Gillian Anderson Wants You To Write About Your Sex Life

Posted on 02/02/2023 by Boris Clair

Sex – everyone is doing it, but why are women in particular so shy to talk about it? Well, Gillian Anderson wants to give women the opportunity to write about their most intimate sexual fantasies.

She’s launching the ‘Dear Gillian’ project. A generation-defining book, where women will write anonymous letters to Gillian, exploring what they really think about sex. “I am asking for letters of around 1,000 (but no more than 2,500) words, in any language, describing your most intimate, private sexual fantasies,” Anderson says.

“Simply open your letter with ‘Dear Gillian,’ and let your imagination run wild. I will, of course, also share my own,” she adds.

Writing in the Guardian, Anderson spoke about reading My Secret Garden: Women’s Sexual Fantasies’ to prepare her for her role as a sex therapist, Jean Milburn in the Netflix series, Sex Education. “I’d always heard people talk about My Secret Garden, and so in preparation, I read it for the first time,”

“Its unfiltered and painful honesty shook me. These letters and interviews were incredibly intimate and very raw. They weren’t necessarily over polished, or trying to be literary; they seemed to come straight from the mysterious heart of the women’s innermost yearning.”

Whilst reading the book Anderson recalls feeling sad at the amount of sexual frustration the women in the book were experiencing. “I’d always heard people talk about My Secret Garden, and so in preparation, I read it for the first time,” Anderson says.

“Many had never experienced an orgasm. Some didn’t know what a sexual fantasy was; others could not acknowledge that they had them,”

She now wants to write the 21st-century version of My Secret Garden. “Let’s create an era-defining text that cuts right to the heart of what it is to be a woman today. A book that will hopefully inspire women for generations to come,” she says.

The book will be published by Bloomsbury Publishing. Submit your letters here by midnight, 28 February.

Is Weed A Coping Mechanism For Bisexual People?

Posted on 26/01/2023 by Boris Clair

While we’ve made notable strides, it’s safe to say that 2023 is still a tricky time for queer people and their basic human right to exist, let alone thrive. And so, coping mechanisms are necessary, whether they be family support systems, talk therapy, or, well, weed.

This recent small but enlightening study found that individuals who identify as bisexual used cannabis more frequently than their counterparts of other sexual orientations.

The study, wittily titled “The Pot at the End of the Rainbow,” pulled survey data from 10 universities and analysed responses from 4,700 college students aged 18-30.

According to the report, coping was one of the leading motives for cannabis use among this group of participants.

The data also reflected higher rates of anxiety, depression, cannabis use disorder, and risk of suicide within this demographic. Before we dive into the analysis, it’s important to note that all the data collected was self-reported by participants.

Still, the report shed light on two important topics for young people right now. First, weed is not just a hobby for many people — it’s a way to self-soothe.

Researchers were concerned, however, that their bisexual participants reported that they not only use flower and edibles, but also concentrates, which are more potent. Many health professionals would argue that high THC takes a coping mechanism from self-soothing to self-medicating.

Secondly, the study highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by those who identify as bisexual. Bisexual individuals exist in a complicated space where they face stigma for being queer but also often feel left out of LGBTQ spaces and issues. This combined pressure and isolation results in higher adverse mental health outcomes.

Biphobia is real, and so are the mental health conditions caused by internalising stereotypes and identity invalidation from members of the straight and LGBTQ+ communities.

And because there’s not nearly enough conversation about or support for those who don’t identify as squarely gay or straight, life can feel isolating and scary. Hopefully, this research ― which is about weed, but is actually about mental health ― could be the introduction to a deeper dive.

On a lighter note, the data also found the second leading motive for cannabis use among those attracted to multiple genders to be much less depressing and more joyful. They refer to this as “enhancement.”

“Enhancement is about expanding one’s awareness, being more open to experience and more creative, so perhaps it all comes back to openness,” said Carrie Cuttler, an assistant professor of psychology and senior author of the study.

At the end of the day, if this study teaches us anything, it’s that we need to support each other, continue to fight for queer people’s rights, and destigmatise weed use so adults can indulge safely. Puff, puff, preach, researchers!

Here’s How Long You’re Contagious With The Latest Covid Variant

Posted on 21/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Nobody wants to give Covid to a loved one (or anyone). But determining just how long you’re contagious isn’t an exact science, as it can vary from person to person.

So you may have a hard time figuring out whether you’re putting others at risk. However, there are rules you can follow and things you can know to help protect those around you — and to ease other concerns about your infection, too.

Here, experts share guidelines for how long you might be able to spread Covid and when you’re most contagious, including with the viral strain that is currently dominant.

Most people are contagious for about 10 days

It’s not always clear how long a person is contagious because, like a lot of things with Covid, the exact timeline depends on many factors, said Dr Stuart Ray, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

But, Ray said, the conventional wisdom is that you are contagious and must isolate for five full days after your symptoms begin — with your first day of symptoms counting as day zero.

But keep in mind that you aren’t in the clear after five days.

“It’s often said then that you should wear a mask after that to try and protect others because it’s hard to be certain how long you’re infectious,” Ray said.

“That period often lasts up to 10 days,” he added — and once again, your first day of symptoms counts as day zero.

Long story short, you are likely contagious for about 10 days after symptoms begin. You should isolate for the first five days and wear a mask on at least days six through 10.

But you’re most infectious at certain points

The phase when you’re most contagious starts about 48 hours before you test positive and ends five days after your symptoms begin, according to Dr Neha Vyas, a family medicine doctor at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. She called this the “period of maximal contagiousness.”

So, you’ll want to be extra careful at this stage — though it’s hard to know if you’re sick before you have symptoms, which makes those first 48 hours really tricky.

Meanwhile, the amount of time between infection and symptoms has got shorter and shorter as Covid mutates, which means omicron sub-variants like XBB — currently the dominant strain in the US — can spread faster.

If you’re exposed to someone who tests positive for Covid, you can test yourself even before you have symptoms. Or, if you recently attended a crowded indoor event, you can take a test a few days later. Beyond that, there isn’t really a way to know you’re infected before you start showing symptoms.

And in the later period of your illness, remember that you can still spread Covid, which is why it’s important to wear a mask until at least the 10-day mark.

If you have symptoms after 10 days, you could still spread the virus

Anyone whose symptoms persist past day 10 and who continues to test positive can likely pass the virus to others. If that’s you, keep wearing a mask and avoiding indoor spaces and events, Ray said.

“If you are immunocompromised or you had a really [severe] Covid infection … then you could be contagious still for 20 days” after symptoms begin, added Vyas.

