a couple ingredients!

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