It feels like every conversation I have these days involves a complaint about the sun setting super early. It’s me – I’m complaining.
I’m a notorious summer girl, so when daylight savings hit this fall, it literally felt like my energy (and general sense of self) was entirely depleted. I’m truly no stranger to the feeling. As someone with a genetic predisposition to depression, I’ve become familiar with the more intense seasonal depression (AKA seasonal affect disorder, or SAD) that sets in once the sun dips around 4pm, nights get longer, and temperatures get ridiculously colder.
An estimated 10 million Americans experience SAD. Plus, women are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than men. SAD can generally manifest in symptoms like having little to no energy for daily tasks, lost motivation for work or hobbies, trouble sleeping (and waking up), and weight gain.
Seasonal depression does not feel good – it’s impacted my relationships, quality of work, and physique – so this year, I decided to do something about it. As opposed to years prior, I came into ‘winter blues’ season with an intention to better my mindset, mental health, and physical wellbeing.
Meredith Holser
My seasonal depression is definitely perpetuated by my work setup – I work remotely full-time, which means a big chunk of my days are spent inside in isolation.
Knowing that being in nature can soothe the tension caused by not only locking in on work tasks for hours at a time, but sitting in the same place for just as long, I’ve been prioritizing getting outside for at least 20 minutes a day. Even just sipping in a breath of fresh air can provide a nice restart to a not-so-great day.
Whether it’s going for a walk, coffee run, or to let your dog out, getting outside for a change of scenery can absolutely improve your mental health.
Meredith Holser
I’m lucky to have found a combination of workouts that feel good to my body and mind. Climbing, hot yoga, and outdoor walks have truly kept me sane this far in the season!
Exercising (of any kind) releases dopamine and serotonin, which arecommonly linked to treating depression. It can also improve neuroplasticity, learning, and memory in the long-term, which, to me, sounds like a win-win for everyone.
The key for committing to an exercise routine in the depths of seasonal depression (and beyond) is only engaging in workouts that bring you joy – exercise should not serve as punishment, nor does it have to be painful.
Meredith Holser
This one is huge. I could talk for hours – heck, even days – about how hurtful social media can be for my mental health. To make a long story short, social media (Instagram in particular) degrades my attention span, sense of reality, and self-confidence.
There was a period of time where I had screen time limits on apps like Instagram and TikTok, but I would override them 99% of the time. Now, I'm making an actual conscious effort to delete the apps off my phone entirely when I feel the doomscrolling has gone too far. It’s helped so much: I don’t feel a constant sense of FOMO (which is a massive challenge when 69% of adults use social media), pressure to buy unnecessary things, or distracted from the present moment.
Of course, I’ll still download the apps every once in a while to check in – there’s a delicate balance between wanting to feel simultaneously connected and disconnected – but the biggest part of this is maintaining the boundaries I set for myself.
If you feel like deleting social media apps cold-turkey isn’t quite the step you need to take at the moment, I suggest making use of screen time limits and sticking to them, so you can live and be present in your (real) life!
Meredith Holser
As I mentioned, working from home is quite isolating. I know many of my friends feel isolated this time of year, even if they work in-person jobs. I don't have any family members that live very close to me, so my besties have truly become my chosen family.
Speaking from experience, having a friend group (or even just a golden best friend) to turn to in those quiet moments after the workday is the ultimate cure for loneliness, boredom, and depression. In fact,studies like this onehave shown that a positive sense of community is associated with reduced reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
So, gather your pals for a movie, craft night, potluck, or even just time to rot on the couch together. A lot of times, your friends may be feeling the exact same way you are.
Meredith Holser
Winter time is comfort👏 food👏 central👏, so there’s no excuse to not whip up a delectable soup or casserole fit for the season. Seasonal depression most certainly takes a toll on my executive function, though, so finding (or rather, making) the time and motivation to cook something for myself can be rough. Don’t even get me started on going to the grocery store.
