When it comes to wearing sunscreen, there are no shortcuts. As easy as it would be to just pop a pill and be protected from the sun's rays, the Food and Drug Administration says these medications don't work.

"We’ve found products purporting to provide protection from the sun that aren’t delivering the advertised benefits," FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in a statement. "Instead they’re misleading consumers, and putting people at risk."

More: Annoying Summer Body Issues & How to Fix Them

The FDA recently sent warning letters to companies illegally marketing pills that claim to protect consumers from sun exposure without meeting the organization's safety and effectiveness standards. Specifically, they called out Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, Sunsafe Rx, Solaricare and Sunergetic for "putting people’s health at risk by giving consumers a false sense of security that a dietary supplement could prevent sunburn, reduce early skin aging caused by the sun, or protect from the risks of skin cancer."

Gottlieb warned consumers to be wary of products with unproven claims.

"When the FDA sees companies taking advantage of people’s desire to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun — we’ll step in," he said in a statement. "There’s no pill or capsule that can replace your sunscreen."

More: Why Wearing Cheap Sunglasses May Actually Be Dangerous

So, why is this so important? Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans being at risk for developing the condition at some point during their lifetime according to the FDA.

And what can you do to protect yourself from the sun? Instead of opting for a pill, the Mayo Clinic recommends using a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen and reapplying it regularly as well as avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and wearing protective clothing.

OK, Bachelor Nation, get ready for a major revelation. The following information will either shock you to no end or make you think, “Well, it’s about time.” Ready? Bachelor in Paradise alums Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon are officially dating. The back-and-forth duo confirmed their relationship status on Iaconetti’s The Story of Us webseries on Tuesday.

During the episode, Iaconetti recounted the couple’s love story from its roots — from the moment they learned about each other to their somewhat disastrous stint together on Paradise (cue all the tears) to going their separate ways.

More: The Bachelor's Ashley Iaconetti Is Hosting a Brand New Show

In fact, it was their time apart that actually brought them back together. “I remember I heard rumors that you might have met somebody, and I was sad,” Haibon said on the webseries, referring to Iaconetti’s previous relationship with Bachelorette Canada's Kevin Wendt. “Sometimes I need a kick in the ass... That was a big kick in the ass.”

And in the most Bachelor Nation twist ever, Haibon got an added push from his Bachelor buddy and fellow Paradise alum Tanner Tolbert, who encouraged Haibon to tell Iaconetti how he felt. In a grand romantic gesture, Haibon did just that — and planted a big kiss on her in the airport. The airport! It’s like a scene straight out of a rom-com, no?

However, the timing wasn’t quite right. Iaconetti opted to stick it out with Wendt for a while longer. As soon as they called it quits, though, Haibon seized his opportunity to once again plead his case. This time, he spent three days writing a poignant love letter.

To Haibon’s credit, the letter was sweet enough to turn anyone into a pile of mush.

“I’m tired of making what could be the biggest mistake of my life, which is letting go of the most important people in my life: you,” he wrote. In the webseries video, he underscored that by saying, “I’m living proof that you should listen to your gut, and that it’s not too late.”

More: 4 Reasons to Love Bachelor in Paradise's Ashley Iaconetti

Haibon also joked, “The story of us. God, it’s a novel.” Truer words may never have been spoken by a Bachelor alum, either. Anyone who watched the messy love triangle between Haibon, Iaconetti and Caila Quinn on Paradise last year is likely surprised to learn that Haibon and Iaconetti are the last two standing.

As they've gone from lovers to friends and back again, many tears have been shed between these two — you know, mostly Iaconetti’s. Haibon opened up about their rocky past in 2016, telling HuffPost he “had a lot of frustrations towards the things Ashley said and did” on Paradise, going on to remark that "it was a very troubling time for awhile between Ashley and myself. We had a lot of very difficult long and hard conversations, but we talked through everything and I’m still friends with [her]."

Alas, you know how the saying goes: All’s well that ends well. Only time will tell if this is truly a match made in Bachelor Nation heaven. But, for now, the newly minted couple admittedly seems pretty darn happy.

Savannah Guthrie doesn’t lose her cool often. In fact, her even keel makes her the successful, relatable Today coanchor she is. But Guthrie’s riled up right now, and we don’t blame her — people apparently keep asking if she is pregnant, prompting her to issue a pointed response via Twitter.

More: Savannah Guthrie's Today Show Gaffe Was Hilariously Relatable

So, we're probably not spoiling anything when we tell you that Guthrie is currently not pregnant. However, that didn't stop the Today coanchor from clapping back at a since-deleted tweet that apparently questioned whether she was pregnant based on what she was wearing on the show. Early Tuesday morning, Guthrie tweeted out her sharp reply, saying, “It is just the dress. Excuse me while I go burn it.”

Y’all... no. Just don't do this. It is never cool to ask someone if they're pregnant, for a multitude of reasons. Aside from the fact that it’s just rude, making such an assumption doesn’t account for any extenuating circumstances or the person's health history.

Imagine if the person is not, in fact, pregnant but has been struggling for years to conceive. What if they can’t have children at all due to some unforeseen medical condition? What if they’ve suffered multiple miscarriages or recently experienced a late-term pregnancy loss?

Or what if — like many people — the person simply put on a little weight or has lingering weight from, you know, incubating a tiny human? While both are normal and all body shapes are beautiful, it’s possible the person is insecure about their weight or body shape. Regardless, there's no call to have either one publicly scrutinized and ridiculed.

More: Savannah Guthrie Highlights Her Happiest Day on Her Anniversary

Guthrie drove home this point on Instagram, sharing a graphic showing a woman in all stages of pregnancy along with the question, “When is it okay to ask a woman if she is pregnant?” Underneath each stage, the word “no” reads loud and clear.

The caption Guthrie added to the Instagram graphic hints at how such unfounded assertions can affect a person’s self-image. “Excuse me while I spend the rest of the day on the elliptical,” she wrote.

More: Savannah Guthrie Chose Her Job Over Maternity Leave

While Guthrie received support in the comments to her post, it would certainly have been nice if there had been no need for commenters to leap to Guthrie’s defense. This question shouldn't have been asked in the first place.

Most of us are planning to celebrate National Wine Day on Friday as we celebrate all other Fridays — by drinking wine — but with that in mind, Whole Foods is having an epic rosé wine sale that will score us 20 percent off all of the rosé wines in the store, which, according to the beauty that is math, means that for every $100 we spend on wine, we’d be getting $20 off… which means we can get more wine. Right?

More: The 12 Best Wines to Buy at Trader Joe's

The sale will only last one day and actually marks the end of the giant spring wine promotion Whole Foods has been doing the last two months, which included a variety of 12 rosé wines from around the world, such as Pure Provence Rosé, Orlana Rosé Vinho Verde, Skouras Zoe rosé and Summer Water Rosé. There were even canned wine options, such as Presto Sparkling Rosé and a canned rosé available in a four-pack from Mirabeau.

