This Comedian-Turned-Health Coach Knows the Secret to Better Sleep and Easier Mornings

It’s really hard to not be happy in Jill Lawrence’s presence.

How to Practice Self-Love Like You Mean It

Have the concept of practicing self-love ever crossed your mind? The concept may seem silly and even a bit self-indulgent at first, especially if you’re constantly doting on everyone else. Why is it that we have such an easy time showing tenderness to our children, partners, and friends, but when it comes to ourselves, it feels foreign?  The following self-love techniques are attainable, affordable, and will help foster a positive relationship between you and, well, you. 6 Self-Love Techniques Squash Negative Self-Talk Take note of harmful thought patterns that may be limiting your potential. Think of your inner voice as your inner child—speak to it kindly! Daily affirmations and journaling are great tools to help with this.  Prioritize Your Health This means nourishing your body with healthy, energy-boosting foods, making regular time for physical activity (whatever that means to you), getting enough sleep, building white space into your day, and any other actions that support your mental and physical well-being. Set Boundaries Whether at the office, with extended family, or between you and the six hours you spent scrolling on TikTok last night, setting boundaries is a way to maintain healthy relationships and preserve your sanity. (Say, for example, your boss is texting you on the weekend. Boundary-setting would be telling him or her that they can no longer text you outside of normal business hours.) Although setting boundaries can be awkward at first, it’s worth it in the long run. Make Time for Self-Care Self-care is a crucial part of loving yourself. Making time for self-care means that we think we are worthy of love, attention and TLC. Try to set aside time in your schedule to do things that make you happy, even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk or baking a pie.  Show Yourself Compassion Ditch the perfection mentality (it’s the enemy of self-love), and realize that you’re human and you’re going to make mistakes. It’s important to get comfortable with that notion and change the way you react to them when they happen. Instead of interpreting mistakes as a sign that you’re a failure, view them as an opportunity to learn and grow.  Practice Authenticity Don’t hide the parts of you that are messy and imperfect, embarrassing or shameful. Don’t fear the judgment of others (it says nothing about you and a whole lot about them). The only person you need to please is yourself. So live your life full out. Be unapologetically and authentically you.  (Photo: Shutterstock)

Celebrate International Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way

What was once considered a Hallmark Holiday is now celebrated globally every 30th of July: International Friendship Day. International Friendship Day was initially founded by the UN General Assembly in 2011 with the goal of building bridges and promoting camaraderie between communities, people and culture through formed friendships. With the help of social media, this celebration of diversity became globally known, garnering 102K Instagram posts to date using the hashtag #internationalfriendshipday. As platforms like Facebook and Instagram become more and more popular, physical distance between friends is no longer a barrier.  World-wide connections may be hard to wrap your head around in your day-to-day. Luckily, there are very real health benefits to spreading the love with something as seemingly small as grabbing dinner with your girls or going for a walk with a friend…or perhaps setting up a quick fun-filled Zoom call.  Celebrate World Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way There isn’t a right way to celebrate International Friendship Day with your favorite people. But, if you need some inspiration, we’re sharing three fun ways to connect with your besties. 1. Eat and Drink Your Heart Out Thinking of throwing a party with the BFFs? It doesn’t have to be grand; a bowl for two might be perfect. Celebrate with nourishing foods, like these easy-to-prep colorful summer salads loaded with antioxidants. Or, why not serve up some fancy charcuterie board? You can pair it up with a glass of wine or two. Remember, conscious indulgence is encouraged to make you feel empowered with your choices rather than regretful. On the other hand, if you’re ditching alcohol entirely we highly recommend you try these sober-licious mocktails.  RELATED: How to Create the Perfect Healthy Party Platter 2. Get Groovin’ Under the Sun Moving your body, be it swimming, running, a quick workout together, or even a trip to an amusement park, can trigger the release of endorphins, AKA happy-making chemicals. Imagine yourself flashing those pearly whites and letting out audible laughs with your gals while soaking up the sun. You’re not just having the best time here, you’re also getting sunshine vitamins. What a treat!  If you’re up for something new, level-up your time with friends by exploring these head-throwing dance workouts outdoors. And while you’re sweating it all away, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking water will energize you; more energy means more time to hang with your friends.  RELATED: How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink? 3. Travel, Nature … and Sleep? Yes, you read it right! If you’re feeling out of whack and want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, hop on to the sleep retreat wagon with your best friend. Or maybe, enjoy nature with a side of luxury in these best landscape hotels around the globe. These trips might be the gateway to rejuvenation and the ultimate bonding experience you’ve been longing for.  Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this day with your person or tribe, remember to be fully present and savor each moment of fun. Want to learn how healthy and strong relationships can improve your health? Read the Three Proven Health Benefits of Friendships (Backed by Science) (Image: Shutterstock)

