How to Stay Mindful During Every Stage of the Work Day

Ashley Macey
Nov 07, 2017

While we love the idea of incorporating mindfulness into our workday, finding the time to squeeze in a 15-minute meditation between stressful staff meetings and our mounting to-do list can seem downright impossible. Founder and owner of Strala Yoga Tara Stiles saw this as a huge roadblock — while busy bosses want to practice mindfulness, we can’t expect them to allocate huge blocks of time during office hours to meditate. So to help alleviate this problem, Stiles partnered with Lipton and the release of their new herbal supplement teas to create an easy guide of five-minute yoga and wellness sessions that are tailor-made for three specific times during the work day.

1. As Soon As You Arrive at the Office: As soon as we get to work, our minds automatically go into frantic mode — we instantly want to catch up on all of our emails, start setting up our daily tasks, and get our day started productively. But instead of rushing into our work as soon as we plop in our office chair, Stiles suggests doing a short four- to six-minute meditation to help set yourself up for success throughout the work day.

“Sit at your desk or another quiet spot,” Stiles says. “Stretch a little side to side and sit however you want — as long as you feel comfy. Close your eyes and turn your attention to your breath. Observe your inhales and exhales as they come and go. If you notice yourself thinking, that’s okay — just draw your attention back to your breath. Do this for a few moments, relaxing into your breath. Now start to take a mental account of everything you’re grateful for in your life. Your list can be long or short; it’s up to you (though it may be longer than you think!). After you’ve finished, come back to your breath for a few moments. When you’re ready, gently open your eyes and proceed with your workday.”

2. On Your Lunch Break: After half a day of work, it’s finally time to grab yourself some nosh and take a breather. But before you bust out your phone for a scroll through Instagram, Stiles suggests doing an easy yoga move to help reset your body and keep you focused. “One yoga pose will help get your mind focused and your whole body moving along with your breath: The Standing Twist. It takes just a few minutes — it can even be done while your Lipton Detox Herbal Supplement ($4) is steeping,” she advises. “Start by standing. Shift your weight onto your right leg. Hug your left shin into your chest. Take a big inhale and lift up. Exhale and twist a bit more toward your left. Hang here for a few long, deep breaths, and then repeat on the other side.”

3. As You Leave the Office: If you’ve had a stressful day on the job, the last thing you want to do is to take that stress with you when you leave. “Walking meditation is a great way to soothe your tummy and reduce stress. You can do this on your way home from work, on the train, or even on the way to the conference room,” Stiles says. “As you walk, focus on your breath. Watch your inhales and exhales as they come and go. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. Start to lengthen and deepen your inhales and exhales as you go, leaving a little pause at the top and bottom of each inhale and exhale. Make this a daily exercise to cement the habit, and enjoy the benefits!”

How do you practice mindfulness at your day job? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

(Photos via Lipton)

8 Women Share Their Most Cringey Stories That Are Wildly Relatable

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.

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"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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Whoa, Millie Bobby Brown Just Revealed Her Real Name

It’s pretty common for celebrities to go by a stage name or a different moniker entirely when they’re trying to break into showbiz. Take musicians for example. Before the world knew her as Rihanna, everyone in her life simply knew as Robyn Rihanna Fenty. And the same goes for actors as well. Did you know that The Office alum Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam?(Yeah, I was today years old when I learned that.) Even certain members of the British royal family have chosen not to go by their first name, given their high profile status. What if I told you Kate Middleton’s full name is Catherine Elizabeth Middleton? I know right, shocker!

Keep reading to learn more about the 22 celebrities who don’t actually go by their real name — and the reason why.

1. Emma Stone

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Real Name: Emily Jean Stone

Back when Easy A alum Emma Stone was trying to break into the industry as an actress, she chose to go by a different name because there was already a person with the same moniker in the SAG.

So, in a 2017 interview with W Magazine, the Poor Things star shared that she wanted to go by Emily J. Stone, but decided against it. “So to ask a 16-year-old to pick a new name is really an interesting process, because I was like, ‘I’m going to be Riley’... And so my name was Riley Stone for about six months,” she told the publication at the time. “I changed it to Emma because you know it’s closer to Emily, but most people call me ‘M,’ that know me well.” Honestly, I think you could've pulled off the J, Emma.

