But first: don’t let acute pain hold you back†
New Year, same president, same oversize jeans I wore in high school during the early 2000s, same TikTok-famous chicken crust pizza showing up in my feed … on the same old TikTok. I know things are moving ahead, but I feel like I’m staying in place. (I’m not alone. One New York Times columnist says we’re living in a “stucktopia,” and even our favorite TV shows mimic the vibe.) But here’s the thing: I don’t think I’m in a rut — I’m in a routine (here’s how you can tell the difference). So maybe instead of trying to spring headfirst into an entirely new life, I’m going to focus on tiny moves to make make that routine work even better for me.
Step one: A friction audit. Step two: Embrace non-productivity, surrounded by my favorite people. And step three? Forgetting about the sweeping resolutions and making tiny tweaks like these:
Transform the day-to-day. Here are nine easy ways to stay energized. (Every year, I resolve to do the second one. Every year I fail. Maybe now’s the time?)
Talk to the pros. Life coach or therapist? And hey, what about hypnosis? All may be able to get you out of a rut.
Stop comparing, start deciding. Overcome “analysis paralysis” by realizing the internet is endless. If I need a mop/moisturizer/restaurant recommendation, I’m just going to read a few reviews and pick something. Decisively.
— Anna Davies, writer, New York City
PS: Speaking of tiny tweaks with big impacts — don’t miss our first-ever Skimm+ event on perimenopause and why it’s worth thinking about early, featuring hormone expert and OB-GYN to A-listers like Rihanna, the Biebers, and the Kardashians, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, MD. Capacity is limited, so RSVP now.
Well, Well, Well...
Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.
To-do list not working? Some people are literally casting spells to get back on track.
Highly processed foods keeping you warm through February? Researchers have developed this free TrueFood Dashboard to help us all make smarter choices — or at least meet our Doritos with open eyes.
Sometimes, the best way to get unstuck is to press “pause.” One woman shares how she realized her constant grind wasn’t just ambition, it was a trauma response.
“Stuck” can hit your stomach, too. A recent study has linked chronic constipation to organ dysfunction, and it could also affect your heart. These home remedies may get things moving.
Your news feed can actually rewire your brain, potentially keeping you caught in a never-ending cycle of stress. Here’s how to stay informed without the overwhelm.
We Have To Talk About…
Rethinking Drinking
We all know someone who’s done — or is currently doing — Dry January. It can be a good way to hit refresh and maybe spot a few habits that need a tweak. But right now, there's a much bigger conversation going on about alcohol and what role it should play in our lives — or even if we should consume it at all.
The gist:
While researchers have been linking higher levels of drinking and cancer risk, a recent surgeon general report suggests that even small amounts of alcohol are potentially unsafe and that booze should even come with a warning label spotlighting cancer risks. The recommendations reflect a broader shift: Americans have been questioning their relationship with alcohol for years. Zero-proof drinks are rising in popularity, and younger generations are drinking less. There has also been a shift from all-or-nothing thinking regarding alcohol use: “Sober curious,” “sober-ish,” “California sober,” and even “Damp January” are all gaining traction. These approaches highlight mindfulness and rethinking over complete abstinence, which even some harm-reduction experts say can be more realistic than complete sobriety.
PS: For some folks who struggle with addiction, abstinence truly does work best. The Am I an Alcoholic? self-assessment tool on the Alcoholics Anonymous website can give you a perspective on your relationship with drinking
Your Sober-Curious Starter Pack:
📖A workbook: Going Dry: A Workbook: A Practical Guide to Drinking Less and Living More by Hilary Sheinbaum is interactive, with space for you to record your thoughts.
📚A memoir: Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp. Published nearly 30 years ago, this memoir is a brilliant tour-de-force about the destructive and seductive pull of alcohol.
🎧 A podcast: “How Bad Is Drinking For You, Really?” This episode of The New York Times’ The Daily podcast nicely summarizes the most recent research, and the misinformation floating around before it
📱An app: Reframe. This uses neuroscience techniques to help you understand your relationship with alcohol and be more intentional about when you sip that sauv b.
TOGETHER WITH VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS
Pain Points
61%
That’s how many adults experiencing acute pain said they want a new treatment option that doesn’t have the risk of addiction or abuse.† Acute pain isn’t just an inconvenience — it can bring your entire routine to a grinding halt. Whether it’s missing work or struggling to complete everyday tasks, a new survey shows that the impact of acute pain can go beyond just the pain itself, affecting sleep, mood, and the ability to exercise or even walk. But current treatment options for moderate-to-severe acute pain are complicated, especially if you’re concerned about the risk of developing an addiction to opioids. Read more about it here.*
No Notes
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