6 Fun Activities That’ll Give Your Brain a Big Boost

Bio-Hacking

Biohacking trends like tracking sleep, nutrition, and exercise; using nootropics or cognitive enhancers; and practicing intermittent fasting are helping people optimize their health and wellness, and potentially their life span. According to a recent McKinsey report, more than 60 percent of people have said it’s extremely or very important to purchase longevity products, and 70 percent are planning to buy more products in the future. Wearables in the fitness industry are continuing to drive this trend, and allowing more people to turn their healthcare into a lifestyle, rather than waiting for an annual checkup. People are also using at-home diagnostic tools and e-health services to manage their health at home.

Gentle Workouts

High-impact exercises can often leave our bodies feeling strained. By incorporating gentle exercise into your fitness routine, you allow your body to move in a way that reduces stress and tension. Workouts like yoga, pilates, or walking, help you become more in tune with your breathing and heart rate, which helps you feel calm. It's a great way to reach your 2025 fitness goals while also improving your mental health.

Digital Detoxing

The constant need to check emails, texts, and social media has led to burnout and stress. The American Psychological Associations' Stress in America survey found that a fifth of U.S. adults cited technology use as a significant source of stress in their life. Constantly being plugged in can affect both our mental and physical health. Taking a conscious break from screens to reconnect with ourselves and others will become a necessity come 2025. Whether it’s an hour a day or a weekend getaway, we allow our minds to rest and reduce the overwhelming feeling caused by information overload.

Wellness Gardens

Wellness gardens are the perfect escape from the bustle of daily life, and can promote health and wellness with thoughtfully curated elements like aromatic plants, water features, and comfortable seating. Greenery, soothing sounds, and sitting outdoors in nature can encourage you to be more mindful and less stressed while homegrown food, herbs, and edible flowers nourish you for the season.

Light Therapy

An estimated 10 million Americans are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to Psychology Today. Designing your home for better natural light, especially in winter, can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and energy levels. Use sheer curtains in active spaces like the kitchen, living room, and home office, and open up blinds to allow as much natural light in, stimulating vitamin D production to keep bone health and immune function in check. Mentally, natural light has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels. It can also improve focus, productivity, and creativity while you work. For long winter nights, invest in a light therapy lamp too.

At-Home Saunas

At-home saunas are the latest self care status symbol and will continue to trend into 2025 as they become more affordable (this portable sauna from Target is only $150!). Sauna blankets are also trending and help offer so many health benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification through sweating, and relaxation of muscles and joints. A regular sauna routine can help reduce stress, promote better sleep, and boost heart health. The heat is also good for skin and your body's recover post-workout. Community saunas and bathhouses are also gaining in popularity, especially among younger generations who prefer the social aspect.

Wellness Journaling

Wellness journaling helps you track your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By documenting your daily habits, moods, and goals, you can start to see patterns, manage stress, and focus mindfulness and on your personal growth. Check out this Papier journal for tracking your 2025 wellness goals.

Smart Indoor Air Monitors

Improving indoor air quality is so important for a healthy home. According to the EPA, Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than they are outdoors. Open windows when possible or use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce allergens, dust, and pollutants. Houseplants like snake plants and spider plants can also help purify the air naturally. Regularly clean and vacuum to keep dust mites and mold at bay, and avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Invest in a smart air quality monitor to give yourself peace of mind.

Water Filtration Systems

Home water filtration is becoming a vital wellness trend, as people seek cleaner, safer drinking water. Advanced filtration systems remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, and bacteria, and eco-conscious designs, such as reverse osmosis and carbon filters, improve water quality while reducing our reliance on bottled water. Shower filtration systems are a great way to keep chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities out of your tap water, which can cause dryness, irritation, and dullness. Have dry skin or scalp? Shower filters help maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier and can be gentler on sensitive skin.

Sleep Divorcing

A sleep divorce, when you sleep in separate beds or rooms to get a better night's sleep, can save your marriage. While it may sound extreme, many couples find that it improves both their sleep and relationship. Snoring, differing sleep schedules, or constant tossing and turning can keep you and your partner up all night, leading to fatigue and irritability (never great for communication). Sleep divorce is about prioritizing your health and theirs, and many couples report feeling more refreshed, connected, and happier in their relationships as a result. Not ready for a sleep divorce? Try this Scandinavian sleep method.

Dry Brushing

I always think of Gwyneth Paltrow when I think of dry brushing. She showed us during her typical Goop-inspired shower routine that she never takes a shower without one. It simply involves brushing your skin with a natural-bristle brush to exfoliate dead cells and stimulate circulation. It can help improve skin texture, unclog pores, and promote lymphatic drainage, which supports detoxification. Regular dry brushing may reduce the appearance of cellulite, increase energy, and leave the skin feeling smoother and more refreshed. For best results, brush before your shower for max benefits.

Functional Foods

Functional foods are nutrient-rich foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition — so foods filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or probiotics to support digestion, boost immunity, or reduce inflammation. Examples include fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, which promote gut health, or fatty fish like salmon, rich in omega-3s, which support heart health. Next time you food shop, look out for these foods and incorporate them into daily meals to enhance your overall wellness and help prevent chronic health conditions.