Three Proven Health Benefits of Friendships (Backed by Science)

Human connection is integral to your well-being and when you’re in a healthy relationship with family, friends, or acquaintances, there are very real health benefits you can experience for yourself.  We know that when you love more (one of our 8 Pillars), you live a more nutritious life so here are three science-based facts about the health benefits of friendships that you don’t want to miss. 1. Friendships Can Boost Immunity & Lifespan According to a study from the American Psychological Association (APA), strong support from your social connections may protect you from illnesses caused by stress. How is this possible? Activities that strengthen close connections — like fun or meaningful chit-chats, laughing, kissing, hugging, and bonding with friends — releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These hormones positively impact your mind, mood, and body. They also improve immune function as they lower cortisol levels (AKA stress-induced hormones). Maintaining healthy friendships is beneficial for your health in long-term ways, too. As you find peace, calm, and genuine happiness with friends, the release of the feel-good hormones mentioned above decrease inflammation. This leads to lower risks of illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, gut-health problems, cancer, and depression. According to Harvard Health Publishing, one study shows an increase in mortality risk for people who do not have strong relationships leading to premature deaths from all causes by 50%. TLDR: Having friends may actually tack more years onto your life! 2. Friendships Enrich Your Emotional Well-Being Having friends or *friends* (if you catch our drift) to offer you a safe space for raw conversation or a shoulder to cry on is an essential resource when dealing with life’s many challenges. This emotional support fosters trust and a sense of belongingness between friends.  The desire to feel accepted and valued is innate, rooting from the time of conception between mother and child. Longing for attention and attachment with another human being goes on across the lifespan giving a sense of purpose and a more positive outlook about life and relationships according to Psychology Today. So keep in mind that creating time to be with a girlfriend or maybe sending a quick text message to check in can play a massive role in building a supportive relationship.  And guess what? It’s a two-way street! A recent study shows that your availability to listen and provide support to a friend can boost your health. Talk about a mutual benefit! RELATED: 5 Ways To Build Stronger Friendships 3. Strong Friendships Can Improve Your Self-Esteem The Cambridge Dictionary defines self-esteem as “belief and confidence in your own ability and value.” It is your perception of yourself — whether it be negative or positive. How does friendship influence the way you view yourself? In a meta-analysis published by the APA, researchers explored how positive relationships boost self-esteem. They found that strong and healthy social relationships mold the development of self-esteem in people ages 4-76. On the other hand, poor relationships can negatively reinforce your self-esteem. An unhealthy  self-perception can accumulate from childhood and may continue through adulthood. The good news? You can always start building stronger friendships — a relationship that will help you develop self-love and empathy for yourself and others.     And if you ever find yourself thinking of that one friend who naturally brings out the best in you, that friend who nourishes your soul, then that means you found the one. He or she’s a keeper! The healthy choices you make daily, and the small habits you form are just as crucial as choosing friends and people you let into your life. Evaluate and look at them closely—do they make you feel good or stressed out? That should give you a hint. Remember, healthy relationships are one of the keys to living a Nutritious Life.  Read this and plan ahead with your besties this coming World Friendship Day: Celebrate International Friendship Day the Nutritious Life Way  For more tips on how to build happy and strong relationships plus a fulfilling sex life (yes, please!), check out our LOVE MORE top stories here. (Image: Shutterstock)

