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

Getting physically fit calls for a dedication to working out regularly, whether on your own, by taking fun classes, or with the personal guidance of a trainer. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to get into shape with opportunities like streaming workouts to help you enjoy a strong bod. Though most people seem aware that physical strength comes from focused effort, some of us forget that being in a great mental state also requires mindful intention and practice. Want to elevate your mind so you’re ready to jump on the next opportunity that presents itself? Read on for six things you can do anywhere to give your mental muscles a workout.

1. Try digital brain training. Technology and digital devices have earned a controversial rap when it comes to forming healthy habits. However, they can serve as incredible tools when it comes to working on your mental fitness. Lumosity, a brain-training game company, works with scientists and researchers to develop cognitive games that will keep your skills sharp. Choose from 50+ fun games designed to help you process information, improve your memory, visualize better, and more.

2. Play word games. Not up for staring at a screen? We don’t blame you. Give your eyes a break by treating yourself to some old-fashioned fun by sitting down with a book of crossword puzzles and a pencil (pen if you’re feeling super-confident!) or challenging a friend to a game of Scrabble. Playing word games will fire up the left hemisphere of your brain — the side responsible for language. As an added bonus, you’ll probably come away with some impressive additions to your vocabulary too!

3. Take a class. Your brain gets a boost each time you have an opportunity to learn something new, and hands-on classes are one of the best ways to work through a new process. If you like learning online, consider looking for a specific type of class or instructor you wouldn’t have access to in your area; if face-to-face learning is your jam, scour local listings to find something you’ll feel excited about. Whether it’s hip-hop dance, macrame, painting, or even a job skill that’ll help you in your career, you’ll be putting mental muscles to work.

4. Make something. Do you love DIY, home projects, making art, writing, or making music? Good news: All of these things call on your right brain and engage your senses, giving it a workout as you produce something new. Dr. Lawrence Katz, the author of Keep Your Brain Alive, uses the word “neurobics” to explain brain exercises that force you to think in new ways. According to Dr. Katz, the act of creating enhances problem-solving abilities while allowing you to uncover unique solutions and innovations. Even more, unlike math or science, there’s no one “right” final result to artistic endeavors — helping your creativity flourish!

5. Meditate. Many healthy and successful people credit meditation with helping them achieve a more focused state. Benefits of the mental practice range from peaceful feelings and positive attitudes to cultivating productive thoughts. Though this kind of mental workout might feel less intense than something like an intentional thinking exercise, transforming how you think is a sure way to work toward a healthier mindset and will help you improve your mental strength. If you’re a beginner who’s looking to get started, consider using the Headspace app; you can start small with a few minutes each day as you work your way toward mastery.

6. Up your step count. It’s a simple (and, yes, physical) thing, but carving out time for a walk each day will work wonders for your mental health, helping you become stronger in mind as well as body. Not only is walking a proven way to decrease anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression, but it has also been shown to help people be more creative. Lace up those kicks and get moving for 20-30 minutes; it’s all you need to enjoy some big brain benefits.

What’s your favorite brain exercise? Tweet us how it helps you @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

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One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'

I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?

If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:

  • Kayla Baum, CEO & Founder of Twello (a workplace wellness company!)
  • Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin, Founders at The Business Reboot

Keep scrolling for 8 genius ways to have a healthier work-life balance this year!

Karin Kaufer

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

Spencer Wirkkala

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

RDNE Stock project

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

  • What is the most effective use of my time right now?
"For instance, if you're preparing for a big presentation at work, concentrate on immediate needs rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated projects. This approach helps you conserve energy for what truly matters," they suggest.

Greta Hoffman

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

Yan Krukau

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

Kaboompics.com

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

  • "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

olia danilevich

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

  • "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"
What this does is "frame the conversation as collaborative and proactive, encouraging your manager to work with you on a resolution," Frazier and Pepin observe.

Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.

Ah, a new year – the perfect time to reevaluate and refresh your routine, diet, home, and of course, your closet! I always try to take the time at the top of a new year to clean out the pieces that don’t serve me anymore, and the one thing I tend to comb through the most is my shoe collection. From sneakers to sandals and boots to clogs, I typically come across several outdated pairs that make me wonder why I even wore them in the first place!

In the vein of going all-in on a brand-new beginning for your shoe collection in 2025, you’re gonna want to know these 5 outdated winter shoe trends to start the year off right – and in style.