More: 15 Absurd Wine Accessories You Won’t Believe Exist

"The popularity of rosé wines has never been higher, and our team worked to curate a really interesting and diverse selection for our shoppers to sample. We are excited to share these wines and encourage shoppers to take advantage of these deals while they last!" said Devon Broglie, master sommelier and global beverage buyer for Whole Foods Market in a press release.

This is the perfect way to celebrate the day of wine — and months of a great sale.

Most of us are always on a mission to find the healthiest way of eating that helps us feel good and live without pain — and the anti-inflammation diet may do just that.

You see, chronic inflammation is pretty much the root of almost all our health problems. Arthritis, IBS, asthma, allergies, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's and even diabetes all come down to inflammation — and can become better or worse depending on what a person is eating, according to Karen Lamphere, MS, CN, a nutritionist based in Edmonds, Washington.

Lampere always recommends a diet of anti-inflammatory foods to her clients as a way for them to heal — and the anti-inflammation diet is actually pretty uncomplicated and intuitive.

More: What You Should Know About the Fast-Metabolism Diet

What is an anti-inflammation diet?

The anti-inflammation diet is comprised of healthy, wholesome, unprocessed foods.

As Lamphere and many other nutritionists have recognized when working with their clients, the phrase "you are what you eat" could not ring truer. The purpose of eating anti-inflammatory foods and removing processed foods from the diet is to calm down inflammation in the body. Research confirms two important things that make the anti-inflammatory diet so critical and so effective for so many people struggling with health issues, as well as those who hope to improve their general health.

First, a 2015 study by the British Journal of Nutrition linked unresolved inflammation to early development of chronic disease. And second — according to University of Alabama at Birmingham Employee Wellness director and adjunct professor of personal health, Lauren Whitt — eating the right foods (namely, anti-inflammatory foods) can help to fight this disease-causing inflammation in the body.

That's where the anti-inflammatory diet comes in, built on basic principles like:

• Anti-inflammatory fats are a cornerstone of this diet. Lamphere recommends foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, flaxseed, hempseed and walnuts. In addition, other anti-inflammatory fats include extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, hempseed oil and walnut oil.
• Fruits and vegetables are high in inflammation-reducing antioxidants. "Fruits and vegetables with high antioxidants are important, especially onions, garlic, peppers and dark leafy greens," says Lamphere. She adds, "These are high in inflammation-fighting carotenoids, vitamin K and vitamin E."
• Herbs and spices include compounds to fight inflammation. Lamphere explains, "Turmeric, oregano, rosemary, ginger and green tea contain bioflavonoids and polyphenols that reduce inflammation and limit free radical production." She adds, "Some of the most potent anti-inflammatory vegetables are peppers and the spices derived from them, such as cayenne pepper. All chili peppers include capsaicin (the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it has), which is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes."
• Some healthy proteins can be anti-inflammatory. "There is a difference in the saturated fat and omega-3 fat content in grain-fed versus grass-fed beef, with the latter being a more healthful choice for an anti-inflammation diet." She adds, "In addition, organic pasteurized eggs have a better anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile than factory-farmed eggs." Choose your proteins wisely and aim to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet.

More: How Caving to Your Sugar Cravings Can Harm Your Body & Overall Health

What foods are pro-inflammatory?

The standard American diet is a culprit in inflammatory conditions.

• Unhealthy fats promote inflammation. "Most people eating a Western diet high in processed food or fast food consume a lot of omega-6 fats and not enough of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats — and it is this imbalance between the two that promotes inflammation [in the body]."
• Omega-6 fats found in corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut and soybean oils. "[These fats] are inflammatory because they are metabolized into hormone-like compounds that actually promote inflammation," says Lamphere. Have you ever wondered why trans fat is unhealthy? Lamphere explains, "Another fat that is highly inflammatory is trans fat. This fat is found in processed or fast foods, especially those that are fried." She warns, "It is best to avoid trans fat entirely."
• Refined carbohydrates are pro-inflammatory. Refined flour, sugar and foods high on the glycemic index exacerbate inflammatory conditions. Lamphere warns, "These foods elevate insulin and glucose levels, which raise levels of pro-inflammatory messengers."
• Food allergies or sensitivities can play a role in inflammation. "Many people are intolerant to the proteins in wheat and dairy, and this can initiate an inflammatory cascade that starts in the gut but can have far-reaching [systemic] effects," says Lamphere.

How to start an anti-inflammatory diet

Lamphere recommends the anti-inflammatory diet for people with inflammatory conditions as well as healthy people who are looking for a healthy diet. When starting out, Lamphere emphasizes that it is important to reduce your unhealthy fat intake by eliminating oils high in omega-6 while increasing your intake of healthy fats, including more extra-virgin olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr. Joe Feuerstein, associate professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University and director of integrative medicine at Stamford Hospital, takes it one step further — he says the easiest way to approach the anti-inflammatory diet is by focusing on what you can have instead of what you can't. In his nutritional work with his patients, where he often incorporates an anti-inflammatory diet, Feuerstein says that it's as easy as using a simple food pyramid.

Here's his approach, from the bottom of the pyramid to the top:

• Bottom Level — Enjoy all the colors of the rainbow as veggies or salad, 2 – 3 servings for lunch and 2 – 3 servings for dinner. This is combined with 2 – 3 fruit and berry snacks per day.
• Level II — In more limited amounts, enjoy healthy carbohydrates and whole grains, like quinoa, yams, plantains al dente and whole grain pasta.
• Level III — Next are nuts and seeds, like almonds as well as hemp, avocado and olive oils.
• Level IV — Eat anti-inflammatory proteins moderately, like whole soy, including tofu and tempeh, and cold-water fish, like herring, mackerel, sardines, sockeye or salmon.
• Level V — Include small amounts of other proteins, like eggs, skinless poultry, natural cheese or bison.
• Top Level — The tip of the pyramid is dark chocolate, green tea, spices and a little red wine.

More: Eat These Foods to Boost Your Immune System

Speaking of what you can have, the anti-inflammatory diet is not as hard to follow as it seems — not all of life's "goodies" are off the table. As Feuerstein reminds us, those yummy foods at the top of the pyramid, like dark chocolate and red wine, can still be enjoyed in small amounts. This kind of moderate approach, with a treat that awaits you at the end of the night, makes it easier to follow any diet.

A version of this article was originally published in April 2008.

The television gods are smiling on all of us right now with the official announcement from The Hollywood Reporter that Richard Gere will be starring in his first major TV role, the eight-part BBC series MotherFatherSon. It feels pretty darn good to be a TV viewer right about now.

Here’s what we know so far about this exciting new development in Gere’s career, which already includes classics like American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman, Mr. Jones and Chicago.

More: Richard Gere & New Wife Alejandra Silva Had a Very Buddhist Wedding Celebration

So far, only two other cast members have been announced, but they’re both brilliant. The first is relative newcomer Billy Howle, who has thus far made a name for himself in UK miniseries such as Glue and The Witness for the Prosecution. The second is Helen McCrory, who fans will likely recognize for her turn as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter film franchise. Other standout roles for this established star include Penny Dreadful, To Appomattox, Fearless and Peaky Blinders.

