A Fitness Pro Shares 6 Simple Tips to Appreciate Your Body

Feeling a bit bent out of shape about your body? Hey girl, you’re not alone. Whether you’re suffering from PMS bloat, have felt too busy to exercise thanks to a crazy work schedule, or are having trouble sticking with healthy eating habits, many of us resort to self-shaming when we don’t like what we see. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking can bring you down in a big way, causing you to drift further away from your wellness routine. Emily Jackson — marathon runner, mom of four, and the blogger behind The Ivory Lane (and who recently launched a #GRLPWR Running Guide) — believes that fitness can be a foundation for girls and women to stay encouraged, inspired, and motivated. Jackson recently chatted with us about how to nip insecurities in the bud by turning to a mindset of body appreciation. Ready to rock your own world? Read on for her top tips.

1. Focus on progress you’ve already made. Whether you’re working to drop weight in an effort to be healthier or are hoping to increase your strength in fitness classes, Jackson says reminding yourself how far you’ve come is the name of the game. “If you aren’t constantly pushing your mind in small, positive ways, it will crumble on the days that get overwhelmingly stressful,” she explains. “The best way to stay mentally strong is to focus on your successes and not where you’re falling short.” Jackson reminds us that tearing yourself down can result in low energy — the supply you need to achieve your goals! Recognizing your progress will serve as motivation and help you appreciate your body’s amazing capabilities.

2. Learn to love what you see. “Your eyes are a powerful tool; be grateful for them and use them to view yourself and others in a positive way,” Jackson suggests. “We all have something beautiful to offer, so don’t be afraid to shift your focus or take a step back to gain a new perspective on your life or on others.” Having a down day about the skin you’re in? Challenge yourself to choose just one thing you love — be it your strong shoulders, long limbs, comfy curves, thick hair, or clear skin. We bet you’ll wind up noticing a few awesome attributes.

3. Cut out sources of negativity. Your insecurities might come from things people have said about the way you look or what you can do, or even popular opinions you’ve seen in the media and internalized. It can be easy for even the most confident woman to get caught up in airbrushed photos and bold headlines. To appreciate yourself, learn how to tune negativity out. “There will always be people who like you and others who don’t,” Jackson affirms. “Choose to use your ears to hear and listen to the good while blocking out the bad.” Bye, haters.

4. Put positive words into practice. While practicing kindness might seem like a stretch when it comes to finding a newfound appreciation for your body, Jackson says that learning how to treat yourself like you treat others can be a game changer. “Speak up and use your words to help motivate and inspire. Express your feelings with others; words can inspire and words can destroy, so choose yours well.” Put this into practice by talking about your physical insecurities with trusted friends or a coach, then celebrate your healthy accomplishments by talking about the recent race you ran, PR you set, or healthy meal you learned to cook. Repeat daily affirmations to yourself, and believe in the power of your positive words.

5. Cherish your capabilities. You might feel caught up with what your body looks like or what it struggles with, but a simple mental switch can help you realize what it can do. Not sure where to begin? “Allow yourself to be open to all that life has for you: new opportunities, new friends, new places,” Jackson offers. Appreciate that you’re able to soak it all in, and start there. Next, work to flip an “I have to” into “I’m able to.” Dreading the weekend hike you promised you’d take with your S.O.? Be grateful you can do it. Not feeling motivated for your Bikram yoga class tonight? Cherish your capability to get there and make it through. So empowering!

6. Follow your heart. “The cost of not following your heart is spending the rest of your life wishing you had,” Jackson wisely reminds. “So for both the short and long term, make healthy plans and take time for yourself to prioritize them.” Hold on to your plans and stick with your goals to follow your heart — and your healthy, strong body — where it takes you.

What’s your favorite thing about your body? Share some self-love with us on Twitter @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.

Pixabay

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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Visiting ourU.S. National Parks is a must for every nature and adventure lover — a journey through breathtaking landscapes and amazing experiences with the ones you love (including yourself!). For 2025, National Park Week will be observed from Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 27, and Google Maps can make navigating them worlds easier. Between integrating more detailed instructions to trailheads and sounding off in response to relevant heat warnings, Google Maps features are the travel buddy you never knew you needed. Plan now and get ready to hit the road for an epic park trip. Read on for all of the features here to guide you through every step of the way!

