How to Avoid Digital Eye Strain When You WFH

As more of us work from home these days and connect with coworkers via Zoom and other technologies, we can actually impact the health of our eyes from overuse without knowing it. In fact, digital eye strain, which looks like tired eyes, headaches and eye strain, affects 81 percent of adults. Ophthalmologist Joseph J. Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO and medical advisor for EyePromise shares his tips for avoiding some telltale symptoms.

"Prolonged screen time can cause tired eyes, poor focus while reading, dry eyes, heavy lids, blurry vision and neck strain," he says. And this goes for anyone with glasses, contact lenses or none at all. "These symptoms are associated with computer vision syndrome, which is caused by the strain on the eyes after prolonged use of a digital device." Too much screen time, especially at night, can mess with our sleep too. Here's how to give your eyes a digital break.

  • Set up an ideal work environment. Now that we're all working from home it's a good idea to check in with our work setup, like having an ergonomic desk setup, natural light, and a comfortable chair. Dr. Pizzimenti says to also make sure your screen is about 20-28 inches away, slightly below eye level, and in a position where you'll avoid glare from overhead lighting and windows.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. "This gives the eyes and visual system a much-needed break and prevents fatigue," says Dr. Pizzimenti. Bathroom and snack breaks count in the mix!
  • Adjust the color temp on your screen settings. Reduce the amount of "blue" color emitted from your screen, especially if you work at night. The blue light on our screens can trick our bodies into thinking it's daytime and keep us awake. On a Mac you can switch to Night Shift to get a warmer light. Dr. Pizzimenti also advises to stay away from screens and devices at least 1 hour before bed.
  • Try natural supplements and blue light glasses. "Blue light emitted from screens, LEDs, etc. is typically not intense enough to damage the eyes, but prolonged and frequent exposure may result in digital eye strain," says Dr. Pizzimenti. "Blue light from the sun is intense enough to actually damage various tissues that make up the eye, including the retina." To naturally protect against the negative effects of blue light, Dr. Pizzimenti prescribes supplements that contain sufficient amounts of zeaxanthin, lutein, and other antioxidants. (He suggests trying Screen Shield Pro and Screen Shield Teen.) Blue light glasses can also help avoid the long-term impact of screens on our eye health.

Check out how the Brit + Co team is WFH these days and share your setup @BritandCo!

Only two states in the United States don't observe daylight saving time, observing standard time year-round: Arizona and Hawaii. After all, they argue, these states already get plenty of sun. The other 48 states – AKA the rest of us – will spring forward our clocks by one hour on Sunday, March 9, at least for now. It's been reported that it's on the table for abolishing. While it's my favorite time of year (who doesn't love the longer days?), it comes with some not so good health news. Let's get into what you can expect this daylight saving time!

Here are 12 wacky facts you may not know about daylight saving time.

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1. Most of us are saying it wrong.

The correct term is actually "daylight saving time" — singular, not plural. Despite common usage, "saving" is used as an adjective describing the act of conserving daylight, not a plural noun.

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2. The time change has been linked to more hospital visits.

The American Heart Association found that the time change showed an increase in cases of heart attack and stroke. A scientific study found a rise in cases of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a condition that resulted in irregular heartbeats with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. The increase was more prevalent among women and occurred only during the spring daylight saving time shift, not with the fall clock change.

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3. There are more car accidents during this time.

Losing an hour of sleep can also impact your road safety. A study found that the spring daylight saving time transition increases the risk of fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. by 6 percent.

Andrea Piacquadio

4. DST can increase your cortisol and stress levels.

Losing sleep and disrupting your body’s natural rhythm can do more than just leave you feeling groggy — it can actually spike your cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Research shows that sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment can trigger an increase in cortisol, along with inflammatory markers and cytokine imbalances. Since cortisol and inflammatory proteins are released in response to stress, chronic elevations could contribute to long-term health issues.

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5. We're at higher risk of depression.

Many people report mood disturbances during this time, but for those with bipolar disorder, the effects can be particularly destabilizing. For instance, a 2020 study found that the change impacts mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. An Australian study revealed a significant increase in male suicide rates in the weeks following the start of daylight saving time, compared to both the weeks after the return to standard time and the rest of the year.

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6. Benjamin Franklin first suggested the concept.