2. Lady Gaga

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Real Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

Turns out, the Bad Romance singer wasn’t gaga for her real name when she decided to break into Hollywood. Before entering the music industry, Germanotta chose her stage name “Lady Gaga” after she was apparently inspired by the 1984 Queen single “Radio Gaga.” Huh, who would’ve thought?

3. The Weeknd

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Real Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye

Years before the world knew him as “The Weeknd,” Tesfaye chose his professional name when he left home at a young age. During a Reddit Ask Me Anything segment, the singer revealed, "I left home when I was about 17 dropped out of high school and convinced [my friend] Lamar to do the same.”

He continued, “We grabbed our mattresses from our parents threw it in our friends sh—ty van and left one weekend and never came back home. It was gonna be the title of HOB [House of Balloons]. I hated my name at the time though so I tried it as a stage name. It sounded cool. I took out the “e” because there was already a Canadian band named the weekend (copyright issues).”

4. Gigi Hadid

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Real Name: Jelena Hadid

In case you didn’t know, the proud mom went by “Gigi” early on in her childhood. (FYI: Gigi was also her mom’s childhood nickname too.) But in a 2015 interview with Vogue, Hadid shared that everyone started calling her “Gigi” once she started grad school.

“In first or second grade, there was a girl named Helena and it got confusing with the teacher who had to call out our names, and so the teacher asked my mom, ‘If I needed to call Jelena a nickname, what would it be?’ And my mom was like, ‘I call her Gigi sometimes,’ and the name stuck,” the supermodel explained at the time.

5. Millie Bobby Brown

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Real Name: Millie Bonnie Brown (Bongiovi ;))

Millie Bobby Brown revealed in a The Electric State interview that her name is actually Millie Bonnie Brown, and that she created the stage name for "sh—ts and giggles."

"It's not Bobby," she says. "It's Millie Bonnie Brown...I've never told anyone that."

6. Brad Pitt

Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images

Real Name: William Bradley Pitt

Apparently, Brad Pitt is another celebrity who likes going by his middle name. But, according to Page Six, the longtime actor actually prefers introducing himself by his first name when he’s flirting with women.

7. Marilyn Monroe

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Real Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson

We're throwing it back with this celebrity name! Fun fact: Mortenson took the name Dougherty after her first marriage. But how did she come up with the name we're all so familiar with? Per Time, the beloved actress chose to say goodbye to her last name after a 20th Century Fox studio executive thought that there would be too many mispronunciations with her last name. So, she decided to drop her last name in exchange for her mom’s maiden name: Monroe. In addition, the exec gave her the name “Marilyn” because she reminded him of a 1920s Broadway star named Marilyn Miller.

8. Natalie Portman

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Real Name: Neta-Lee Hershlag

Originally, Portman was given a traditional Hebrew name before immigrating to the United States in 1984, where her family changed their surname to Portman. Then, the actress’s first name, Neta-Lee (which was her maternal grandmother’s maiden name) later became Natalie.

9. ​Cardi B

Catherine Powell/Getty Images for MTV

Real Name: Belcalis Almanzar

Though everyone knows her as Cardi B, her diehard fans can attest to the fact she was given a different name at birth. Born Belcalis Almanzar, her stage name is actually short for Bacardi (you know, like the rum). While appearing on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper shared the origin of her pseudonym.

“My sister's name is Hennessy,” the rapper told Fallon. “So everyone used to call me Bacardi, and I started calling myself Bacardi, which eventually was shortened to Cardi B.”

10. Chloe Bennet

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Real Name: Chloe Wong

While promoting her new show Interior Chinatown, Chloe Bennet sat down with Brit + Co and shared why she felt the need to go by a different name than what she was given at birth, which is Chloe Wong. “Early on in my career, my mixed race seemed to be so much more of a thing than I ever understood it as growing up,” the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D alum explained. “I come from a very diverse household and my dad is Chinese. I think I felt more Chinese than what the world perceived me as and that was a weird concept for me.”

The 32-year-old actress went on to share how she changed her surname to Bennet (aka her father’s name) on her resume and she started booking more roles. “I am still not Chloe Bennet. I am Chloe Wong,” she says in the interview.