Long periods of contagiousness like this are rare, she stressed. But if you fall into either of those two categories, talk to your doctor for further guidance.

If possible, you should isolate from others in your home for five days. After that, mask-wearing is important.

At-home antigen tests are a good way to tell if you’re still contagious

It’s not uncommon for someone to test positive on a lab test for weeks after a COVID-19 infection, “but it would be very unusual for someone to test positive for weeks on an antigen test,” Ray said.

Antigen tests are the type that you may have picked up from the pharmacy or received from the government.

Ray added that a positive antigen test is correlated with a virus’s ability to grow and infect. So if you have a positive antigen test, you are likely contagious.

And that works the other way around, too.

“We generally say if your symptoms are completely resolved and you have a negative test, you’re unlikely to be infectious,” Ray said.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can take two COVID tests

If you’re past the 10-day mark and no longer symptomatic, but you’re feeling anxious about potentially spreading the virus to a loved one, there are things you can do.

“You can take two Covid tests 48 hours apart,” Vyas said. “If they’re both negative, you can [be] fairly certain that you’re not contagious anymore.”

She added that most people won’t need to do this as long as they follow the 10-day guidance. But if you’re nervous about passing on the virus, this is a good tactic.

If you live in a home with others, you should do what you can to protect them.

“If possible, a contagious individual should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, especially during this five-day period [after symptoms begin],” said Dr Ali Khan, the chief medical officer at Oak Street Health.

When that isn’t possible, wear a well-fitting mask around other people in your home.

Khan added that an infected person should have their own tableware and sheets, and that they should avoid high-touch items.

“Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently,” Khan said — and this goes for people who are not infected, too.

Lastly, to protect both yourself and your loved ones, make sure you’re up to date on your Covid boosters.

“It’s definitely not too late to get Covid and flu shots, as they will still curb severe symptoms, even if you do contract illness,” Khan said.

Experts are still learning about Covid-19. The information in this story is what was known or available at the time of publication, but guidance could change as scientists discover more about the virus. To keep up to date with health advice and cases in your area, visit gov.uk/coronavirus and nhs.uk

You Can Actually Rent The Dreamy Italian Villa From ‘The White Lotus’ On Airbnb

Posted on 20/01/2023 by Boris Clair

If you’ve been dying to book a Sicilian vacation after watching the second season of The White Lotus (pun totally intended), here’s your chance to live out all your Italian summer fantasies.

Now fans can book the very same irresistible palazzo that Harper Spiller (Aubrey Plaza) and Daphne Sullivan (Meghann Fahy) visited for a day trip turned dizzying girls’ night in episode three of the hit HBO show.

The grand three-story mansion, Villa Tasca, is available to rent on Airbnb. But as you might expect, you need to brace yourself for a whopping price tag.

The historic and lavish villa, which dates back to the 16th century, boasts four bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms, massive windows, dazzling high ceilings and a swanky double staircase — all for $5,946 (£4,813) per night.

The property also features a swoon-worthy 20-acre manicured garden with citrus groves, a greenhouse and a swimming pool where you can channel your inner Daphne and Harper.

Villa Tasca, located in Palermo, is available for rent on Airbnb.

Though the series places the manor in the city of Noto, it’s actually located roughly four hours away in Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily.

The show’s sophomore season was filmed in multiple picturesque destinations across the island of Sicily, including Taormina, Palermo, Noto and the Ionian Sea.

From Castello degli Schiavi, one of ‘The Godfather’ trilogy’s most significant filming locations, to the Greek Theatre of Taormina where gladiator games were hosted during the Roman Empire, the show’s latest season is full of dream getaways to add to your Pinterest board.

And if the views from the Palermo-based villa weren’t enough to make you feel like Italian royalty, the property also comes with butler service from a full staff, a formal dining area that seats 10, a fully furnished terrace, a billiards room, music room and bar to kick back drinks with friends and family.

“All the glories of Italy’s past—stately neoclassical architecture, trompe-l’oeil frescoes, Murano chandeliers, gilt-framed paintings—make for a sumptuous present at this Renaissance villa between Palermo and Monreale,” the Airbnb property’s listing reads.

You can rent the entire estate for you and up to eight of your closest pals for a minimum of three nights — hopefully sans the show’s murderous ending.

The Rudest Things You Can Do In A Group Fitness Class

Posted on 18/01/2023 by Boris Clair

A group fitness class is a wonderful way to get out of the house and treat your body to some healthy movement. But it’s also important to be respectful of others who are doing the same.

“A lot of us enjoy group fitness classes as much-needed ‘me time,’” said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the Were You Raised By Wolves? podcast. “But it’s actually not ‘me time.’ It’s ‘we time.’ And so you need to be mindful of the fact that you’re not alone and other people are also trying to enjoy the class, too.”

To help make instructor-led group workouts a better experience for everyone, HuffPost asked Leighton and other etiquette experts to share some common faux pas ― and advice for avoiding them. Read on for 11 rude behaviours.

Arriving late

“Arrive a few minutes early to find your spot and be sure you are ready when the instructor is ready to start,” advised Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

You disrupt the class when you get there late, so some studios even have late-arrival policies. Don’t assume they’ll make an exception for you. Be mindful if you might have to leave early as well.

“Plan to stay to the very end,” Leighton said. “But if you do need to leave the class early for some reason, a front row yoga mat isn’t for you. Take a spot closest to the door that’ll minimise the disruption.”

Chatting with your friends during class

Attending a fitness class with your friends can be an enjoyable activity, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right time to socialise.

“Make lengthy small talk after or before class,” advised Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert, author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life and founder of the Protocol School of Texas. “Talking over the instructor during the class is rude, as well as distracting.”

Hogging the water station

Most fitness studios offer water stations to keep people hydrated. Refrain from taking more than you need, however.

“When filling up your water bottle before class, ask yourself if you’ll really be drinking 128 ounces in the next hour or if maybe you don’t actually need to fill up your entire gallon-size jug while a long line of people forms behind you,” Leighton said.

Keeping your phone on

Ideally, you can keep your phone in a locker or otherwise stow it away during class. But if you need to have it in the room with you, don’t keep the volume on!

“Nothing kills the vibe faster than someone’s phone going off,” Leighton said. “If you need to keep an eye on your phone during class, keep it on silent and take a spot in the back of the room closest to the door if you need to make a quick exit to take a call.”

Try to be mindful of others when working out in a shared space.