Happy Mother’s Day … the Nutritious Life Way

At Nutritious Life, we love moms. Our moms, your moms, all moms. Why? Because we know that moms work so very hard at taking care of everyone and everything. Moms raise kids and juggle demanding careers while making sure their homes and families are clean and fed and schooled (and so much more!). That’s a heavy load—mentally, physically and spiritually (yes, being a mom is a mind-body-spirit, all-encompassing role, but you don’t need us to tell you that!) That’s why this Mother’s Day, the staff of Nutritious Life salutes all moms and the incredible work you (and we) are doing. Here’s a few ways our team is celebrating Mother’s Day this year … the Nutritious Life way. Sharing the Simple Joys … in Nature and Together (Image: Shutterstock) I’ll be one happy mama on Mother’s Day because both of my kids will be home. (My son will be back from his first year away at college.) That’s a nice little gift in and of itself, but on top of that … What I’d like to do on Mother’s Day is pretty simple. I have said at least a million times that my absolute favorite thing in the world is being active outdoors with my kids. It could be hiking, biking, paddle boarding, anything. … This year, I’m hoping for a gorgeous spring day, a delicious breakfast with multiple cups of coffee and a very long walk on the beach with the whole family (and no complaining about how long it is!) That’s it. Pretty simple. Oh, and if gifts are involved, I wouldn’t turn away an LED face mask. 😉 – Keri Glassman, founder and CEO of Nutritious Life and The Nutritious Life Studio Cooking is Love In my family, cooking is our shared love language. As the youngest in the family, Mother’s Day is usually my time to take the reins and make a spread worthy of the two best moms I know: My Ima and my sister. The past two years in quarantine kicked off a tradition where I cook up a themed brunch: the Quarantine Cafe was my first idea, and Mama Mia (my Italian pizza concept) took place last year. This year, I’ll be enlisting the help of my 5-year-old nephew to make all of our mom’s favorites: Shakshuka, homemade pita bread and Israeli salads. After brunch at home, we’ll do a family walk around the neighborhood before we dig into our next yearly tradition: Nancy Meyers movies with a seasonal cocktail and homemade popcorn. – Ellie Erlich, the Nutritious Life Studio Community Manager No Brunch, Please! I can’t tell you what I will be doing on Mother’s Day, but I can tell you what I won’t be doing: Brunch. I know I’m probably alone here, but there is seriously nothing worse than brunch, a Mother’s Day ritual that I put the kibosh on years ago when I joined the Mom Club. I realize an entire brunch culture has just canceled me, but I hope they just see it as more bottomless mimosas for them, so score! Brunch for me is a day where you dress up in something that isn’t comfy, take photos where only 50% of the people are actually happy (because nobody under the age of 10 actually wants to brunch either), and then you eat this long, drawn-out meal and don’t feel awesome afterwards. This assures a mimosa/carb coma by 2 p.m. and spending the rest of the day in a bloated fog. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m totally on board with a Friday night fog that came from an extra glass (or three!) of champs, but not on a Sunday afternoon. It’s such a waste of an amazing opportunity to feel great. A bike ride, a beach day, a round of golf, a walk with a friend, a BBQ with neighbors, a book on the porch, or a fave Netflix binge with your person. To me, the perfect Mother’s Day starts with my kiddos doing something thoughtful for me and includes an afternoon toast with my girlfriends, who are also in the Mom Club and by default, my village. The day ends with some time with me and my very special husband who made me a mom. – Karen Rogers, VP of Marketing Operations for Nutritious Life and Empowered Education Modeling Adventure and Self-Care For Our Kids Matters (Image: Shutterstock) I’d love to gift myself an in-person yoga practice on Mother’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with at-home daily practice. In fact, I love it! It’s a perfect way to make a date with myself (Wink**). On the other hand, trying something out of my comfort zone has been calling me. A hot yoga class, maybe? Or possibly a Bikram yoga sesh. I might even try something totally different, like skateboarding or surf skating! This is on my 2022 adventure list and might be the best way to treat myself for Mother’s Day. Seeing myself grow and evolve as a person helps me become a better mom to my beautiful girls. I want them to see me taking care of myself. I want to fill my cup and let my kids watch and learn this from me as they grow. I want to try new things so they won’t be afraid to step out of the “mother role” (in case they want to become moms in the future. Yes, they have the freedom to choose!) and nurture themselves with the things that spark joy and make them feel alive. Not that motherhood doesn’t do that – as being a mom is all that and more. But motherhood is also a reminder to care for oneself and to lead by example because the love cultivated within yourself will shine through your children and significant others … guaranteed. – Marhielle Alfonso Galang, marketing admin for Nutritious Life and the Nutritious Life Studio Honoring Moms We’ve Loved and Lost This Mother’s Day, I’m practicing self-care in honor of the moms I’ve loved and

