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Belly Fat Alert: How Stresses Packs On Pounds and Other Key Takeaways from a Neuroscientist

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person touching their skin

Are you worried about belly fat creeping up on you? Welcome to the club.

However, it’s crucial to note that belly fat isn’t just about extra pounds; it’s a storyteller, narrating tales of stress, brain health, and the intricate workings of our bodies.

That’s one of the many interesting takeaways from an episode of The Diary Of A CEO, where British-Nigerian entrepreneur and podcaster Steven Cliff Bartlett interviewed Dr. Tara Swart.

Swart is a neuroscientist, advisor, and author of The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain. 

Here are my key takeaways from the podcast episode, with actionable tips for those who want to tweak their lifestyle to have a healthier body and mind.

1. How Stress Causes Bellyfat

person holding their tummy

When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone, originating from the adrenal glands, courses through our body and brain, signaling a state of alert. 

In ancient times, this response was crucial for survival, preparing our bodies for fight or flight.

“The other thing about cortisol… is that as a survival mechanism, it will help you to store fat around your abdomen so you know again in the cave, if you were potentially going to like not find food for a month then if you had extra fat around your abdomen you could digest that and survive till you could find food,” Swart explained. 

In our modern world, however, the triggers for stress are often not life-threatening, yet our bodies react in the same way.

  • Actionable Tip. Belly fat isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Research links it to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. To combat stress-induced belly fat, start with stress management techniques. Incorporate activities like yoga, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises into your daily routine.

2. Stress Is Literally Contagious

two office workers

It might sound like a metaphor, but stress being contagious is actually a phenomenon backed by science.

“Stress contagious. So cortisol is the main stress hormone, and it will leak out of our sweat about this far around us, go into the skin of everybody else, and it’s going to impact them,” Swart said.

This phenomenon is known as emotional contagion, and it’s deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. In the past, being able to quickly pick up on the stress signals of others was crucial for survival, as it often indicated impending danger. Today, this same mechanism can cause us to absorb the stress of those around us, even if there’s no actual threat.

This contagion effect is particularly strong in close relationships and tight-knit groups. For example, if a family member or a close colleague is under a lot of stress, it’s likely that you’ll start to feel some of that stress, too.

  • Actionable Tip: To protect yourself from stress contagion, be aware of your emotional boundaries. Recognize when you’re beginning to absorb someone else’s stress and take steps to manage it. This could mean taking a break from the situation, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that help you relax and decompress.

3. Intuition is Your Strongest Decision-Aiding Tool

woman holding her chest

Often dubbed as a “gut feeling,” intuition is far more than just a hunch. It’s a powerful tool that serves as an internal compass deeply rooted in our brain’s ability to quickly process past experiences, emotions, and knowledge, even if we’re not consciously aware of it.

“You can’t remember everything that you’ve experienced in your whole life but you know somewhere in the neural architecture, and you know, in the gut, neurons as well, that information is stored,” the neuroscientist shared.

“Intuition is the lessons that you’ve picked up along the way that you’re not conscious of, but they’re still stored in your nervous system.”

The power of intuition in decision-making lies in its ability to tap into the wealth of our subconscious knowledge and experiences. It’s like having an internal advisor who knows all about our past experiences and uses that knowledge to guide us in the present.

  • Actionable Tip. When faced with a decision, take a moment to listen to what your intuition is telling you, but also consider the logical aspects of the situation. By doing so, you can make well-rounded decisions that benefit from both the wisdom of your intuition and the clarity of rational thought.

4. Nature Boosts Health

woman in a park

Swart highlighted the profound impact that nature has on our health, underscoring it as more than just a backdrop for leisure activities. Nature, in its serene and unaltered state, offers a unique therapeutic environment that can significantly enhance our overall health.

When we step into a natural setting, be it a lush forest, a tranquil beach, or a quiet park, our bodies and minds undergo a transformation. The fresh air, the soothing sounds, and the visual feast of natural beauty work together to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. This connection to nature is deeply ingrained in our biology; it’s a relationship that has evolved over millennia.