Saving spots for your late friends

“Don’t put down towels or mats to hold space for someone who is running late,” Gottsman said. “Chances are they aren’t going to arrive at all and someone else will miss a prime spot.”

Smith similarly advised against “saving” spots or machines for your friends at the gym, especially since space is often limited.

“Many gyms now assign locations to avoid this ongoing issue,” she noted.

Monopolising the instructor’s time

Remember that a group fitness class is different from a personal training session. Don’t use everyone’s workout time to have your own conversation with the instructor.

“Asking questions about form or to avoid injury are acceptable,” Smith said. “Monopolising the instructor’s time is not.”

Not being mindful of space

“Your participation should not overtly impact others,” Smith said. “Yes, there are times to cheer, sweat, and move, but excessive grunting, sweating, or bumping into others’ space should be avoided.”

Be mindful of the studio’s size as you move around ― and even as you prepare for class.

“Here in New York, especially in winter time, our studios aren’t often big enough for everybody plus their gym bags plus their coats,” Leighton said. “Bring just the essentials into the studio whenever possible.”

Sporting offensive slogans

People’s workout clothes and water bottles often have words on them ― and you should be mindful about what might be printed on your gear.

“Be aware of any slogans on your workout wear,” Smith said. “Avoid pictures and/or slogans which could be offensive to others ― racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, antisemitic, or even fatphobic images are best avoided.”

Ignoring the instructor’s movement

Gottsman pointed to the importance of trying to follow directions as closely as possible ― at least within reason.

“While you are encouraged to exercise at your own pace, doing something completely different means you might be better in a different group,” she said. “In other words, people behind you often follow your lead and doing a samba instead of a downward dog shows you are not closely aligned with the class you chose.”

Not wiping down equipment

Before you leave, you’ll need to wipe down the mats or pieces of equipment you were sweating all over, unless the studio tells you otherwise. This is one important way to show consideration to the people in the next class.

“In busy venues, be sure to gather your belongings, wipe down any equipment and exit quickly to allow the next class to begin on time,” Smith said.

Being unsupportive of others

“This is not middle school,” Smith emphasised. “Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. And people attend classes at all levels of fitness. Endeavour to be inclusive and supportive.”

Even if you’re a regular at a particular class and feel more comfortable, don’t forget to be friendly to everyone.

“People tend to make friends with people in their fitness class, but don’t leave out new people who are joining,” Gottsman urged. “If you see them struggle to find the location for equipment or look like they might have a question, reach out and offer help.”

The Most Common Symptoms Of The XBB Covid Variant In Children

Posted on 14/01/2023 by Boris Clair

You’ve likely heard talk in the news about XBB1.5, an Omicron variant that has become a dominant strain of the Covid-19 virus in the US and that experts warn could soon become so in the UK, too.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, XBB1.5 accounted for 27.6% of overall US infections in the first week of January, inching closer to overtaking BQ.1.1 as the most common variant.

While for the most part this Omicron variant is similar to previous ones, there are a few things to know about XBB1.5, especially if you believe that it may have hit your household.

What symptoms of XBB1.5 are common in children?

Experts agree that symptoms tend to be the same as those we’ve seen before.

“I have not seen any evidence to suggest the main symptoms of XBB variant are different from previous variants,” Dr. Ruth Kanthula, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist at MedStar Health, tells HuffPost.

Common symptoms in children can include:

Fever
Fatigue
Achiness
Sore throat
Cough
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Headache
Lost sense of smell or taste
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

“It’s hard to tell about loss of taste and smell in young kids,” says Dr. Tanya Altman, a paediatrician and author of Baby and Toddler Basics.

Altman says she has noticed that kids tend to be less interested in eating while they are sick, and ask for “more flavourful or spicy foods after they recover, which to me suggests their taste may not have fully recovered yet.”

Altman describes the majority of Covid infections that she is seeing now as mild – with kids having less serious symptoms than adults, such as shortness of breath. She adds that children seem to be recovering quickly after testing positive.

“This could be due to the fact that most of the population has some sort of immunity from previous infections or vaccines, or the virus is now weaker, and I think it’s likely a combination of both,” she continues.

It’s important to note, however, that a child can have two respiratory viruses at the same time, which may cause their symptoms to be more severe. Other viruses in heavy circulation right now include RSV and the flu, which some have dubbed, along with Covid-19, the “tripledemic”.

How contagious is XBB1.5?

The “main difference that has been observed with XBB variant compared to other Covid-19 variants is that XBB variant spreads quickly,” says Kanthula.

Because the XBB1.5 variant has quickly come to account for a large portion of infections, scientists think that it may be more highly transmissible than other variants.

mother having video call with a pediatrician while holding ill daughter in her lap.

“The XBB.1.5 variant has a mutation virologists believe is helping the virus better bind to cells and thus be more transmissible,” Johns Hopkins professor of molecular microbiology and immunology Andy Pekosz explained in a Q&A on the university’s website.

Practically, this means that the virus could infect many members of a household, or a school classroom, in a short amount of time.

In addition to being more highly transmissible, XBB1.5 also seems to be “immune-evasive,” according to Pekosz, meaning that there may be a lot of breakthrough infections in people who have previously had Covid, are immunised, or both.

What should I do if I think my child has XBB1.5?

If your child has any of the symptoms listed above, it makes sense to give them a Covid-19 test. Note that these tests will only tell you whether your child is positive for Covid-19, not which viral strain they have.

Treat your child’s symptoms just as you would any other respiratory virus, with rest, fluids and acetaminophen/ibuprofen for fever or aches. As always, says Altman, if your child has a fever for more than four days, isn’t keeping fluids down, has trouble breathing or looks really sick, call your doctor.

For infants under three months, you should contact your doctor if they have a fever of 38°C or higher or miss two feeds, as young infants can become very sick with different respiratory viruses.

Does my child need to quarantine if they are infected?

As the NHS website explains, you have Covid-19, you can pass on the virus to other people for up to 10 days from when your infection starts. Many people will no longer be infectious to others after five days.

Anyone with Covid is currently advised by the NHS to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, and avoid meeting people at higher risk from Covid-19 for 10 days, even if those people have had a Covid-19 vaccine.

“If a child or young person aged 18 or under tests positive for Covid-19, they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days. This starts from the day after they did the test,” the guidance continues.

“Children and young people tend to be infectious to others for less time than adults. If they’re well and do not have a temperature after 3 days, there’s a much lower risk that they’ll pass on Covid-19 to others.”

While it’s frustrating to have to keep your child home from school, particularly if they’re not feeling ill, Altman says: “Covid is one that you really don’t want to spread to others, especially those who are high risk, so please keep your kids home when sick, mask if you need to leave your house with sick kids and keep them away from others as much as possible.”

