Rolling 101: A Quick Guide to Relief & Recovery
If you've ever walked into a gym, you’ve probably seen people rolling their legs, glutes, or backs on cylindrical foam rollers. These tools have gained popularity for a reason they can help loosen up tight muscles, improve flexibility, and even reduce soreness after a workout. But are they right for you? Let’s dive in.What Is a Foam Roller?
A foam roller is a firm cylinder, typically around six inches in diameter and available in different lengths and densities. They are made to help relax muscles and connective tissue so that you can move better and feel less pain.The surface of most rollers is smooth, and to use them, you press different parts of your body against them. Physical medicine and rehabilitation expert Dr. Marwa A. Ahmed at Harvard Medical School says the process is like "ironing out" tight muscles and tissues, which makes movement feel better and smoother.
How Do Foam Rollers Work?
When you apply pressure to your muscles and fascia (the connective tissue around muscles) using a foam roller, it helps break up tension and knots, much like a deep-tissue massage. This self-massage technique can improve flexibility, relieve muscle soreness, and enhance blood circulation to the targeted area. Essentially, foam rolling helps your body move more freely with less pain.The Benefits of Foam Rolling
- Regular foam rolling can provide several benefits, including:
- Reducing muscle soreness and tension
- Increasing flexibility and range of motion
- Boosting circulation to help muscles recover faster
- Supporting fluid movement through the lymphatic system
- Enhancing performance by improving movement efficiency
How to Use a Foam Roller Correctly
It's easy to use a foam roller: just put the muscle you want to work on on the roller and slowly move it back and forth. Lie down on your back with the roller under your legs and move slowly from your hips to your knees to roll your thighs. If it's easier for you to stand, you can lean against a wall with the roller on your back and move from side to side.
Do this 3–5 times a week, at least twice a week, for 30 to 60 seconds for each muscle group in your body. If you want to get the most out of foam rolling, try to do it every day.
Do this 3–5 times a week, at least twice a week, for 30 to 60 seconds for each muscle group in your body. If you want to get the most out of foam rolling, try to do it every day.
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The Best Hand Cream and Soap for Post-Gardening Hand Care
One of the joys of gardening is watching your plants grow and bloom. Gardening is so much fun because you get to plant, water, weed, and watch your plants grow and bloom. Now that spring is here, people who love gardening know it takes a lot of care and hard work. From planting bright sunflowers, roses, and hydrangeas to looking after delicate orchids, every little step makes it all worth it. But after hours of cutting back, digging, and planting, your hands need just as much care as your garden. To restore and nourish them, Edinburgh Natural Skincare’s Gardener’s Solid Hand Cream Bar and Green Lady Cold Processed Soap are the perfect post-gardening essentials.
Why Is Hand Care After Gardening Important?
Your hands are likely extremely dirty after a day of gardening. But did you know that regular soaps can take away the oils that keep the skin healthy? That's why Green Lady Cold Processed Soap is perfect to use after gardening.
What Makes It Special?
After rinsing off the soap, your skin will be clean, refreshed, and ready to receive nourishment.
Why Is Hand Care After Gardening Important?
Post-Gardening hand care matters because after digging in the dirt, watering plants, and pulling out weeds, your hands can get dry, rough, and tired. Taking care of your hands isn’t just about keeping them looking nice. It helps keep your skin healthy too. Let’s find out the best way to make your hands feel soft and happy using these natural, eco-friendly products.
Step 1: Cleanse with Green Lady Cold Processed Soap
Step 1: Cleanse with Green Lady Cold Processed Soap
Your hands are likely extremely dirty after a day of gardening. But did you know that regular soaps can take away the oils that keep the skin healthy? That's why Green Lady Cold Processed Soap is perfect to use after gardening.
What Makes It Special?
- Handmade in Scotland using traditional slow-curing methods for long-lasting quality.
- It is packed with deeply nourishing ingredients like Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Olive Oil .
- It contains Frankincense and French Lavender Essential Oils to soothe and calm your skin.
- It is packed in a sustainable package with no single-use plastics, making it kind to the planet.
- How to use Green Lady Soap: Remove the Green Lady Soap from its eco-friendly canvas bag.
Rub the soap under warm water to create a nice lather, then gently massage it into your hands. Pay extra attention to any rough or dry areas.
After rinsing off the soap, your skin will be clean, refreshed, and ready to receive nourishment.
A lot of the time, cloudy urine is nothing to overly worry about. But if it doesn't go away or if you have other symptoms, you ought to inform your doctor. Read on to learn more about what it might mean and what to do about it.
What does "cloudy" urine mean? What should urine look like?
Urine that appears cloudy is just that—cloudy. Dr. Robert Shmerling, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, says that normal urine should be clear and light yellow. Urine that is cloudy looks like milk or haze. "If you poured it into a glass, you wouldn't be able to easily see through it.
