This Is the Secret Smell of Happiness (and It Stinks!)

We all know that hitting the gym will boost your mood. Getting physical can be the cure to a creative block, productivity problems and of course, showing off those new yoga pants. But there might be another reason why you feel happier after your workout. According to a research study by Psychological Science, the secret key to happiness is being around other happy people… happy people who are sweating a lot.

We know that people transfer feelings of happiness through obvious signals, like smiling and laughing. No one can stay grumpy after getting a really great smile from their barista, right? But this new research says that we might get a boost of energy just from an odor. In tests, the researchers showed that feelings of happiness may generate chemicals that are secreted when we sweat. Anyone who smells those “happy” signals might just become happier. Even if those signals are in the form of sweat.

So apparently that old saying is true: Happiness is contagious. Researchers hope that studies like this will result in a greater understanding of what makes us happy. Maybe an aerosol can of “joy” isn’t too far away in the future.

What do you think of this sweaty research? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

Brit + Co

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

Brit + Co

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

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When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

Brit + Co

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

When it comes to denim trends, skinny jeans are making a surprising comeback in 2025. Though I think they’re a bit far from my personal style (and way too constricting for my body), I totally admire how other fashion fans have been styling skinny jeans lately.

Skinny jeans look insanely chic when you wear ‘em tucked into some tall boots. I’ve also seen instances of a skinny jean-ballet flat combo, which feels undeniably twee, a whimsical aesthetic style that’s risen in popularity over the years. No matter how you style them, the skinny jeans trend is for you as long as it incites confidence in your outfits and attitude!

Here are 10 pairs of actually cute skinny jeans to convince you to hop on the bandwagon this year!

Anthropologie

Joe's Jeans Charlie High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Dark wash jeans will never not be cool. These skinny jeans hug the legs tight so you can layer up with boots if you please!

Madewell

Madewell 10" High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Sometimes a high rise is just what you need to feel put together. This skinny yet stretchy pair from Madewell has a whole 10 inches that hits high on your waistline.

Nordstrom

Paige Gemma Skinny Jeans

I adore how these "stretch-kissed" skinny jeans don't totally taper off at the ankle, which can be a little off-putting for your proportions. Instead, the cuffs leave ample room for a more natural styling.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch absolutely kills the jeans game, so it's not a huge surprise to me that their skinny jeans are speaking to my personal style! This pair's medium wash will easily wear with just about anything you want to put on, plus I love the look of 'em with some slingback flats as pictured!

Old Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Super-Skinny Jeans

You can never go wrong with a super skinny fit paired with a considerably high waistline. The higher waist on this fitted Old Navy pair will instantly flatter your figure!

Free People

We The Free Coco Slim Jeans

The more and more I see skinny jeans worn with tall black boots, the more and more I wanna wear 'em. This Free People pair even has some unique seam work at the front to help your looks stand out!

DUER

DUER Performance Denim Mid Rise Slim Straight Jeans

Impressively stretchy, these skinny jeans flaunt a "waist-hugging" mid-rise that helps sculpt your bod in only the best ways. These also have that looser fit around the ankle for a more natural effect.

Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone Cate Ankle Skinny Jeans

I'm in love with this dark wash – it'll work well with any and all neutral colors or brighter tones if you tend to wear those more.

Nordstrom

AG Mari Mid Rise Slim Straight Leg Jeans

Instead of fitting super tight like a literal glove (except... on your legs), these mid-rise jeans have more of a 'slim' silhouette. It still gives the look of skinny jeans without being overly restricting – score!

Banana Republic Factory

Banana Republic Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans

These full-length skinny jeans are crafted from a stretchy denim fabric that mimics 100% denim so stylishly. They've still got all the classic details you'd expect from some jeans, including a 5-pocket design and a zippered and buttoned front closure.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I’m a fairly active person. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, hot girl walks, dripping sweat at pilates, and working on my defense skills in boxing. I have yet to find runningincredibly enjoyable, like the people my age rapidly signing up for marathons, but I’ll indulge in a solid 3-mile jog about once a week. So when I was asked to join a wellness weekend in the Bahamas with actress Gwenyth Paltrow’s media brand, Goop, I thought it’d be a breeze. For the most part, it was. Emphasis on ‘for the most part.

Olivia Bria

Goop's wellness retreat in the Bahamas.

Wellness is an umbrella term — it looks and feels different to each individual person. Despite the fact that I just named five exercises I attempt to partake in weekly — life gets busy! — I really try to branch out of my usual workouts, due to both the need for a challenge and a general interest in looking for new ways to move my body. What are my most recent exercise acquisitions? Breakdancing, hot yoga, and, well, getting TORCH’D. Goop booked us with celebrity trainer, Isaac Boots, to add the last workout to that list.

Boots has a long roster of celeb clients: Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Chastain, Gwenyth Paltrow (of course!) and more. I’ve always been a bit envious of how the celebrities of today are able to build at-home gyms and call for private sessions in a flash. Yet, beyond the affordability aspect, I’ve been more curious on how they become so fit — diet and personal chefs aside — with such busy schedules.

