Sorry To Interrupt, But I Think I Just Found The Prettiest Candles In The UK

Posted on 03/10/2024 by Boris Clair

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As autumn creeps in, I’ve been enjoying a lot more “Tavern food”-style evenings in. And in an attempt to romanticise my at-home dinners, I’ve had my eye out for some really, really pretty dinner candles.

Turns out I didn’t need to look further than my own city, though.

Pygmalion London’s hand-poured candles, which are made using vegetable wax, natural dyes and 100% cotton wicks, were first made on Rosanna Philpott’s kitchen table in 2021.

Three years later, the brand (and its offerings) have expanded ― and much as I hate to give up my best-kept decor secret, I reckon you deserve to see what’s on the table (teehee) here.

The candles, which stand at 29cm tall, burn for roughly 10 hours.

And while it seems like a cardinal sin to light, say, this pair of black and white Twiglet candles, even their stumps are gorgeous.

That’s because the waves on candles like the Twiglet and Botanist designs (pictured below) go all the way through the candle, so you won’t lose that gorgeous finish after the first (or second, or eighth) burn.

Whereas some other brands simply paint their candles’ designs onto their surfaces, Pygmalion’s candlemakers create their works of art by hand-pouring naturally dyed vegetable waxes into a candle shape.

That means you won’t be catfished by, say, the stripes in this pair of Humbug candles ― they’ll look as good during your first course as they do hours into your post-dinner DMCs.

Even the more intricate designs of these Terracotta candles should be able to withstand the heat (literally and figuratively).

Like all Pygmalion candles, they come packaged in creamy recycled Italian paper.

Speaking of that packaging ― it’s so luxe-looking I’ve considered sending a box to a friend in lieu of flowers before.

You can get pairs like this Highbury set sent to their home, maybe even with a text about grabbing dinner together soon (far better than a wilting carnation, if you ask us).

So if you’re after a present that looks like you found it in a gorgeous, out-of-the-way boutique or just want to be the “I found that brand first!” person in your friend group, I recommend browsing through Pygmalion’s stock.

We’ll never tell…

The ‘Winter Arc’ Challenge Is All Over Social Media. But What Does It Mean?

Posted on 02/10/2024 by Boris Clair

I like to think I’m aware of most internet trends.

I’ve been on team Moo Deng and Pesto since day one, I’m all over autumn’s Tavern Food trend and I even like finding niche Subreddit obsessions.

But it took a rise in Google searches for “winter arc” for me to learn about the challenge.

If that seems odd, given that one TikTok about the topic has gained almost 24 million views at the time of writing, perhaps that’s because I don’t have much gym content on my FYP (working out seems to be a big part of many people’s “winter arc”).

If you’re as unfamiliar with, or confused by, the trend – the most popular video of which shows a man simply shaving his head – as I was, allow us to explain.

In its most basic form, it’s about transforming yourself over winter

The “winter arc” refers to the “90 days before the end of the year where you can get ahead of the ‘New Year, new me’ crowd and hit your goals,” TikToker @jessback2earth explains.

That means that yesterday, October 1, was the start date of the “winter arc”, which is basically an early New Year’s resolution.

Some people are signing a “winter arc contract” with themselves, establishing the rules of their new resolutions.

The main categories seem to revolve around working out, dieting and generally “glowing up,” however.

The tone of some “winter arc” videos seems needlessly punishing – lots of them are shot with gloomy greyscale colouring, and show people working out in the pouring rain.

Others, which warn “bro, it’s gonna get cold out… trust me” are a little hard not to wince at – it can run a bit Fight Club-esque.

Perhaps that’s why one video, which calls “mfs who unironically say ‘winter arc’” “cornballs” and uses the hashtag “cringe”, has gotten almost 70k views.

Still, as a TikToker commented on that clip, “it’s all about improvement at the end of the day.”

Should I do a ‘winter arc’?

Depends on what your “rules” are.

Some – like this TikTok which suggests breaking off any relationship to avoid “distractions” – are obviously quite silly.