It’s no wonder the project pulled Gere into the TV world. “It’s been almost 30 years since I worked in television [in the 1993 TV movie And the Band Played On]. I’m so pleased to be working now with the BBC on this extraordinary eight-hour project with such talented people and which resonates so much to the time we live in,” he said in a statement.

More: Diane Lane Reminisces About Kissing Richard Gere

Like Gere’s previous roles, this new one looks to be complex and challenging, if not a bit mysterious. BBC describes his character, Max, as “a US media mogul.” McCory will star as his “heiress ex-wife Kathryn” and Howle as their son, Caden. When Caden starts to spiral out of control, it poses serious consequences for the “future of the family, its empire, and a country on the brink of change,” according to a spokesman for the drama series.

According to THR, the series is being produced by BBC Studios Drama London to air on BBC Two. Tom Rob Smith, who was responsible for the recent FX hit The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, wrote and created MotherFatherSon. IMDb describes the show as “a psycho-thriller set within systems of power in politics, media, and the police.”

More: Cindy Crawford Spills Richard Gere Divorce Deets

Filming is set to begin in London and Spain this summer, but no air date for MotherFatherSon has been set yet. Regardless, keep your eye on this project because, duh, it's Richard Gere.

When 13 Reasons Why premiered on Netflix last year, it received intense backlash, especially from mental health professionals. Based on Jay Asher’s young adult novel, the show presented Hannah Baker’s own account of her tumultuous teen life while erroneously depicting suicide as an act of vengeance. With negative speculations surrounding the much-anticipated second season, the new season defied all expectations by opening the discussion about teens and mental health in a more appropriate way.

Told through the perspective of 13 narrators — all of whom were subjects of Hannah’s tapes — Season 2 paints a more accurate picture of teens and their struggles. While the first season glorified Hannah in a way that suggested her martyrdom, the second takes a completely different approach by focusing more on Hannah’s flaws and what made her — well — human.

In the quest to place blame for Hannah’s unfortunate death, Season 2 takes viewers on a long and intricate journey into the complex and vulnerable minds of Hannah’s peers as they struggle to endure the everyday challenges that come with being teenagers in today’s society.

More: Instead of Helping, My Psychiatrist Made My Mental Health So Much Worse

Though the full truth may never be revealed, one thing remains certain — all of the characters are perfectly imperfect.

As a high school teacher and someone who has struggled with mental illness, I can honestly say Season 2 gets a lot right about the teenage experience, but there are a few things that it gets wrong too.

What it got right

1. “[Teens] hide. They deflect. They try to become the person they think we want them to be.” — Mr. Porter (Season 2, Episode 9)

In the second season, Olivia Baker, Hannah's mother, files a lawsuit against Liberty High School, alleging the school was negligent for ignoring clear signs her daughter may be suicidal. When Porter is questioned during the trial, he shares real insights about the teenage struggle. Working with students, I’ve noticed that teens often adapt to please others, whether it be their teachers, coaches, peers or parents. With immense pressure to succeed, some teens self-destruct. While some students can easily hide behind a facade and achieve academic success, others might turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

While Season 1 focused more on teens in the absence of parents, Season 2 delves into various parent-child relationships. In my career, I’ve noticed that teenagers tend to divulge more to their teachers than to their own parents out of fear of disappointing. Instead of expressing their true selves, teens struggle with being who they think their parents want them to be.

2. “For many kids, trust doesn’t come easy.” — Mr. Porter (Season 2, Episode 9)

Mr. Porter’s statement is valid. Gossip is inevitable in a school environment, and Season 2 successfully depicts the powerful impact it has on a student’s psyche. With ubiquitous social media apps, teens betray their peers in some of the most heinous ways, but at their age, they don’t understand the enormity of the internet and the indelible digital footprints that can ultimately destroy lives.

3. “Sometimes, you gotta take matters into your own hands.” — Tony (Season 2, Episode 9)

Teenagers like to make their own justice. If they are wronged, they seek revenge. This eye-for-an-eye mentality often destroys some of the most promising students. At such an age, teens are too concerned about fairness, and consequently, those who are wronged degrade themselves with poor behaviors.

4. “Maybe it would’ve been better [if I died] so you could all get on with your lives.” — Alex (Season 2, Episode 7)

Though psychologist Jean Piaget declared ages 2 to 7 as the “all about me” phase, the teen years also involve egocentrism. In my experience working with high school students, some adolescents are quick to believe that everyone is out to get them and that they are always being unjustly blamed. But as teens slip into deeper levels of depression, they begin to irrationally internalize everything as their fault. Similarly to Alex, some believe that others will be better off without them, but in this vulnerable mindset, they act impulsively, not fully grasping the irrevocability of death.

5.  “Suicide contagion is a real thing, and we’ve gotta take measures to protect kids.” — Liberty High School Principal (Season 2, Episode 9)

A show that inadvertently encouraged suicide and contributed to suicide contagion is now addressing the dangers of such contagions, but perhaps this was essential for redemption. Teaching in a school district that has suffered from this contagion, I have witnessed it firsthand.

When the first suicide affected the district, the district didn't anticipate the subsequent chain reaction. Unfortunately, some students begin to see suicide as a solution. Some might think, “If the pretty and popular girl couldn’t survive, then there’s no hope for me.” The resulting consequences of that first suicide can be more detrimental than one could ever foresee.

What it got wrong

1. Suicide is a an act of selfishness

When Alex expresses disappointment that he lived through his suicide, Jessica falsely accuses him of not caring about anyone other than himself. Even the somewhat rational Clay mistakenly equates suicide with selfishness as he vacillates between hating Hannah for what she did and hating himself for what he didn’t do.

More: 13 Things Never to Say to Someone Who Is Suicidal or Depressed

2. Students don’t experience academic stress

When speaking with students, I often hear that school is the biggest stressor in their lives — not because of the social aspect, but because of the grades, standardized tests and onerous expectations to succeed. As college admissions become more competitive, students burden themselves with unrealistic goals. They enroll in multiple AP courses, join several clubs, participate in student government, play on numerous sports teams — all while trying to maintain a perfect GPA.

High school is supposed to be a place for students to learn about themselves and explore their different talents in preparation for college, but in a society that equates education with success, students are forced to succumb to such unrealistic demands. Yet both seasons of 13 Reasons Why neglect this stressor and thus fail to present the authentic high school experience.

3. Not much will change if you live through suicide

Season 1 was chided for its negligence of mental illness and proper interventions — sadly, Season 2 maintains that. Though mental illness is addressed in some scenes, not much is done to help those with suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

After trying to kill himself, Alex — who surprisingly looks better than he did before taking a bullet to his head — returns to school and follows his old routines with the slight addition of physical therapy sessions. Once again, 13 Reasons Why fails to properly address mental health. Alex’s physical appearance and typical lifestyle display could have a potentially dangerous side effect for young viewers: giving them the false sense that suicide won’t destroy your life even if you live through it.