How can I prevent my child from getting XBB1.5?

“I think the goal now is to learn to live with Covid, just as we live with flu, RSV and other contagious respiratory illnesses,” says Altman.

Stay home when sick, wash hands, disinfect surfaces, teach kids to cover their faces when they cough or sneeze, and mask when appropriate (such as days six to 10 of a Covid-19 infection.)

Even though XBB1.5 is known to evade immunity, “based on past experience we know that vaccination can protect against developing severe disease,” says Kanthula, so you should make sure your children have been vaccinated and had boosters.

Altman says she believes that the hybrid immunity of three doses of vaccination and one illness seems to offer the most protection against reinfection.

34 Of Prince Harry’s Bombshells From His ‘Spare’ Interviews

Posted on 12/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Prince Harry has given the world access to his own life like no royal ever has before – and not just through his new memoir Spare.

The Duke of Sussex has gone on a bombshell-filled media tour to promote his autobiography, from intense 90 minutes with ITV to a tequila-fuelled more light-hearted appearance on late night US TV.

Here’s a round-up of some of the most insightful things the royal said.

Released: January 8

Prince Harry, left, speaking during an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby for the programme Harry: The Interview. — Prince Harry, left, speaking during an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby for the programme Harry: The Interview.

1. Harry accused some royals of ‘getting into bed with the devil’

“After many, many years of lies being told about me and my family, there comes a point where again, going back to the relationship between certain members of the family and the tabloid press, those certain members have decided to get into bed with the devil,” the Duke claimed.

“If you need to do that, or you want to do that, you choose to do that – well, that is a choice. That’s up to you.

“But the moment that rehabilitation comes at the detriment of others – me, other members of my family – then that’s where I draw the line.”

2. Harry denies that he ever suggested the Royal Family was racist

Harry denied that he and Meghan had ever meant to imply the royals were racist for supposedly enquiring about the skin colour of their firstborn, a revelation they made in 2021 during an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

When Bradby noted that the Duke of Sussex had “accused members of your family of racism” in the Winfrey interview, Harry pushed back.

“No, I didn’t. The British press said that,” Harry said. “Did Meghan ever mention that they’re racist?”

Bradby mentioned Meghan’s revelation that “there were troubling comments about Archie’s skin colour”.

“There was concern about his skin colour,” Harry replied.

“Right. Wouldn’t you describe that as essentially racist?” Bradby followed up.

“I wouldn’t,” Harry said. “Not having lived within that family.”

“The difference between racism and unconscious bias, the two things are different,” he continued. “But once it’s been acknowledged, or pointed out to you as an individual, or as an institution, that you have unconscious bias, you therefore have an opportunity to learn and grow from that in order so that you are part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Otherwise, unconscious bias then moves into the category of racism.”

3. Harry wants Charles and William ‘back’

Harry says he wants “a family, not an institution”, and says “they’ve shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile”.

He also talks about King Charles and Prince William. “I would like to get my father back,” he says. “I would like to have my brother back.”

But, Harry added, “At the moment, I don’t recognise them,” he said of his father and brother, noting: “As much as they probably don’t recognise me.”

4. William ordered Harry to shave his beard off for his wedding

The Duke revealed that his older sibling had ordered him to go clean shaven for his 2018 wedding.

He explained: “I think there’s a level of competition there. I remembered that William had a beard himself and that Granny, and other people, the ones to tell him – told him that he had to shave it off.”

He said the difference was that the beard was “a shield to my anxiety” – but that he thought William still “found it hard that other people told him to shave it off”.

5. Harry and Meghan ‘love’ Lady Susan Hussey

Hussey, a former royal aide, was criticised last year for making racist comments towards charity boss Ngozi Fulani at the Palace, and subsequently stepped down.

Harry touched on the incident in his interview and said he was “very happy” that the Palace had organised a reconciliatory meeting between the two parties, as he and Meghan “love Susan Hussey”.

He added: “And I also know that what she meant – she never meant any hard at all. But the response from the British press, and from people online because of the stories that they wrote was horrendous.”

He said he and Meghan had only ever wanted the same kind of “accountability” from the royals – but pointed out the Palace had not even introduced the diversity tsar they had promised to back in 2021.

“I’ve always been open to wanting to help them understand their part in it, and especially when you are the monarchy – you have a responsibility, and quite rightly people hold you to a higher standard than others.”

6. Harry’s fury over Jeremy Clarkson’s column – and the Palace’s inaction

Clarkson faced a widespread backlash in December when he wrote in an opinion column for The Sun that he “hates” the Duchess of Sussex on a “cellular level”.

Speaking to ITV, the Duke of Sussex brought up the piece of his own accord while discussing “accountability”.

Harry said: “Not only was what he said horrific, and is hurtful and cruel towards my wife, but it also encourages other people around the UK, and around the world – men particularly – to think that it’s acceptable to treat women that way.

“To use my stepmother’s words recently as well, there is a global pandemic of violence against women.”

He also said he was frustrated by the royals’ silence, while his wife continues to receive criticism from the press. He said: “The world is asking for some form of comment from the monarchy but the silence is deafening. To put it mildly.

“Everything to do with my wife, after six years, they haven’t said a single thing.”

7. Harry defends writing about his family

On why now felt like the right time to write his memoir, Harry told Bradby: “38 years of having my story told by so many different people with intentional spin and distortion felt like a good time to own my story and be able to tell it for myself.

“You know, I don’t, I don’t think that if I was still part of the institution that I would have been given this chance to.

“So, I’m actually really grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to tell my story because it’s my story to tell.”

Asked what his brother would have to say after reading Spare, Harry continued: “He’d probably say all sorts of different things.

“But you know, for the last however many years, let’s just focus on the last six years, the level of planting and leaking from other members of the family means that in my mind they have written countless books – certainly millions of words have been dedicated to trying to trash my wife and myself to the point of where I had to leave my country.”

8. Harry rejects claims he has burnt his bridges

Bradby put to Harry that he’d not so much “burned bridges” with his family as “taken a flamethrower to them”, although that’s now how the Duke saw it.

“Silence only allows the abuser to abuse. I’m not sure how honesty is burning bridges,” he replied.

9. Harry is still hopeful of a family reconciliation

“I genuinely believe, and I hope, that reconciliation between my family and us will have a ripple effect across the entire world,” he said. “Maybe that’s lofty, maybe that’s naïve, whatever. But I genuinely feel that.