These are the top 5 outdated winter shoe trends for 2025, plus the best styles to wear instead.

Ugg

UGG Classic Tall Boots

1. Tall UGG boots

Tall UGG boots are so 2010. They can be clunky, annoyingly warm on the feet, and tend to make your body proportions look… funky.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots

Instead, opt for the UGGs all the cool girls are wearing well into winter 2025: the Classic Mini. These boots don’t rise nearly as high on your legs, lengthening and flattering your figure.

Nordstrom

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots

UGG even sells a shorter style called the Ultra Mini, which you can also snag in a platform silhouette.

UGGs are undoubtedly winter-ready since they’re lined with shearling on the inside to keep your toes warm. If you’re worried about snow or ice getting to them, you can get an UGG boot guard or spray your pair down in waterproof and stain-proof protectant.

Amazon

Circus NY Nellie Mary Janes

2. Platform shoes

I hate to say it, but platform shoes seem to be on their way out for 2025. And I get it – platform shoes like Mary Janes and loafers can be impractical, especially if you have to commute in treacherous winter conditions like snow.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Matilda Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Instead, the fashion world is blowing up with lower-profile shoe designs, meaning they don’t have as much height to them.

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Denise Penny Loafer

Opt for low-lying ballet flats, loafers, and Mary Janes to keep your shoe game subtle, yet stylish in 2025.

Nordstrom

AGL The Chunky Biker Lug Sole Leather Boots

3. Round-toe boots

We’re going to be seeing less and less round-toe boots (and round-toe shoes in general) this coming year. They were definitely popular at a point in time, but a lot of fashion fiends nowadays are wearing the more eye-catching, and even more sultry shoe designs that include square or pointed toes.

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Lights Out Moto Boots

Try out these square-toe boots to instantly elevate your outfits in 2025.

Nordstrom

Dolce Vita Shadie Waterproof Pointed Toe Chelsea Boots

Pointed-toe boots are also undeniably chic.

Nordstrom

Moon Boot Classic Low 2 Water Repellent Nylon Boots

4. Moon boots

It could just be me living near a ton of mountain towns, but Moon boots are a winter shoe trend I’m simply tired of seeing. They stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to snow boots, plus even though they have a hefty price tag, they don’t necessarily stand out from other similar snow boots, other than the fact that they have a big logo stamped across them for curb appeal.

Moon boots have gotta go. Try other warm (and less obnoxious) snow boot styles, like the ones below.

Nordstrom

Sorel Tivoli V Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boots

These cozy, lined boots are way less bulky but still provide great traction and protection against snowy weather.

Nordstrom

Hunter Amble Booties

These insulated booties ensure you stay comfy, warm, and dry this season – all while looking stylish!

DSW

Fila Disruptor II Sneakers

5. Chunky sneakers

I fear chunky sneakers – like the ever-popular Fila Disruptors – are simply out of style. They’ve been done over and over again, and instead, the fashion girls are showing off in something entirely brand-new.

In case you didn’t know, sleek platform sneakers – most notably the Adidas Gazelles or Handball Spezials – are so in. They’re practically the “It” girl shoes that keep on giving.

Shop my fave styles below.

Adidas

Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

The stacked soles on these shoes are everything.

Free People

Ash Mae Buckle Hi Top Sneakers

This familiar shoe style is elevated even more with an edgy buckle design.

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Ask anyone who’s found success in their career, hobby, or health – they’ll admit that they didn’t find it overnight. Instead, they’ll attribute their achievements to a simple concept: consistency.

Being consistent is way easier said than done, but it becomes less daunting when you’ve got someone by your side to keep you accountable.

Read on to learn more about Zabit, a new habit coaching app that empowers you to achieve your goals with the help of an expert personal coach.

Zabit

That’s why Roddy Lindsay founded Zabit, a new habit coaching service that relies on pairing clients with personal coaches – AKA the ultimate accountability buddies!

Whether you want to improve your workout plan, decrease your use of social media, limit your alcohol consumption, or get better sleep, Zabit coaches are there to motivate you toward your goals with one-on-one personalized messages, just like you're texting your best friend.