11. Kit Harington

Amy Sussman/Getty Images for AFI

Real Name: Christopher Catesby Harington

Many of us are taught how to pronounce our given name from a very young age. But for Kit Harington, the Game of Thrones star wasn’t told his first name until he was 11 years old. In a 2014 interview with Glamour, the British actor explained how his parents refrained from telling his real name because “they could see that I wanted to be Kit, but Christopher was a bit of a tradition.”

He continued, "My brother’s name is Jack, but his real name is John. Kit is traditionally an offshoot of Christopher, it’s just not used that often. My middle name is Catesby.”

12. ​Jamie Foxx

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Real Name: Eric Marlon Bishop

Did you know Eric Marlon Bishop chose his stage name “Jamie Foxx” when he first started doing stand up? Back in 2015, Foxx sat down with David Letterman and explained how he tried aiming for a “unisex name” when it came time for him to choose a professional alias.

“I noticed that like 1,000 guys showed up and only three girls, but the three girls would always get a spot,” the singer and actor revealed when recounting the time he signed up for a slot in the standup lineup. “So I went to the list and wrote down a unisex name…Jamie Foxx.” And it looks like the name just stuck.

13. ​Lana Del Ray

Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Real Name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

Until the age of 25, Lizzy (aka Elizabeth) Grant reinvented herself and took on a new name when she tried breaking into the music biz—and that’s how Lana Del Rey came to be. According to The Guardian, she not only changed her name, but her entire persona and image. #Iconic

​14. Bruno Mars

Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive

Real Name: Peter Gene Hernandez

Before he caught a grenade for us, the Finesse singer was called Bruno by his family because, when he was a baby, he resembled the professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino. But when it came to his last name, the Hawaiian-born musician thought it would be best to drop it and adopt the Mars surname. “Your last name’s Hernandez, maybe you should do this Latin music, this Spanish music...Enrique's so hot right now,” he jokes in a 2013 interview with GQ.

​15. Demi Moore

Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount+

Real Name: Demetria Guynes

Long before she starred in The Substance, the longtime actress (born Demetria Guynes) tied the knot with rock star Freddy Moore at the age of 17 and took his last name. Though the marriage ended after four-and-a-half years, she’s been known as Demi Moore ever since.

16. ​John Legend

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Real Name: John Roger Stephens

Tonight’s the night that…you’re going to learn how John Legend got his stage name! In a 2008 interview with MTV News (via People), the EGOT winner shared the story behind how he came up with his professional name. “John Legend is a nickname that some friends started calling me, and it kind of grew into my stage name,” he said at the time. “‘Legend’ is something that I never would have chosen for myself originally. It grew to the point where more people in my circle would know me by that name than by my real name.”

17. Miley Cyrus

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Real Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus

Don’t worry, Destiny Hope Cyrus can buy herself flowers! As it turns out, the Grammy-award winner’s stage name dates back to her childhood, when her family would call her “Smiley,” which ultimately turned into “Miley.” And the rest is history.

18. Halsey

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Real Name: Ashley Frangipane

Turns out, Halsey’s stage name is not anagram of her first name, Ashley. Back in 2015, the singer sat down with VEVO and revealed that she was inspired by Halsey Street in Brooklyn, where she would spend weekends making music with her friend.

19. Meg Ryan

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Real Name: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra

Apparently "Meg Ryan Fall" isn't a totally accurate moniker because Meg's real name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra! Meg is a common nickname for Margaret, but she got Ryan from her maternal grandmother's maiden name.

20. Nina Dobrev

Francois Durand/Getty Images

Real Name: Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva

Originally born Nikolina in Bulgaria, our favorite Vampire Diaries star (and recent fiancée!) adopted "Nina" for her stage name because she reportedly figured it would be easier for fans to remember.

21. Reese Witherspoon

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Real Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon

Speaking of Jeane's, did you know Reese Witherspoon's name is actually Laura Jeanne? Yup, according to Vogue, the Legally Blonde star took on her mom’s maiden name early on in her career and the moniker Reese Witherspoon was born. It's also why she only calls Big Little Lies costar Laura Dern "Dern."

