I Challenged Myself to Make—and Not Break—Plans for a Full Month (and I'm Exhausted)

Does anyone else feel an overwhelming sense of relief when someone cancels plans on you? And theres nothing worse than Monday night plans. I’m a homebody and spend most of my time with my husband. Martin Barraud/Getty Images Or Ill need to cancel plans to get a story done. Or I won’tneedto cancel plans, but I’ll do it anyway. Truth be told, thats the exact reason I need to makemoreplans....

September 3, 2017 · 2 min · 377 words · John Kim

Why Your Wrists and Shoulders Hurt During Push-Ups and Planks—and How to Fix It

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Thepush-upis one of my favorite exercises. Tory Rust But there was a time when just a few reps left my shoulders and wrists aching. Turns out, shoulder and wrist pain during push-ups have different causes and, therefore, different solutions. Push-ups should be regarded as a total-body exercise, not a chest or shoulder exercise....

September 3, 2017 · 2 min · 253 words · Michael Hughes

11 Healthier Football Snacks to Bring to Your Game-Day Shindig

when it comes to game-day spreads. Often, nobody even catches on to the changes. Whether your team wins or loses, these 11 recipes always come out on top. (Not that carnivores won’t eat ‘em up, too!) They add texture and volume, but are lower in calories than avocado. Plus, they make that classic shade of guacamole green even more vibrant. Plus, just enough cheese to keep it fun. Shredded chicken adds a boost of protein, too....

September 2, 2017 · 1 min · 84 words · Joshua Hahn

How to Do 16 Different Types of Push-ups

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Push-upsare pretty damn hard. Amber Venerable I was 15, and the heaviest thing I lifted regularly was a large iced coffee from Dunkin. I tried as hard as I could, but always dropped to my knees after five. Knowing when and how to challenge yourself can help you reach your fitness goals faster....

September 1, 2017 · 2 min · 223 words · Justin Giles

14 Cute Pajamas for People Who Are Always Hot at Night

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. If you wake up in the middle of the night dripping insweat, this story is for you. Left to right: Courtesy of Bluebella / Courtesy of Yolke / Courtesy of Net-a-Porter / Courtesy of Eberjey In the morning, I often look like I just got through running amarathonI’m just so sweaty....

August 31, 2017 · 1 min · 211 words · Allison Johnson

Lipstick Highlights My Stutter, But I’ll Never Stop Wearing It

I remember the first time I saw my disability. I stopped myself and took a breath. I tried again, with the same result: Mmmmmm…mmmm…mmmm. Courtesy of Rachel Hoge This wasnt the first time. I was born with a neurological speech impediment (also known as a stutter). Other times my face looked frozen, like I was waiting to sneeze. When I started repeating syllables, my lips twitched and my eyes darted around in a frenzy....

August 31, 2017 · 2 min · 364 words · Adam Kaiser MD

15 High Neck Sports Bras to Show Off Your Shoulders

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. You put in the work, so show it off! Graphic by Cristina Cianci On top of all that, thesebrasprovide ample coverage, if that’s a concern for you. We picked out 15 of our favorites for every sport from rock climbing torunningto brunching. Plus, it’s also extremely comfortable....

August 30, 2017 · 2 min · 214 words · Angela Gibson

5 Ways You Should Be Using Dry Shampoo (But You're Not)

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Dry shampoo cleanses hair without water by absorbing oilsand it does that job well. Jamie Grill/Getty Images Here are five unexpected ways to get the most out of your dry shampoo can. Women with curly or wavy hair often use holding gels and curl-defining creams to combat frizz....

August 30, 2017 · 2 min · 367 words · Megan Walker

I Worked Out at a Women-Only Gym to See If I'd Feel More Comfortable

(His technique was also very wrong, BTW.) But I wasn’t necessarily sold. Would it be the throw in of gym where two-pound dumbbells reign supreme? Thomas Barwick / Getty Images I tried out the facility to see. Uplift Studiosis a fitness studio/female society in Midtown Manhattan that serves women only. Even in many predominantly female fitness studios, seeing a jar-full of dollar-store cardboard tampons is fairly common. A wall at Uplift Studios...

August 30, 2017 · 2 min · 372 words · Joel Wheeler

These 14 Drawings Perfectly Capture How Magical Living Alone Can Be

I’m what you’d call an ambivert, or a mix between an extrovert and an introvert. I spend the other half cherishing my alone timereading, writing, and just beingby my lonesome. (Her dog Parker is featured in many of the illustrations. Yaoyao Ma Van As And yes, he’s adorable.) “Each day you learn to be more independent than the day before. Its definitely an experience that should be embraced.” Yaoyao Ma Van As...

August 30, 2017 · 1 min · 138 words · Michael Medina

10 Transgender People Share What They Wish They Knew Before Transitioning

I was still the jigsaw piece that didntquitefit. And the growth Ive experienced after transitioning is nothing short of life-affirming. But my initial transition wasnt easy, and there were a lot of pitfalls and traps along the way. Joey Kotfica/Getty Images Here, 10 trans-identifying people share what they wish they had known before they transitioned. (Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.) I grew up in a tough, hostile home environment....

August 29, 2017 · 6 min · 1246 words · Matthew Guzman

Why It's Totally Normal to Feel Like an Imposter Sometimes

4 Ways to Combat Imposter Syndromeoriginally appeared onShine, a free daily text to help you thrive. I had applied and interviewed, but did they really believe I was qualified? Sure, I had done marketing before. Hero Images/Getty Images And I had an MBA. And Id managed people. But I wasnt ready for this, I thought. There had to be a mix up. When I realized there was no mistakethey wanted to hire memy emotions turned from confusion to terror....

August 29, 2017 · 4 min · 690 words · Michael Reed

11 Change-Makers Share How They Deal with Activism Fatigue

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. But it can also be exhausting, and may lead to burnout if you’re not careful. Jason Redmond/Getty Images Many activists feel alone in their efforts, like if they dont show up then the cause will suffer. But this problem isnt solved by working yourself harderthat will only result in your passion for activism dying out....

August 28, 2017 · 4 min · 843 words · Sheila Johnston