That’s why I like to turn to recipes that yield big ol’ batches of food, so I can eat on leftovers for a week or so rather than cook something new every single day. Bonus points if the dish is healthy! Maybe the meal preppers are onto something…
You can find tons of delicious, easy, healthy, meal prep-friendly recipes here!
Meredith Holser
As important as eating healthy is, it doesn’t mean much if you’re not hydrated. Drinking adequate amounts of water every day simply sets me right – I notice I have so much more energy than the days my water bottle’s not tied to my hip.
Experts recommend that women drink roughly 11 cups of water daily in order to benefit the body, from your immune system to your mood. I’ve been making the ritual even more enjoyable with a fun water bottle, customized with stickers and all.
Meredith Holser
Journaling can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility, as well as encourage self-awareness and resilience against the daily grind, which is why I aim to commit a tiny slice of my day to writing (or drawing). Even if there’s nothing “bad” or dramatic going on in my life, journaling about the mundane is super helpful in simply getting to know myself.
To incorporate journaling into your routine, I suggest writing right before bed, right before you wake up, or on a quick break during the day. Even just 5 minutes alone with your thoughts and your pen can transform your mindset.
You can find some really helpful journal prompts for improving your mental health here!
Meredith Holser
Seeing a therapist on a regular basis has been a huge game-changer for me. When I started to go several years ago, I denounced therapy as a whole, but I started to really love it after a few months worth of sessions.
A good therapist can help you manage depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles, plus provide effective methods for self regulation, self awareness, communication, problem solving, and a whole lot more.
I’ve found my favorite part about therapy is having a third party to talk to about certain situations in my life – it’s been super beneficial when I want to talk through things I can’t (or don't necessarily want to) tell my close friends or family. Seeing a therapist regularly also helps me keep myself in check in terms of life, mental health, physical health, work, creative goals, and more.
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After all this time, the ever-iconic Gilmore Girls is still front and center in pop culture and is THE show to binge every fall. There's still a lot of debate surrounding who is the *best* of Rory Gilmore’s BFs (it’s Logan, BTW), but few people are discussing how truly insufferable the main character is.
The pride and joy of Stars Hollow fades as Rory transitions into college and becomes selfish, dull, and someone who I think isn’t a great writer…like at all. And I'm not the only one who thinks so — The Tabreported that Rory's unequivocally the worst character. So without further ado, let me present Gilmore Girls 101, with lesson plans in all things Rory Gilmore and her many, many faults based on overwhelming evidence from The Taband my own revelations.
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore, Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
All Rory had to do was attend this one event for Lorelai — the single mom who raised her and aside her pride to get her the best education — and she failed to show up when it mattered most. Did she really need to see Jess in New York that day? I don’t think so.
Rory treats Lane as dispensable, like a side character in her life who's sole job is to support her through each up and down of life. Even when Lane mentions that she doesn't like feeling second to Rory's latest BF, not much changes — even well into the reboot.
Obviously, it takes two to tango — but that doesn’t excuse Rory's role in sleeping with Dean, a married man. Said affair is certainly the start to her downward spiral, one that unfortunately takes many others down the hole with her. It's bad enough that she's complicit in the affair with her high school ex, Dean, but it's her attitude after that that really solidifies her skewed moral compass.
Post-sex, Rory claims Dean was “hers," despite the fact that he is quite literally...not.Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore, Matt Czuchry as Logan Huntzberger in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
Rory clearly has a thing for taken men — especially ones she used to be in a relationship with. Forgetting your current BF is bad enough, but cheating on him with the man whose proposal you turned down is a new low. We'll never forget you, Paul!
OK — it makes sense to be angry if someone (especially your boyfriend's dad) tells you that you're not cut out for your life's goal in a professional setting. But dang! You don't have to steal a yacht! Come on, Rory.
Do we even need to say more? Do better, dude.