1. View trails from beginning to end on Google Maps

Image via Google Maps

Trails are easier to discover via Maps. When you search for a trail, you’ll see the entire route displayed, so you can easily find the starting point and the end. Upon searching, you’ll get a preview of the trail with reviews and photos from the Google Maps community. You’ll also be able to see the trail’s difficulty as well as what it’s used for.

2. Detailed Google Maps directions bring you straight to the trailhead or park entrance

Photo by Chris Janda

Spare yourself the confusion of whether the trailhead you parked at is the trailhead you’re supposed to be hiking. Now, when you request walking or cycling directions to a particular trail, Google Maps will direct you right to its beginning.

3. Get informed when there's a heat wave warning

Image via cottonbro studio / PEXELS

When you Google search for information on extreme heat events, the engine will show you details on predicted heat waves, tips on staying cool, and any urgent health concerns associated with hot weather. This feature is helpful for exploring National Parks in particular, so you’re not risking your wellbeing for exploration and fun. These warnings will pop up in a conspicuous space on your screen to eliminate confusion.

4. See how the planet evolved over time with Google Earth's update

Image via Google Earth

Immerse yourself in Earth’s transformative nature using the biggest Google Earth update since 2017, Timelapse. The 4D experience takes you from the Amazon rainforest to the palm oil-rich land of Indonesia to shine a light on our changing planet and its problems and solutions, as well as a handful of beautiful natural phenomena that have unfolded over the past decades.

5. Easily view a National Park destination's can't-miss attractions

Image via Google Maps

With a National Park-related search, you’ll now be able to easily view any notable attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trailheads within your desired park.

6. Go properly off the grid with offline Google Maps features

Image via Anna Alexes / PEXELS

Reliable cell coverage isn’t guaranteed in the great outdoors. To help you responsibly explore parks with clarity, Google Maps brings you offline features. Just tap the "download" button on any park’s Google Maps listing to download it for offline use.

Itching to explore more?

Image via Pixabay / PEXELS

Here are the most popular U.S. National Parks, according to Google*:

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  2. Bryce Canyon National Park
  3. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
  4. Kenai Fjords National Park
  5. Rocky Mountain National Park
  6. Acadia National Park
  7. Badlands National Park
  8. Mount Rainier National Park
  9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  10. Grand Teton National Park
  11. Crater Lake National Park
  12. Redwood National and State Parks
  13. Olympic National Park
  14. Haleakalā National Park
  15. White Sands National Park
  16. Arches National Park
  17. Sequoia National Park
  18. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  19. Dry Tortugas National Park
  20. North Cascades National Park
*Determined by National Parks with ratings of 4.5 or higher and more than 1,000 reviews on Google Maps

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Header image via Google Maps

Hair trends come and go, but some of them should remain frozen in time forever. It's not that we think you'll be making a major faux pas, but we want to see you look your best! There are so many cute hairstyles that will suit your face much better than a mullet would, but that's not the only trend you should bury in the sands of time! Here are the outdated hairstyles what you should avoid at home, at the salon, and really anywhere right now.

Scroll to see the 8 outdated hairstyles it's officially time to retire for good!

Brit + Co

1. Deep Side Parts

Coming in at #1 on our "outdated" list are deep side parts. They used to something we admired on everyone from Amy Winehouse to Katy Perry, but now they remind us of the questionable choices we made in our early 20s.

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2. Space Buns

Princess Leia may look great wearing her space buns in the Star Wars franchise, but we think you shouldn't bring them into 2025. The last time someone on our team wore them was between 2018 or 2019, so that should say a lot.

We don't say this often, but let's wear hairstyles that don't revert us back to our grade school days.

Brit + Co

3. Side Braid

Unless you're trying to relive your childhood days or want to mimic Blake Lively's character in It Ends With Us, this outdated hairstyle shouldn't be on your list of favorite looks to wear. There's other braided styles you can wear that are way more stylish anyway!