I found out in the Bahamas. And the workout is not as easy as it looks.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots first created virtual at-home sessions to teach TORCH’D classes during the pandemic, with the main premise of the workout focusing on the flow of body resistance, dance conditioning, and targeted repetition with the intention of burning fat. We — the other gal pal journalists and influencers on the trip — were set to complete two morning classes, both Saturday and Sunday. I, unfortunately, missed my connecting flight on Friday and wasn’t able to make it to the Saturday class due to a series of unfortunate travel events (let’s not rehash it, for my sake). But, after talking to the girls who were able to attend that morning session, it seems that the only thing I missed was waking up really sore on Sunday. My quads thanked me for that missed flight.

Olivia Bria

The group Torch'd workout class at Goop's Bahamas retreat.

Group fitness is also something I’ve gotten used to over the years, especially when moving to LA where it's common practice, but going into workouts that I’ve never done before is intimidating. Exercising in front of others, especially when you aren’t familiar with the form of exercise, can be a particularly vulnerable activity.

Therefore, before attending the 45-minute TORCH’D session, I searched for the workouts online to study them a little. I’ll admit, I didn’t think they looked that difficult. But boy, was I absolutely proved wrong. Keep in mind that the Sunday session was outdoors, and although on a shaded rooftop with a stunning ocean view, the Bahamas was in the middle of a heat wave. I already didn’t stand a chance against my already innately sweaty and red-faced self during any form of physical movement.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots started the music — an upbeat, EDM like tune — to get us moving to the rhythm.

We began with small movements like arm circles and donkey kicks, pulsed for a bit, and then went ‘double time’ (AKA we picked up our speed). Those rotations would continue throughout the workout. It was during the pulsing portions of the workout where I really felt it target my biceps, triceps, and glutes. A burning sensation formed in my upper arms and legs several times, making it hard to keep going. There were a few instances when I had to take a quick break to get back into it. It was during those breaks when I noticed I wasn’t the only one taking a breather.

As I’ve grown sick of my mundane daily gym routine, I’ve noticed that having fun while I workout is a priority. Boots’ liveliness and charisma matched with his eagerness to teach really helped me get out of my own head (I have the tendency to become frustrated and want to quit during certain moves.)

I now understand now how a lot of celeb women — like Gwenyth — exercise with time constraints. Workouts like Torch'd are simple and tough, but effective at toning all the right places. While I would 10/10 recommend this class to anyone, I (and my sore muscles) definitely encourage you to take a rest day (or two) afterwards. 😉

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Header image via Olivia Bria

We've all heard of "roommate syndrome." The buzzword refers to when once-infatuated partners start living together, fall into a familiar rhythm, and begin to act more like platonic roommates than two people in a romantic relationship. But whether you actually live with your significant other or not, this phenomenon can still unfold. For some, busy schedules and demanding jobs threaten to come between their partnership; for others, personal stresses, mounting pet peeves, or differing goals can start to dismantle the unconditional love and connection you once felt.

Regardless of the cause (and despite what certain people may tell you), it's natural to drift apart from your significant other sometimes. Life isn't linear, and neither are our relationships. With that being said, once you recognize the signs, you can always work to undo the damage and reconnect with your partner, too. So, here are some of the telltale indicators that you're growing apart.

Scroll to find out the subtle signs you're growing apart from your partner!

1. Physical Affection Is Nonexistent

Kampus Production

Practically everyone can think back to a time when they were in a brand-new relationship, and the "honeymoon phase" seemed to be filled with never-ending hand-holding and kissing. Those of us in long-term relationships know that this behavior tends to fade over time.

However, there should still be a balance, and no physical affection at all could signal something is wrong beneath the surface. Before jumping to a conclusion, talk to your partner and determine if something exterior is making them not want to be affectionate. Or, if you've noticed a consistent pattern, have an honest conversation to express your needs.

2. Communication Is Limited

RDNE Stock project

Aside from remaining physically connected, talking to one another is how relationships survive. Without this glue, it's easy for partnerships to fall apart.

We'd like to call attention to a common misconception, though. More specifically, the quantity of conversation is not as important as the quality. For instance, if your partner suddenly isn't texting back immediately or engaging in super long conversations over dinner, it's not an immediate cause for concern.

Again, it's natural for previously endless conversations to shorten as relationships become more long-term. Rather, quality is what you should assess. If you feel as though your talks with your partner have become surface-level or like you can't truly express your feelings anymore, that's an indicator you may be drifting.

3. You're Stuck In The Blame Game

Liza Summer

It's completely normal to have disagreements with your partner or just get frustrated by some of their usual habits. However, when you try to communicate your feelings, do either of you ever jump to criticize or throw blame?

When someone is tired or under stress, an occasional outburst like that may be understandable. But repeatedly criticizing or blaming your partner for issues that you should be tackling together is a recipe for disaster.

Not only will the person being criticized or blamed get their feelings hurt, but it will also reduce trust and lead to perceived disrespect. All of this can make you and your partner feel as if you're growing apart.

