As for why they’re called “prayer plants,” Mandi Gubler, a master gardener and founder of Happy Happy Houseplant, explains that “At night, their leaves fold in on each other and it looks like hands that are praying.” It’s more of a descriptive name than a scientific term, and Gubler adds that Calatheas (which also belong to the family Marantaceae) move in a similar way and are often referred to as prayer plants, too....

“As with all court cards, they can represent both others in our lives and (especially) aspects of ourselves that we’re being encouraged to explore and call upon,” she explains. This queen, and the suit of swords in general, is associated with the air signs (which are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), making the Queen of Swords a figure who is tapped into their intellect and the knowledge they’ve garnered from experience and observation....

While they’re all important, REM sleep is one sleep stage with benefits you really don’t want to miss out on—but very well might be. We dug into this sleep cycle to find out what it is, why it’s so important, and how to spend more time in it every night. Here are some of the most notable things that can happen to your body during REM sleep: That number will of course vary depending on how much time you spend sleeping, with Jean-Louis noting that seven to eight hours of nighttime sleep is optimal....

Here, we investigate everything you need to know about one of the greats, rhassoul clay—where it comes from, who it’s good for, and how it measures up to other age-old clays. “The name is derived from the Arabic word for washing, rassali,” adds board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founder of SKINFIVE, as it was primarily used as a cleansing soap in a number of cultures. Not to mention, the clay is chock-full of different minerals; in fact, “Rhassoul has the largest variety of minerals in the clay family,” notes Shamban (think silica, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium)....

And in a new study published by the Journal of American Geriatrics Society this week, researchers discovered that social isolation was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, making socialization a top priority for preventing cognitive decline. Within the group, approximately one in four older U.S. adults faced social isolation—i.e., they had few social relationships and infrequent contact with others. the results showed that social isolation was associated with a 28% higher risk of developing dementia (25....

We know! It’s hard to even conceive of a breakup with toilet paper. It’s central to our modern lives, the rock of our hygiene routines! … Or is it? The inconvenient truth: Toilet paper isn’t the cleanest option out there or the most eco-friendly. A bidet is actually the future of self-care down there, and we have to warn you: After this article, it might be impossible to disagree. Devon’s first book, Earth Women, is coming soon....

But at $2,495 for the Bike+ Basic model and mandatory $44 per month subscription fee to access classes, shopping for a Peloton bike can lead to a serious case of sticker shock—or even buyer’s remorse if it ends up collecting more dust than you anticipated. As an ACE-certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise, I often advise my clients to choose a form of cardiorespiratory activity they predominantly enjoy....

And considering an alarming 41% of American adults1 meet the criteria for insufficiency (meaning they have levels lower than 30 ng/ml) and approximately 92% of men and more than 97% of women aren’t even getting 400 IU2 of this essential fat-soluble vitamin from their daily diet, it’s well-deserving of the attention. Given how tricky it is to get ample amounts of the nutrient from food and sunlight alone, taking a supplement is ultimately the route to achieving and sustaining an ideal vitamin D level—which is 50 ng/ml or higher—for life....

And to point you in the right direction, we polled a few dietitians for their take on the healthiest alcohol to drink. Mixers, syrups, sodas, and other additions, however, quickly pile on the sugar and calories, so be mindful of what’s in that cocktail. The fermentation process for mezcal uses the agave heart and includes prebiotic fibers that may have some health benefits1 like supporting the microbiome, though research in humans is still needed....

As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also an incredibly accessible brand thanks to their budget-friendly price tags. Unlike other well-respected skin care brands that charge upward of $30, $40, even $100 for an anti-aging serum, you can scoop one up from The Ordinary for under $10. In fact, nothing at The Ordinary costs more than $30. Even a bundle set is $29.26. With these key traits at the forefront of their brand identity, it’s no wonder The Ordinary garnered a cult following so quickly....

Whether you used to eat oats or never got into oats in the first place, you’re missing out! And with gut health becoming more and more of a health concern lately, there’s even more reason why you should be including oats in your diet. Oats are nutritional powerhouses. They contain healthy unsaturated fats, protein, dietary fibers, disease-fighting phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals. However, the one nutrient that really makes oats stand out is fiber....

The quality of sleep we get has been shown to affect our metabolic health1 and cognitive health2 and can greatly affect our overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We keep a close eye on our sleep metrics, and we’re always looking for ways to improve our sleeping environment. If restorative sleep is a priority for you, too, a smart mattress might just be the thing to get you there. Below, find eight of the best smart mattress options on the market today, and learn why this could be the ultimate bedroom accessory for you....

Here’s what this law is all about, plus how to work with it, according to experts. As spiritual author Shannon Kaiser explains to mbg, the Law of Detachment is a universal spiritual principle that guides many faiths (i.e., Taoism, Jainism, and Buddhism) and comes down to separating yourself and your emotions from your goals. From a psychological perspective, neuroscientist and author of The Source Tara Swart, Ph.D., adds that “it takes time to build and strengthen neural pathways until you are ready for a new behavior, relationship, or job....

The researchers also cited some cases documented by scientists in the past, including orgasms induced by stimulating one’s knees, by using one’s imagination without any physical touch at all, or even by mundane activities like brushing your teeth. Yes, really. The cases were gathered from comments anonymously left under a post on a community art site called PostSecret. According to the paper, a user described having an orgasm during a workout, which prompted nearly a thousand others to chime in with similarly nongenital and/or nonsexual orgasm experiences of their own....

And for people that fall into the 3A category, it can require a bit of trial and error to find the right products that give you bouncy, healthy curls. Thankfully, there are plenty of pioneering naturals who’ve come before you. And because of their willingness to test and share their experiences, we can give you the rundown on what you need to know to bring out the best in your hair....

Ahead, we offer advice from couples’ therapists on how to recognize signs of an unhappy relationship and what to do if you find yourself unhappy in a relationship but scared to leave. Happiness is an emotion, after all, and we’re all familiar with what it feels like to be happy. Unhappiness can be considered the absence of that feeling, or it can present as feelings of sadness, frustration, stress, apathy, or even boredom....

“Vitamin F is not a vitamin in the traditional sense of the word,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. “It’s actually a term for two fats, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA).” The two acids that come together to create vitamin F are naturally occurring healthy fatty acids that are your newest answer to plump, glowing skin. Keep reading to learn more. Vitamin F can be found in various foods like almonds, chia seed, and even egg yolks....

As the popular Helen Keller quote goes, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Choosing food brands with sustainable initiatives is a way that we, as individuals, can harness that power of working together. One such brand is Daily Harvest, a food company delivering the power of plant-based ingredients to your doorstep. With Daily Harvest, you’re not just enjoying a Mint + Cacao Smoothie, you’re helping build a sustainable food system one sip at a time....

As one 2021 review published the journal Frontiers in Nutrition1 notes, physical activity “may modulate resting hunger and satiety in older adults.” In another 2018 study, published in the journal Nutrients2, the study authors write that exercise facilitates weight control, “partly through effects on appetite regulation.” Separate research published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine3 in 2011 notes that mixed-intensity aerobic exercise temporarily decreased hunger sensations, acylated ghrelin (aka the hunger hormone), and relative food intake....