In fact, isolation seems to be a big part of many winter arc rules – a Redditor claims they’ll “reject all social events with no purpose for three months” and avoid “girls”.

That’s a bit of an issue, seeing as socialising can be extra-important during the winter months.

Some posts, which promote exercising and getting sunlight in the winter, can be beneficial as vitamin D levels drop in the colder months and many of us stop working out just as our bodies need the benefits of exercise the most.

But, as with New Year’s resolutions, they can run the risk of being extreme and self-defeating, especially as Christmas, Halloween, and other festivities roll around.

Why are people shaving their heads for a ‘winter arc’?

Still confused as to why that buzz-cut video we mentioned earlier has gotten so many views? TikToker @jayboogz2x has answers.

His “number one” winter arc rule is that “you’ve gotta go the buzz cut route”.

That’s because, he said, “that way you ain’t even thinking about your hair – you’re thinking about how you can level up”.

Other “distractions” include video games, masturbation, and sleeping ”’til 8 or 9 am”, the creator said.

We’re not saying a “winter arc” is inherently bad, and a lot of commenters disagree with its most extreme adherents, instead using the time to self-reflect and maybe get a few more gym sessions in.

But if, as TikToker @lenalifts says, your “new January 1st is October 1st,” remember to set reasonable, safe expectations.

And if possible, keep attending “social events with no purpose” as the nights grow longer.

This Is When You Should Worry About Heart Palpitations

Posted on 01/10/2024 by Boris Clair

If you’ve experienced heart palpitations, you’ll be all too familiar with how concerning they can be.

The rapid and unusual beating of your heart can often lead to anxious thoughts and before you know it, you’re in an overwhelming cycle between your body and brain. This can also feel like pounding, thumping or even fluttering heartbeats.

However, as difficult as this can feel, these palpitations are often actually quite harmless and not a sign of anything more concerning.

**When should you worry about heart palpitations, though?**

The heart health experts at British Heart Foundation advised: “If you’re experiencing what feels like frequent or prolonged episodes of palpitations, or you’re also having symptoms such as chest pain or dizziness when you have these episodes, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP.

“They can organise some tests to check whether these are harmless palpitations or a sign of a heart rhythm problem, support you with managing your palpitations or refer you to a specialist if needed.”

The NHS states that common causes of heart palpitations include strenuous exercise, lack of sleep, stress and anxiety, medicine, caffeine, alcohol and recreational drugs.

However, less frequently, they can be caused by anaemia, an overactive thyroid, a heart rhythm problem or even menopause.

If you also feel chest pain, shortness of breath or faint, call 999 or go to A&E.

How to manage heart palpitations

If you’re not in immediate danger, managing your heart palpitations is pretty simple.

NHS Inform recommends reducing stress levels, practising deep breathing exercises, drinking less caffeinated drinks and eating a healthy diet.

Help and support:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

I Tried Adaptogenic Coffee To See If It Helped My Energy Levels – Here’s My Honest Review

Posted on 27/09/2024 by Boris Clair

If you’ve never heard of adaptogenic coffee before, I understand ― I was in the same boat until about two weeks ago.

But according to London Nootropics, who produce several varieties of the stuff, it’s pretty simple. The term refers to regular java mixed with other ingredients, like mushrooms.

Those extras are the “adaptogens,” the company says.

They’re designed to counterbalance the jitter-inducing effects of caffeine while adding complementary and additional powers to the hot drink: lion’s mane mushroom, found in the brand’s Flow coffee, is meant to “support memory, focus and concentration”.

I’ll be honest: I’m not usually one for supplements or “superfoods,” and I was a little sceptical of the promises adaptogenic coffee made.

London Nootropic’s Mojo coffee, which is “designed for physical endurance, strength and vitality” promised to perk me up without the coffee shakes, while their Zen blend said it would make me feel “calm and alert.”

It all sounded too good to be true.

But looking at the site’s rave reviews (it’s got a 4.8-star average rating from over 8,000 reviews) and considering how terrible my energy levels have been recently, I thought I’d give them a try.