“And knowing the monarchy as I know it from something that I was brought up in, for me it’s always been about uniting people.”

However, he added: “They’ve shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile up until this point.”

10. Harry said the royals ‘stereotyped’ Meghan

Harry said William and Kate never got on with Meghan “from the get-go”, and that there was “a lot” of stereotyping her as a “divorced biracial American actress”.

Anderson Cooper: 60 Minutes, CBS

Released: January 8

Harry sat down with Anderson Cooper for the show, 60 Minutes

11. Harry says he was ‘probably bigoted’ before meeting Meghan

The Duke was touching on the struggles many newcomers to the royal family face when he said: “What Meghan had to go through, in some part, was similar to what Kate and Camilla went through.”

However, he added that the women faced “very different circumstances”.

“But then you add in the race element, which was what the press – the British press – jumped on straightaway. I went into this incredibly naive.

“I had no idea the British press were so bigoted. How I was probably bigoted before the relationship with Meghan.”

“You think you were bigoted before the relationship with Meghan?” Cooper pressed.

“I don’t know,” Harry answered. “Put it this way – I didn’t see what I now see.”

12. Harry didn’t believe Diana was actually dead ‘for a long time’

He said for “many many years” he did not believe she had actually died, adding: “I refused to accept she was gone.”

13. Harry claimed again that Palace leak royal stories

Harry spoke about leaks to the press and the royal family’s motto of “never complain, never explain”, while claiming that some royal correspondents are “spoon-fed information” to write stories.

“At the bottom of it, they will say that they’ve reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment. But the whole story is Buckingham Palace commenting,” he told Cooper. “So when we’re being told for the last six years, ‘We can’t put a statement out to protect you’ – but you do it for other members of the family. There becomes a point when silence is betrayal.”

14. He has no plans to return as a full-time member of the royal family

The Duke of Sussex also gave a firm “no” when Cooper asked in a separate clip if he would ever return as a full-time member of the royal family.

15. Harry admits he has not spoken to Camilla, Charles or William recently

Harry said that he and Camilla “haven’t spoken for a long time”.

Asked if he was texting William, Harry replied: “Currently, no. But I look forward to – I look forward to us being able to find peace.”

“How long has it been since you spoke?” Cooper said.

“A while,” the Duke of Sussex answered.

He gave a similar answer when asked about communication with his father. “We aren’t – we haven’t spoken for quite a while. Um, no, not recently.”

16. He gave a confusing depiction of his relationship with Camilla

Talking about her supposed closeness with the media, he said: “She was the villain. She was the third person in their marriage. She needed to rehabilitate her image.

“That made her dangerous because of the connections she was forging within the British press. And there was open willingness on both sides to trade information.”

However, he also said: “I love every member of my family, despite the differences. So, when I see her, we’re perfectly pleasant with each other,” he said with a smile. “She’s my stepmother. I don’t look at her as an evil stepmother.”

“I see someone who has married into this institution and done everything that she can to improve her reputation and her own image, for her own sake,” he continued.

17. Harry says he and Meghan will apologise for any wrongdoing

When Cooper asked if the “rupture” between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family could be healed, the Duke answered “absolutely”.

“The ball is very much in their court,” he explained. “Meghan and I have continued to say that we will openly apologise for anything that we did wrong, but every time we ask that question, no one’s telling us the specifics or anything. There needs to be a constructive conversation, one that can happen in private that doesn’t get leaked.”

18. The Duke dismissed the idea of giving up royal titles

“Why not renounce your titles as Duke and Duchess?” Cooper also asked Harry directly.

“And what difference would that make?” Harry retorted.

19. Harry was not invited to share the plane which took royals to see Queen before her death

Harry arrived several hours after his relatives in Scotland, where the Queen died, despite also being in the south of England when his family left to see the dying matriarch.

He claimed: “I asked my brother – I said, ‘What are your plans? How are you and Kate getting up there?’ And then, a couple of hours later, you know, all of the family members that live within the Windsor and Ascot area were jumping on a plane together, a plane with 12, 14, maybe 16 seats.

“I was not invited.”

Prince Harry: In His Own Words with Michael Strahan, ABC

Released: January 9

Prince Harry during an interview with "Good Morning America" co-host Michael Strahan in Los Angeles. — Prince Harry during an interview with “Good Morning America” co-host Michael Strahan in Los Angeles.

20. Queen was not angry about him leaving royal life

The Queen never told Harry she was angry about him changing role, according to the royal.

He said he thought she was “sad” about it, but “it was never a surprise to anybody, least of all to her”.

“She knew what was going on. She knew how hard it was. She never said to me that she was angry. I think she was sad that it got to that point.”

21. Diana would be ‘heartbroken’ if she knew about the brothers’ rift

“I think she would be heartbroken about the fact that William, his office were part of these [negative] stories,” he said. “I think she’d be looking at it long-term to know that there are certain things that we need to go through to be able to heal the relationship.”

22. Harry admitted partial responsibility to relationship breakdown with William

Strahan asked if Harry had any responsibility for the breakdown of the relationship with his brother. The Duke of Sussex replied: “Without question, I’m sure.”

“But what people don’t know is the efforts I’ve gone to to resolve this privately,” he continued. “Both with my brother and with my father.”

23. Harry refutes the idea that the book would make rift worse

“I thought about it long and hard, and as far as I see it the divide couldn’t be greater before this book.”

23. Harry’s not ‘angry any more’

The royal said: “I am exactly where I am supposed to be.” But he admitted that not reconciling with his family would be “very sad”.

If that were the case, Harry said, he would focus on his life and family in California.

24. Sussexes would support the Commonwealth

Harry ruled out the possibility of returning to the UK as a working royal, explaining: “Even if there was an agreement or an arrangement between me and my family, there is that third party that is going to do everything they can to make sure that that isn’t possible.”

That was presumably an allusion to the UK press.

He added: “If there was something in the future where we can continue to support the Commonwealth, then that’s of course on the table.”

He also revealed that he made a “hybrid” proposal for Sussexes to split time between Canada and UK but there was no compromise. He said this was “really sad because I still to this day believe that this was entirely possible”.

25. Harry said he was speaking out to help protect other royal children

He said his role in the line of succession was “used against me for a long part of my life”, and that he worries about other “young kids” still in the institution.

“There are some people, especially in the UK, who have been led to believe that because you are a member of the royal family, somehow everyone owns you or has a stake in you,” he said.

“And that’s a message that has been purely pushed out by the British tabloids, and it creates real problems within that family and that relationship.”