He didn’t technically invent daylight saving time (as some have reported), but he did conceive the idea a century before it was credited to George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand artist who formally proposed it in an 1895 paper. Benjamin Franklin observed that if people in France adjusted their schedules to sleep when it was dark and wake with the sunrise, they could save hundreds of francs on candles — making artificial lighting less necessary.

Andy Feliciotti

7. There's already buzz to make DST permanent.

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed U.S. law aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year.

Anna Shvets

8. Farmers actually fought against it.

Contrary to popular belief, farmers have never supported daylight saving time. In fact, they opposed its implementation and, in 1919, an agricultural lobby even pushed for its repeal.

Max Vakhtbovycn

9. We may actually consume more energy because of it.

While many believe daylight saving time conserves energy, research suggests it may actually do the opposite. A University of California-Santa Barbara study indicated that daylight saving time might increase consumption. A 2017 study in the International Association for Energy Economics Journal further supports this idea, noting that longer daylight hours can lead to more air conditioning in summer and heating in cooler months.

Federico Respini

10. Daylight saving time was extended in 2007.

First started in Germany, the U.S. adopted daylight saving time in 1918 and standardized it across the country with the passage of the 1966 Uniform Time Act, which gave the federal government oversight over the time change. It originally called for the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. President George W. Bush’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended it from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, starting in 2007.

Bhargava Marripati

11. About 70 countries observe daylight saving time.

Countries like Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and those in the European Union observe daylight saving time either nationwide or in select regions. Meanwhile, most African and Asian nations — including India, China, and Japan — opt out of the time change entirely.

Kaylah Matthews

12. You can beat the clock.

Despite the health risks and safety concerns of daylight saving time, you can take steps to combat fatigue and adjust within a week. Here are B+C's 5 Best Ways to Beat Daylight Saving Time Fatigue.

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The beginning of spring is the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe with breezy, flattering dresses that make you feel ahh-mazing. Amazon is packed with adorable plus-size styles for the season, from flowy maxis to perfectly-cinched wrap dresses that highlight your curves in only the best ways. If you’re looking for effortless spring dresses that also abide by this year's hottest fashion trends, these Amazon picks are calling your name!

Scroll on for 11 flattering plus-size spring dresses – all shoppable on Amazon!

Amazon

Pinup Milkmaid Sundress

A milkmaid neckline will never not flatter your figure. Plus, with plenty of florals, this dress is totally spring-ready!

Amazon

Holipick Strapless Tube Top Sundress

Your next vacation 'fit is calling! This easy, breezy sundress lets you get some good sun while still shaping your waistline, thanks to the stretchy smocked top.

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Talisea Off-The-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

We love a white maxi dress for springtime! This one is sooo dreamy with its puff sleeve design and tied front. Pair it with your fave sandals or flats, and you're ready to step out in style.

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Amegoya Boho Square Neck Floral Midi Dress

Just look at those colors! This tiered maxi moment is exceptionally flattering since it features a tie-back waist that'll cinch you in nicely.

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Dokotoo Tie-Back Lantern Sleeve Dress

Spring dresses with square necklines are some of our favorite styles out there. This adorable dress comes in so many different colors to match your personal style, plus sizes up to XXL!

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Talisea Sweetheart Neckline Dress

The light chiffon material this mini's made of practically screams springtime.

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Pinup Chiffon Smocked Midi Dress

This charming dress couldn't be more comfortable! This stunning pattern features some shiny, tiny gold dots to enhance your look without being entirely overwhelming, pattern-wise.

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Scomchic Wrap Skater Mini Dress

This dress combines both a v-neckline and a wrap silhouette to hug your body in all the right places.

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Hanna Nikole Casual Bohemian Maxi Dress

This classy style features a pleated front, which adds a head-turning factor to your spring looks. This number would look stunning with some tall boots (especially a little cowboy boot moment) and a denim jacket!

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Pinup Strapless Ruffle Beach Dress

If you've got a beachy vacay planned, you need to add this strapless dress to your packing list. It's easy to put on and even easier to wear, thanks to the loose-fitting skirt.

Amazon

Soly Hux Short Sleeve Mini Dress

Hello, pink! This mini is undeniably flattering with a milkmaid neckline and fitted waist to pull you in comfortably.

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Probably everyone would agree that "adulting" is challenging, but nothing is quite as tough as initially launching your career. You're new to the field and uncomfortable, so you're bound to have some awkward moments, missteps, or simply embarrassing situations.