Pucker Up! Kissing Is Great For Your Health

Pucker up! If it’s been a minute since you’ve engaged in a saucy smooch session, may we suggest you dim the lights and get to work? Not just because it’s fun (and it so is), but because kissing is great for your health. Wait, kissing is healthy? (Yep, it is.) The health benefits of kissing are surprisingly vast. They range from immediate hormone releases to preventing cavities over time (really!). Dive into the many reasons kissing is good for you below and share this article with your friends. No one should be left out of this fun. Kissing Partner Perks When you and your partner engage in a lip-lock, both of your bodies jump into health-boosting action without you having to do a single thing other than enjoy yourselves. Help Out Your Hormones Kissing releases our favorite feel-good hormone, oxytocin, which can lower anxiety, increase feelings of trust between partners, and help us feel relaxed. Kissing also triggers the release of endorphins, which may lessen stress and depression and increase positive feelings. Together, oxytocin and endorphins also stimulate a metabolic process that may reduce calorie intake, tamper down hunger pangs, and slow the digestion of fat. All vital components to living a nutritious life. RELATED: Are These Psychological Barriers Messing With Your Weight Loss?  Spark Some Sexy-Times Not surprisingly, a passionate kiss can get you and your partner in the mood for something more, if you catch our drift. As you kiss, testosterone is released, and this can have a big impact on your sex drive. Kissing also decreases levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can definitely help get you in the mood. And since getting horizontal burns calories, this is just another health benefit of locking lips. Personal Health Benefits of Kissing Smooching not only delivers partner-centric health benefits, it packs a healthy punch for you as an individual too. Get Mouthy When you kiss, you produce more saliva. Adequate saliva production is important for everything from tasting, chewing, and swallowing, to washing away oral germs and keeping bad breath at bay. Since tasting and fully enjoying your meals (AKA mindful eating) is a huge contributor to building a great relationship with food, you’re getting a double whammy of awesome when you share a kiss before eating. Extra bonus: When you swap spit, you’re exposed to your partner’s mouth microbiota, which can help boost your immunity over time. Jump Start Your Heart Kissing of all types (but espesh the super-heated kind), increases your heart rate, which causes your blood vessels to dilate. The dilated vessels increase your blood flow, which then decreases your blood pressure. Aren’t our bodies amazing? Since a healthy blood pressure is part of living a nutritious life, we say let that heart of yours get a workout—both from the metaphorical “flutters” and from its actual pumped-up pumping. RELATED: 6 Cardiologist-Recommended Ways to Strengthen Our Heart Health Kissing is part of a healthy lifestyle and can leave you feeling connected, self-assured, and even a little bit healthier. Pucker up … and enjoy! For more tips on how to have happy relationships and a fulfilling sex life—all part of the Love More pillar of living a Nutritious Life—check out our top stories. (Image: Shutterstock)

