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But caffeine is also a stimulant that influences neurotransmitters such as dopamine—which raises the question: Could ingesting caffeine in the form of coffee, tea, or any other source be a safe way to help alleviate ADHD symptoms, or would it just make things worse? And is combining caffeine with ADHD medication even OK, or is it potentially dangerous? Caffeine predominantly does this by acting as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Caffeine is similar in structure to adenosine, a chemical that binds to receptors in the brain and subsequently slows down the activity of neurons that produce attention-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine....

That’s how I remember thinking about the best sex I’d ever had, in that moment. I’ve had a complicated relationship with sex for as long as I can remember—as I’m sure most of us probably do. I grew up in a very conservative, religious environment where any mention of sexuality was forbidden. I was sexually assaulted when I was 12 and consequently had all of my sexual agency taken from me....

It may be hard to believe this statement, but hear me out. I was diagnosed with endometriosis last year—along with adenomyosis, fibroids, and an ovarian cyst. And I want to say this now: Endo is awful. It sucks how long it takes to be diagnosed, and it’s horrible how it affects our lives. The pain and suffering are real, and I hear you loud and clear, ladies. Loud and clear....

pH levels vary throughout the body, for example, a low pH is necessary for optimal digestion in your stomach, making it more acidic, whereas other parts of the body would be better with a neutral or even a higher pH. When it comes to vaginal health, we want a more acidic pH. A normal vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.51. If your vaginal pH is too high, your risk of getting a vaginal infection or imbalance increases, like BV (bacterial vaginosis) and yeast infections, which can lead to an unpleasant smell, discharge, and uncomfortable itching....

Let dirty talk elevate your sexual experience, not hinder it. The sooner you disregard the pressure you put on yourself, the easier exploring the sexual experience will be. Communicate, explore, and communicate some more. A greater sense of intimacy can blossom in your relationship by learning how to talk dirty. I don’t have any panties on. I’m dripping. I need to feel you against me. I need your lips against my skin....

If you’re in search of a yoga pose that helps to improve blood flow and promote grounding and balance, plow pose is the perfect movement to stretch your spine and connect you with the earth. As for how to practice the move, certified yoga teacher Phyllicia Bonanno has you covered. Below, she demonstrates how to find this posture, plus you’ll find some helpful tips and modifications for getting the most out of plow pose....

To answer your question, I am going to “tell on myself” a little bit. I started studying tantra while I was married. Because this is an issue I personally have experience with, I will share my personal journey with you. When I started studying tantra, I was so excited about what I was learning and discovering that I extended the invitation to my partner. He, however, wasn’t interested. That was his choice—in the same way that studying tantra was mine....

These bumps can be difficult to identify and treat, so we’re here to give you the lowdown on what keloid scars are, what causes them, how to prevent them, and finally, how to treat an already present keloid. Let’s get into it. Miller said keloids often present as firm, itchy, or painful bumps over sites of previous injury to the skin. This could be a piercing, general skin trauma, or a lesion (such as an acne cyst)....

So here, we spoke with experts on the grow-out process, how to style them easier, and what you can expect during those dreaded awkward phases. “Bangs that are cut straight across do have a few frustrating days ahead when growing them out. Mainly because they don’t blend or connect to the rest of the hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis, brand ambassador for new natural brand Better Natured. So what should you do?...

Let’s add one more to the DIY docket: a turmeric face mask. Needless to say, it makes a lovely face mask for those looking to brighten skin and refine texture and tone. (Plus, it only takes a few ingredients to get started.) Here’s exactly what you need: Either add a dollop of the golden goop to your yogurt-turmeric concoction, or create a whole new base entirely: Mix 1 tbsp. of raw or Manuka honey, 1 tsp....

The craft of kokedama is a reflection of the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the art of appreciating beauty in the world’s natural imperfection. There is no direct Western translation for the spirit of this philosophy, but loosely translated, wabi is the quality of simplicity, whether rustic or refined, and often refers to both natural and manmade items. Sabi refers to the beauty or serenity that comes with age and time....

But that doesn’t mean food can’t be beautiful or delicious—nourishing your taste buds is critical for all the other benefits to take hold. It’s certainly a concept Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, can get behind, as she wholeheartedly believes that good-tasting food can make you feel, well, good. Along with that self-care trend, “there’s a return to comfort foods now,” she continues. And if the world’s newfound affinity for making banana bread tells us anything, she’s definitely not wrong....

In the excerpt below, get a feel for just how masterfully author Kate Bowler turns the fragility of our human experience into meaning. For more, you can purchase your own copy here. I ran my fingers along the black ink covering the altar and the pen marking gouging the soft wooden walls. Almost every inch of it was covered with words. I miss you every day. Please let my daughter be the way she was before....

After talking with family psychologist Nicole Beurkens, Ph.D., CNS, we’re convinced that this return to childlike play is one trend that should be piggybacked into the new year. Oftentimes, kids will use play and movement to help them process and regulate their emotions. That’s a skill that adults could most definitely benefit from—especially during such emotionally demanding times. “Play, although it may look different for adults, gives the mind freedom to explore and work through uncomfortable feelings and experiences and can also serve as a beneficial distraction,” says Beurkens....

Some plants lend themselves better to the technique than others, with quick-growing pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants being some of the easiest to propagate. Here’s what you need to know to help your pothos plants multiply. “Once you’re comfortable with propagation, it’s a long-term planning way of looking at plants,” he explains, one that can also save you some serious cash at the greenhouse or plant shop. Depending on where your giftee is in their planting journey, you can either give them the cuttings alone, cuttings rooted in water, or a complete potted plant....

While a full marathon may be the ultimate goal for seasoned runners, a 5K is a good place for beginners to start. To help novice runners on their journey, mbg gathered tips and a running plan from a few experts in the sport. There are many things to consider when it comes to running, like how to start, when to start, and how to practice safety while running. This can lead runners to take on too much, too quickly in terms of speed and distance, running coach and personal trainer Elizabeth Corkum says....

Instead of feeling disheartened, let’s use this as a source of empowerment. It means that every single day we have at least three opportunities to vote for the planet: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lesson? Consuming fewer animal products is one of the fastest and simplest ways to reduce your climate footprint every single day. And believe us when we say it’s more doable than you think. One simple and empowering way to think about it is to consider each of your meals as a vote....

Agility ensures your body is ready for anything, but that has as much to do with your gear as it does with your fitness. To champion these dynamic moves, gear up in the UA RUSH™ SmartForm Leggings and Mid Printed Sports Bra, designed to reflect your body’s energy to keep you working harder and recovering faster. And because all quick movement starts with your feet, try out the super-springy UA HOVR™ Omnia Training Shoes, built with strategic support, breathable mesh, and a grippy outsole to keep your mind on the movement....

There’s no question that we need some major help in the sleep department. But is melatonin really the best option, and is it even safe for nightly use? Here’s why physicians and sleep experts caution against taking melatonin nightly and how they recommend improving your sleep instead. People who use bright lights or technology at night, or who need to stay awake during the evenings for work or travel, might find that their melatonin levels are out of whack, causing them to feel wide-awake when they should be asleep....

Many couples are suddenly finding themselves stuck at home 24/7 with their partners right now due to social distancing measures. A hearty round of applause to all the couples who’ve thus been having a lot more sex these days because of all the extra time they’re spending together. Good for you guys. If you’ve fallen into the lattermost camp up until now, quarantining has probably not been treating you kindly....