Thankfully, these bumps in the road teach us lessons that we can grow from. Nonetheless, it can still be funny to reflect (and laugh) about those cringe-worthy experiences down the line.

So, a bunch of women recently took to Reddit to share some of the most embarrassing things they did during the early days of their careers, and we've compiled their best stories.

Scroll to see all the most embarrassing things these women admitted to doing at work!

1. She thought a colleague was flirting. Spoiler alert: he wasn't.

Viktoria Slowikowska

"I was new to my role and attending a networking event out of state, lobbying for the first time. I thought one of the commissioners was flirting with me, so I stupidly considered leveraging that. I even gave him my hotel card, but he never came," one user said.

2. She spilled hundreds of hardware pieces down a hill.

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"It was my first day with a new theater company as their master carpenter. Our shop was multiple buildings away from the theater, and we had to haul our tools and hardware over in shopping carts," a user recalled.

"I tipped over the shopping cart with all the containers of screws, bolts, and so on. Hundreds of little bits of hardware, all down the side of a hill."

3. She accidentally said "love you" to her team.

Edmond Dantès

"I was multitasking on a call and, in the end, when everyone said goodbye, I blurted out, 'Bye, love you!' to the entire team. I was humiliated," another user detailed.

4. She accidentally messaged her own boss about her lackluster raise.

Anna Shvets

"I was working in customer service, and I asked my supervisor for a raise because I was 'error free' and my call time states were pretty good. I had told my coworker (we were both in our early twenties) that I had asked for the raise, too. We were very open about our salaries," remembered one user.

"A couple of weeks later, my supervisor called me over to her cubicle. I sent an IM [instant message] to my coworker and said, 'Supervisor wants to talk to me. Called me over to her desk. I think I got the raise!' Spoiler: I did. It was just like $0.75 an hour or something dumb, but still, I was happy to get a raise," she continued.

"Immediately after, I messaged my coworker again and said something like, 'Yep, I got the raise. It's not as much as I would have liked, but oh well." I sent this to my supervisor and not my coworker. I heard my supervisor laugh and immediately go talk to the manager. I was so embarrassed."

5. She had a bucket of water dumped on her.

cottonbro studio

"Something that happened to me years ago: a woman dropped a bucket of rainwater on my head," revealed a user.

"She wasn't looking down; she meant to do it to one of my coworkers who used to leave trash by her door. She apologized, but still."

6. She fell off her chair (in front of her supervisor).

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"I was working at a park district part-time and I sat at the front desk. One day, I got up to get something from another room. I come back, sit on my chair, and lean back," one user explained.

"I guess I leaned too far back, so I ended up falling on my tailbone. My supervisor was right there. I was like a couple of weeks in, too."

7. She made up her own phonetic alphabet.

Keira Burton

"I was trying to say the phonetic alphabet for a follow-up claim. I had the letter 'Y,' and the only word I could think of was, 'Yam!'" a user said.

"I laugh about it now, and I made the IT guy laugh, so win-win? But I definitely embarrassed myself at the moment."

8. She hit "reply all" while calling someone a jerk.

Mikael Blomkvist

"I hit 'reply all' in an email calling someone out for being a jerk. Ten years later, it's a department inside joke," a final user admitted.

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Bridgerton is known for its romantic storylines, the insane chemistry between its couples, and its beautiful costumes. But it's also known for its needle drops, AKA orchestral covers of iconic rap and pop songs. They bring a contemporary flair to the show but also fit right into a regency ball. After season 3 FINALLY included "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift (not to mention the fact "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull was also there), I have quite a few songs I need to hear in season 4. Let's break 'em down (with spoilers!! You've been warned).

Here are the 10 songs we need to hear in Bridgerton season 4, Netflix!

1. "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams

StillMoving.Net for Netflix

The internet went absolutely crazy over "That's So True" — and posted endless edits of TV characters running during the bridge. So I'm gonna need to see Benedict and Sophie run to one another while this plays in the background, K?

2. "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan

Netflix

Nobody throws a party like the Bridgertons, and nobody creates party music like Chappell Roan. I could totally see this song being added to Bridgerton season 4's music during a big, empowering scene...or during a more upbeat moment in the masquerade ball.