22. ​Lucy Hale

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

Real Name: Karen Lucille Hale

Lucy Hale has a secret…her full name is Karen Lucille Hale. As it turns out, the Pretty Little Liarsalum decided to ditch her first name and go by the nickname of her middle name: Lucy.

23. Meghan Markle

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Real Name: Rachel Meghan Markle

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Markle simply went by her first name: Rachel. But now, she goes by her middle name professionally. Markle is rarely addressed by her first name in public. However, an exception was made in 2018 when The Sun reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II blessed Markle’s marriage with now husband Prince Harry and addressed the duchess by her full name.

Which celebrity surprised you the most on this list? Are there any celebrities that we might’ve missed? Let us know on Instagram and read up on the latest celebrity news on Brit + Co!

This post has been updated.

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8 Zodiac Signs Most Likely To Succeed At Work (& Make Major Money)

The business world is more competitive today than ever. From higher education to greater experience requirements and major technological advancements, the fight to climb the corporate ladder at work has never been more cutthroat.

Even so, certain zodiac signs are naturally equipped to rise above the rest. Whether due to strategic thinking or unwavering determination, here are the eight zodiac signs most likely to succeed in business.

Scroll to find out which zodiac signs are the most likely to success at work!

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1. Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos are natural-born leaders who always make their presence known. They're able to effortlessly command attention with their charisma, creativity, and confidence, and they absolutely love being in the spotlight.

But they don't just draw people in because of their drive for achievement and recognition. They also inspire and motivate those around them to be better, which is why Leos are prime candidates for leadership positions like CEOs or entrepreneurs.

Polina Zimmerman

2. Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

This sign is typically practical, goal-oriented, and disciplined. Capricorns don't believe in cutting corners or doing things halfway. Instead, they commit to all projects fully, and their work ethic is unmatched.

That's what sets Capricorns apart in the business world. They're able to plan strategically and keep long-term goals in mind. Their reliability and determination make them excellent entrepreneurs, company execs, and business partners.

Polina Tankilevitch

3. Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Aries are trailblazers with a natural ability to lead. The fact that they're always ready for a challenge, coupled with their bold energy, helps them thrive in competitive environments.

This sign isn't afraid to make decisions that push them out of their comfort zones, either. They understand that taking risks can lead to big rewards in the future. Such fearlessness and confidence are invaluable in the business world.

Anna Nekrashevich

4. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Scorpios are able to focus, strategize, and push through any obstacles in their way. This sign is also able to read people, which is critical when it comes to making decisions and striking deals in business.

They're great at negotiating and building relationships, so Scorpios can hold their own in high-pressure environments.

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5. Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgos are known for their sharp minds and practical approach to work. They have an eye for detail and a strategic way of tackling tasks, making sure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Plus, they can break down complex problems and find solutions, which is a daily chore in business. Virgos do best in environments that are organized and structured, which allows their productivity and precision to shine.

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6. Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Sagittarians may be known for their adventurous spirits and willingness to take risks. While these traits may sometimes give the sign a bad rap, they can still be very helpful in business.

That's because Sagittarians are always on the lookout for new opportunities, ranging from their personal lives to business and investments. They have the courage to step outside their comfort zones, thanks to their optimism and embrace of the unknown.

ANTONI SHKRABA production

7. Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Tauruses love stability and getting to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Given that this sign is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and abundance, they are drawn to wealth and luxury. But that doesn't make them haphazard business people.

Rather, Tauruses are practical and know how to make savvy financial decisions that set them up for long-term success. They're patient, too, so they tend to stay the course and follow their goals until completion.

Tiger Lily

8. Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Last but certainly not least is Aquarius. This sign's forward-thinking and creativity often help them find success in unexpected ways.

They're able to spot opportunities that other people might overlook, especially in fields like technology and humanitarian work. Their strength lies in their ability to think differently, challenge the status quo, and embrace new ideas.

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Yikes! Apparently Jennifer Lopez Is “Furious” About Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner Being So Close

As rumors about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner continue to swirl, Jennifer Lopez is apparently "furious." Sources spoke to Page Sixabout the "Lets Get Loud" singer's true feelings on this potential rekindling, and they're...not great. Here's what the rom-com queen reportedly feels about it all — plus, what's next for her, Ben or no Ben!