4. Someone is at fault for a person’s suicide

Although Liberty High School is exonerated at the conclusion of the trial, the show still suggests that someone is to blame for Hannah’s death. Throughout the trial, lawyers argued that Hannah’s parents failed her, while students pointed fingers at each other or even themselves. But through these scenes, Season 2 continued to overlook Hannah’s mental illness. In a brief moment of grief, Olivia Baker recalls a history of mental illness in her family, but the show does not devote sufficient time to this revelation.

Despite these failures and limitations, Season 2 emphasizes a poignant notion: “[Hannah is] not a hero. She does not have lessons to teach us, and we need to recognize the simple truth that she is dead and gone forever."

If you’re looking for resources for helping a friend or loved one or trying to get information about treatment for yourself, you can turn to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling them at 1-800-273-8255.

If you've ever been to Sheetz, you know you're in for a treat when you walk through the doors. It's a convenience store paradise. And while we love grabbing piping-hot mozzarella sticks and frozen lemonade on the occasional late-night run, we also reach for healthier options on a regular basis.

What healthy options, you ask? Many of the made-to-order options are loaded with good-for-you ingredients like protein-rich grilled chicken, fresh veggies, multigrain bread and scrambled egg whites. If you want something smaller or are in a serious rush, you'll want to grab something cold, like yogurt, fresh fruit, string cheese or veggie sticks.

Don't believe us? Here are just a few of our favorite healthy options at Sheetz.

Wildwest Flatbread

Craving a hearty yet healthy breakfast? Try this flatbread. Loaded with egg whites, ham, cheese and veggies, it's got the protein and fiber you need to carry you through to lunch.

Kids' Premium Chicken Shnack Wrap

Made with chicken and provolone cheese, this wrap will keep little ones ready to go with a big dose of protein. Pair with a side of apple slices and low-fat milk for a complete meal.

Grilled Chicken Shnack Wraps

Adults can customize their way to nutritious eating easily with this grilled chicken wrap. Add as many veggies as your heart desires (fire-roasted green peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and pico de gallo, anyone?) to get in a full serving of produce along with some satisfying protein.

Sheetz House Salad

Sometimes you just need something green to keep you going. The Sheetz house salad is the perfect option. Start with it as your base, and then add as many veggies as you like and some grilled chicken if you need an extra boost.

Southwest Veggie Sub

Packed with tons of vegetables, cheddar cheese and a healthy schmear of guacamole, this sandwich is a great option for vegetarians.

Garden of Eatin Sub

You'll say "yaaas!" to this sandwich packed with caramelized onions, fire-roasted peppers, cheese and fresh veggies. It's served up on multigrain bread to give you a dose of whole-grain goodness.

Grilled Chicken Sliders

We can taste it now: juicy grilled chicken, all the veggies, hold the cheese.

Yogurt

Check out the cooler for a selection of healthy yogurts. Full of protein and probiotics, these are perfect whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Fresh fruit

You can always find some fresh fruit at Sheetz, perfect for an afternoon snack or a quick morning meal. If you don't feel like peeling and cutting it yourself, check out the selection of cut fruit in the cooler.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is known for helping to reduce cholesterol, but it also tastes great, is full of fiber and can be dressed up in a ton of different ways. You stay satisfied until lunch rolls around — and then it's time for Sheetz run No. 2.

This post was sponsored by Sheetz.

Be still, our hearts! Former FLOTUS and POTUS Michelle and Barack Obama are famous for causing a serious case of relationship envy, and Michelle’s most recent post to her presidential husband proves no different. To celebrate their love, she shared a never-before-seen snapshot from their wedding day — along with a caption that truly embodies #MarriageGoals.

More: Barack & Michelle Obama Are Now Taking Over Netflix

In the photo, taken in Chicago in 1992, Barack can be seen sliding his new wife’s garter belt down her thigh. It’s an intimate peek into the past the public hasn’t seen until now and, as such, the photo on its own is tender and moving.

However, it’s the words Michelle attaches to the photo that truly speak to the strength of the couple’s longtime union.

“You can’t tell it from this photo, but Barack woke up on our wedding day in October, 1992 with a nasty head cold. Somehow, by the time I met him at the altar, it had miraculously disappeared and we ended up dancing almost all night,” the former FLOTUS revealed in the caption.

“Twenty five years later, we’re still having fun, while also doing the hard work to build our partnership and support each other as individuals,” she continued. “I can’t imagine going on this wild ride with anybody else.”

More: Michelle Obama Is Spilling the Tea About Buckingham Palace

There are a few important points to make here. Like, for example, the fact that the Obamas must be toting around a secret anti-aging serum — they look nearly the same now as they did on their wedding day.

But, more poignantly, it’s beautiful to see a couple so committed to one another and honest about the realities of marriage. Yes, it’s fun and wild and exciting. It’s also difficult and requires “doing the hard work,” as Michelle put it.

More: Barack Obama Gave Michelle the Perfect Birthday Gift, Because Obviously

As evidenced by the Obamas, fairytale romances do exist — however, they’re made possible not by magic but by the effort put in behind the scenes. And, if you ask us, that’s the real magic.

After all, the Obamas must be doing something right.

More than two decades, two beautiful daughters, and two terms in the White House later, and they're still going strong. That solid foundation will undoubtedly also carry them through two huge new developments: a record-breaking book deal with Penguin Random House, estimated in excess of $60 million, and a production deal with Netflix to produce series and movies for the streaming giant.

Olivia Munn may have moved on from Aaron Rodgers in many ways, but that doesn't mean she's not able to get honest about certain aspects of their relationship. More specifically, she's letting people in on the real reason Rodgers has a strained relationship with his family and how that affected his relationship with Munn.

More: Aaron Rodgers Blames Olivia Munn Split Partly on "Inappropriate Connections"

During her appearance on Watch What Happens earlier this week, Munn discussed just how tough things were with Rodgers and his family right from the start of their relationship.

"He hadn't spoken to the parents and one brother [Jordan], for, like, eight months before we started dating," Munn explained to Cohen as a way of explaining away complaints that she was the source of trouble.

Munn also explained that she tried to help patch things up between Rodgers and his family a couple of times. "They had a nice conversation and then they started coming out my first year when I was in Green Bay in 2014. [...] I just think it's really important to try to mend things in a family and I encouraged that. But at the end of the day, I mean, um..."

"It was out of your control," Cohen filled in for her.

More: Aaron Who? Olivia Munn Found Herself a Spanish Hunk

And while Munn states that she played peacemaker with Rodgers and his family as well as maintained a friendly relationship with his brother, Jordan Rodgers, it all seems to have been for naught. She hinted that the strained relationship between Aaron Rodgers and his family may have come from his fame as a major NFL star.