4. You No Longer Talk About Future Plans

Alex Green

When you enter a relationship, decision-making becomes a two-person endeavor. It can also be really motivating and thrilling to discuss future plans together, whether that be moving to a new city, starting a business, or growing a family.

Yet, if these conversations randomly come to a halt or seem more like fantasies than realistic, that's a red flag. It can suggest that either you or your partner don't feel like you're on the same page or there's no longer excitement about your future life together.

5. Conflict Avoidance

Timur Weber

Relationships take serious work, and problems can't be fixed without effort from both parties. That's mainly why communication is so critical; it keeps things from feeling one-sided and facilitates conflict resolution.

So, if you or your partner actively tries to avoid discussing things that need to be addressed, it could mean you're drifting. Either you are afraid to open up a can of worms, perhaps because you've been blamed or criticized in the past, or you just don't feel like dealing with the problem is worth it.

6. Less Appearance Effort

Polina Zimmerman

After being in a relationship for a while, people tend to get comfortable. And that's actually a good thing. It signals that you feel safe, secure, and accepted for who you really are.

Still, there is a line that distinguishes natural comfort from complacency. If you or your partner don't try to look nice on special occasions anymore, it could suggest that you're taking each other for granted.

Of course, lounging around in athleisure wear at home or wearing no makeup is totally natural and acceptable. But if outfits and hygiene for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, or other outings are becoming increasingly disheveled, it's a red flag.

7. You No Longer Participate In Shared Interests

RDNE Stock project

One of the best parts about having a significant other is discovering what interests you both share and participating in them together. Active couples might enjoy hiking, playing pickleball, or golfing, while more creative types may love concerts, visiting museums, and traveling.

Not only are these activities more fun when done with someone you love, but they also allow you to create new memories and spend quality time together. So, if you and your partner previously loved trying new things together, but the frequency has fallen off, it could mean something is wrong.

Your relationship suddenly lacks the closeness you both once felt through your hobbies, and the reduced connection can make you feel separated from your partner.

8. Even When You're Together, You Feel Alone

Antoni Shkraba

Finally, those who remain in love for decades generally share similar views of their significant others: their partners are their best friends.

But if you find yourself feeling alone while sitting next to your partner on the couch at the end of each night, that's a problem. Yes, friends and other relatives are important for maintaining separate platonic relationships and your own sense of identity, yet you shouldn't feel like you have to seek out companionship entirely from other people.

Even couples with completely different backgrounds, jobs, and interests can still manage to operate as a caring and united entity. So, unfortunately, feeling alone while spending time with your partner may be a sign that you've lost a sense of connection and have drifted apart.

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Taylor Swift might have "not a lot going on at the moment" (she did just wrap up the Eras Tour, you know), but Blake Lively is juggling Another Simple Favor, her Justin Baldoni legal battle, and a second lawsuit from Justin's crisis PR firm. But despite her packed schedule and public beef, according to reports, Blake still has the popstar's invite to watch the 2025 Super Bowl, which will see Taylor's BF Travis and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs battle against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here's everything we know about Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and the 2025 Super Bowl.

Taylor Swift allegedly invited Blake Lively to the Super Bowl...or did she?

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Any Taylor Swift fan will remember last year's Big Game, which featured Tay in a stunning black bodysuit and high ponytail combo, and Blake in a red tracksuit.

"Last week I left my kids for the first time ever and wore pants that were shoes," Blake said in an Instagram post after the 2024 Super Bowl. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of the Twilight Zone would look like."

According to The US Sun, Taylor's sending invites to Blake and Ryan Reynolds, as well as Ice Spice, Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, and Benny Blanco. "Taylor would like to have some of her close friends and family all together and be there to show love and support her man," an insider says. That's going to be one star-studded box!

However, other sources are saying Blake's starting the rumor about being invited to the Super Bowl...and that she won't actually be there. According to a blind item, Blake "is the one leaking stories that she is going to be in the suite next week with the A+ list singer. That isn't going to happen." We'll have to tune into the Big Game on February 9 to find out.

A Super Bowl invitation would definitely make it seem like things are good as gold between Taylor and Blake, who were rumored to be feuding after Blake allegedly called Taylor one of her "dragons" in a text.

The text in question came after Taylor reportedly joined a meeting between Blake, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Baldoni after the It Ends With Us director had less-than-ideal feedback to Blake's script rewrite.

An insider told DailyMailthat "for the time being she is taking a step back from Blake because she doesn’t want to get tangled in this more than she already has – which is far more than she ever needed to be. Her friends also think that Blake’s 'I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have dragons' text to Justin was uncool and unnecessary because she was essentially used as an intimidation tactic. She was referred to as some kind of pet or possession."

But thanks to a Page Six insider, we also know those feud rumors are supposedly "not true." Here's hoping that's true.

Do you want to see Blake Lively with Tay at the Super Bowl? More importantly, which Super Bowl Appetizer are you making? Let us know on Facebook!