Scroll to find out how Jennifer Lopezreally feels about Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner right now...

According to Page Six, Jennifer Lopez is "not happy with constantly seeing photos" of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck together lately. The source explained that the photos are like “salt in the wound," and that she's honestly "furious" about them.

The source elaborated that the whole situation is “completely messing with her head” — and like, I get it! If My ex who split up with me went back to his other ex who he was with for over a decade, I would have all the feelings...and then some! Especially if I felt like we were "The Greatest Love Story Never Told."

These comments come after Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were spotted out together during a family paintball outing. While they've spent plenty of time together since the holiday season, this week the rumors that they may rekindle continue to pick up even more speed.

Still, another source told Page Six, “I doubt she has even seen these stories as she is consumed with the film. She has been fully concentrating on her life, her growth, and her happiness.”

Right now, Jennifer Lopez is working on an upcoming Netflix rom-com, Office Romance. Jenny from the Block is starring alongside Brett Goldstein in this exciting new movie, and TBH it makes sense that she'd channel all her energy into her work. This Leo has got to shine!

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14 Books Like 'Severance' To Read For Even More Electrifying Twists

Severanceturns office culture on its head with it's eery sci-fi vibes, but I can't stop watching it. With only a few episodes left, I've been searching for similar books to read because I need more tales of looming conspiracy theories. It's the one thing that's keep me from doomscrolling so I'll gladly take fictionalized depictions of wild occurrences at the moment. Not to mention it's just fun reading different authors' ideas of secretive policies gone wrong and their effects on the people they're designed to keep in line.

Sounds like fun, right?

Here's the best books like Severance that are full of mind-bending conspiracy theories

Amazon

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Editorial assistant Nella Rogers has been longing to see a familiar face at Wagner Books because she's the only Black girl there. When she's not feeling lonely, she tries to ignore the sweeping passive-aggressive comments she often hears. In her mind, all her frustration would be erased if she had another black girl to relate to. Surprisingly, Nella's wish comes true when Hazel joins the Wagner Books team and they strike up a fun friendship.
But just as soon as Nella gets comfortable, Hazel becomes the new token girl and overshadows her. While trying to stomach that, Nella soon starts to receive threatening messages that make her fearful. Is her life in danger or is it all in Nella's head?

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The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami

Sara's been looking forward to going back home, but her anticipating is cut short when she's intercepted by the Risk Assessment Administration. According to them, she's on their watch list because her dreams alerted them of a future crime she'll be at the center at. To make sure she's not a real threat, they inform her she'll be watched for a little less than a month and then she'll be released.
Left with no other choice, Sara joins other women who have are begin held and she finds it odd how many of them haven't done anything wrong yet. What's worse is that the retention center keeps changing its policies which leaves the women imprisoned longer than they were led to believe. Their only hope? A rogue resident who's not afraid to ask questions and cause mayhem.

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I Who Have Never Known Menby Jacqueline Harpman

Similar to The Dream Hotel, I Who Have Never Known Men focuses on more imprisoned women. But this time the women are housed in an underground cage with no recollection of what's going on. It seems they're all suffering from the same case of amnesia and aren't even aware of the days or months. While the other women accept their conditions and try to adjust to them, one young prisoner isolates herself from them. They don't know it yet, but she'll be the one to free them all.

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Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter

Cassie's role at a Silicon Valley start-up company is one she's come to dread. It's a cyclical incubus of overtime, supervisors without boundaries, and tasks she'd rather not do. Also, she's noticed that some of her other other colleagues' burnout causes them to commit suicide as they succumb to the weight of always be "on" for their jobs. The only thing that seems to keep Cassie company is an internal void that seems to feed off her emotions.
Between her unplanned pregnancy and harmful work environment, she'll have to decide if chasing the glittering promise of success is more important than her sanity.

Amazon

Tokyo Doesn't Love Us Anymore by Ray Loriga

In the future lives a drug dealer who specializes in things that erases his clients' memories. The company he works for knows that people are caught up in the throes of capitalism and leans on the expectation they'd liked to eventual forget the harsh world around them. As for the dealer, he moves aimlessly from country to country and engages in fruitless encounters with people he doesn't care about. Though he uses humor to as self-deflection, readers will be able to see the stark reality he lives in by the end of the books.