3. "Taste" by Sabrina Carpenter

Gavin Brown/Netflix

"Taste" is all about Sabrina's love — and the other woman in his life. Since Benedict is torn between Sophie and the Woman in Silver, this could be a clever way to play up Sophie's double identity! (I know what you're thinking: What about "Espresso"? Feel free to add multiple Sabrina songs, Netflix).

4. "Love Story" by Taylor Swift

Liam Daniel/Netflix

With the star-crossed-lovers of it all, what could be more fitting than Taylor Swift's "Love Story," which is all about a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance?

5. "Messy" by Lola Young

Gavin Bond/Netflix

Sophie is constantly overworked and used by her step-mother, and "Messy," which essentially talks about the idea of never being good enough, is a perfect fit the moment Sophie doesn't know what to do.

6. "Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson)" by Clean Bandit

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I know, I know. This became one giant meme and can't be taken seriously anymore. But you can't deny this is the PERFECT party song for Bridgerton season 4.

7. "Sailor Song" by Gigi Perez

Liam Daniel/Netflix

This haunting and ethereal song has been on repeat — and I can just hear it playing while Benedict daydreams about Sophie. (Or when they finally have their first kiss 👀).

8. "Champagne Coast" by Blood Orange

Netflix

This is another emotional song that I've been obsessed with. Netflix, it's perfect for any and all montages and flashbacks, just in case you were wondering.

9. "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I love the women of Bridgerton — and when Penelope, Eloise, and Kate inevitably welcome Sophie into the family, this would make the perfect background song.

10. "Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Bridgerton loves a steamy scene...and the people love Addison Rae's "Diet Pepsi." I'll leave it at that.

What's your dream Bridgerton season 4 playlist? Tell us the songs on Instagram!

The wait is officially over – Dunkin’s spring menu just dropped! Starting March 5, you’ll be able to bask in the glory of 2 “highly requested” drinks returning to the lineup (looking at you, Dunkalatte!). There’s also a handful of savory snacks joining the spring roster, and I couldn’t be more excited to try ‘em. Plus, non-dairy milk will no longer cost extra at Dunkin’ starting March 5. Truly a cause for celebration!

Scroll on to see the full Dunkin’ spring menu lineup, which also includes a can’t-miss deal on their breakfast offerings!

2 Fan-Fave Drinks Return To The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Dunkalatte

You read that right – after selling out last fall, the "highly-requested" Dunkalatte has returned to the Dunkin' spring menu! Crafted with rich coffee milk, the latte (that truly tastes like a milkshake) also boasts shots of espresso that make it totally charged with caffeine. Dunkin' called it an "instant sellout," which is all the more reason to give it a try. You'll be able to order this baby iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Pistachio Coffee

Another Dunkin' fan-favorite, the Pistachio Coffee, has also made its return to the spring menu! This nutty coffee flavor first debuted in 2018, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. It's made with a "subtly sweet" pistachio syrup and Dunkin's Original Blend coffee for a satisfying sip. It's also orderable iced or hot.

More Drinks On The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso

This Sabrina Carpenter-approved sip will thankfully stay on the Dunkin' menu. It boasts an icy, shaken mix of "bold" espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk.

Dunkin'

Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher

With notes of raspberry and watermelon, this Refresher is the perfect springtime sipper! You'll have a choice of mixing it with either green tea or lemonade this season.

New Dunkin' Snack Alert!

Dunkin'

Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders

Sound the alarms! There's an all-new breakfast snack on the Dunkin' spring menu this go-around. Featuring King's Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns, these sliders are stacked up with Black Forest ham, honey mustard, and Swiss cheese. There are two sliders per box, so you can easily snack away.

Dunkin' Snacks Returning (For A Limited Time!)

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Sweet Black Pepper Bacon

The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon will also be available at Dunkin' (for a limited time!) this season, available as a Breakfast Sandwich, Wake Up Wrap, or just the plain Snackin’ Bacon.

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Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer

Just when I was missing chicken-filled breakfast options at Dunkin', the Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer returns to the spring menu! Available for a limited time, this flaky pastry is stuffed with chicken, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese.

Don't Miss Out On The $6 Meal Deal

Dunkin'

The greatness of the famed Dunkin' $6 Meal Deal continues! For just $6, this bundle includes a medium (14-ounces) hot or iced coffee, a Sausage, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich, and hash browns. Deal? More like a steal!

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