After all, I figured that a sceptic unwilling to test their beliefs is just as bad as a mindless trend follower. Plus, I really liked the branding.

And?

I got a (pretty) box full of all three coffees (Zen, Flow, and Mojo) late on Monday evening.

As if to test my decision, I proceeded to have the worst sleep of my life ahead of a very early, very intense 6am workout. So yes, Mojo was my first choice.

If I’m honest, I was craving my beloved French press coffee to get me through the morning ― but in the interest of getting an unadulterated result, I tried the Mojo and nothing else (it’s “designed for physical strength [and] endurance” after all).

I opened the instant sachet and emptied it into my cup. It smelled slightly sweeter and nuttier than regular coffee and was way quicker to make than my usual cafetière kind.

The taste was a little more floral and funky (in a good way – a bit like matcha), thanks to the additions of energy-boosting ginseng and Cordyceps mushroom.

London Nootropics advises adding milk to the coffee, which I didn’t read ― I wish I’d tried it that way because I can imagine it tasting like a hazelnut latte, but it’s still impressively smooth without.

The taste was good, but its effects on my workout were even better. I went from as bedraggled as you can see me below to happily sweaty, despite having had the worst sleep I’d faced this week, my gym session was the best I’ve had in ages.

It seems I’m with the reviewers on this one. I’d give it a solid 9/10 for its energy boost and 8/10 for taste ― extra points for my lack of caffeine headache.

Later the same day, I was trawling through my inbox when I realised I should probably try their Flow option.

My midday work slump was happening later than usual, but there was no denying it, I needed something to get me through the rest of the day.

Their Flow offering said it’d “help you discover motivation, mental clarity and focus” while also “reducing procrastination” thanks to its lion’s mane and Rhodiola add-ins.

Best believe I tore that sachet open.

Again, the smell was slightly sweeter than I’m used to ― it tasted a bit like rosewater combined with some nutty add-ins, which is nicer than I’m making it sound.

Reviewers were impressed by its brain fog-clearing abilities; again, I’m with them.

I don’t think it led me to become a hyperactive writing machine, but it was enough to get me to manage my tasks well for the rest of the day while feeling pretty good about myself.

Given that I’m usually null and void past three in the afternoon, that’s a huge win. I’d give it a 9/10 for perking me up at work and an 8/10 for the taste.

It took until Wednesday for me to try the brand’s Zen coffee, which promised to relax, destress and “balance” me.

I thought I’d try it in the evening because I couldn’t un-frazzle myself from a busy day and frankly wanted to try anything I could.

If (like me) facing the smell of coffee last thing is not exactly your ideal routine, good news ― this one had a lovely cocoa aroma, and it tasted a bit like it too.

I reckon if I had to mix milk into one of these, it’d be this one, but as it was I enjoyed the non-bitter, chocolatey taste.

It contains soothing ashwagandha and L-theanine, which reviewers found really calming.

I don’t know if it was the routine, the hot drink, or just taking the time for myself, but I agree again!

My mind usually races for hours after I finish my day, but this helped me to switch off (though you shouldn’t drink anything with caffeine too close to your bedtime).

It’s a 9/10 for taste and an 8.5/10 for calming me, I think.

So what’s the verdict?

Some of my scepticism has been banished.

A load of the ingredients have been well-researched – there are a lot of literature about lion’s mane’s benefits, the soothing effects of Rhodiola, and the helpful properties of ginseng, though they can be hard to definitively prove.

The brand uses what it calls “barista-grade” coffee in all of its products, which might be why they don’t taste “off,” and they don’t use any artificial flavourings.

The best thing about them is the lack of those coffee jitters and headaches, which I hadn’t realised were so bad until I’d gone without them.

I’d recommend them with one caveat; the sachets can run a little pricey at around £1 a cup or 80p for a sachet in their huge box, which is undeniably bougie.

But if you want to give your health-conscious friend a gift or try the coffee yourself, we have a 15%-off code ― type HUFFPOST at checkout to get the discount until the 15th of October.