Zabit

“Zabit’s mission is to make accountability universal and affordable. Adding accountability to everyday habits to make them long-lasting should be as easy as ordering an Uber,” said Lindsay, founder and CEO of Zabit. “By combining the empathy of human coaches with the ubiquity of mobile technology, Zabit is forging a new paradigm for behavior change.”

Zabit

Zabit’s personal coaches are psychologists, wellness professionals, and advanced clinical psychology students with at least three years of training, so they’re equipped with all the right knowledge to help you stay on track with your goals, no matter what they are.

When it comes to your personal goals, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Pair with a Zabit coach today – you can get started now with a free 2-week trial. From there, plans start at just $8.99 per week.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on achieving your goals!

If there's one thing I love to see, it's celebrities going makeup-free. And I'll celebrate it every single time! In addition to Drew Barrymore taking her makeup off on live TV (and throwing her extensions on the ground) and Millie Bobby Brown showing off her acne in selfies, Lady Gaga loves to go makeup-free. Remember when she performed at the Oscars with no makeup and ripped jeans?! Well the actress and singer just posted another adorable selfie without a stitch of makeup.

Here's what Lady Gaga had to say about "Die With A Smile" alongside her no-makeup selfie.

Lady Gaga is "so grateful" the song is #1.

To celebrate "Die With A Smile" (her song with Bruno Mars) hitting number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Lady Gaga posted a photo of her laying in the grass with a huge grin on her face — and without any makeup.

"Thank you to all of the monsters and hooligans for helping make 'Die With A Smile' #1 on the Billboard Hot 100! We love you and are so grateful," she says in the post. "Having multiple songs of mine hit #1 across three decades feels surreal, and I am overwhelmed by the love and support you have shown me from the beginning. I have so much more in store for you and can’t wait to share it."

Friends and fans flooded the comments with everyone from Noah Cyrus saying, "you’re so gorgeous," to a fan account adding, "Thank you for your art! So proud of you and Bruno. You deserve this!"

And she loved recording it with Bruno Mars!

The song was released on August 16, and in a statement to Page Six, Lady Gaga praised Bruno Mars as a collaborator. “Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating,” she says. “I was finishing up my own album in Malibu, and one night after a long day he asked me to come to his studio to hear something he was working on...It was around midnight when I got there, and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making.”

After revealing they "stayed up all night” to finish both writing and recording it, Lady Gaga continues, “Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him." There's no one like you either Gaga!

Has "Die With A Smile" been on repeat for you? Let us know your favorite Lady Gaga song on Instagram!

Many people look for the new year to bring new opportunities and, in some cases, a fresh start altogether. But for me? As a longtime entertainment reporter, there is one thing I can’t help but get excited about when another year rolls around: the upcoming movie releases and, of course, the most anticipated television shows. While I'm looking forward to see what happens to Eleven and the rest of the Hawkins crew in Stranger Things 5 on Netflix, there are a bunch of new TV shows that have been at the top of my watch list from the moment they were first announced, including Suits: LA and It: Welcome to Derry.

Here are the 2025 television shows that should be on your radar (if they aren’t already!).

Severance Season 2 — On Apple TV+ January, 17 2025

Apple TV+

After Mark Scout, Helly, and Irving learn the truth about the “severance” experiment and manage to break free from its clutches in the Severance season 1 finale, the three coworkers (along with the rest of the Lumon Industries employees) are forced to return to work in the second installment of the series. Now that Mark and some of his peers know what the company was really doing to the Lumon staff, one could only wonder: What are Lumon Industries's hidden objectives? (And what’s with all the GOATS?!)

Severance season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on January 17, 2024 and stars Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Dichen Lachman, Dichen Lachman and Patricia Arquette.

The White Lotus Season 3 — On HBO and Max February 16, 2025

Mario Perez/HBO

Pack your bags, White Lotus fans, because our favorite hotel residents are catching a first-class flight to…Thailand! While there are a bunch of new guests checking into a luxury hotel, there’s one returning guest who needs no introduction. Natasha Rothwell, who made her debut at Belinda Lindsey in The White Lotus season 1, is the only returning cast making a brief cameo in season 3. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, here we come!

The White Lotus season 3 is coming in February and will star Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.