Signs You’re in an Unhealthy Relationship

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering whether the relationship you’re in is healthy. It’s normal to question our relationship now and then, to argue from time to time, and for both people involved to say or do the wrong thing sometimes. After all, we are human.  When the arguments become more frequent than the laughs, or when one or both partners feel neglected, unrespected, or even unsafe, that’s when you may want to take a closer look at how healthy your relationship really is. We interviewed experts who shared warning signs to be on the lookout for, tips for addressing unhealthy patterns—and how to know when to run as fast as you can from a relationship. Warning Signs to Watch For Your relationship is a secret. No, your partner doesn’t need to carry around a picture of you in their wallet and show it to everyone they meet, but if their BFF hasn’t met you yet, who else aren’t they telling about you? If you just started seeing each other, then this isn’t a big deal, but if it’s been a few months, you might want to ask what’s up with the secrecy. “If you’ve been dating regularly for three months or more it’s typical that you meet the significant people in each other’s lives,” says Julianne Cantarella, MSW, LSW, Certified relationship coach and matchmaker. “This includes family, longtime friends, and even coworkers. If the person you are dating is avoiding an introduction to the significant people in their life that’s a red flag and a clear indication they are probably not the one.” You’re constantly arguing with your partner. Sure, it’s totally normal for couples to bicker now and then about things like whose turn it is to cook dinner or what to watch on Netflix. It’s also normal to have bigger fights about sex and money and when one or the other isn’t feeling appreciated. Communication isn’t always pretty. But when the fighting gets to the point where it feels constant and even exhausting, that’s not normal; that’s not healthy. It isn’t normal to feel like you’re walking on eggshells around your partner all the time. “Constant fighting or bickering is a huge flag that either you’re not a match or not a match anymore,” says Julianne. Your partner won’t commit to the relationship. If your partner isn’t ready to commit when you are, they’re probably not “the one”. It doesn’t mean they are a bad person; they just aren’t necessarily the person for you. “It might not (and likely doesn’t) have anything to do with you,” says Vanessa Ringel, neuroplasticity coach and founder of GRAVITĀS. “They may not be ready to settle, there may be some incompatibility at play that you’re not aware of, or they might have trauma from past relationships. What matters is that you don’t invest your valuable time and energy in someone who isn’t able to reciprocate, and who will unwillingly block you from finding the person who would.” Ask yourself: Is that really a relationship you want to invest any more time in? Your partner brings out the worst in you. Relationships aren’t always easy, but your partner shouldn’t make you act in a way you typically wouldn’t. You may be in an unhealthy relationship if “you bring out the worst in each other, and being with this person is exhausting,” says Rory Sassoon. It’s not a healthy relationship if “you’re constantly talking about how to fix your relationship, and most importantly, you really don’t feel that you like each other fundamentally as people,” says Sassoon.  It’s important to be with someone who brings out the best in you. While you won’t be at your best every minute of every day, your partner should be there to support you so you can be your best in the areas of your life that matter most. “Are you neglecting your health, finances, friendships, children, family, dreams? That is your warning sign that something is wrong in your relationship,” says Laura Day, New York Times Bestselling author and practicing intuitive. Signs of Mental Abuse: Criticism, Humiliation, and Control “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~ Maya Angelou According to thehotline.com, “Approximately 84% of victims (of domestic violence) are psychologically abused by their partners.” Chances are, you did not go looking for a relationship where you would constantly be put down and made to feel worthless, stupid, or just plain crappy. If your partner is insulting you and calling you names that make you feel bad about yourself, these are signs of mental abuse. Unfortunately, “this type of abuse can sneak up on you, and sometimes isn’t as easy to spot as physical abuse,” says Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking.  Cantarella weighs in on how it is easy to miss the warning signs of mental abuse, adding, “Sometimes it’s hard to recognize negative behaviors or if you are being mentally abused. This behavior can be insidious and introduced slowly over time. What might start out as a “joke” can end up being used as a way to control you, shame you, or make you feel as if you are the problem. If your partner is humiliating you, constantly criticizing you, controlling you, shaming you, blaming you, or Isolating you from your family and friends, these are all examples of mental and emotional abuse. Another example could be trying to control you by monitoring your coming and going, checking your phone, or controlling your finances.” Additional examples of mental abuse include “a lashing out or neglect, or “punishment” following any behavior your partner does not agree with,” says Ringel. “Or, you may notice your partner lies to you, especially about important things, and that when you confront him or her, it gets turned back on you, as if the lying is your fault.” Beyond mental and emotional injury, abuse in a relationship can also directly affect us physically. “Our body is a very good barometer