These 8 Small Lifestyle Changes Could Help You Live A Longer Life

Posted on 26/09/2024 by Boris Clair

We all know that healthier lifestyles will benefit our physical and mental health in many ways, but between our busy lives and understanding that rest is equally important, it can be hard to identify how exactly to start living a little healthier.

However, the stats are hard to ignore, and a recent study published by the BMJ Evidence-Based Journal a healthy diet can add up to 5 years onto your lifespan and even offset the impact of harmful genetic conditions by 62%.

HuffPost UK spoke exclusively with Joanna Dase, a global fitness coach at thwomen’s health and fitness organisation Curves, to learn more about how we can take small steps to make a big difference to our wellbeing, and live a little longer.

How to improve your lifespan in eight easy steps

Take the hilly route

Listen, it doesn’t appeal to us either, but by choosing a hillier route instead of a flatter path, you’re doing wonders for your body.

Dase said: “Whether its during your commute or a casual walk, climbing at an incline helps to challenge your cardiovascular system and helps you burn more calories.

“As lung health improves over time, the risk of chronic lung and heart disease decreases due to better oxygen delivery throughout the body. Oxygen is vital for energy production, so this will help combat symptoms of fatigue too.”

Plus, walking downhill also has health benefits.

“Downhill walking trains your body in deceleration and makes use of different muscles and joints. As people age, downhill walking is important as it can help prevent injury.”

Develop a consistent sleep routine

Many of us are guilty of letting our sleep habits fall by the wayside, but according to Dase, resting is a key to staying healthy.

She explained: “During deep sleep, the body produces cytokines, proteins that fight infection and inflammation. By getting eight to nine hours of sleep each night, the immune system can be strengthened.

“Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and stroke. To ensure your body properly recharges and gets enough rest, create a calming pre-sleep ritual consisting of mindfulness, reading and self-care rituals.”

Unfortunately you should also avoid technology in the evening to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Goodbye, late-night Wikipedia scrolls.

Swap pudding for a starter

Dase said: “Instead of finishing your meal with a sugary dessert, opt for a healthy starter.

“This could be a small salad, a bowl of soup, or a serving of vegetables. When overconsumed, processed desserts such as ice-cream, cake and cookies have been linked to a variety of health issues including obesity, heart disease and diabetes.”

By starting your meal with a nutritious starter, you’ll help to control your appetite and make overeating during the main course less likely.

Dase also pointed out that dessert can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet – but focusing on nutrient-rich foods throughout the day is essential for your wellbeing.

Limit screen time

Dase says that even taking 15 minutes away from your phone as a “digital detox” can be very beneficial and allow for a mental reset.

She explained: “Excessive screen time can lead to a cognitive overload, decreasing attention span and affecting sleep quality due to blue light exposure. This can also increase stress levels, contributing to health conditions such as depression and anxiety.”

She recommended setting boundaries with your phone which could include no phone during mealtimes and before bed.

“During these time periods, engage in activities that stimulate the mind such as reading or problem-solving with puzzles, wordsearches or sudoku,” she advised. “This will help maintain cognitive health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age.”

Try a bodyweight circuit

Dase said: “Bodyweight circuits are a great way to workout and improve overall fitness when you don’t have time to travel to the gym.

“A 30-minute full body workout can be done with no equipment at home, consisting of exercises such as push-ups, glute bridges, plank and squats in your routine. This will help improve your balance and co-ordination as you age, and help with healthy weight management.”

She recommends following quick workouts online with a certified coach to guide your training. Start with two to three times a week, and gradually increase up to five times a week as you get stronger.

Pack in protein

According to Dase, protein has a higher thermic effect compared to fats and carbohydrates, meaning your body uses more energy to digest it. This increased energy expenditure can help boost your metabolism which means your body can burn more calories while at rest.

She added: “As well as this, as you age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important for mobility. Protein helps preserve muscle mass, decreasing your risk of falls and fractures as you get older. Also, adequate protein intake aids the immune system in producing more antibodies to fight off infections.