The Last of Us Season 2 — On HBO and Max in April 2025

Liane Hentscher/HBO

I can’t be the only one still thinking about that bombshell season one finale of HBO’s The Last of Us! And apparently, I’m not the only one who’s eager to see the continuation of Joel and Ellie’s story in season 2. Fans of the video game adaptation have been keeping their eyes peeled for a new update about season 2. And one teaser later, we might have just gotten the news we’ve been looking for. Following the 2024 Emmy Awards, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content Casey Bloys toldDeadline that The Last of Us season 2 will premiere around “generally first half of the year [2025], I expect them to be in the Emmy window.”

The Last of Us season 2 will star Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Wright, Tati Gabrielle and Ariela Barer.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 — On Prime Video in 2025

Erika Doss/Prime Video

It's almost time to return to Cousins Beach, and I have missed all the hydrangeas, fair rides, and ocean sunrises. We haven't heard for sure whether season 3 will be the end of the road for this series, but if it follows even a few chapters in the third book in The Summer I Turned Pretty series, We'll Always Have Summer, then we will absolutely be getting some drama.

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 premieres in 2025 and stars Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard.

It: Welcome to Derry — On Max in 2025

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Bill, Richie, Beverly and the rest of the Losers Club members might have been able to defeat Pennywise in It: Chapter Two, but that doesn’t mean we've seen the last of Derry, Maine. Serving as a prequel series to the It movie franchise directed by Andres Muschietti, Welcome to Derry will delve into Pennywise’s origin story and how the child-preying clown arrived in Derry. But that’s not even the best part: Bill Skarsgård, who starred in It and It: Chapter Two, will reprise his role as the killer clown in the upcoming HBO series, which will be released in 2025. So until then, no accepting red balloons from creepy clowns, okay?

It: Welcome to Derry will star Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Alixandra Fuchs, Kimberly Guerrero, Joshua Odjick and Morningstar Angeline.

Stranger Things Season 5 — On Netflix in 2025

Netflix

I’ve been a fan of Stranger Things since it premiered on Netflix back in 2016, and come next year, longtime fans like myself will finally get to see how the story ends. Last time we saw Eleven, Mike, Will and the rest of the Hellfire Club crew, they were facing an impending apocalypse after Vecna’s devious plan came to full fruition. So, will the group of friends defeat Vecna and save their home? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see because Stranger Things 5 likely won’t premiere until late 2025. Now, all we need is that release date, Netflix…

Stranger Things 5 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Amybeth McNulty, and Priah Ferguson.

Suits: L.A. — On NBC in 2025

David Astorga/NBC

Court is back in session! Only this time, our favorite lawyers from the OG Pearson Hardman firm are not on the case. Thanks to Netflix, the original Suits (which starred the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle) experienced a renaissance of sorts upon its arrival to the streaming service in June 2023. And as a result, NBCUniversal ordered a spinoff series earlier this year. But instead of the bustling streets of New York City, a new group of lawyers are setting up shop in the Golden State in Suits L.A.

The new spinoff will center around an entertainment and criminal lawler named Ted Black, who launches his own law firm in California after moving from the East Coast. Originally, Suits L.A was slated to be a part of NBCUniversal’s 2024-2025 lineup. However, according to Deadline, there was a slight change in the production location, making a Fall 2025 release more likely. So, who’s up for a Suits marathon?

Suits L.A. is speculated to premiere sometime in 2025 and is set to star Ted Black, Josh McDermitt, Rachelle Goulding, Victoria Justice, Troy Wingush, Bryan Greenberg, Lex Scott Davis, John Amos, Kevin Weistman and Alice Lee.

Wednesday Season 2 — On Netflix in 2025

Netflix

Looks like Jenna Ortega won’t be giving us another macabre number anytime soon because Wednesday season 2 won’t arrive on Netflix until 2025. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega teases the upcoming installment will be much “darker” this time around. “I think the feel that we’re going for is a little bit more horror-inspired,” the Beetlejuice Beetlejuicestar adds. “Not to say that suddenly we’re the goriest show of all time. I mean, there’s six-year-olds watching.”

“This season is going to be bigger and more twisted than you can ever imagine," Catherine Zeta-Jones says in the new Wednesday season 2 first look.

“If we showed you any more, your eyes would bleed,” Ortega says. “And I'm not that generous.”

What TV show are you most excited to see in 2025? Personally, I can’t wait for Sweet Magnolias season 4 to drop! (Margarita, anyone?) Make sure to follow us on TikTok and Facebook for more TV exclusives and latest news updates!

This post has been updated.