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All Her Secrets by Wanda M. Morris

Ellice Littlejohn is a hotshot attorney in Atlanta who's earned her place in the law world. She even enjoys a friends-with-benefits situation with her supervisor, but that changes when he's found murdered in his office. Instead of attaching herself to the situation, she decides to fade into the background because her previous life would complicate things for her.

Miraculously, she receives a promotion that puts her in her former supervisor's shoes and it unnerves her. From discovering illegal deals to facing the biggest conspiracy theory of her career, Ellice will be forced to make decisions that have intense consequences.

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Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Jason Dessen awakens after a stranger asks him a pivotal question about his life, but he can't remember what happened right before that. All he knows is that he's being observed by people in hazmat suits who seem to know more about him than he does.
It doesn't take long for Jason to understand the life he had before seemingly doesn't exist where he is now. That he's somehow not the man he remembers himself being. Now he's left to uncover if he's still dreaming or if this reality is one he created.

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Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke

Gerald's mind is now attached to his PR firm's Slack channels which has somehow made him more productive than before. This comes at the time where employees are allowed to work remotely which makes some of his co-workers believe he's taking advantage of his job. For Gerald, this is alarming because he doesn't know how to get back to his body.

From a major PR disaster to the reality something's off in the office, Several People Are Typing explores a different side of hybrid and work-from-home life.

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The Circle by Dave Eggers

Mae Holland's just been hired by the Circle and feels thrilled because it's one of the most prominent internet companies. It works to create a continuous link between users emails and the rest of their lives so they don't have to assume different identities on the world wide web.

Having access to this modern company makes Mae feel like she's made it so she willingly partakes in the perks her job offers. From company parties to cute clubs, what could go wrong?

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Company by Max Barry

New hire Stephen Jones has just started his job at Zephyr Holdings and willingly accepts his place as another worker in the grand company. However things look from the outside isn't how they are behind closed doors because everyone from the receptionist to the sales reps partake in unusual behavior. Plus, the CEO still hasn't made an appearance. For Jones, this seems like an absurd reality that's hard to escape from.
But, what will he discover the longer he remains employed at Zephyr Holdings?

Amazon

Jennifer Government by Max Barry

Does author Max Barry know something we don't? Based on Jennifer Government, it seems like he does because he highlights the effects of having a private government.
Readers will learn what happens when employees take the last name of the job they're employed at which chains them to it like never before. However Merchandising Officer Hack Nike is put in an odd situation where he has to take lives in order to bolster interest in expensive sneakers. He doesn't realize this, but he's sealed his fate when Jennifer Government notices him.
Facing her own problems, she's sure he's the perfect mark that'll place her in the position she covets the most.

Amazon

#FashionVictimby Amina Akhtar

Anya St. Clair's a fashion editor who's crafting a life anyone would kill to have. She may know a thing or two about that because she's left several people behind in order to position herself to have success. The only person standing in her way now is Sarah Taft, the person Anya wishes she could naturally be.

The only way she'll be able to solve her problem is by pretending to be Sarah's friend and going in for the kill when the latter least expects it.

Amazon

Happy For You by Claire Stanford

Evelyn Kominsky Humamoto knows she should be excited about getting married soon, but all she can do is worry about her future contribution to the world. She doesn't even know if she's ready to embrace family life, but everyone around her seems fulfilled with the choices they're making.

Deciding to place her academic focuses on the back burner, Evelyn lands a job at an internet company that's developing a happiness app. But it's clear she struggles to fit in with Silicon Valley's bros or the demographic social media praises the most.

Just when she's at her wits' end, an interesting situation pushes her to decide what being happy looks like for her.

Amazon

Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby

When the staff of company crash land on an island amidst a well-deserved celebration, strange things begin to occur. It's not that the island is destitute because it's not. It's the perfect form of paradise and includes amenities that keep them satisfied.

However, chief emotional manager Kristen is having a hard time trying to stabilize her co-workers' emotions as they realize they're truly cut off from the world. Though she's usually great at her job, this remote island with it's glossy technology may prove to be deadlier than she and her co-workers imagined.

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