These Celebs Will Make You Want to Grow Out Your Armpit Hair This Summer

With the arrival of warm weather comes a noticeable increase in strapless dresses and tank tops. And as those sweaters get stowed away for the season there’s something you might notice about a lot of ladies’ underarms: they’re totally unshaven. We’ve been seeing this body hair trend emerging for some time now, but as we welcome summer it seems to really be having its moment. There was even a female armpit hair competition in China recently. One celeb who is unapologetically rocking armpit hair? Miley Cyrus, of course.

The performer and avid Instagrammer rocked the look at the 2015 amfAR Inspiration Gala where she was honored for her contributions to the fight against AIDS. As Miley gave an inspirational speech in a stunning Moschino gown, she raised her arms to reveal the free growing hair. This was perhaps Miley’s most public display of the budding trend, but it was certainly not the first time she’s showed off the style – and in fact, she’s not even the only celeb to get in on the emerging movement.

Celebs like Julia Roberts, Madonna and Drew Barrymore have all rocked the look in the past, but more recently, Jemima Kirke of HBO’s Girls caused a stir when she walked the red carpet at the CFDA Awards earlier this month with unshaven underarms. We won’t say the look went totally unnoticed by us, but we were just way more focused on her stunning Rosie Assoulin ensemble.

Both Miley and Jemima make it very clear that free growing armpit hair is a pretty gorgeous trend that’s here to stay. Each of the ladies rocked the look at super swanky, red carpet events and looked great. It’s your hair and you should do with it what you want. It’s really as simple as that.

Will you try unshaved armpits this summer? Share with us in the comments below.

(Photos via Dimitrios Kambouris/Larry Busacca/Getty)

WhileMiley Cyrus is known for her powerful voice — and recent Grammy win — her public relationships have been the talk of Hollywood, too. From her high-profile marriage (and divorce 😭) to Liam Hemsworth to her current relationship with Maxx Morando, Miley's experienced the highs and lows of being being 1/2 of a celebrity couple.

The one thing we continue to learn from celebrities — especially after looking at Miley Cyrus' dating history — is that they're just like us! From Nick Jonas to Maxx Morando, here are Miley's most memorable relationships.

Miley Cyrus' Full Dating History

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Nick Jonas

We revisited this short-lived fling while dissecting Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez's friendship, but it doesn't hurt to talk about it again! These two didn't really talk about their relationship when they first started dating, but Kevin Jonas spilled the beans about Nick's feelings when he first met Miley. He said, "When he met Miley, I think that kid's head exploded." He made this revelation during the brothers' documentary Chasing Happiness, where they also revealed a few of their songs were about the former Hannah Montana star.

In her book Miles To Go, Miley talked about how the two met at a benefit for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation charity and started spending more time together. The next year, Miley and the Jonas Brothers went on tour together (Best of Both Worlds), but that seemed to signal the end of her relationship with Nick.

Once they broke up, Miley talked about how she felt in great detail. "At first I bawled for a month straight. I was so sad. I just went into this weird funk," she said (via PEOPLE). What's ironic is that she admitted to "rebelling against" Nick's preferences. "...I've got to be by myself for now, and just figure out who I really am."

Michael Buckner/Getty Images for IMG

Justin Gaston

Miley's next boyfriend was Justin Gaston, a singer and model, who seemingly wore the same hairstyle as her dad Billy Ray Cyrus. Actually, the reason the two started dating is because of the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer! He must've taken a liking to Justin during Nashville Star because he introduced him to Miley, and the rest was history (via Glamour). "He actually reminds me a lot of myself when I was 20 years old and I was living and searching for the dream," he said. However, their relationship was short-lived because they called it off in 2009 (via NBC Washington).

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Liam Hemsworth

The next person Miley Cyrus was linked to was her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. For a time, everyone believed these two were meant to be...until they weren't. The pair filmed The Last Song together and couldn't deny the strong chemistry between them — even if they were supposed to be "just acting." They started making public appearances together looking very much smitten with each other, confirming any relationship rumors swirling around.

