Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana savaged President Joe Biden on Tuesday after he announced a blatantly political executive order that he said would finally secure the country’s border with Mexico. Such an order could have come years ago and arguably wouldn’t have been needed at all had Biden not...

Apparently, the ladies of "The View" know as much about basketball as they do about politics. Which is, sad to say, almost nothing. With WNBA star Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever dominating the sports headlines, inevitably, the ladies at "The View" would offer their perspective on the budding superstar....

June 05, 2024

Five years after they’d felt forced to dump him, the band’s original leader shocked his former colleagues at Abbey Road in 1975

Especially when they hear how welcoming Hamas is to the LGBTQ community in their underground tunnels and for all the work they are doing to fight COVID. And here we have even more reasons to thank Hamas for all they have done for Gaza: Thank you #Hamas , and thanks to the millions around the […]

Remember when med schools used merit? The post Minorities Hardest Hit by Difficulty of Being a Doctor appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

"I actually think that Daniel Greenfield... may have said it best." The post Congresswoman Quotes Front Page While Interrogating AG Garland appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

The hacking and overdoses are another legacy of Tiananmen Square.  The post Tiananmen Square Anniversary a Reminder of a Lost Opportunity appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

A new study from York University in Toronto, Canada sheds light on the substantial consequences of social media detox on people’s self-esteem and body image. The study, led by psychology professor Jennifer Mills, included 66 female undergraduate students and sought to investigate the consequences of a week without using social media. Mills, along with co-authors Olivia Smith and Lindsay Samson, separated the participants into two groups: one that continued to use social media as normal, and the other that avoided all social media platforms throughout the study. The researchers assessed baseline levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction before and after the intervention, using screen time monitoring to validate participants’ adherence to the program. The impact: revealing the astonishing effects on self-esteem and body image The study found a significant difference in self-esteem and physical satisfaction between the two groups. Mills expressed surprise at the magnitude of the findings, stating, “We had effect sizes that were larger than I’m used to seeing in this line of research, so that suggests that it is a robust or strong effect.” The considerable increase in self-esteem and body image among those who avoided social media demonstrates the profound impact of digital platforms on people’s mental health. This study provides solid evidence of the benefits of lowering social media usage, showing the possibility of a positive shift in one’s self-perception and body image. Understanding the vulnerability: why body image matters, particularly for young women Catherine Sabiston, a professor of body image and mental health at the University of Toronto, underlines young women’s vulnerability to negative body image. She explains that the transition to adulthood is a vital stage for identity building, making people vulnerable to societal pressures and artificial beauty standards promoted by social media. Poor body image impacts people not just psychologically, leading to low self-esteem and an increased risk of depression and anxiety, but it also has physical consequences, influencing nutrition and substance use patterns. Practical solutions: tips and strategies for using social media to boost mental health In reaction to social media’s ubiquitous influence on mental well-being, experts argue for practical solutions that promote positive online experiences while boosting mental health. Here are some useful tips: Set limits: Set limits on social media usage and gradually reduce screen time to create a healthier relationship with digital platforms. Use smartphones’ built-in screen time tracking features to measure usage and establish daily limitations. Curate your feed:  Take charge of your social media experience by curating your feed with positive and uplifting information. Unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards or elicit negative emotions, and instead seek out those who inspire and encourage you. Practice mindfulness:  Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your everyday routine to increase self-awareness and emotional resilience. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness-based activities can help you ground yourself and reduce stress. Strengthen social connections:  Prioritize meaningful connections with friends and family who encourage and support you. Develop offline relationships and participate in events that encourage social connection and community involvement. Practice self-care:  Set aside time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Take up hobbies, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care techniques that improve overall well-being. People can regain control of their digital lives and prioritize their mental health by applying these tactics in an increasingly interconnected society. Source study: Body Image—Out of the loop: Taking a one-week break from social media leads to better self-esteem and body image among young women  The post Students drop social media: how a weeklong detox improves self-esteem and body image first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Are you prepared to take your regular walks to the next level? Say hello to rucking, a new fitness trend that is changing the way people workout. Simply slipping on a weighted rucksack or backpack transforms your stroll into a full-body exercise that incorporates cardio and strength training. Let’s dive into the world of rucking and discover its myriad benefits, as well as expert advice to get you started on your rucking journey. Understanding rucking: boost your walks with more resistance Before getting into the benefits of rucking, it’s important to understand what it includes. Domenic Angelino, CPT, from Trainer Academy, explains, “A rucksack is basically a special type of backpack that’s better suited for this sort of activity than the average backpack would be.” The fundamental distinction is its design, which allows for ideal weight distribution and stability during exercise. Furthermore, you can adjust the weight of your rucksack by adding objects such as books, cans of food, or specially designed weights. The benefit of rucking over conventional walking Rucking provides numerous benefits that outweigh those of ordinary walking. According to Angelino, “[Rucking] increases the muscular endurance of those muscles [as] they are required to support the weight of the rucksack over the course of your walk.” This means that you’re not only using your leg muscles for propulsion, but also training your core, back, and shoulder muscles as they strain to keep the rucksack stable. Furthermore, rucking raises your heart rate, resulting in a more serious cardiovascular workout than typical walking. “Your heart will have to deliver a lot more blood and oxygen to your muscles over time so that it can support all the extra work they’re doing,” Angelino says. With each step, you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health. Real people, real results: rucking transformation If you’re still doubtful about the effectiveness of rucking, just check out the testimonies on social media platforms like TikTok. Users like @dailycleansewithceleste attest to the transforming effect of rucking. “I’m rucking wearing my new 50-pound vest … the transformation of my body is real!” she shouts in a video, gaining thousands of views. Top tips for a successful rucking workout Ready to start your rucking journey? Here are some expert advice for a safe and productive workout: 1. Be creative with your rucking weights Do not limit yourself to traditional weights. Get creative and add weight to your rucksack with household things such as books, canned goods, and rocks. 2. Select your terrain carefully Whether you favor hiking trails or city sidewalks, rucking may take place anywhere. Just make sure you have enough space to maneuver freely and safely. 3. Pack the essentials Bring water, food, sunscreen, and insect spray to stay hydrated and nourished while rucking. Proper water and nutrition are essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the workout. 4. Invest in quality gear  A high-quality rucksack with adjustable straps and waist support can significantly improve your rucking experience. When choosing your gear, prioritize durability and comfort. 5. Do not skip the warm-up A lively warm-up program can help prepare your body for the upcoming workout. To minimize overexertion, gradually increase the weight of your knapsack. 6. Include rucking in your fitness routine  If you lift weights, plan your rucking workouts wisely to supplement your strength training routine. To minimize fatigue and injury, avoid rucking before lower-body activities. 7. Embrace the challenge Push yourself by incorporating hills or alternating between walking and running during your rucking exercises. Every type of intensity improves the effectiveness of your workout. Realize your full potential by rucking Are you ready to step up your exercise routine and reap the transforming advantages of rucking? Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just getting started on your wellness path, rucking is a fun and effective method to stay active and healthy. Lace-up your shoes, put on your backpack, and set off on a quest to become a stronger, fitter version of yourself!    The post What the ruck? Transform your daily walks into high-efficacy workouts with rucking first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.