Find Your Argument Style

All couples have different ways of communicating when they disagree. Some yell at each other. Others bicker. Some give the “silent treatment.” Still, other couples just don’t engage which kicks-the-can farther down the road (to be dealt with eventually). Too often, conflicts become a contest of wills to see who is right and who is wrong. They bring up old wounds and tear at insecurities all in the name of winning.  But, here is the flip side—happily married couples have arguments. Yes, happy marriages can even have full-on fights. It’s important to note that couples have different styles of conflict. No one style is better than another, but the style has to work for both people in the relationship. If one wants to talk it through logically and the other wants to scream, retreat, and watch the playoffs, there’s going to be more friction. In the strongest marriages, couples support each other’s hopes and aspirations and build a sense of purpose in their lives together. And, no matter how they fight, they fight fair.   When a marriage fails to do this—to support, nurture and grow—the relationship devolves into useless realms of arguments driven by their egos. This leads to isolation which can then lead to pain, sadness, loneliness, and sometimes the demise of the marriage.  Disagreements are rooted in fundamental differences. It’s important to understand what’s causing the conflict. If you don’t understand the cause of the conflict (and in the heat of the moment, we usually don’t), always honor and respect each other as you discover the cause. UNDERSTAND YOUR ANGER Before a fight goes too far, ask yourself these questions: What is the ultimate outcome that I wish to achieve?  Is it to feel empowered?  Is it to feel heard?  Is it to get respect? Is it to let that person know how incredibly angry I am? Is my anger, whether it’s in rage or in silence, going to get me the outcome I desire? ESTABLISH YOUR RULES OF ARGUMENT ENGAGEMENT All couples need to establish their “Rules of Engagement.”  You need to make up rules together. Sit down and decide how you are going to fight. Seriously, talk it out! There is one cardinal rule which should always be honored during an argument, and that is to never “hit below the belt.” In other words…aim to be heard and not to hurt.   Words have power. Once unleashed, they can be a verbal dagger through the heart. Maybe the wound will heal, but the scar is a constant reminder of what was said. Over time, those angry words can damage what Kabbalists call the “oneness of marriage’s union.” The more positive things we do and say, both to and about each other, the more positive the outcome. BOTTOM LINE: MAKE CHOICES TOGETHER The minute you no longer treat each other with dignity, respect, and love is the moment the oneness, trust, and intimacy between you becomes at risk and is shattered. Think about it. On the one hand, you’re supposed to be intimate and be the closest to this person.  On the other hand, you say the most incredibly hurtful things because you know their vulnerabilities. You have to make the decision that there are some places you should never go and some things that should never be said; and, you need to make that choice together. (photo credit: Shutterstock)

5 Ways To Build Stronger Friendships

According to the American Psychological Association, maintaining “strong social relationships” or friendships can increase our survival rate by as much as 50%. Our friends are literally saving our lives!  Monica Berg, author of Rethink Love and host of the Spiritually Hungry podcast says, “Human connection isn’t just seeing our friends or smiling at strangers; it’s something we require in order to thrive. Social connection improves our physical health and strengthens our psychological well-being. In fact, one telling study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.” It’s important to keep in touch with pals near and far—now, more than ever. While the world is making it difficult for us to spend quality time with our friends right now—physically, that is—that doesn’t mean our friendships have to suffer. How to Stay “Close” to Your Favorite People There are a lot of ways to strengthen our friendships, even during a time when hugs might be off limits. In order to make our friendships stronger, it’s important to make each phone call, text, or Zoom session count. Here is some simple guidance derived from those who know best to help you keep your friendships