It's no secret they broke up and got back together several times, but they eventually decided to get engaged in 2012 (via Cosmopolitan). However that was short-lived once they decided to call it off...only to get it together a few years later. Though the couple eventually got married, they got divorced before their one-year anniversary.

"What really sucked about it wasn't the fact that me and someone that I loved realized that we don't love each other the way that we used to anymore," she said during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Once her marriage to Liam Hemsworth ended, Miley and Patrick Schwarzenegger were spotted getting close. However his mom Maria Shriver wasn't a fan of them dating (via The List). A source said that she was "very worried about the influence Miley's having on Patrick. She fully believes that you become who you surround yourself with and she's always been so happy with the friends Patrick chooses, she never saw this coming," (Hello! Magazine).

Luckily for this mama bear, Miley and Patrick's relationship didn't last long either. They broke up in 2015 because they were in "two different places in their lives," (via PEOPLE).

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Stella Maxwell

It seemed like Miley decided to explore her options after things ended with Patrick Schwarzenegger — she was then linked to Victoria Secret's model Stella Maxwell that same year. It was speculated the two were in a relationship after they were seen kissing (via PEOPLE). However, Miley shut those rumors down while she talked about her sexuality. She told Elle, "I'm 22, I'm going on dates, but I change my style every two weeks, let alone who I'm with" and admitted she identifies as "pansexual."

Jerod Harris/Getty Images

Kaitlynn Carter

In 2019, Miley was seen kissing Kaitlynn Carter (The Hills: New Beginnings) while on vacation in Italy (via PEOPLE). It didn't seem like things were serious because a source said the pair were "just having fun" — which sounds similar to the mindset Miley had while she was seen with Stella Maxwell. Miley's sister Brandi Cyrus joined them on vacation, according to Instagram.

Miley and Kaitlynn were seen on a date where a source said, "They live together and are very happy," (via PEOPLE). But this may have been too much for the "Flowers" singer because they went their separate ways after it was revealed they "spent every day together."

Ouch?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Cody Simpson

A younger Cody Simpson admitted to Fuse he had a crush on Miley Cyrus in 2012, and it was the cutest thing ever! They become best friends a few years later with Cody telling GQ Australia, "...she helps with some of that transitional stuff—trying to escape your childhood. She’s super open-minded, and I’m working on becoming more like that." Paparazzi snuck a photo of the two kissing in 2019, sparking dating rumors (via TMZ).

They did become boyfriend and girlfriend, but broke up in 2020 because Cody said they "were going in different directions," (via Billboard).

Francis Specker/CBS

Maxx Morando

Before long, Miley Cyrus and her current boyfriend Maxx Morando were seen getting cozy in 2021. Daily Mailsaw them cuddling in Miami while a source later told Entertainment Tonight, "They've been together for a little while and are just enjoying their relationship." They met for the first time during a "blind date" after Miley decided to open herself up to dating again. "I thought, ‘The worst that can happen is I leave.'" Ever since then, he couple have been enjoying their relationship and even enjoyed a recent date night (via Page Six).

We don't know about you, but we're rooting for Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando to find happily ever after in each other!

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Love is in the air – and, as it turns out, on the shelves at Target! We can always count on Target to have the cutest home decor pieces for every holiday, and right now, their Valentine’s Day decor is making us swoon. Target has everything you need to create a festive and cozy vibe (and for way less $!), whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a Galentine’s Day party, or happily spending the season solo.

Get ready to fall head over heels for these 13 Target Valentine’s Day decor pieces that’ll help you celebrate the season, all for $10 or less.

Target

Cherry Duo Valentine's Day Figurine

This $5 figurine gives us so much joy. It'd be perfect on your desk, bedside table, or car dash to keep the love flowin' this V-Day.

Target

Metallic Hearts Wall Garland

Got a Valentine's party planned? This $10 wall garland is just the thing your space needs to feel a bit more festive.

Target

Valentine's Day Disco Ball

Everyone needs a dash of disco in their life, and this $10 heart-shaped piece makes that possible. We'd keep this one up year-round!