Yale got a little hard, and boom! She moved into the pool house at her grandparents' house and joins the DAR. And when Paris shows up after finding out all her parents' money is gone, Rory just sheds a tear for her own misfortune. First Lane, now Paris? This girl really needs to learn how to be a friend.
WARNER BROS TELEVISION
Remember that white privilege we mentioned? Instead of accepting a job that would pay for her needs and support her, Rory decides she'd rather take a chance on a fellowship at the New York Times. Rory does not receive the fellowship, and returns to the original offer to see if the old job is available. It's not.
It’s shocking that this woman has had a decade-long career in journalism, and still doesn’t know how it works. Not only does Rory compromise her integrity by sleeping with a source, but she (somehow) believes she’s entitled to a job after writing one article, arrives at a job interview completely unprepared, freaks out when she doesn’t get the job she wants, and for some reason thinks Condé Nast should seek her out for a job? It's delusion at it's finest.
OK — time for the key takeaways. 1) Rory’s questionable internal ethical code of conduct needs some editing and 2) We'll still be watching Gilmore Girls this fall. No matter how insufferable she may be, Rory's life in Stars Hollow still makes for pleasant, wholesome TV — and we need some of that in our lives.
At the end of the day, despite her flaws, Rory does care deeply for her Stars Hollow community. She’s always willing to lend a helping hand when needed, or listen to the many fantastical ideas of Kirk and tirades of Luke. And for that, she’s still loved by many.
Do you have any hot takes on Rory Gilmore? Let us know in the comments and stay updated on all things pop culture with Brit + Co.
Lead image courtesy of Saeed Adyani/Netflix.
This post has been updated.
Salad isn't known as being a winter comfort food, but seasonal produce like persimmons, squash and pomegranate make *perfect* salad toppings this time of year. After indulging in holiday goodies for the last few weeks (months?), your body will be craving a nutrient-dense lunch or dinner this winter. Stay healthy and keep your immunity up by getting your veggie servings in for the day with these filling and delicious winter salads.
Half Baked Harvest
If you’ve never had a persimmon, get yourself to the farmers’ market and buy some this weekend. Kind of like an apple, they’re sweet and crisp and pair perfectly with creamy burrata (but let’s be real… what doesn’t pair perfectly with burrata?).
The Green Life
This salad features delicata squash, which is about to become your new favorite veggie. And you don’t need to peel it, which makes this salad a super convenient dinner tonight.
The Bojourn Gourmet
If kale salad isn’t your jam, this recipe will change your mind. You can sub out the herbs for whatever you may have left over in your fridge to make this totally customizable.
The Suburban Soapbox
This salad will make up for every disappointing salad you have ever ordered or eaten. Pears are roasted with bourbon and brown sugar and then tossed with leafy greens, blue cheese and sweet, crunchy candied walnuts for a perfect holiday salad.
Self Proclaimed Foodie
This salad is next-level with its mix of textures and flavors. On Sunday, mix the kale and apple with the dressing and you’ll have lunch ready for the entire week.
The View from Great Island
This salad makes a beautiful accompaniment to heavier dishes. The pomegranate dressing is fresh and tangy and pairs perfectly with creamy gorgonzola and sweet acorn squash.
In It 4 the Long Run
You only need six ingredients for this winter salad. It's easy enough to double or triple for a get-together and healthy enough to get all your veggies for the day.
Emilie Eats
Who said salads have to be greens-based? Take advantage of the bounty of winter squash at the market this time of year and make this drool-worthy salad for dinner this week.
Can You Stay for Dinner?
This salad packs a nutritional punch that can't be beat. It's delicious too!
Cookin' Canuck
Super-simple ingredients make this comfort salad a go-to for busy weeknights. The mushrooms are tossed with olive oil, rosemary and garlic and then roasted for an earthy bite. Get your vitamin B fix and a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system. (via Cookin' Canuck)
Two Peas and Their Pod
You *need* to make this potato salad right now. You’ll give the summer barbecue favorite an even yummier upgrade with sweet potatoes, feta cheese and pomegranates.