“As a general rule, most adults need around 0.8grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. Foods rich in lean protein include grilled chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, chickpeas and lentils.”

Dase recommended eating more protein in the morning to help regulate blood sugar levels and set you up for a day of steadier energy.

Join a local club

Dase said: “Joining a local club might seem like a daunting, large task to undertake at first but it’s often as simple as signing up and attending a meet-up in your area. Social connections are essential for our mental and emotional wellbeing.”

This is true. Social isolation has been linked to increased risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, chronic loneliness can be crippling and extremely harmful.

“Whether it’s joining your local fitness club, a book club, or a volunteer group, socialising with others fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness.”

Make sure you get regular check ups

Dase advised: “Routine screenings and tests can identify risk factors for chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer before they become more serious, so it’s important to prioritise checkups in your calendar.

“Regular discussions with a healthcare professional about your lifestyle habits can provide tailored guidance to help you live a longer, happier and healthier life.”

Noticing This Voice Change Can Be A Sign Of Laryngeal Cancer

Posted on 25/09/2024 by Boris Clair

As we head into cold and flu season, it’s normal to experience some hoarseness and a creaky voice.

If the cause is laryngitis, the NHS shared you can expect the problem to resolve itself in one to two weeks.

But laryngeal, or voicebox, cancer affects around 2,000 people a year in the UK.

Those stats make it a less common cancer (in comparison, the UK sees 56,000 cases of breast cancer a year), which may be why I’d never heard of it until last week.

This cancer can show up in your vocals first, especially if you’ve had a hoarse voice for over three weeks, the NHS says.

What are the other symptoms?

You might also experience a sore throat that doesn’t seem to budge or difficulty when swallowing, along with a lump or swelling in the neck.

Other symptoms can include lasting breathlessness or a persistent earache.

In some cases, you might notice a high-pitched wheezing sound when you breathe.

Additionally, some people might notice bad breath, unintentional weight loss or ongoing fatigue.

“You should see a GP if you have had a hoarse voice for more than three weeks,” the NHS advises.

Though “these symptoms are often caused by less serious conditions,” it’s still “a good idea to get them checked out”, they say.

Who is more likely to get laryngeal cancer?

People tend to get it when they’re over 60, and more men develop the cancer than women.

We don’t know for sure what causes it, but it’s been linked to smoking tobacco, drinking heavily and often, a poor diet, a family history of the condition, and some chemicals (like asbestos and coal dust).

“Fortunately, most laryngeal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, which means the outlook is generally better than some other types of cancer,” the NHS says.

Heart Radio Breakfast co-host Jamie Theakston, who recently revealed he “had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal cords” due to the cancer, said that his prognosis was “very positive”.

‘I Am An Expert At Buying Clothes From Charity Shops, These Are My Tips For Finding Treasures’

Posted on 24/09/2024 by Boris Clair

According to the BBC, 67% percent of millennials in the UK shop secondhand, and according to a report commissioned by the online retailer ThredUp, two in five items in Gen Z’s closet are pre-owned.

It’s fair to say that shopping secondhand is very much in, and with so many charity shops to choose from, as well as the boom in apps like Vinted and Depop , who can blame us for bagging pre-loved bargains rather than buying brand new fast fashion?

However, while this is becoming more and more popular, it does mean that finding real treasures is getting a little harder. Between keywords on apps and packed clothing rails in shops, how do you find exactly the vibes you’ve been looking for?

HuffPost UK spoke with Abigail Owen, an Oxfam online shop merchandiser who hasn’t actually bought new clothes for over a decade, who has shared her tips for nabbing the best secondhand finds out there.

An expert’s top tips for finding charity shop fashion treasures

Owen said: “Shopping in charity shops is like the most exciting treasure hunt. When I find something so exciting, it feels like it was serendipity… like it was waiting there just for me.”

She also said that 99% of her clothes are pre-loved and the only exceptions are leggings, underwear and a couple of band t-shirts from tours. Even her swimwear is pre-loved!