"I do believe that family and fame and success can be really complicated if their dreams are connected to your success," she told Cohen, going on to explain, "[His family is] all in sports, and Aaron is one of the best if not the best quarterback to ever play the game. Their work has a direct connection to what he does. At the end of the day, there's a lot of complications. I don't think either side of the road is clean, but I do think it's not OK when you try to stand on someone's shoulders and then throw dirt in their face, which is what they did for him."

More: Olivia Munn's Quitting Aaron Rodgers Cold Turkey

The couple, who were together for three years, certainly went through some highs and lows. And while we always knew they were on a rocky journey as a couple, those private details came to the surface in bits and pieces back then; we never really had a clear picture of who was or wasn't in the wrong in that situation. With Munn's input, it sounds like Rodgers and his family have always had issues because of the way they've treated their very famous son.

Munn and Rodgers may have moved on from their relationship, but it's kinda nice to see that Munn is still in his corner defending him.

For their latest family outing, Kim Kardashian West and Kourtney Kardashian took their kids to the happiest place on Earth. (We are, of course, referring to Disneyland.) On Tuesday, Kardashian West and her 5-year-old daughter, North, and 2-year-old son, Saint, were joined by Kardashian and her 5-year-old daughter, Penelope, for a magical excursion to one of the family's favorite destinations.

In true Kardashian form, the sisters documented the occasion on social media so fans could follow along — and in some cases sing along to the tune "It's a Small World." (It's super-catchy, OK?)

More: Kim Kardashian West Gets Flak for Posting Bathtub Pic of Saint & North

In a video posted to Snapchat, Kardashian West and North took a ride on It's a Small World while North adorably sang along to its eponymous tune. (North — she's just like us.) Kardashian West didn't join in the singing, but she can be heard giving an enthusiastic, "Hey, Minnie!" greeting to the iconic mouse.

Kardashian West's second video shows the reality star and Saint aboard King Arthur’s Carousel. Because no Disneyland snap would be complete without the appropriate filter, West added the Mickey Mouse filter to both their faces. Go big or go home, right?

More: Kim Kardashian West Unplugs to Be "Super Present"... but Snapchats Baby Chicago Pic

The West kids were joined by their cousin, Penelope, and Aunt Kourtney, who also documented the excursion on social media, sharing a sweet photo of herself, Penelope and Mickey Mouse on Instagram this morning. "Had to go check on my castle yesterday," she captioned the post.

The family that takes trips to Disneyland together stays together. (That's how the saying goes, right?)

Most of us know more than one person who we'd describe as conceited, self-absorbed and — if they're really insufferable — narcissistic. The term "narcissist" is often used colloquially when we're speaking about people with the aforementioned qualities, but narcissistic personality disorder is different. It is a real psychological condition that's not often discussed.

You may be ready to start diagnosing your coworkers, family members and acquaintances, but not so fast! NPD is a rare condition that affects between 0.5 and 1 percent of the general population according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

There's a significant difference between a clinical narcissist and a person who loudly sings their own praises and posts a few too many selfies for our liking.

"It’s important to note the difference between someone with narcissistic features and someone with narcissistic personality disorder," Dr. Marissa Long, licensed clinical health psychologist and founder of Thrive Wise, tells SheKnows. "We can't simply imply that the person who frequently checks themselves out in a mirror or fishes for compliments is a [clinical] narcissist, but they might be."

Long points out that children exhibit features that could be described as clinically narcissistic. Everything's about them and they become angry when things don't go their way and exhibit "look at me, look what I can do!" behavior that parents learn to manage. These traits are totally normal in kids, and they grow out of them. Long explains that the disorder comes in when adults exhibit these behaviors.

"[These tendencies] will likely cause significant distress within interpersonal relationships and ultimately impaired functioning across many areas of life," she says. "Narcissists suffer from a grossly inflated sense of importance, which is used to protect a highly fragile sense of self."

More: Are You a Toxic Coworker?

Long explains that the hallmark behaviors of someone with NPD include "grandiosity, frequent lying, high levels of defensiveness, exaggeration of their own attributes and achievements and displays of arrogance and self-importance." Rather than being related to one situation or area of a person's life, these behaviors persist over time.

Sharon Diaz, a psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist, tells SheKnows that people with NPD are frequently charismatic — but pay attention, because "the conversation will always be more about them than you unless you can serve a purpose for them."

Diaz says other qualities exhibited by people with NPD include entitlement, lack of empathy, mental or emotional put-downs, refusal to take accountability for their actions and "a distorted sense of reality because they twist situations to suit them."

Another way to identify someone with NPD is to ask them what they think their worst faults or weaknesses are. "If they have none or if previous relationships didn't work because it was the other person's fault, then they are probably narcissistic," Diaz says.

More: Are You in a Toxic Relationship? Look Out for These 6 Signs

Long explains that reviewing repeated encounters with a person and how they made you feel is a tried-and-true way to spot someone with NPD. "Stay on the lookout for ongoing patterns of these three common signs: gaslighting, lack of empathy or sensitivity to others and exploitative behaviors," she advises. "Because narcissists are often quite charming, these clearly difficult and negative behaviors can go unnoticed for some time, making the experiences that much more unnerving."

Unlike other mental health conditions, NPD is very rarely treatable — mainly because people who have the condition don't think they need any form of professional help or treatment. "Some behavioral growth can be made in the course of therapy, [but] unfortunately, narcissists do not typically seek treatment unless their interpersonal relationships are under so much distress that the loved ones are insisting on it," Long notes.

Diaz adds, "There is no inner desire for them to change because they can't acknowledge any faults or improper behavior. She also notes that there's no type of medication to treat NPD.

Due to the behaviors exhibited by individuals with NPD, platonic and romantic relationships will inevitably involve emotional gaslighting, exploitation and a callous disregard for your feelings. For the sake of your own mental health, extricate yourself from a relationship with a clinical narcissist — they won't change, and you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Jennifer Lopez is a true triple threat — actor, singer and dancer. Her skills know no bounds as she now develops projects that promote the J.Lo brand with her longtime manager, Benny Medina.

The premiere of World of Dance last May was the perfect show to blend the past with the present for J.Lo. She kicked off her career in Hollywood as a Fly Girl on In Living Color in 1991, and she’s now an executive producer and judge on a show that awards $1 million to the winner.

More: Jennifer Lopez Is the Fanciest Person to Have Ever Attended a Baseball Game

NBC has so much confidence in the dance competition show that the network has already picked it up for Season 3 ahead of its Season 2 premiere on Tuesday. The third season will premiere after the NFL season is over, so look for it sometime in February 2019.

Let’s take a look back at the videos and performances that defined who J.Lo truly is at heart — a dancer.

Fly Girl

The Fly Girls on In Living Color were the show's resident dance troupe. Rosie Perez was the choreographer, and other famous dancers in the troupe included future Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba and Laurieann Gibson. No one seems to remember that J.Lo only joined the show in Season 3 and left after Season 4. It's almost like she was the only dancer in the troupe — a true superstar.