Ambitious Kitchen
The best part about kale salads is they get better the longer they sit in dressing. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this salad is the great starter for that very reason.
Coley Cooks
Brussels sprouts may have gotten a bad rap in the past, but they are the *it* veggie this winter. The goat cheese is rolled in bread crumbs and baked to make this salad feel extra special while still being ultra healthy.
Averie Cooks
Winter reminds us of the hunting and gathering period that often occurs right before this time so our minds immediately thought of this superfoods salad. It has sunflower seeds, walnuts, edamame, kale, blueberries, grapes, olive oil and more in it, making it the perfect replenishing meal.
The Original Dish
Satisfy your taste bud's desire for something that fulls robust and earthy this fall. This is one of those yummy winter salad recipes that's going to give you a bit of caramelized and spicy flavor so you'll almost feel like you're not eating something that's on the healthier side.
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This post has been updated.
Trader Joe's holiday suite is in full swing, and thank goodness. Christmas is already the best holiday around, and it only gets better with all of Trader Joe’s Christmas items! These 16 finds are perfect for topping off your Christmas charcuterie or completing the table for Christmas dinner. The best part is they’re all shoppable for under $10! All your guests will be raving.
Trader Joe's
This assortment of shortbread cookies would make an excellent Christmas Eve nightcap alongside some hot chocolate. Make it boozy if you're feeling brave!
Trader Joe's
With this find, you get a bit of saltiness among the sweetness, plus the crunch is irresistible.
Trader Joe's
If you're celebrating Christmas with a small group, this mini sheet cake is the way to go. It delivers on the perfect portion size, and, of course, all things chocolate.
Trader Joe's
This fun range of English fudge makes the ideal daytime (or post-dinner!) snack for Christmastime indulgence.
Trader Joe's
Level up this season's hot chocolates with a dash of peppermint from these candy cane-flavored marshmallows. Yummm.
Trader Joe's
Wafer cookies are downright addicting. Make sure to grab a few tins of these on your next TJ's run, because your guests will be totally hooked on 'em.
Trader Joe's
As if it couldn't get even more chocolatey, these sophisticated chocolate-covered cherries come to the TJ's forefront. They're super decadent, making them the ultimate addition to your charcuterie spread.
Trader Joe's
Crackers are a must for any dinner party. This trio is a total treat around Christmas.
Trader Joe's
Oh, yeah. These tender scallops wrapped in bacon are not only delicious AF, but easy AF to prepare from frozen. Your next best Christmas appetizer awaits!
Trader Joe's
Baked brie is a non-negotiable on our Christmas dinner menu. Heat this baby up with some honey or jam, then delightfully dip in with your fave TJ's crackers.
Trader Joe's
It goes without saying that dinner rolls are a classic item to include for Christmas dinner. These $3 pull-apart rolls boast the perfect soft interior and impeccable flavor.
Trader Joe's
Got some hungry (erm, hangry) guests at your place? Tide their cravings over with these air fryer-friendly savory squash bites.
Trader Joe's
The sweetness of goat cheese is instantly complemented with caramelized onion in this $3 find.
Trader Joe's
This appetizer will make it look like you spent way more time on your Christmas appetizer spread than you actually did.
Trader Joe's
It doesn't get better than some cured meat and cheese. These snackable sticks would look adorable on a charcuterie set-up.
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I don't know why it took me so long to discover Vitamin C serums for my acne-prone skin, but now I can't live life without them. They've become the holy grail staples I always stop whatever I'm doing to replace whenever I run out. Why? The benefits of using them are that serious to me. Let's pump the brakes though. What the heck am I even using? Let's dig into my favorite vitamin c serums to add to your vanity ASAP.
Target
One of Reddit's skincare threads introduced me to Timeless Skin Care's Vitamin C and E serum, and I haven't looked back since. This gives you a healthy dose of hydration and also works to keep the collagen in your skin from losing its luster. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the smell. It's not horrible, but it's noticeable for anyone who has sensitive noses!