Common reasons why urine is cloudy
These things could be making your urine appear cloudy:
Acid levels are low. The things that make up
urine are water, salt, and waste. When these parts come together, they usually make urine that has a pH level between a little acidic and a little alkaline. But Dr. Shmerling says that your urine can become more alkaline than normal if you keep vomiting or eat certain foods. It also looks cloudier when the pee is more alkaline. "We do sometimes see cloudy urine among vegans, since a diet high in fruits and vegetables raises your urine's pH level," he says.
UTI stands for urinary tract infection. White blood cells and even small amounts of blood could show up in urine if you have a UTI, says Dr. Shmerling. This will make it look cloudy. If it is a UTI, you will probably have other signs, like having to go to the bathroom a lot and being in pain.
Dehydration. "If your urine is very concentrated, it may appear cloudy because it's dark yellow or, if you're really dehydrated, almost orange," Dr. Shmerling points out.
Diabetes. Some people with diabetes can get sugar in their urine, which can make it look cloudy.
Diseases spread through sexual contact. People with trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia can have cloudy urine. This can happen to both men and women.
What does "cloudy" urine mean? What should urine look like?
Urine that appears cloudy is just that—cloudy. Dr. Robert Shmerling, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, says that normal urine should be clear and light yellow. Urine that is cloudy looks like milk or haze. "If you poured it into a glass, you wouldn't be able to easily see through it.
Common reasons why urine is cloudy
These things could be making your urine appear cloudy:
Acid levels are low. The things that make up
urine are water, salt, and waste. When these parts come together, they usually make urine that has a pH level between a little acidic and a little alkaline. But Dr. Shmerling says that your urine can become more alkaline than normal if you keep vomiting or eat certain foods. It also looks cloudier when the pee is more alkaline. "We do sometimes see cloudy urine among vegans, since a diet high in fruits and vegetables raises your urine's pH level," he says.
UTI stands for urinary tract infection. White blood cells and even small amounts of blood could show up in urine if you have a UTI, says Dr. Shmerling. This will make it look cloudy. If it is a UTI, you will probably have other signs, like having to go to the bathroom a lot and being in pain.
Dehydration. "If your urine is very concentrated, it may appear cloudy because it's dark yellow or, if you're really dehydrated, almost orange," Dr. Shmerling points out.
Diabetes. Some people with diabetes can get sugar in their urine, which can make it look cloudy.
Diseases spread through sexual contact. People with trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia can have cloudy urine. This can happen to both men and women.
Happiness is not just an emotion; it’s a way of life. Every year on March 20th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of joy and well-being in our lives. But what does it truly mean to be happy? And how can we embrace happiness even in the midst of life’s inevitable challenges?
The Science of Happiness: Insights from the Happiness Lab
If there’s one person who understands the art of happiness, it’s Professor Eric Zillmer, a neuropsychologist, musician, stroke survivor, and the director of the Happiness Lab at Drexel University. When asked if he is happy, Zillmer confidently responds, “Yes.” It turns out, happiness is more than just a feeling—it’s something we can actively cultivate. Learn more about the science of happiness in our article on [The Science Behind Positive Psychology].
Zillmer’s studies reveal that older individuals, particularly those over 60, tend to report higher levels of happiness than their younger counterparts. He attributes this to life experience, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of self-acceptance. Interestingly, he points out that the United States is one of the few countries that has written the right to the pursuit of happiness into its constitution, alongside life and liberty.
Zillmer’s studies reveal that older individuals, particularly those over 60, tend to report higher levels of happiness than their younger counterparts. He attributes this to life experience, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of self-acceptance. Interestingly, he points out that the United States is one of the few countries that has written the right to the pursuit of happiness into its constitution, alongside life and liberty.
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Universal Right
The concept of happiness is deeply rooted in history. When Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, he emphasized the right to pursue happiness as a fundamental human right. Scholars continue to debate what he truly meant by that phrase, but one thing is clear—happiness is something worth striving for.
The Beyond Happiness Method: Marilyn Horowitz’s Approach
Marilyn Horowitz, a trauma specialist and founder of the Beyond Happiness Method, offers a unique perspective on finding joy, even during difficult times. She believes that happiness isn’t just about external success but about getting into the right emotional, mental, and spiritual place before embarking on any new journey.
Horowitz highlights how economic struggles, political uncertainty, and relationship challenges can hinder our ability to feel happy. Her solution? Hugs. Yes, something as simple as a warm embrace can help foster a sense of connection and joy. According to Horowitz, embracing small moments of positivity—whether through a hug, an act of kindness, or a simple moment of gratitude—can be life-changing.
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