Harry added: “Of course, there has to be some sort of relationship, but where it’s got too now is incredibly unhealthy.”

He said he hoped he could help future generations. “I also worry about other young kids within that family if this continues,” he said.

26. Harry refuted claims he sees Camilla as ‘evil stepmother’

He said: “I love every member of my family… so when I see her we’re perfectly pleasant with each other.

“She’s my stepmother. I don’t see her as an evil stepmother, I think she’s someone who married into this institution and done everything she can to improve her own reputation, her own image, for her own sake.”

27. Harry rejected hypocrisy claims

Strahan pointed out: “There are going to be people who say ‘Why don’t they either be in or get out, because if you get out there’s no hypocrisy’.”

Harry said: “I can’t ever get out and I’m incredibly aware of my position.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the life that I’ve had and continue to live.

“But there’s no version of me being ever able to get out of this. I was stunned that my family would allow security to be taken away, especially at the most vulnerable point for us.”

He added that writing the book was his only way to protect his family by correcting mistruths: “I fully accept that writing a book is feeding the beast anyway.”

28. Harry ‘genuinely’ believes in the monarchy still

But, he called for it to be reformed and modernised, saying: “I think the same process that I went through regarding my own unconscious bias would be hugely beneficial to them.

“It’s not racism, but unconscious bias if not confronted, if not acknowledged, if not learned and grown from, that can then move into racism.”

People magazine cover

Released: January 10

29. Diana is his ‘guardian angel’

“I struggled for years to accept or even speak about my mother’s death. I was unable to process that she was gone. I’m not sure anyone can ever truly have closure when they lose a parent, or anyone for that matter, especially when that grief may be the only thing left of them,” he told People.

“The healing process has allowed me to get to a place where I now feel the presence of my mum more than ever before. She’s with me all the time – my guardian angel.”

30. He wants his kids to have a relationship with the royals

“I’ve said before that I’ve wanted a family, not an institution – so of course, I would love nothing more than for our children to have relationships with members of my family, and they do with some, which brings me great joy,” he said.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS

Released: January 10

Harry with host Stephen Colbert during a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert". — Harry with host Stephen Colbert during a taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”.

31. Prince Harry blasts ‘dangerous lie’ he ‘boasted’ about Taliban killings

Harry slammed reports that he “somehow boasted about the number of people that I killed in Afghanistan” and called it “the most dangerous lie”.

“If I heard anyone boasting about that kind of thing, I would be angry. But it’s a lie. And hopefully now that the book is out, people will be able to see the context. It’s really troubling and very disturbing that they can get away with it. They had the context. It wasn’t like, ‘Here’s just one line.’”

Harry told Colbert that “the reason why I decided to share this in my book” was to “reduce the number of suicides” in the soldier and veteran communities.

Harry claimed this was a dangerous lie because it makes you “an increased target”, alleging this was a “choice” the media made.

32. Harry ‘fact-checks’ The Crown

The royal confirmed that he watched both “the older stuff and the more recent stuff” aired on the dramatised Netflix series.

Asked if he did any fact-checking, he said: “Yes, I do, actually. Which, by the way, is another reason why it’s so important that history has it right.”

33. Harry believes royals are trying to ‘undermine’ his book

Colbert asked Harry if he believed there was an “active campaign by the rest of your family, by the royal house…to undermine this book”.

The royal replied: “Of course, mainly by the British press.”

Colbert pushed the question again, this time adding if the UK media was “aided and abetted by the Palace”.

He said: “Yes, again, of course. This is the other side of the story, right?

“After 38 years, they have told their side of the story. This is the other side of the story, and there’s a lot in there that, perhaps, makes people feel uncomfortable and scared.”

34. If Diana were still alive, he and William would be in a different place

Harry claimed that if his mother were still alive, his relationship with his brother would be different.

He said: “It’s impossible to say where we would be now, where those relationships would be now, but there is no way that the distance between my brother and I would be the same.”

Protein Isn’t Just For The Gym. Here’s How Much We All Need

Posted on 10/01/2023 by Boris Clair

A stroll through a grocery store used to include lots of packages touting the sought-after term “low fat.” Years later, it was replaced with exciting-looking “low carb” claims.

These days, “high in protein” is a benefit you’ll see touted on lots of products, whether that’s protein powder, bone broth, salty snacks or ready meals. But people are more confused than ever about how much protein they should eat.

How much protein do you really need? We spoke with experts who explained its importance, why it’s not a one-size-fits-all nutrient and how to figure out what your body needs.

Why you need protein

It’s a pretty simple situation: Protein is good for us, and we ought to eat some every day. What’s most important to remember is that our body really does need what protein provides.

“Most people think of eating protein simply to maintain or help improve muscle size, but it does far more in our bodies,” says Michael J. Ormsbee, a Florida State University professor in the department of nutrition and integrative physiology and director at the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine. “Proteins serve as enzymes, hormones, receptors, signalling molecules and much more.”

Because protein is not something our bodies keep in reserve, like body fat, it’s a daily essential, explains Floris Wardenaar, an assistant professor at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. “Protein provides essential amino acids, which we need to consume as part of our daily diets,” he says. “That’s because the body constantly breaks down protein to create the building blocks for new protein, resulting in a loss that needs to be replaced with food.”

If you notice that you feel fuller after a protein-rich meal, you’ve discovered another of protein’s benefits. “It keeps us satisfied and fuller for longer,” says Jane Burrell, an associate teaching professor at Syracuse University.

What’s the magic number?

How much protein is enough to realise all of these benefits? As a basic guideline, the US Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults consume 50g of protein a day as part of a 2,000-calorie diet. The British Heart Foundation puts it this way: most adults need around 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight daily (45g for the average woman, or 55g for men).

Some experts take a more nuanced approach. “Adequate protein intake isn’t one number or target to hit, but more of a range that depends on your age, sex, overall health and lean body mass,” says registered dietitian Jaclyn London.

“A generally healthy person who’s not very active should consume 0.8 to 1g of protein for each kilogram of body weight a day as a minimum,” she advises. (That would be about 68g of protein for someone who weighs 68kg.)

“Someone who’s super active with things like running, cycling or training for an endurance event will require more, about 1.2-1.7g/kg per day,” which would be from 82 to 116g of protein for a 68kg person, she continued. “When I’m working with individuals who are active and generally healthy, I typically recommend something closer to 1.2g/kg per day to 1.5g/kg per day.”

Not all proteins are created equal. Consider the amount of cholesterol in bacon and eggs, compared to vegetarian-based proteins or even chicken or fish.