Sephora
Kora Organics' Vitamin C serum is a little pricier than the Timeless Skin Care's, but I don't mind making the investment because you don't need to use a lot. A few pumps of this daily will supply your skin with a serum that targets dark spots and dull skin.
Amazon
For a fraction of the price, CeraVe's Vitamin C Serum will not only give you the "purest form" of t l-ascorbic acid, but it's also full of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and Vitamin B5. Your skin will brighten over time and won't feel as textured, if that's a concern of yours.
Amazon
Bring the spa to your private bathroom with Bliss' Vitamin C and Tri-Peptide serum. Aside from those ingredients, it also has green tea extract in it to protect against anything that tries to mess with your skin's barrier. If it sounds like it packs a healthy punch, it's because it does!
Amazon
Give your skin back it's glow with one of the less expensive Vitamin C serums on the market. It has azelaic acid in it to help calm irritated skin, but that's not all. This formula plays well with other skincare products and can be worn under your makeup.
Amazon
If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to use La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C serum. I've tried it before and can say that it targets my problem areas without causing irritation. Featuring two of my favorite ingredients — hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid — it's gentle on skin while being tough on harmful elements.
Sephora
Finally — a truly fragrance-free serum! They're hard to come by, but Paula's Choice does a great job of making sure our noses won't be offended when we apply this. It tackles dark spots and dull skin, but it also seeps into fine lines to lessen their appearance.
Sephora
Don't you just love when skincare products have cute packaging or bottles? Although it's a personal preference of mine, it's not something you have to worry about because it's what inside that counts.
Innisfree's Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C serum will gentle seep into your skin's pores to flesh out bacteria, leaving you with the smoothest and brightest glow over time.
Sephora
A serum that promises to give your skin luminosity? It almost sounds like a hoax, but it's not. Drunk Elephant is known for their innovative products so you can trust that your acne-prone skin will happily welcome this in your routine.
Sephora
Need as quick of a skin brightening fix as you can get? Try this Vitamin C treatment that works to improve your skin over 7 days. You'll get the best protection and hydration in a shorter amount of time which sounds great IMO.
Sephora
If you prefer the traditional way of getting the benefits of Vitamin C, let Herbivore be your guide. It has clean and environmentally ingredients — turmeric and arbutin —which are hard to come by in skincare. Together, they work to lessen discoloration and create a balanced texture.
Ulta
You can count on Ole Henriksen to provide the most soothing skincare products. The brand's Vitamin C serum has True-C Complex, collagen, aloe juice, and more in it to provide your skin with continuous boosts of hydration throughout the day.
Ulta
Buttah Skin knows that dark spots can be bothersome for people who have them so their Vitamin C Serum is geared towards lessening their appearance. The ferulic acid and grapeseed extract will gently coat your skin, slowly working their way into your pores to give you the healthy glow you're looking for.
Ulta
A Vitamin C serum stick? Why yes, Live Tinted knows that not everyone loves the feeling of using a stopper to distribute what their skin needs. Though it applies like a balm, it quickly turns into a serum smooths fine lines.
Ulta
No matter your skin type, you can count on Bubble's Vitamin C and niacinamide serum to give you everything your skin needs without spending a fortune. Perhaps the best part about this formula is that it doesn't have an artificial color.
Ulta
Beekman 1802's Golden Booster serum is full of amla berry because it has even more beneficial properties than other fruits. Harmful environmental factors won't be able to beat it nor will they continue to make your skin go haywire.
Ulta
If you don't mind making an investment, Sunday Riley has one of the BEST Vitamin C serums. It's as hydrating as you imagine and helps to reduce your skin's sensitivity levels. On reviewer said it gave them "bright, healthy skin" — exactly what we're looking for here! Plus, your pores will get smaller with each use.
Need more skincare recommendations? Stop by our Amazon Storefront for more goodies!
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