Brit + Co

4. Super Visible Highlights

Whether you're getting microlinks or a sew-in, wearing super visible highlights in 2025 is truly outdated. It's one thing to switch up your style, but it's another to let the world know how much you love a good contrast by letting your hair scream it from the mountaintops.

Keep your color of choice seamless this year if you decide to get a color service.

Brit + Co

5. '60s Up-Do

There's a time and place for everything, including updos that resemble what was popular during the '60s. If you must wear this style, go for a more modern take that doesn't feel as stiff. You might want to update your bangs too.

Brit + Co

6. Wand Curls

When's the last time you heard someone mention this once popular style? Chances are you haven't because it's a reminder of how long it took to achieve overly done curls. Depending on the size you wanted, you could spend anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour on this style. Oh, and it was mandatory to wear the accompanying glove that came with the 'wand' or else you risked burning your fingers!

No thank you!

Brit + Co

7. Barbie Bleach

Remember when it was a cardinal sin to show up to the beach without "effortlessly wavy" hair? It seems more people are moving away from that and embracing 'messy' buns and the beauty of textured hair. It's one thing if you hair naturally looks like this, but it's another if you try to make your hair conform to this style just because it's "on trend."

Newsflash: you don't have to force your hair to do something it doesn't want to! (And not everyone has to look like Serena van der Woodsen!)

Brit + Co

8. Millennial Pouf

Oof, how can we forget the millennial pouf? This was one of our go-to hairstyles that we swore we'd always wear. Little did we know how much we'd avoid it once we graduated from college.

It's not the most annoying style, but we're throwing this one in the "outdated" bag so we can't even pretend we're going to start wearing it again.

Want to know what else is "outdated?" Revisit the nail trends you shouldn't be wearing in 2025!

Some desserts are timeless classics (looking at you, cookies and brownies), while others have truly faded into nostalgia territory. From over-the-top gelatin molds to fruity treats that peaked decades ago, certain sweets just don’t have the same appeal they once did.

If you’ve ever wondered which desserts are clinging to the past (and which ones you should definitely reconsider making in today's age), it’s time to take a deliciously nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Scroll on for 8 "old school" desserts that have lost their sweet charm.

مآمثلي آحد / PEXELS

1. Baked Alaska

This extravagant dessert featuring ice cream encased in cake and meringue was once a total showstopper at fine dining establishments. However, its complexity along with the rise of simpler, more modern frozen desserts has led it to fade from the dessert zeitgeist. It’s also quite tricky to prepare at home yourself, requiring careful timing and a quick broil – all without melting the ice cream inside.

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2. Ambrosia

Ambrosia was a true staple of mid-century American potlucks. It’s essentially a fruit salad mixed with canned mandarin oranges, pineapples, marshmallows, and coconut, often held together with whipped cream or (shudders) mayonnaise. It has fallen out of favor due to its heavy reliance on processed ingredients and a shift toward fresher, less-sugary desserts.

Betty Crocker

3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Oh, so retro! This buttery cake prepped with caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top was wildly popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, but isn’t too hot anymore since most dessert recipes these days tend to rely on less-processed, canned ingredients. At least it looks cool!

Allrecipes

4. Jell-O Salad

As another mid-century favorite, Jell-O salad combined flavored gelatin with a mix of fruits, marshmallows, and sometimes even vegetables like shredded carrots or olives (what the?!). Once an undeniable go-to for dinner parties and church potlucks, it’s now really seen as an oddity due to its artificial flavors, wobbly texture, and unconventional ingredient pairings.

Billie Lentz / Dupe

5. Chess Pie

Chess Pie is a simple (and very sweet) Southern dessert made from eggs, sugar, butter, and vinegar or lemon juice. It also boasts a rich, custard-like filling! While it still has a niche following, it has been overshadowed by trendier, more visually appealing pies like salted caramel or chocolate silk.