Target

Valentine's Day XO Love Pillow

It's not V-Day without a bunch of X's and O's! Decorate your space appropriately with this cutesy $5 pillow.

Target

Coffee & Croissant Valentine's Day Figurine

This $5 decor piece would also make a great gift to give your partner, BFF, or just the person that completes you.

Target

Light-Up Valentine's Day Hearts

These heart-shaped lights mimic conversation heart candies in the cutest (and cheekiest!) way with various sayings.

Target

3-Wick Sugared Watermelon Candle

This candle makes the season even sweeter with a delicious sugared watermelon scent.

Target

Featherly Friends 'Toots' Valentine's Day Decorative Object

Target's collection of cute spirited birds is everything. This lil' birdie comes complete with a love letter – ooh!

Target

Red Lips Pillow

Need a smooch? This $10 pillow is just what your couch is craving!

Target

Glass Heart Valentine's Candle Holders

Set the mood at the table with this adorable trio of candle stick holders in the perfect V-Day hues!

Target

Cherub Valentine's Day Figurine

This glasses-wearing cherub would look so cute on your desk during the Valentine's season.

Target

Pink & Red Taper Candle Set

These playful candle sticks come in squiggly shapes and are adorably dotted in tiny white hearts for the holiday.

Target

XO Square Valentine's Day Pillow

Perfect for the sofa or your bed, this plush pillow will last your V-Day decor game for years to come!

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I think we all remember tuning into our favorite Disney show, Hannah Montana, only to see the ever-iconic "Jolene" singer, Dolly Parton, show up to feature as a guest star. I remember feeling shocked, and wondering what the relation was — only to find out that Dolly was Miley Cyrus' real-life "honorary godmother"! And this relationship runs deep!

Throughout many interviews over the years, it's clear Miley and Dolly continue to share a lot of love, admiration, and respect between them given the way they talk about each other. TBH, we couldn't love them more! With that said, here's a breakdown of their heartwarming relationship — plus all their beautiful collaborations and sweet moments they've shared.

How did Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus meet?

Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images

As you may know, Miley's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, is a popular country music artist. During his "Achy Breaky Heart" era — yes, it's stuck my head now, too — he connected with Dolly as they toured together. Dolly recounted more about this to the London Evening Standard last year when she said that “...of course, Miley became my goddaughter; I was her fairy godmother." She continued, "We really have a true bond; she is like a daughter or a sister to me.”

Are Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton related?

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW

Dolly has claimed to be Miley's "honorary godmother." She told Howard Stern recently that she's known Miley since she was born, and even retold the story of how she came to be Miley's amazing godmother. She told Howard of Billy Ray, "And he said … ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said: ‘Well, I’d be honored.’" And while that was the inception of this beautiful relationship, Dolly elaborated that it was really what formed between she and Miley that made it so special. She said, "So actually, Miley and I took over from there. We just stayed very, very close through the years.”

And this week, Access Hollywood has actually revealed that the two are, indeed, related by blood after all! In the interview, Ancestry revealed that Dolly and Miley are actually seventh cousins once removed! It turns out their family member that they have in common was named John Brickey who lived in Virginia in 1740. Dolly was ecstatic over the news saying, "Is that true? That's amazing! Well, we're so close, Miley and I. I would've thought we would've been at least third cousins, 10 times removed." In regards to how Miley felt about the news? She said, "I’m sure she'll get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t surprise me because she does feel like family." We didn't think we could love these two anymore, but it turns out we can!

Have they collaborated on any projects?

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Ever since the Hannah Montana days, these two have collaborated on projects and music! Dolly appeared on Miley's song, "Rainbowland,"and Miley returned the favor by appearing on Dolly's rendition of "Wrecking Ball" last year. The two have also covered each other's songs countless times over the years — not to mention the clear influence Dolly's music had on Miley's own songwriting in general.

In an interview with NPR, Miley discussed how Dolly helped her understand sexuality and personality in music. She says, "The best thing that she does is, she's not afraid to laugh at herself," she said. "And she pushed the boundaries for country music, by looking the way that she does, and saying the things that she says, and being sexual in that way. I mean, there's no one that's been able to make country music sexual more than Dolly!"