Sexual Health

Sexual wellness is becoming less taboo for 2025. As conversations around sexual health become more normalized, products and services like sex education, therapy, and health-enhancing products will become more accessible. Trends include the rise of personalized sexual health solutions, such as tailored supplements and tech-enabled devices for a better sex life. Platforms offering education, therapy, and community support will also grow, empowering us to explore our sexual wellness in a holistic, shame-free way.

Wild Swimming

Water wellness, a growing trend in 2025, emphasizes the health benefits of hydration and water-based therapies, like hydrotherapy (hot baths, cold plunges, steam rooms) to relieve pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress. Float therapy (a float tank filled with Epsom salt water), mineral baths using magnesium and sulfur to detoxify the body, and swimming in hot springs for relaxation, muscle tension relief, and improving circulation are giving rise to the therapeutic benefits of our natural waters.

Modern Pilgrimaging

Modern pilgrimages, where you or you with a group travel to a sacred or meaningful site, nature retreat, or cultural landmark, with an emphasis on mindfulness, inner growth, and personal transformation, are forecasted to grow in 2025 as more people seek community and the great outdoors. Many people seek these experiences as a way to disconnect from daily routines, practice meditation, or explore new spiritual perspectives.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

The Real Body Manual

What is Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink used for?

Anyone can say that their lipstick is THE BEST, but that's not always true. So, what's the tea on the Super Stay Matte Ink formula? According to the brand's notes on Amazon, here's what you can expect to this lipstick to do:

• Glide on easily because of the "unique arrow application"
• Provide a "perfectly matte" finish
• Remain "smudge-free" for up to "16 hours"

It sounds like a lot of fluff if you've never tried the formula before, so I scrolled through the comment section to see what other customers think.

What are other customers saying about it?

Most of the customer reviews I read through on Amazon are extremely thorough so here are the ones that stood out the most:

• "I am really hooked on this lipstick! It's very long wearing and it's super gentle on my lips...Let me address some common complaints among other reviewers and why I think they're wrong...Oil takes this stuff off quite easily, so do some makeup wipes...Secondly, I do agree that this product is very sticky. I have found that I can put my Mac lipgloss on over top and now it's not sticky anymore!"
• "I’ve purchased this longevity wand type lipstick a few times and I like the texture and staying power. Sometimes I put another glossy lipstick over if it seems drying however it stays very nicely for the day."
• "This is my first time purchasing this brand. When I say it last all day, it doesn't come off until you take it off! Some might see this as bothersome, but having it stay on until I need it off is the greatest thing."
• My Favorite Review: "I put it on at around 3:30 pm and fell asleep with it on cause it was a busy night, it was still on the next morning. I had to use multiple makeup remover wipes and wash my face with a good makeup remover to get it off."

My Review For Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick

I used to be terrified of wearing 'nude' lip colors because I thought they would be too much of a contrast against my complexion, but watching a few YouTube tutorials nipped my fear in the bud. I make the 'Seductress' shade work for me by lining my lips with a dark brown liner. Once I did that, I immediately fell for the way it looks on me. It's to the point where I actually can't stop wearing lip combo — it's so easy to apply and takes less than two minutes to set!

How long does Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick last?

Before I started applying gloss over my nude lip combo, I wanted to test two very important things:

1. If this matte lipstick could pass the smudge-proof test. I've tried other brands, and they haven't always stayed in place — especially when eating or drinking something — so I was skeptical.
2. How long it actually lasts, smudge-proof or not. I mean, who among us hasn't gotten home after an evening out to find their lipstick basically nonexistent?

Like one of the customer reviews suggests, this lipstick has come off a little while eating things like pasta or pizza, so it's not 100% "smudge-free." Given that, I only had to reapply this lipstick once throughout an 8-hour day — which isn't a huge deal to me because it takes less than 30 seconds to reapply it. The best way I get it to stay put is by applying lip gloss and a teeny amount of setting spray over it.

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick

Lately, I've even been adding the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in the shade 'Stone' as a way to truly lock in the color. It highlights the 'Seductress' shade of the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick which is a huge plus for me.

For less than $12, I think it's absolutely worth buying multiple times!

More Best Drugstore Lipsticks

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick

When I'm in the mood for a universal red lipstick that has the best color payoff, I always turn to The Lip Bar's 'Bawse Lady.' She's a gorgeous blue-red that highlights all undertones without making anyone looked washed out.

Revlon Colorstay Limitless Matte Lipstick

I discovered Revlon's Colorstay formula while browsing for a deeper lipstick for fall and it does not disappoint! It's another vegan product that has triple hyaluronic acid and upcycled cranberry extract in it so it literally feels like you're not wearing anything on your lips!

Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick

The word 'Fetish' may be off-putting, but don't write this lipstick off because of the name — ha! I typically wear this when I don't want to wait for a liquid lipstick to dry. It's super velvety and also contains hyaluronic acid in it to help keep lips moisturized.

Nyx Professional Makeup Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream

Last but not least, Nyx has never let me down in the lip department before. If I'm truly shopping on a budget, I'll reach for the Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream because it glides on my lips like butter. That's not to say I know what it feels like to rub butter all over my lips, but you get what I mean! It's soft and has a gorgeous color payoff that makes me feel like it's comparable to the best lipstick I swear by.