The clip from J.Lo's first episode in 1991 shows her looking a little hesitant on her last move. It's kind of hard to believe that she might have second-guessed herself, given how strong she is now. It makes us feel good to know that J.Lo is human, too.

"Love Don't Cost a Thing"

J.Lo has always had a thing for her backup dancers. Cris Judd, the first guy to catch her eye, was featured in the video for "Love Don't Cost a Thing." The video was shot in 2000, and J.Lo married Judd in 2001.

The dance break is a classic Lopez look — hoop earrings, baggy jeans and dance moves that sit deep in the pocket. The video was nominated for a 2001 MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance Video.

Dance Battle with Jimmy Fallon

In a 2017 appearance, J.Lo had to battle Jimmy Fallon on the dance floor by drawing types of dances out of "Velvety Dance Bag." These dances were anything but normal. J.Lo nailed it with her "washing machine on spin cycle" dance — girl had hairography and all while she swiveled her hips. Jimmy had a comeback with "walking on a moving bus," but there was no beating J.Lo once she danced the "hot cowboy."

More: Jennifer Lopez Knows How She Does Not Want to Be Proposed To

"Ain't It Funny"

This 2001 video, which features a dance break with flamenco-inspired movement, pretty much confirms that J.Lo can do any style of dance. We totally believe that she had years of flamenco training, when in reality, she probably picked it up in the rehearsal studio a week before the shoot.

American Music Awards with Maks Chmerkovskiy

In 2013, the American Music Awards decided to feature a tribute to legendary salsa singer Celia Cruz. There was no better person for the job than J.Lo, who did a full-blown four-and-a-half-minute performance complete with costume changes and an extraordinary over-the-head lift with Dancing With the Stars pro Maks Chmerkovskiy. It's ah-mazing.

Toddlerography with James Corden

Things aren't always so serious when it comes to dance with J.Lo; she's participated in silly sketches like the infamous "Toddlerography" segment with James Corden. J.Lo and Corden had to follow the movement created by the tiny tykes to her own music.

The kids had her running, spinning on her stomach and even diving into a straddle split from a dancing position. These kids are tough!

More: Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez Are Planning for the Future With a New Home Purchase

"I'm Glad"

The video for "I'm Glad" gives us a stripped-down version of J.Lo, who ditched her backup dancers to dance solo. The 2003 video gives the audience a recreation of the beloved 1983 film Flashdance, from the ripped sweatshirt to J.Lo's curly hair and leg warmers. You see the sexy nightclub dance along with the iconic audition scene at the ballet school.

Paramount Pictures didn't enjoy this tribute as much, however. It sued J.Lo and Sony Music for copyright infringement, as did dancer Maureen Marder, whose life was the inspiration for the film. Paramount settled with Sony and J.Lo, but Marder's suit was dismissed.

Live @ Fashion Rocks

J.Lo performed the song "Booty" at Live @ Fashion Rocks in 2014. She took her usual hot hip-hop style and flipped the script by doing an homage to Bob Fosse. The Sweet Charity-inspired number, "The Frug," had musical theatre geeks squealing across the country. It proved that J.Lo's respect for dance runs deeps.

Don't miss Jennifer Lopez judging the next generation of dancers on Season 2 of World of Dance. The show premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT on NBC.

Avocado is having its moment and has been for a long time now — from avocado-based restaurants to avocado toast, we’re obsessed. Now, we have an avocado toast-inspired candy bar to add to the list.

Los Angeles-based gourmet chocolatier Compartés has created an avocado toast-inspired chocolate bar, and it’s nothing short of brilliant.

More: Please Stop Cooking Your Avocados

Many of us have already been adding avocado to recipes like chocolate mousse (it’s a great substitute for dairy-based fats!), so this is not a combination we’re foreign to. However, we’ve yet to see it in bar form.

This new bar is part of a partnership between Compartés and California Avocados and made up of white chocolate filled with fresh California avocados and caramelized toast bits. It sounds like the fanciest hipster crunch bar ever, and we’re here for it.

"California Avocado chocolate bar is a white chocolate dream," the site says. "Your favorite meal dunked in chocolate! The most trendy delicious food of 2018 gets a chocolate dipped makeover, we take creamy white chocolate blend it with premium California Avocados and crunchy bits of caramelized toast for a crunchy, sweet delicious unique chocolate sensation unlike anything you’ve ever tried before!"

We're inclined to agree.

More: 14 Savory Avocado Recipes That Don't Include Any Toast

You can find the bar starting today for $9.95 at Compartés stores in Los Angeles as well as on the Compartés website. These are a limited edition, though, so don’t dawdle or you may miss out.

By Kelsey Down

Growing up, if anyone asked me how many kids I wanted to have some day, I always used to offer a range: "Somewhere between four and six," I’d say. Adults used to raise their eyebrows at that number because, well, what teenager says she wants six kids? But I did.

Wrapped up in my vision of four to six kids was the idea that I’d stay home to tackle the housework (and write bestselling novels, of course). When I realized how much I loved working and building a career, that discovery came with a necessary adjustment to my plans, so my range shrank to two or three kids.

Then I got pregnant. I had it relatively easy — minimal morning sickness, no complications, just swollen ankles and heartburn. Yet I didn’t like being pregnant. I most certainly did not like giving birth. And those first several newborn months? Yeah, definitely don’t want to repeat that sleep-deprived haze of postpartum anxiety and depression. The range shrank again, down to just one.

More: Lean On Me: The Best Maternity Pillows for a Good Night’s Sleep

Now, I’m the mother of a toddler. When we’re feeling particularly mushy, my partner and I will look at our curious, bright, babbling daughter, and one of us will say: “I can almost see why people do it again.” Then the other will say, “Almost, but not quite.”

Jokes aside — I do understand the impulse. I yearn for those quiet moments cradling a tiny baby in my arms after she fell asleep at my breast. I also yearn for the pre-baby days, though, and for many other moments that are in the past. When it comes down to it, I know that for my family and my circumstances, one child is the right choice.

So it rubs me the wrong way when I hear the same few refrains from people who don’t understand my choice to have just one child. Here is just a sampling of the stuff I’m sick of hearing:

1. “You’ll change your mind.”

It’s not just these four words that bother me, although they do suck. It’s also the knowing tilt of the head, the condescending smile. I acknowledge that we can’t know anything with 100 percent certainty, and yes, people in the history of the world have changed their minds about having only one child. But I am telling you my truth in this moment. Those years when I claimed I wanted a full house? I hadn’t actually birthed a child before or changed four poopy diapers in two hours. Now, I would argue I am more informed than I have ever been.

More: How Our Bedtime Ritual Gave My Daughter Much More Than a Good Story

2. “Won’t she be lonely?”

I do have some guilt over this one, so please stop rubbing salt in the wound. Yet although I have a phenomenal relationship with my brothers and sister and all their spouses, I know more families marred by painful sibling relationships, so there’s no guarantee my kid will be any happier with a brother or sister. Plus, she has plenty of friends with day care, her cousins (who all live nearby) and everyone in between.

3. “Who will help her take care of you when you get old?”