The best protein sources

“Proteins can not only be found in animal-based foods, but also in plants,” says board-certified naturopathic physician Dr. Kellyann Petrucci. “In fact, some studies have indicated that getting protein from non-meat sources could actually be better for your health. Think low-fat dairy products, fish, beans and soy. These foods are delicious, and they may even help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”

Pay attention to fat content, which can go hand-in-hand with high-protein foods. “Not all protein is created equal,” Petrucci says. “Bacon, sausage or processed meats might be high in protein, but they’re also high in saturated fat, which could be harmful for your heart.”

Finally, food is always better than a supplement or a powder, London says. “When it comes to meeting your nutritional needs, dietary supplements are meant to be used only to fill in the gaps from what might be missing in your diet, not to take the place of attempting to meet nutrient needs through food sources.”

High-protein foods

Protein content in foods (30g/one ounce portions unless noted), according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

Beef or turkey jerky: 10 to 15g of protein
5 ounces Greek yogurt: 12 to 18g of protein
Roasted edamame: 13g of protein
3/4 to 1 1/3 cup of high-protein cereal: 7 to 15g of protein
Meat or fish: 7g of protein
1/3 cup of hummus: 7g of protein
2 tablespoons of peanut butter: 7g of protein
1 egg: 6g of protein

Spreading out your protein intake

How much protein you eat is important, but so is when you eat it. “I encourage people to aim for 15 to 25g of protein each time they eat,” Burrell says. “If you eat that amount of protein only at lunch and dinner, but not at other times of day, you might be left feeling unsatisfied or hungry.”

You need to get enough calories overall to give that protein what it needs to be most effective, she adds. “I work with college students, and many will be on high-protein diets, but they don’t eat enough calories overall,” Burrell says. “For protein to be used to build new proteins, first you need enough calories. Otherwise, your body will just use this extra protein for energy. And if carbohydrate intake is low, your body will break down functioning proteins and use some of those amino acids to make glucose in order to maintain blood glucose.”

Popular myths about protein

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about protein, experts says. Here’s one example: “We still hear that protein causes kidney damage,” Ormsbee says. “The data simply do not support this.”

On its own, protein can’t make you bulk up, either, they agreed. “One misconception about protein is that eating it means you’ll get big muscles,” Petrucci says. “In fact, muscle growth is a complicated process that takes into account protein consumption, exercise and hormones. Athletes may have higher protein needs compared to their peers, but eating this way doesn’t mean they’ll get bigger muscles.”

In fact, smart protein choices are an important part of a nutritious diet. “It’s an absolute essential component of meals and snacks, especially for people looking to adopt small-but-impactful strategies or habits that can result in weight loss or weight management over time,” London says.

Here’s How To Tell If You’re Over-Applying Your Skincare Products

Posted on 09/01/2023 by Boris Clair

If you’re overdoing it with your skincare products, you might want to dial things back a notch or two, for the sake of both your budget and your face.

You could be wasting some serious cash by slathering on a product that’s already getting absorbed as much as possible. What’s more, you could be clogging up your pores.

And products like retinoids can have even more serious issues, since applying too much carries the risk of skin irritation.

“I always tell my patients that overusing retinol, either in the amount applied or in the frequency of application, will not bring about anti-aging benefits any faster nor reduce acne quicker,” warns dermatologist and Mount Sinai clinical instructor Dr. Rachel Westbay. “It will only lead to dryness, redness, peeling or burning.”

If a little bit of something is good for your skin, why isn’t more better? According to chemist and science educator Michelle Wong, the “depot effect” comes into play.

“This means that ingredients will absorb into the top layers of your skin and slowly absorb into the lower layers over time. And once the top layers are saturated, any extra won’t add much,” says Wong, the founder of Lab Muffin Beauty Science, a resource explaining the science behind beauty products.

“This doesn’t happen with stronger retinoids, since they’re already very irritating before the saturation point is reached. But with a lot of other products, it means that applying something five times a day isn’t going to bring much more benefit than applying it twice.”

Take it easy with retinoids

If you’re concerned about over-applying retinols in particular, dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman offers a helpful visual. “We’re often told to limit application to a ‘pea size,’ but some people have no idea how big or small a pea is. So I tell them to think about the size of a mechanical pencil eraser,” says Grossman, who co-founded the skincare company Raf Five.

“I recommend placing a small dot on the palm, then using the finger to tap this dot and blend tiny amounts on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.”

Westbay points out that it’s good to start slowly. “Begin using a retinol product just one or two nights a week at first and work up to greater frequency,” she advises.

The Mount Sinai instructor also notes that acne spot treatments are often over-applied. “Unless the product has been designed specifically to cover an entire area, like a roll-on, it should be applied in a microdot amount, like the tip of a ballpoint pen,” she says.

Advice for moisturisers, toners and serums

Other products, even moisturisers, require careful application as well. “If you use occlusive moisturisers that may clog pores, applying a very thick layer could lead to acne or other issues with occlusion of the skin,” notes dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Fenton.

Toner, which can be drying, should similarly be applied in the correct amount. “I usually advise using enough product to moisten a cotton round that can then be swiped over the desired areas,” says Dr. Courtney Rubin, a dermatologist and co-founder of skincare brand Fig.1. “If you aren’t using a cotton pad, probably a dime- or nickel-sized amount in the palm of the hand can then be pressed into the skin.”

She shouldn't be dropping that directly on her face — find out why. — She shouldn’t be dropping that directly on her face — find out why.

Joie Tavernise, a medical aesthetician and the founder of company JTAV Clinical Skincare, cautions that a little bit of toner goes a long way. “If you see that the cotton pad is dirty after going over your face once, you can apply more to a second cotton pad. Continue until it looks clean after wiping your face,” she says.

Serums don’t require very much product to be effective, says dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, so save your money by applying with a light touch. “I usually tell my patients that a little goes a long way,” she says. “Typically only a couple of drops are needed for the entire face. Also, I recommend applying it with your hands, rather than using the dropper and touching it directly on your face.”

But wait… there’s sunscreen

The one exception to these guidelines is sunscreen, which calls for a heavier application than you probably realise.

“Most people only apply 25 to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen,” says dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “For our body, apply about a shot glass worth, and use a nickel-sized dollop to the face.”

But if you overdo it a bit, that’s totally OK, according to Tavernise. “This is the only product that you can’t use too much of” when protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, “and you should reapply it throughout the day,” she says.