thriving. Schedule “time with friends” into your day It may sound silly, but you schedule meetings into your day, so why not schedule time to connect with people you actually want to communicate with? Have you called your besties to check in on them lately? Whether it’s a phone or Zoom call, an email, or a simple text—add a note to your calendar so you don’t forget to let your people know you’re thinking of them. Sure, ladies’ night out isn’t really a thing right now, but you could move your outings to Zoom. “If that seems too ambitious, you could opt for a morning cup of tea (online) or a virtual cocktail hour in the evening when you can fit it in,” offers Berg. If just “hanging out” on Zoom doesn’t do it for you, you can also try playing virtual games on Zoom, like virtual trivia, bingo, and even escape rooms.  Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking highly recommends the Netflix Party App. “You can even pause the show for you and your friend so you can chat about what you think of the storyline and characters,” she adds. Sick of being on Zoom 24/7? Just because we can video chat, it doesn’t mean we have to do it all day every day. Turn the camera off and just talk, or (gasp) make an old-fashioned phone call. Sometimes just hearing a friend’s voice is all you need, and sometimes we just don’t want to be on camera. Be fully “present” when spending time with friends After a while, Zoom calls and other video chats have our eyes glazing over and we try to multitask when we should be trying harder to be present with the people we’re connecting with. Instead of looking at your phone or cooking dinner while video chatting, try to be fully there for your friends. “Although we are all still seeing each other on video, it is important to make the extra effort to have cyber-physical contact. Notice the person’s body language. Make sure yours is embracing. Give the person your full attention,” says Laura Day, New York Times Bestselling author and practicing intuitive. Show your friends you care about them Virtual hugs are great, but Day provides some additional ideas for how to show your friends you care: Just listen: You don’t always have to offer advice. Sometimes all your friends need is a sounding board. Try to keep your opinion to yourself, unless they ask for it. Refer to things they have said in past conversations: It shows that you’re listening and that you value what they value in their life. Check in and offer help: We often assume that people have what they need, but I have found that people are far more likely to offer than to ask,” says Laura. Say “Thank you”: Showing appreciation is often underestimated. Notice what others do for you and let them know what it means to you. Practice thoughtful communication We’ve all said things we didn’t mean, or that we didn’t realize would hurt someone we care about. If you’re upset with your friend, it’s important to think before you speak, especially if you want to continue the friendship.  Berg says, “Think first. Words are energy. The comments that flow out of our mouths do not disappear into thin air. They stay with us, hindering or helping our spiritual growth and also blocking our happiness.”  “Be direct. Passive aggressive expression or flooding someone rarely lays the groundwork for a good outcome,” adds Day. She also suggests taking responsibility for your own part in situations and being open to hearing their feelings as well. Drifting apart? Don’t ignore the feeling; start a conversation Whether you’ve known a friend for a few years or several decades, we all have arguments and disagreements now and then—some bigger than others. When things get a little rocky it can be tempting to just give up and let the friendship fall apart. Here are some expert tips on how to approach the situation. Trombetti suggests, “Anytime you see yourself drifting apart from a friend, make plans to catch up. Tell the person how much you value the friendship. Consider the possibility that your friendship may need to change a bit. If, for example, you and your friend always meet for happy hours, but now your friend works late at a new job, you could offer other ideas for things you can do together. Maybe you meet for brunch now, instead. Just put time and communication into the friendship, as you would any other relationship.” Berg says, “First, come from love; share what you are sensing and invite them to share their feelings with you. Perhaps there is a reason they are pulling away. It may