Spending time in nature has been shown to increase attention span, creativity, and the ability to connect with others. It’s not just about the physical benefits of fresh air and exercise; it’s about the mental clarity and emotional balance that nature can provide. 

  • Actionable Tip: Make a conscious effort to spend more time in natural settings. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure in the wilderness – even a short walk in a local park or spending time in your garden can be beneficial. Try to incorporate nature into your daily routine, whether it’s taking a walk during your lunch break or simply sitting outside for a few minutes each day.

You can watch the full podcast episode here

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Lifestyle

10 Best Fitness Equipment of 2024

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woman holding kettlebell

Starting your fitness journey this year will be your wisest decision. Whether you visit your nearby gym or do it at home, using the right exercise equipment is crucial. But don’t go overboard when you’re doing the latter! Our fitness buffs have your back! We’ve tried some of the best fitness equipment of 2024, and here’s our list.

1. Fitness watch

Getting a fitness watch should be your first tool when starting your fitness journey. It lets you record your daily activities, check the calories burned, remind you to move, and track everything you do—even your heart rate! Apple offers fitness watches that also sync with your phone, but here are some affordable ones on Amazon:

Fitbit Sense 2 – $299.95

Garmin Epix Pro – $1,099.99

2. Resistance bands

Resistance bands are portable and affordable if you’re always on the go. They promote strength training and also improve stability. 

Fit Simplify – $9.95

WSAKOUE Resistance Bands – $29.99

3. Kettblebells

If you frequent home workouts, getting a kettlebell can let you exercise with less fitness equipment. It can improve strength, power, and endurance. Kettlebells are excellent for developing overall fitness. 

Amazon Cast Iron Kettlebell – $17.40

WeGym Soft Kettlebells – $169.99

4. Pull-up bar

A pull-up bar is one of the best fitness equipment at home. It’s convenient, and you can move it around. This is also great if you want to work on your upper body strength. 

Ally Peaks Pull-up Bar – $31.89

Sportneer Pull-up Bar – $39.99

5. Exercise bike

If you’re willing to invest in extensive fitness equipment, an exercise bike should be one of the first things to get. It offers multiple benefits, primarily working on your cardiovascular fitness! Getting on an exercise bike every morning, even for 30 minutes daily. This fitness tool is excellent for strengthening your legs and burning calories!

Yosuda Exercise Bike – $249.99

Ativafit Folding Exercise Bike – $365.49

6. Treadmill

If you’re fond of running, getting a treadmill is a way to do it regularly. Sometimes, weather conditions prevent you from going outside to run. With a treadmill on standby, you can do it anytime while watching TV, listening to music, or watching over your children.

Umay Folding Treadmill – $319.99

NordicTrack T Series – $2,999

7. Rowing machine

If there is one fitness equipment I make a beeline for at my local gym, it’s a rowing machine. This equipment might seem simple, but a few rows on this bad boy will leave you feeling like you ran for miles. A rowing machine is excellent for endurance training and a great full-body workout. 

Yosuda Rowing Machine – $299.99

Snode Rowing Machine – $399.99

8. Dumbbells

Dumbbells are the most versatile fitness equipment you can have around the house. Whether you’re doing circuits or weightlifting, dumbbells will surely elevate your workout routine. You can perform different kinds of exercise programs with dumbbells! Plus, it helps you gain muscles, lose weight, and boost your overall health. 

Amazon Basics Dumbbells – $14.93

ProForm Dumbbell Set – $299

9. Step platform

Using a step platform is a form of low-impact workout. This could be a cardio workout alternative if you’re worried about regular jogging or running impacting your joints. It works both your upper and lower body strength!

Yes4All Step Platform – $48.99

Yes4All Step Platform – $18.99

10. Yoga mat

You can’t start your fitness journey without a yoga mat. Getting one lets you perform exercises wherever, whenever! This is an excellent fitness companion for your cooldown exercises or stretching routines. 