Our Favorite Miley and Dolly Moments

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

These sweet girlies have shared so many amazing moments, so keep scrolling to see their best collaborations, and all of our favorite times they've talked about each other over the years!

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton Singing on New Years Eve

One of my favorite, most recent, moments for this adorable duo is this stunning performance of "Wrecking Ball" and "I Will Always Love You." They combined their most popular songs into a stunning harmonious medley, while also showcasing their love and friendship for each other. This was a stunning and emotional moment for everyone tuning in to watch their New Years Eve special!

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton Singing "Jolene"

We all know and love this song, but I will certainly remember being introduced to "Jolene" with Miley's iconic cover when I was a kid. I love this rendition where the two pals get to sing it together, too. Their voices are so different, yet blend incredibly well together! This was yet another sweet moment for the books!

Miley Recreates Dolly Parton Classic With Jimmy Fallon

In this absolutely hilarious skit, we see Jimmy Fallon and Miley Cyrus re-create Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' classic hit, "Islands in the Stream." And Miley, busty and all, goes fully into the character. This was such a funny moment, and we love how the two are able to poke fun at each other in respectful, yet hilarious ways.

Miley Cyrus Says Dolly Only Contacts Her Via Fax

One of our favorite things about Dolly is her drastic aversion to technology. Miley told Seth Meyers about a hilarious instance she had with Dolly about this. She claimed that Dolly doesn't mind using a phone, but whenever she needs to talk to someone over text, she'll do a fax, and then someone who works for her will scan the fax, then the scan will go into a text, which then gets sent to Miley. Whew! We're exhausted just thinking about it!

Miley says that if Dolly wants to send a demo, then it's a similarly complicated process. She'll record a cassette, which gets recorded on a flip phone, which gets recorded on an iPhone voice memo, which then gets sent to Miley. We're glad Miley's finding the humor in Dolly's anti-technology quirks!

Miley Cyrus Covers Dolly Parton's Song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"

Miley's voice may be different than Dolly's, but you can't dispute that her growly vibrato, and yodel-edque vocals were made for country. So when she covered this stunning Dolly song, she definitely killed it and delivered a beautiful cover. Don't mind us keeping this on repeat until further notice...

Dolly Parton Talks About Being Miley's Godmother

In this Wired interview, Dolly answered common questions that she gets about herself online, and one of the questions was about Miley. In regards to the question, "Is Dolly Parton Miley Cyrus' Godmother?" Dolly said, "Well everybody knows that. I would actually say I'm the fairy godmother of Miley Cyrus." We love how fun Dolly is, and we can tell how proud she is to be Miley's godmother!

Dolly Parton Covers Miley's "Wrecking Ball"

@dollyparton When I heard 'Wrecking Ball' I almost wept in my car. When it started into the chorus it hit me like a wrecking ball! I thought how great can a song be and how great can @Miley Cyrus ♬ Wrecking Ball - Dolly Parton

Dolly talked about how beautiful Miley Cyrus' song "Wrecking Ball is", and how much she needed to cover it, on her Tiktok account. Dolly talked about how much the song meant to her, and how much it meant to have Miley sing it with her on her rock album. She concluded with, "How great can a song be?" We definitely agree, Dolly!

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Header image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

In the midst of award show season, everything points to Oscar Sunday. The show, which celebrates achievement in film, is my most-important night of the year and my friends and I go all out. Themed snacks, ballots, and very loud celebrations when our favorite stars and movies win. But before the big day comes, we need to watch all the movies up for awards!

Here's where you can stream all the biggest movies of the year before the Oscars airs on March 2, 2025.

Dune: Part Two — Stream On Max

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

This sequel opens after Paul has joined the Fremen, and after he escaped the murderous Harkonnen family. Now he's out to avenge his father — and come to terms with his destiny as a savior.

Dune: Part Two is on Max and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Lea Seydoux, and Christopher Walken.

Twisters — Stream on Peacock

Universal Pictures

Twisters follows former storm chaser Kate. When she's roped back into chasing by her friend Javi, Kate meets social media star Tyler, and comes face-to-face with the biggest storms ever.