Felicity Tai / PEXELS

6. Fruit Cake

There was once a time where you couldn’t go wrong with fruit cake. This holiday staple, oftentimes packed with candied fruits and nuts, has earned a reputation for being overly-dense and cloyingly sweet. It’s also commonly mocked for its long shelf life and dry texture, making it more of a novelty than an actual dessert.

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7. Watergate Salad

A wacky creation of the 1970s, this pastel-green dessert featured pistachio pudding mix, Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and nuts. Though it was once pretty trendy for the times, its artificial flavors and processed ingredients make it feel super outdated in today’s era of more natural, whole-food desserts.

Markus Spiske / PEXELS

8. Rice Pudding

You don’t see this one too much anymore. While rice pudding was once pretty common, it has become eclipsed by trendier desserts like crème brûlée or mousse. Its soft, slightly mushy texture and simple ingredients may feel too plain for modern dessert lovers seeking more complex flavors and textures.

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Nothing welcomes in warmer weather like a spring wedding guest dress! Their light, airy, and ethereal styles give way to the whimsy and optimism of the season — and TBH I'm looking for any excuse to wear these dresses to wedding after wedding. So while I wait for your invitation, here are all the adorable spring wedding guest dresses I'm adding to my cart this year!

Scroll to see our favorite spring wedding guest dresses for 2025!

Mac Duggal

Multicolor Strapless Brocade Floral Gown With Ruffle Hem

This gorgeous little number just is spring, from the dainty bright colors to the beautiful flower detailing. Plus, the warmer weather is perfect for showing a little shoulder! This is definitely my favorite of the bunch.

Lulus

Nadra Light Blue Satin Jacquard One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

I've been obsessed with jacquard lately, and it works so well with this powder blue. The balance of the one shoulder and the side slit on either side of the dress adds the perfect symmetry to what may be considered asymmetrical look, too!

Anthropologie

BHLDN Selma Halter-Neck Satin Maxi Dress

Big fan of How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days? This is the dress for you. Plus, Timothée Chalamet reminded us how amazing butter yellow still looks on the Oscars red carpet this year!

Nordstrom

After Six Pleated Cap Sleeve Charmeuse Gown

Speaking of the Oscars red carpet, Andrew Garfield made brown look effortlessly chic on the carpet this year. (Am I taking my spring wedding guest dress inspiration from two guys? Yep — inspiration can come from anywhere, y'all!)

Anthropologie

BHLDN Tessa Halter V-Neck High-Shine Satin Maxi Dress

Sage green is seriously the perfect color for a spring soirée! I love the lily details down the front of the dress, and the satin fabric just looks so light and chic.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Twisted Shoulder Maxi Dress

Ever since I saw Meg in Hercules, I knew I wanted the perfect slouchy Greek-inspired dress. This Banana Republic maxi dress is giving all that and then some!

Mac Duggal

Mac Duggal Black Crepe Sleeveless Beaded V Neck Gown With Bow

I know black doesn't exactly exude spring, but I think the floral, beaded embellishments really take this dress there. As a New Yorker, I basically wear black all the time, so it's nice to have an option that actually suits the season!

Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell Foiled Trumpet Gown

Okay, you may think, "Hm...this is basically the butter yellow dress you dropped in above," but you would be wrong. The foiled pattern on this dress add a unique elegance to the look that definitely differentiates it from the other gown. Plus, a halter top is so springy — I can't help but have more than one in this roundup!

Lulus

Lulus Gemmi Light Blue Satin Jacquard Drop Waist Maxi Dress

Drop waist dresses are EVERYTHING right now. So pairing that with the light blue jacquard I already love so much? Yeah, you've got a real winner with this gown.

Anthropologie

V. Chapman Vera Ruffle-Strap Corset Side-Slit Midi Dress

Corsets are still very much in right now. I love how dainty and delicate this dress looks, while still being a darker navy blue. Again, it's giving a great option for the girlies who don't exactly love a spring pastel, but still wanna adopt a lighter feel to their look!

Abercrombie

The A&F Giselle Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

Butter yellow + a drop waist + a strapless neckline? That's a recipe for elegance you just can't pass up! I can totally picture dancing the night away in this stunning pleated skirt!

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