Amazon Basics Yoga Mat – $20.19

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat – $136.76

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Lifestyle

10 Best Robot Vacuums of 2024

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robot vacuum

Getting a reliable robot vacuum means you can lay around on your couch while the cleaner does the heavy lifting! Our team searched high and low for the best robot vacuum, and we can say we enjoyed testing them! Here are our top 10 picks for the robot vacuums of 2024. 

1. iRobot Roomba j7+

The Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum overall. It features self-emptying capabilities, intelligent navigation, and an easy-to-use app. Despite being loud and having average battery life, it recognizes up to 80 household objects, ensuring your home gets cleaned while avoiding cords and shoes. PrecisionVision Navigation and the P.O.O.P. guarantee add to its appeal.

Price:

2. iRobot Roomba s9+

We all agree that this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features a D-shaped design for corner cleaning, exceptional suction power, and an auto-empty base. Though expensive and with average battery life, it offers 40 times power-lifting suction, 30% wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and Dirt Detect technology for tackling excessive pet hair and dirt.

Price:

3. Eufy S1 Pro

If you’re looking for a robot vacuum with powerful suction, look no further. The Eufy S1 Pro boasts an 8,000PA suction and self-washing mop head for unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Intelligent mapping ensures precision, while speed and effectiveness set it apart. Despite being expensive and loud, its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology and power make it a top-tier choice.

Price:

  • $999 on Kickstarter

4. Shark ION AV751

If you need a robot vacuum on a tight budget, the Shark ION AV751 is for you. This robot vacuum offers excellent suction power and a 120-minute run time. Its tri-brush system and stair/cliff edge detection make it efficient. Alexa and Google Assistant integration adds convenience, making it a manageable option for those seeking simplicity.

Price:

5. Neato Botvac D8

The Neato D8, known for its D-shaped design, excels in corner cleaning and advanced mapping. Ideal for smaller homes, it offers 100-minute battery life and a lidar for space mapping. The app supports no-go zones and scheduling, though it can’t map multiple floors and may climb low furniture and ledges.

Price:

6. Bobsweep PetHair Vision

Designed for pet owners, this vacuum excels at pet hair removal and offers smart navigation and mopping capabilities. Its quiet operation and three-inch height allow easy cleaning under furniture. With longer battery life, it efficiently covers large areas. The drawback? Its cleaning schedule may reset unexpectedly, and customer service follow-through can be slow.

Price:

7. Dreame X30 Ultra

This best 2-in-1 vacuum and mop offers quiet, self-emptying, dual oscillating mop heads and MopExtend mop pads. Although it has an app that’s not very user-friendly and is expensive with recurring costs, it provides comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces. Its multi-functional base station and 8300PA suction power ensure efficient home maintenance.

Price:

8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

If you don’t mind the bulky size, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is a good robot vacuum option. Its self-cleaning base adds convenience. This robot vacuum has an attractive design and advanced AI for obstacle avoidance.

Price:

9. Dyson 360 Heurist

The Dyson 360 Heurist offers exceptional cleaning power with solid suction and intelligent mapping. This premium robot vacuum reaches edges effectively, thanks to its motorized brush. Though slow to set up, its precise map fine-tuning and methodical cleaning make it a top choice.

Price:

10. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Nothing is more self-sufficient than this all-in-one robot vacuum. It’s self-cleaning, self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying, and self-refilling! Plus, it uses VibraRise mopping and customizable cleaning routines.

Price:

$949.99 on Amazon

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Lifestyle

BedStory® 12 Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

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mattress

Do you need a good night’s sleep but your mattress is ruining that? It’s time to find a brand-new mattress to relieve yourself of the stress of the day and doze off without a hitch. Learn more about the Bedstory 12-inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress and what people think about the product here!

BedStory

wave hybrid mattress
Image source: BedStory

BedStory has helped millions of sleepers get quality sleep with their mattresses, pillows, and toppers. Since 1983, the company has sold its products to over 90+ countries. Plus, they ensure that only state-of-the-art technology makes it to their products to improve people’s sleep. Additionally, their product line is made in the USA, ensuring quality standards are met every time new products are manufactured.