Layer up and pay attention

As long as you’re considering how much to apply, it also makes sense to think about the order of application, experts say. “Start with double-cleansing, then toner, then a treatment product like serum and finally moisturiser that has SPF [sun protection factor] for the day or without SPF at night,” suggests aesthetician Rachel Roff, who is the founder and CEO of the brand Urban Skin Rx.

Another good rule of thumb came from Jennifer Weiss, a physician assistant at dermatology practice Marmur Medical, who says: “A skincare routine should always start off with the thinnest to thickest products. To prevent potential irritation, sandwich the retinol with moisturiser before and after application.”

Many experts offered a “your mileage may vary” caveat, suggesting that you pay attention to each product and how your skin responds to it. “With very nourishing products, you might not need too much. And other times it’s important to apply liberally, taking extra time to massage a nourishing blend into the skin,” says aesthetician Tammy Fender. “I like to observe how a product absorbs as I massage it in, giving it time and making sure that the skin is taking in the benefits. Otherwise you risk over-application.”

Being cautious and paying attention can save you money in the long run, experts say. Dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets offers this suggestion: “Of course, companies want you to use up their products faster so you can buy more. But often if you are pumping out eye serum or cream, you can do a half a pump and see if it spreads over both eyes. If there’s extra product that doesn’t absorb after a few minutes, you may be over-applying. And if you notice new bumps, whiteheads or breakouts, reconsider how much you’re using.”

Dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry agrees. “If you’ve just applied moisturiser and your skin feels very tacky, slimy and somewhat oily, then chances are you’ve used too much,” she says. “Your skin should feel rejuvenated and not weighed down by your skincare products.”

She also suggests adding a dollop of patience to your routine. “On average, our skin need around two to four weeks to show positive or negative reactions to new skincare products,” Henry says. “If you notice new breakouts, irritated skin or dry patches, these may be the signs that you are using too much or even the wrong products.”

Slow and steady wins the skincare race

Make sure to read the label before applying anything. “Only use products that have been clinically tested in the listed amount, and follow the product’s directions,” says facial plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam.

“It’s all about finding the right skincare regimen that works best for you and your skin,” Henry says. “Just be patient, listen to your skin and look for specific ingredients that work well on your skin type. Start with one new product and advance slowly.”

If you’re wondering whether all this effort is worth it, the experts HuffPost spoke to were absolutely positive about the long-term rewards of a well-planned, well-applied skincare regime. Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur, who founded the brand MMSkincare, offers this inspiration: “Reward yourself with a ‘virtual’ $50 bonus every time you moisturise your skin. A happy skin barrier will be radiant and younger looking, which is like money in the bank, so you won’t need to spend as much on makeup or laser treatments later on.”

January Is Notorious For Job Layoffs. Here’s To Manage The Anxiety

Posted on 09/01/2023 by Boris Clair

January marks the start of a new year and many fresh beginnings – but it also kickstarts a grim month of layoffs.

In the first week of January alone, Amazon, Vimeo and Salesforce disclosed plans for mass layoffs. In a letter to employees, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said the company is cutting 10% of its workforce, explaining it had “hired too many people leading into this economic downturn we’re now facing.”

Over the last 10 years, January has been on average one of the most common months for layoffs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The reason is largely calendar-driven, experts say.

“We often see quite a bit of layoffs in January,” says Sarah Rodehorst, co-founder of Onwards HR, a company that helps businesses conduct layoffs.

“As they analyse their data from the last year, what budgets they have going forward, they really are planning strategies for the year, so there’s often a lot of restructures, reorganisations.”

Rodehorst says she is seeing an uptick in layoffs for the tech, retail, banking and insurance industries in the new year. If a company in those fields hasn’t made an announcement, she says, “chances are there is some planning happening.”

Another reason could be that many bonuses are typically awarded in January, too. “That’s a time when you also give bonuses, and so if you are trying to be mindful and not particularly ethical about who gets those and how much they get, some companies may try to take advantage of this” and lay off eligible employees instead of giving them their bonus, says Sandra Sucher, a professor of management at Harvard Business School who has researched layoffs.

If you’re worried about losing your job this month, that can send you into a spiral of panic and deep anxiety. Take a deep breath and plan accordingly. Here’s how to deal if you know or suspect a layoff is coming.

Recognise first that these intense feelings are totally normal

Losing a job is among the most psychologically stressful things we ever go through. One study asked 112 professionals to do a retrospective checklist of their most stressful life events, and losing a job as head of the household ranked above divorce, hospitalisation due to illness or injury and the death of a close friend.

Something that can help alleviate the anxiety? Focusing on what you can control instead of worrying about whether you will be laid off on some uncertain date. The decision to lay you off may have already been made weeks ago, so Gregory Tall, a workshop facilitator who coaches managers, does not recommend “working your tail off” in an attempt to be spared.

If you have heard rumours about layoffs coming, Tall instead advises assuming that you will be laid off and planning for that future. “It’s easier to cease all preparations than to begin all preparations if you don’t,” he points out.

Calculate your finances and document what you want to save now. This is the time to calculate and save for your emergency fund. Tall says to ask yourself, “Am I immediately in trouble? Because if so, I need to think right now about how to generate income.”

And while you have a job, save client testimonials and past performance evaluations that will aid you in a future job hunt. If you believe you may lose your job for discriminatory reasons, legal experts advise documenting everything now so that if you are suddenly let go, you can be prepared to take your evidence to a lawyer.

Reflect on what you’re good at and what you want to be good at. Losing a job can also be a time to reset and do a career pivot. If you do not know what you want to do next, Sucher recommends take a week or two to note which company stories interest you, what industries they are in, and what it is about them that interested you.

And if you have trusted colleagues, try asking them about your strengths. When she was contemplating a career move from Fidelity Investments to the faculty at Harvard Business School, Sucher says she asked trusted co-workers, “What was I good at?” to get insights that were helpful and sometimes surprising.

This exercise can also be a much-needed boost to your confidence.

“If you do get laid off, that is an assault to your ego,” Sucher says, noting that questions of “Why was I chosen when they weren’t?” are painful, regardless of how quickly you find your next job. “The people who do best at recovering from layoffs are people – and this is demonstrated from research – who have a positive mindset and they don’t blame themselves for the fact that they got laid off.“

See it as an opportunity to job-hunt. Although January is a month with heavy layoffs, it’s also a month where you are more likely to get a new job, too. Rodehorst says it’s the month where companies make the most new hires.

“A company that may be having layoffs may also be hiring in other areas,” she says, adding later that, “It’s the month with the highest level of change. The hiring and firing side, just as companies look to restructure their organisation and plan for the future.”