Twisters is on Peacock and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Tunde Adebimpe, Katy O’Brian, Nik Dodani, Kiernan Shipka, and Paul Scheer.

Emilia Pérez — Stream On Netflix

Netflix

In this musical thriller, Cartel leader Emilia enlists the help of Rita, a lawyer, to help her retire from a life of crime and live out her truth.

Emilia Pérez is on Netflix and stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.

Wicked — Rent On Amazon Prime

Universal Pictures

But this year's biggest musical is definitely Wicked. This alternative origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good follows the college roommates as they come of age in Oz, and learn the Wizard isn't all as he seems. I can't for Part 2 this year!

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode.

The Substance — Stream On MUBI

MUBI

Elisabeth Sparkle gets fired from her own fitness TV show after she turns 50. But she seems to find a solution when she acquires The Substance...and creates a younger version of herself. The absolutely crazy thriller was one of the buzziest movies of the year — and won Demi Moore her first Golden Globe!

The Substance is on MUBI and stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

Challengers — Stream On Prime Video

Amazon MGM Studios

In Challengers, former tennis star Tashi coaches her husband Art, but her job gets way more complicated when he ends up in a match against his former best friend (and her ex) Patrick.

Challengers is on Prime Video and MGM+ and stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.

Inside Out 2 — Stream On Disney+

Walt Disney Studios

Riley's becoming a teenager in Inside Out 2, which means Joy, Sadness, Anger, Envy, Fear, and Disgust have to make way for new emotions like Anxiety and Envy. What could go wrong?

Inside Out 2 is on Disney+ and stars Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Kensington Tallman, Lilimar, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Deadpool & Wolverine — Stream On Disney+

Marvel Studios

Deadpool teams up with the one and only Wolverine (well, after meeting dozens throughout the multiverse) after learning the TVA plans on destroying his timeline and his loved ones.

Deadpool & Wolverine is on Disney+ and stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Stefan Kapičić, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Owen Wilson, Matthew Macfadyen, Emma Corrin, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively, and Dafne Keen.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  — Stream On Max

Warner Bros.

Lydia Deetz and her daughter Astrid return to Winter River after a family tragedy, and wind up enlisting Beetlejuice's help (if you can even call it that) after Astrid opens a portal to the afterlife.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is on Max and stars Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux.

Gladiator 2 — Rent On Amazon Prime

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

After the death of his wife, Lucius becomes a gladiator with a mission: take revenge on the general responsible for her death.

Gladiator 2 is on Amazon Prime and stars Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.

Anora — Rent On Amazon Prime

Neon

When sex worker Anora and politician's son Vanya tie the knot so Vanya can get a green card and escape his father, their lives totally flip upside down — and not just because Vanya's family sets out to end the marriage.

Anora is on Amazon Prime and stars Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.

Conclave — Stream On Peacock

Focus Features

This movie takes place during a conclave to choose the next pope, and is totally unprepared for the scandals he uncovers along the way.

Conclave is on Peacock and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

A Real Pain — Rent On Amazon Prime

Searchlight Pictures

Two Jewish American cousins who reconnect and embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland after the death of their grandmother. This was one of my favorite movies of the year and I couldn't recommend it more!

A Real Pain is on Amazon Prime and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes.

The Wild Robot — Rent On Amazon Prime

Universal Pictures

Robot Roz crashes on a deserted island and quickly adopts an orphaned gosling, teaching him to fly and prepping him for the annual migration. Prepare to cry, like, a lot!!

The Wild Robot is on Amazon Prime and stars Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill.

Alien: Romulus — Stream On Hulu

20th Century Studios

A group of young space colonizers are tasked with exploring an abandoned space station and must confront the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Alien: Romulus is on Hulu and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Stay tuned for the official 2025 Oscar nominations and check out 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025!

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 expert-approved tips for how to make work less stressful — & trust me, you need these.

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.

Zen Chung

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.

Anna Nekrashevich

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 👀.

Tima Miroshnichenko

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.

Yan Krukau

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.