Specifications

bed specs

Price: $369.99 to 559.99 (tax included)

Mattress Sizes

The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress comes in four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. Plus, it comes in 12 or 14-inch sizes, too.

Mattress Layers

Have a restful sleep with six layers of comfort. The soft-knit fabric is on top that helps your mattress breathe. Plus, it keeps you cool while you sleep. It has a fire-resistant barrier and the gel bamboo charcoal memory foam. Plus, it has high-density foam, pocket springs, and base foam.

Lumbar Support

Have terrible back pain and want to alleviate it during sleep? BedStory has lumbar support embedded in its mattress. Pocket coils and orthopedic foam act as lumbar support while you slumber. 

Cooler and More Refreshing Sleep

Their memory foam infuses gel and bamboo, making it feel cool on your body as you sleep soundly. It’s also made out of knitted fabric to let the mattress breathe. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about odors since it has moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties. Plus, it also dissipates heat.

Motion Isolation

Do you or your partner toss and turn all night long and can’t get a wink of sleep? BedStory reduces the noise of joints shuffling all around. It’s all because the springs absorb any noise that could disturb your slumber.

Mattress Expansion

Since this is a bed in a box, it will take time for your brand-new mattress to expand to its original state. The BedStory mattress expands within 48 to 72 hours.

Delivery, Warranty, and Return

Expect your brand-new BedStory Mattress to arrive within 2 to 5 business days! The wait will all be worth it once it arrives at your doorstep.

Your BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress will have a 10-year warranty.

Regarding returns, you can try sleeping on the new mattress for 30 nights’ worth of sleep. However, if you’re not fully satisfied with the mattress, a return is possible within a 100-night window.

Certifications

You’ll be safe and sound when sleeping on a BedStory mattress since it’s CetriPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Certified. This ensures that you’re sleeping on a mattress without any harmful chemicals.

Recommended Bedframes

BedStory suggests that you can place the memory foam mattress on a platform, box spring, or slatted frame bedframe for an optimized sleeping experience. You want to make sure that you’re putting the bed on a solid bedframe to let the mattress expand properly and let you sleep without any disruptions.

The Ideal Sleepers

woman sleeping

Like many products, the mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Not everyone will enjoy their slumber with this mattress. However, it’s good to know who’ll love sleeping in this bed all day long.

  • Light and sensitive sleepers
  • Babies
  • Elders
  • People experiencing regular joint aches and pains

Maintaining The BedStory Mattress

woman making the bed

Most beds last seven to ten years. After all, it’s expensive to change mattresses regularly. During your sleep tenure with BedStory, you can care for it to make your mattress last long. Here are tips from BedStory to help you maintain the mattress.

  • Don’t eat on the bed
  • Use a vacuum to remove dirt or debris
  • Spot clean stains using detergent
  • Put a mattress protector
  • Rotate the mattress to avoid further wear and tear. Rotate it every 3 to 6 months
  • Air out the mattress
  • Don’t jump on the bed

What Do Sleepers Think?

reviews

BedStory sleepers love the mattress firmness. It’s medium-firm, so if you’re looking for something soft, you’re better off buying a mattress topper to make it soft. Plus, some sleepers find it easy to sleep faster. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about aches and pains upon waking up or during the middle of the night.

However, BedStory isn’t for everyone. For instance, some sleepers find that the mattress doesn’t expand or inflate to its actual size. Other sleepers say that firmness isn’t enough for them. Plus, other sleepers experience aches and pains while sleeping on this mattress.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the BEST mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress could be the next mattress to grace your bedframe. Many sleepers rave over the mattress since they sleep easier, faster, and better. Plus, some experience less or no pain upon waking up, which is a game-changer for many sleepers. Finally, it’s value for money considering the specs. You don’t need to change your mattress regularly. Plus, you can return the mattress if it’s not a good fit!

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