13 Ways To Boost Communication with Your Partner

Over the past year, research has found more couples struggling and breakups happening far more than ever. Many of us are juggling more responsibilities around the house and often use up every minute of the day for work, kids and maybe a little self care (if we are lucky!). Even though we may be spending more time together, the quality time is often lacking and frustrations are more likely to increase.  We all know that one of the most important aspects of a relationship is communication. Talking to your significant other feels like something that should be natural. Yet, it is a common struggle among couples. But, are we truly communicating about what matters? Briefly asking about their day, requesting they pick up milk, or scheduling your family affairs is technically communication. But, we didn’t choose to be with this person because we wanted an assistant or someone to help with chores. We chose them because we love them.  When stress is heightened, it’s easy for communication to break down and for intimacy to be pushed aside from the relationship. If your partner doesn’t know there is an issue, you can’t work together to resolve it. If they don’t know you’re not feeling loved, needing space, or desiring a little more affection, they won’t try.  We asked leading relationship experts to talk about ways we can strengthen our bonds, open up the dialogue with our partners, and even rekindle a dulled spark.  Match Your Inner and Outer Dialogue If you’re thinking angry and expressing nice…believe me, your partner is “hearing” the angry loud and clear.  And then, you’re confused as to why they’re acting defensive! Instead, be clear about your needs and be willing to negotiate. You don’t want to have to be a mindreader. If you’re sensing a problem, give the person permission to express it. If you need something, ask.  —Laura Day, New York Times bestselling author and practicing intuitive Define The Level of Affection You Need Some people just aren’t that affectionate. There are many degrees of affection. One partner might feel they are being affectionate, and their partner still feels starved for affection. This is an area where you need to reach a happy medium. Affection is part of what sets you apart from just being roommates. You need to communicate your need for more affection the way you would any other need. Ask your partner what affection looks like to them and try doing more of what they ask for in a relationship. Affection is what makes some people feel valued and loved, so it’s very important to be on the same page and make strides to meet their needs. Check in with your partner to see if what you are doing is working for them as well.   —Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking.  You are 100% responsible for your own satisfaction in your relationship (in and out of the bedroom), so don’t wait around waiting for your partner to read your mind—initiate. Go for what you want.  —Dr. Gertrude Lyons, MA, MA, EdD Show Interest in Your Partner It may sound obvious, but it’s really not. When you’re struggling to actually listen to your partner, especially when they’re talking about something mundane or boring (and your brain is already busy!), focus on something you love about them. Find the place within yourself where you can really listen to what your partner says simply because they are saying something! I often have to look at how beautiful my husband’s face is, or how lovely his voice is when he is telling me about some TV show I could care less about. Inform yourself about their day, and then ask them about it. Show your pride and investment in their life. We often know what our partner is going to say, but let them say it and really listen. Connection is everything. —Laura Day RELATED: 5 Everyday Habits To Boost Your Sex Life Get Frustrated Energy Out Creatively If you’re feeling annoyed at your partner, go play a sport or take a yoga class to get the stagnant or frustrated energy out. When you remove yourself from the current situation (or even just the room), you can take a moment to notice if it’s really about what you think you’re annoyed about, or if there may be other circumstances at play. Remember, it’s important to give him/her the benefit of the doubt. Are you assuming your partner has the best possible intentions? How might you feel differently if you did? —Vanessa Ringel, founder of GRAVITĀS Check-in  In the morning over coffee or at the end of the evening, ask each other how you’re feeling about the day. What are the challenges? Can you tackle a chore so they can go for a much-needed run in the neighborhood? Can they help clear your schedule for some uninterrupted alone time? You can have these kinds of conversations at any time of day. It’s about finding connection and emotional intimacy each and every day.  —Monica Berg, author of Rethink Love and host of Spiritually Hungry Podcast Be Vulnerable  Romance in a marriage doesn’t need to die; however, the idea and expectation of what romance means does. Responsibilities, routine, and everyday stressors are inevitable. It is very easy when entering a marriage to expect love and romance and have those intoxicating early-relationship hormones keep raging. Vulnerability is actually the key to rekindling romance. When we’re seeking vulnerability and its byproduct, genuine connection, we aren’t looking for excitement. Choosing to take a break from your everyday routine with a date night or a staycation is a wonderful way to infuse excitement and mystery. Take that time to foster an appreciation for all the reasons your relationship is already wonderful, and build upon them. Sharing our past fears, embarrassments, and experiences requires an openness that each couple should try to create between each other. It’s not always an easy task. The more you open up to your partner and

How the Moms of Nutritious Life Are Handling the Coronavirus Craziness

The coronavirus is affecting life everywhere, for everyone. But parents have unique challenges in that many need to balance their full-time jobs on top of now homeschooling their kids—it’s chaos! But here’s how the moms of Nutritious Life are managing. RELATED: Keri Opens Up About the Real Challenges and Rewards of Being a Mom Keri Glassman, Founder and CEO “I’m trying to keep my kids on the same schedule as they’d normally have on a school day. I make them the same breakfast—a smoothie with chocolate protein powder and pb for my son and eggs and salmon and fruit for my daughter—but I’m also trying to take advantage of the time we have together to make more ambitious lunches and dinners, so they can see what goes into a healthy meal.” Karen Rogers, Chief Operations Officer “My husband is working from home too, so we’re parenting/teaching in shifts. One of us is in charge of the kids in the morning, then we switch for the afternoon, and then opposite the next day. That way, we each get four to five hours of uninterrupted work each. It’s tough—my kids are five and seven, and they need lots of help with their work, they have short attention spans, need frequent breaks, and so on. It can be frustrating, but we’re trying to stick to a schedule:  7am – Wake up/coffee/oatmeal; parents work, kids play 8am – Breakfast for kids, get ready for the day, empty dishwasher, etc. 9am – Homeschool/work 11am – Kids play 12pm – Lunch 1pm – Homeschool/work 2pm – Kids play 3pm – Homeschool/work 4pm – Kids play 6pm – Everyone does chores, makes lunches for the next day, has dinner… 7pm-til – Work work work work work…”   (Featured photo: Shutterstock)

Could Allowing Yourself to Feel Good Help You Live Better?

An excerpt from Gabrielle Bernstein’s “Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.”