I’m not about to procreate for the express purpose of having more help when I’m elderly. No, I don’t want my daughter to feel burdened by caring for her parents — but that’s no reason to bring another whole life into the world, and I think it’s more a matter of ensuring she knows that we don’t expect her to do it all herself.

4. “You’ll see when you have another.”

Two things wrong with this phrase. Firstly, it assumes that you’re having another (and a surprising number of people do assume), and secondly, it’s invalidating. Undoubtedly, parents of multiple children have a difficult job. But has anyone in the world ever really liked playing the who has it worse game? You probably remember how hard you found things when you had a single child, and you too probably hated it when anyone suggested that was easy.

More: If You Don't Do These 4 Things, You Aren't Practicing Positive Parenting

5. “Now you just need a boy!”

Gross. Just, gross. What is it about a boy that you don’t get in a girl? Or vice versa? I fundamentally disagree with the premise that the biological sex you are born with determines whether you like playing in the dirt or playing with dolls. Gender is fluid, as we are learning more and more these days, and we should encourage our children to pursue anything that interests them, gender norms be damned. What’s more, there is no guarantee that I will have a boy the next time! Do you expect me to just keep popping out babies until I get a boy? No thanks.

I may come across as flippant but it’s only a defense mechanism learned over time as I’ve shielded myself from constant questions and comments about my only child. I love my daughter, and at least for now, she is the only kid I can foresee for my family. I respect those families who feel able to bring another child into the world. I trust that they have carefully considered that decision — so I ask that I am met with the same trust.

Originally posted on Fairygodboss.

Gwyneth Paltrow may gush about her kids on social media, but that doesn't mean she's interested in expanding her family once she and fiancé Brad Falchuk tie the knot later this year. The Goop founder did an interview on SiriusXM's The Howard Stern Show on May 23, where she gushed about Falchuk and talked about their future plans regarding kids.

More: Gwyneth Paltrow Posts Photo of Her Mini-Me Daughter on Her 14th Birthday

"Neither of us want more kids," Paltrow said, per Us Weekly. "We're on the same team." She said that the Glee cocreator is fantastic with her daughter, Apple, 14, and her son, Moses, 12, both of whom Paltrow shares with ex-husband Chris Martin. The pair famously "consciously uncoupled" after a decade of marriage, but they are still close.

Paltrow and Falchuk announced their engagement on the cover of Goop in January and held a star-studded engagement party at the Hollywood Theater in April. Paltrow said on Stern that remarrying is not a decision she takes lightly. “I think that I would like to give it a proper shot … for myself,” she said. “I think that there’s something really beautiful about marriage. And I think that Brad is somebody who is extremely, really intelligent, and he’s very emotionally intelligent, and I think he’s a really good person to try this with. He’s very self-aware. He’s got a lot of emotional maturity. … I think we’re just going to do it in our own way.”

More: Why Gwyneth Paltrow Doesn't Feel Like Divorce Is a Failure

Their own way apparently means "trying to gently blend families" rather than have kids of their own. Falchuk also has two children from a previous marriage: son Brody and daughter Isabella. Paltrow met and started dating Falchuk in 2014, the same year her divorce from Martin was finalized. She said in an interview for the Sunday Times in April that being with Falchuk is a different type of relationship than she's used to, and she loves it. "I feel I’m in an adult relationship that is sometimes uncomfortable," she explained, "because he sort of demands a certain level of intimacy and communication that I haven’t been held to before. What came up in the first couple of years of our relationship was how incapable I was in this realm, how I feared intimacy and communication."

If Paltrow and Falchuk aren't interested in having more kids, we totally understand and respect that choice — after all, relationships are difficult without the addition of kids, and like Paltrow said, blending families is tough. Integrating four kids is its own challenge without adding even more new faces to the mix.

If you've ever watched an episode of your favorite TV show and thought about how you wished you could meet someone like your favorite character, you're not alone. Apparently, even celebrities sometimes think about traits they want their partners to share with fictional characters — including celebrities who are married to the actors who play those characters. Who knew?

More: The This Is Us Family Group Text Is So Relatable

In an interview with Us Weekly on the red carpet for his new film Hotel Artemis, Sterling K. Brown admitted that sometimes, his wife of 10 years tells him he needs to act more like his fictional This Is Us counterpart, Randall Pearson. Brown met actor Ryan Michelle Bathe when they were living in the same dorm at Stanford University in 1998, and they have two sons together. They're absolutely adorable, especially in photos that Brown posts on Instagram.

Just like all relationships, though, we don't see what goes on behind closed doors. And in Brown's case, he told Us that Bathe sometimes asks him to step it up. “Every once in a while, we’ll be sitting around the house, and I will be not my perfect husband self. And she’s like, ‘I need you to stop, and I need you to do what Randall would do now,’” Brown said. “I’m like, ‘You’re right. OK. I get it.’”

With Father's Day just around the corner (June 17), Brown said that his ideal day is family-focused but also involves a little bit of time alone. "I want to start off spending the day with my kids,” he told Us. ”And if my wife takes them for two hours, and I get to watch one sporting event, that’s all I need. That’s a good day.”

More: You Need to See Sterling K. Brown's Historic Golden Globes Win & Speech

Brown took home the 2017 Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of Randall on This Is Us, as well as the 2018 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series; he was the first black actor in 75 years to do the latter. Bathe, an Army Wives alum, appeared in a Season 1 episode as a mom who approached Randall's adoptive mom (Rebecca, played by Mandy Moore) at the pool about young Randall's hair.

Fads like barefoot running and IV drip bars may be fun to read about — and there’s no shame in giving them a whirl — but jumping on these bandwagons won't necessarily lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Really, simplicity and repetition still reign, which is why it's good to build healthy habits into your day. Here are a few easy ones to try each morning if you want to start your day on a healthier note.

1. Drink hot water (with or without the lemon)

Instead of going straight for the caffeine, start with a hot cup of water. It may not taste like much, but doing so can improve blood flow, aid in digestion (perfect after a Sunday brunch) and even cleanse the body of toxins. Plus, it helps you meet your water quota. Speaking of which, make sure you have a water quota.

2. Balance your breakfast

Try to get an equal amount of protein, fiber and produce at breakfast. Of course, eggs are a go-to protein. And if you're not one to make breakfast every morning, hard-boil a batch to eat throughout the week. Just make sure you buy high-quality eggs from vegetarian-fed hens, such as Eggland's Best. Its eggs have twice as much vitamin B12 and omega-3s, six times the amount of vitamin D and 25 percent less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Try them in a huevos rancheros-inspired chopped salad for breakfast and be on your way for the day.

3. Meditate

Don’t diss meditation until you try it, and don’t feel like you have to be floating on a cloud, om-ing or burning incense while you do it. All meditation requires is to sit still in a comfortable position and tune into your body. You can try these five-minute techniques or download an app that guides you (try Simply Being).