With this in mind, these are her tips for a great thrifting session:

Have an open mind. “The thing I love most about secondhand shopping is the feeling of serendipity you get when you find something that feels just made for you. But to do that, you need to go in with an open mind for what you might find!”
Try it on. “One of the best things you can do is try stuff on. Not only do sizes often vary massively between different brands, but sometimes it’s just about trying it on, having a bit of fun with it in the changing room and mix-and-matching a little.”
Talk to the shop volunteers. “I will always have a natter with the staff and volunteers in charity shops because they know where some of the best items of clothing are, or point out something gorgeous they just spotted come in!”
Give yourself time. “One of my best tips is to give yourself time to look around the shops for the thing you want and actually enjoy the experience of shopping – rather than feeling like you have to rush straight in and out.”

While charity shops often do mean that we’re getting gorgeous finds for under a tenner, Owen shares: “I have paid as little as 99p when shopping secondhand, but my most expensive charity shop purchase was my gorgeous blue, vintage Christian Louboutin heels (with original red sole!) from the Oxfam Online shop for £150, which I absolutely adore.”

The clothes that feel best because they’re pre-loved

Sometimes, the real benefit of shopping secondhand is actually that the clothes just feel better when they’ve been pre-loved. Owen shared the clothes that feel best when bought from charity shops:

Doc Martens. “I haven’t bought a pair of Doc Martens new in 20 years. Because mine are all secondhand, they are worn in to perfection by the time I call them mine. This would definitely apply to other hard boots which need wearing in. By buying secondhand, you save yourself the pain of wearing them in and they immediately feel as good as they look.”
Jeans. “Buying jeans secondhand means they are worn in already and just feel so much better. It can take weeks or months to properly wear in jeans to fit nicely, which you just don’t need to worry about with secondhand.”
Leather jackets. “I love that buying leather jackets secondhand means that they already have the perfect level of distress worn into them, which you don’t get with brand new jackets.”

The Best Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Only Takes 8 Minutes To Cook

Posted on 24/09/2024 by Boris Clair

With the Great British Bake Off set to return today, most of us (ie. me) have grand ideas of baking alongside the show.

Inevitably, though, life gets in the way ― after all, the show does air on a school night.

Luckily, though, Philips’ in-house air fryer chef Martin Senders has a delicious cookie recipe that takes a measly eight minutes to cook in everyone’s favourite time-saving appliance.

“We can’t all be born ‘Star Baker’, so any technology that makes baking more of a breeze is always welcome ― and that’s exactly what the Airfryer does,” Senders told HuffPost UK over email.

“An Airfryer works by circulating hot air, making it perfect for golden, perfectly risen bakes with no soggy bottom’ in sight,” he added.

Cookies in particular do well in the devices, as it’s really easy to achieve that drool-worthy soft inside and crips exterior.

What’s the recipe?

Senders’ recipe serves eight, he says.

The ingredients are:

60g milk chocolate
60g dark chocolate
160g plain flour
2 pinches of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
100g softened unsalted butter
70g white sugar
2 tablespoons of milk
40g almond flakes.

To make the cookies, he says, you should follow these steps:

Coarsely chop both types of chocolate, and combine then combine the flour, salt, baking powder and cocoa powder in a bowl and mix until incorporated.
Add the softened butter and sugar to a bowl and beat until fluffy. Add the milk and continue mixing. Gradually add the flour mixture while continuing to mix until evenly combined. Add the chopped chocolate and mix until just incorporated.
Shape the dough into about eight balls and let them rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Flatten them into a cookie shape.
Dip the bottom of your cookies in flaked almonds, before placing four of them into the Airfryer basket and cooking for 8 minutes at 160 degrees. Repeat this step for the remaining cookies.
Let cookies sit for around five minutes to cool before serving.

Cookie dough balls can be wrapped in baking paper and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

If you still haven’t used up all the biccies by then, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months by placing the individually-wrapped cookies in a freezer bag ― just pop them in the air fryer for a little longer than you would when fresh when you fancy one.