4. Move

You can rise early for an intense HIIT class, or you can simply take a walk down your block. The point is to get moving. In one study published by the American Medical Association, simply increasing walking pace reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in study participants. Furthermore, a 2008 study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise concluded that if more people walked more often, it could help reduce the prevalence of chronic disease.

5. Slip yourself a superfood

Here’s the super-unofficial definition of a superfood: a food that's more nutrient-rich than other nutrient-rich foods. We've got a handy superfood list you can take to the grocery store, but for breakfast, think blueberries, strawberries, almonds, apples and avocados — for extra nutrients, try these baked eggs and avocados.

Your mission: No matter what you eat for breakfast, pick one superfood side. Just think about how that adds up over time.

6. Slow down

Instead of rolling out of bed, getting ready and jamming out the door to make it to work, take a beat. Allowing yourself time in the morning to just be can help you handle the stress that may come with the rest of your day. Enjoy your hot beverage of choice, read a book or stretch as you reflect on yesterday. This is that "me time" you’ve been craving. Sure, sometimes kids, unexpected situations and life in general can get in the way, but does that mean you shouldn’t try?

7. Set intentions in the shower

If you think about it, that time spent in the shower could really be maximized. While you shampoo, set some intentions for your day. They don’t have to be about exercising or eating healthy at all. It can be as simple as this: What do you want to accomplish today? What will make you feel fulfilled at the end of the day? Reflect on how you're feeling. Self-care reduces stress, and less stress makes you healthier.

So, while it’s pretty hard to drill "healthy" down to one definition (it’s not exactly a one-size-fits-all situation), it’s also hard to deny that committing to a handful of simple habits can make a difference. They’re tried and true and completely good for you.

This post is sponsored by Eggland's Best.

Am I wearing the right clothes?

Why are these blocks made of foam?

What language is she speaking?

Do I really have to say, "Om"?

Those were a few of the thoughts that crossed my mind when I stepped barefoot into a yoga class for the very first time. Between the poses, props and pranayama, I was more than a little perplexed by this practice they called an "asana."

Over 10 years, too many classes and one instructor certification later, I feel pretty confident in saying that almost all yogis, both young and old, have shared these same sentiments. Trying something new is always a bit intimidating, even when it comes to yoga. But it's important to remember that regardless of how long you have (or haven't) been practicing, we all come to class with the same intention: to better our mind, body and soul.

So if you're just starting out, kudos to you! Welcome to the world of yoga. Here are 12 basic poses for you to do.

More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Practicing the 5 Tibetan Rites Yoga Poses

1. Mountain pose

Standing straight up, feet about hips-width distance apart, let your hands hang alongside your body, palms facing forward to receive more energy, or bring your hands to a prayer position at your heart. Gently closing your eyes, begin taking deep breaths in and out through your nose, releasing any tension in the body and face and calming the mind.

2. Downward-Facing Dog

From Mountain pose, reach your hands down to the floor, bending your knees if need be. Walk your hands out about three to four feet in front of your toes. Pushing into your palms, lift your hips up toward the sky and press back into your heels, pressing them flat into the ground. Keep your gaze toward your legs and continue pressing your chest toward your thighs to create a nice flat back.

3. Plank pose

From Downward-Facing Dog, press up onto your tiptoes, and rolling over them, come into a high push-up position. Hold here for a few deep breaths, making sure your wrists are directly in line under your shoulders, heels are lifted towards the sky and hips are lowered and in line with the rest of your body. Keep your gaze a few inches in front of your fingertips, creating one straight line with your head, neck and back.

4. Cobra

From plank pose, slowly lower your body down to the ground either by lowering your knees, chest and then chin, or lowering straight down through the push-up position (Chaturanga). Press your palms into your mat alongside your chest, roll your shoulders back, and begin to lift your chest up off the ground while keeping your hips firmly planted. Keep a slight bend in the shoulders to avoid injuries.

5. Child's pose

Sitting back on your heels, keep your big toes connected as you separate your knees about mat-width distance apart. From here, begin to walk your fingertips forward until you can't reach any further. Once you are there, begin to lower your forehead and chest down to the floor while your hips continue to push back onto your heels, releasing any tension and allowing your body and mind to relax.

More: The Best Yoga Apps You Should Download Right Now

6. Warrior 2

From Downward-Facing Dog position, step your right foot through and rest it in between your hands at the top of your mat, aligning your front heel with the inside of your back foot (front toes should be facing the front of the room, while the back toes are facing the side).

Keeping a deep bend in the front knee and making sure the knee is directly in line with your ankle, cartwheel your arms up as you raise your chest off your thigh, reaching your arms in opposite directions.

Hips face the side of the room while your gaze remains over your right shoulder, toward the front of the room.

Next: Triangle pose

A version of this article was originally published in November 2013.

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7. Triangle pose

From Warrior 2, keep your feet where they are and extend your front leg so that it's nice and straight. Reach your front fingertips as far forward as they can go and when you can't reach any further, slowly move them to come down to the ground, resting alongside your front ankle. Raise your back hand up toward the sky, following it with your gaze.

8. Tree pose

Starting off in Mountain pose, clasp your hands around your right knee and bring it in toward your chest. From here, grab a hold of your right ankle and rest the inside of your foot along the inside of your supporting leg, either up above the knee on the thigh or down below the knee along your calf.

Bring your hands to a prayer position at your heart or raise them up towards the sky, creating branches with your arms. Hold for four to eight breaths.

Note: Make sure to avoid resting your foot directly on your kneecap as this can lead to injuries.

More: How to Navigate Yoga While You Have Your Period

9. Seated Forward Bend

Sitting on your mat with your feet stretched out in front of you, reach your hands up toward the sky and begin to hinge forward at your hips, allowing your arms to drop toward the ground, reaching forward to your toes. When you can't reach any further, plant your palms and lower your forehead down toward your legs, with your nose toward your knees.

10. Seated Twist pose

Again, sitting straight up with your feet extended out in front of you, bend your right knee and bring it in toward your chest, crossing it over your left leg and pressing your right foot in to the ground. Either keep your left leg extended out in front of you, or for more of a twist, bend it underneath your body in the opposite direction.

Taking your left arm to the outside of your bent right knee, begin to twist to your right, bringing your gaze over your right shoulder and toward the back of the room.

11. Bridge pose

Lying flat on your back, arms by your sides, feet out in front of you, bend your knees, pressing into your feet and bringing your heels as close to your bottom as you can get them.

With your palms pressing into the floor, lift your hips off the ground and up toward the sky. Hold here for four to eight breaths, continuing to push through the feet and lifting the hips as high as you can get them.

When releasing, gently and slowly roll your spine back down to the floor, one vertebra at a time.

12. Savasana (relaxation)

Lying flat on your back, arms by your side, legs extended out in front of you, allow your palms to face up to the sky and feet to turn out to the opposite sides of the room. Close your eyes and release any tension from your hands, feet, face and body. Try to bring your focus back to your breath, taking deep inhales and exhales through the nose.

Lay here for a few minutes, thanking your mind and body for all the hard work it just did!