This Is The Worst Thing To Do If You Wake Up At 3AM And Can’t Get Back To Sleep

Posted on 23/09/2024 by Boris Clair

Here’s what happened to me last night: I went to bed at 10pm, for a 6:30am wake-up and finally got to sleep at midnight.

Then, I woke up again at 1am and panicked until 3am about the next morning.

If you’re interested, I didn’t end up making that early work-out. But if I’d considered leaving my bed rather than simply stressing about the next day, some experts think I might have stood a chance.

Speaking to healthcare provider John’s Hopkins, sleep expert Dr Luis F. Buenaver said that staying in bed when you can’t sleep isn’t just likely to keep you up longer ― it can ruin your kips in the future too.

How does staying in bed affect your sleep?

It “will lead your brain and body to associate your bed with wakefulness instead of with sleep”, Dr Buenaver said.

That can have a longer-term effect on your ability to nod off once your head hits the pillow, so he says you should get up after around 20 minutes of sleeplessness.

“Sit in a comfortable chair in another room,” he advised. “Read a book, with just enough lights on so that you can see the print comfortably.”

Don’t do any work or pay any bills in that time, and if you start stressing about those or other issues, try distracting yourself with music or audiobooks.

You should only go back to bed when you’re feeling drowsy.

“It can be difficult leaving a warm, comfortable bed after waking up in the middle of the night,” the sleep expert said.

“But think of this step as an investment in better sleep — if not tonight then tomorrow night and in the future.”

Any other advice?

I’m definitely guilty of scrolling mindlessly through TikTok after my 3am jolts awake, but sleep expert Dr Jeff Rogers told Bustle that’s the worst thing I can possibly do.

“The blue light from your phone mimics daylight and suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone which regulates your sleep-wake cycle,” he shared with the publication.

And while you might want to try switching rooms after 20 minutes, Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioural scientist at Rand Corps, told CNN that clock-watching is generally a bad idea.

“Clock watching becomes habitual, and that habitual response of frustration and anxiety also causes a stress response in the body,” she said.

“You look at the clock… and immediately might grit your teeth. You think of all the demands… how awful it is going to be when you’re sleep-deprived,” she added.

If that sounds like you, Dr Buenaver says it’s fine to guess when your 20 minutes have passed.

I Just Learned The Worst Place To Store Garlic, And I’ve Always Kept Mine There

Posted on 19/09/2024 by Boris Clair

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about how the spot beside your hob is the worst area to store your olive oil (tough news to hear, considering it’s one of the most common places to put it).

And now it seems food science is coming for my garlic storage too.

The bulbs fare best in mesh bags at temperatures around 15.5-18°C, Cornell University says.

I know I should keep the allium out, but my kitchen is so tiny that I just end up bunging it in the fridge.

That’s a mistake, Cornell University says: “Storing fresh garlic in the fridge is generally not a good idea.”

What’s wrong with putting garlic in the fridge?

Gardeners may already know that cool temps can cause garlic to sprout.

Sur La Table chef Richard Temples shared on Martha Stewart’s site: “The cold temperature in the fridge mimics autumn to garlic, and causes it to sprout within a couple [of] weeks.”

“Sprouts are edible but can have a bitter flavour”, the chef added.

And if you’ve made garlic oil or garlic confit, storing it in the fridge can be outright dangerous, Cornell University warns.

“This is because garlic bulbs are low-acidity, making them prone to Clostridium botulinum, better known as the culprit behind botulism”, they write.

Store-bought garlic oil usually has a preservative like citric acid in it, and/or is kept at lower temperatures than your fridge could ever manage, Cornell University says.

So where should I store garlic?

It doesn’t need to be anything too fancy, Temples said.

A wire basket, a paper bag, a mesh container, and anything that lets your garlic “breathe” is good.

“You always want to keep your garlic cool and dry—cool, but not cold, and with some airflow” he shared.

Countertops and cupboards can be good options, though countertops may be better as they offer more airflow.

Just make sure you keep it away from sunlight, Stephen Chavez, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, said on Martha Stewart’s site.

“Like any other plant/bulb, it will sprout much quicker with the sunlight.”

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