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Pop Culture

What happens after drinking 1, 2, and 3 glasses of wine? 19 viral photos tell all.

Ah, the beauty in winding down.

Marcos Alberti's "3 Glasses" project began with a joke and a few drinks with his friends.

The photo project originally depicted Alberti's friends drinking, first immediately after work and then after one, two, and three glasses of wine.

But after Imgur user minabear circulated the story, "3 Glasses" became more than just a joke. In fact, it went viral, garnering more than 1 million views and nearly 1,800 comments in its first week. So Alberti started taking more pictures and not just of his friends.

"The first picture was taken right away when our guests (had) just arrived at the studio in order to capture the stress and the fatigue after a full day after working all day long and from also facing rush hour traffic to get here," Alberti explained on his website. "Only then fun time and my project could begin. At the end of every glass of wine, a snapshot, nothing fancy, a face and a wall, 3 times."

Why was the series so popular? Anyone who has ever had a long day at work and needed to "wine" down will quickly see why.

Take a look:

Photos of person after drinking glasses of win

All photos by Marcos Alberti, used with permission.

assets.rebelmouse.io

This article originally appeared on 11.19.16

From Your Site Articles

Health

Why people are longing for the old Scottish habit of 'hurkle-durkling' to finally get good rest

You might have already hurkle-durkled this week.

Representative Image from Canva

Wondering where she got that rested glow? She hurkle-durkled.

Hurkle-durkle might be the silliest word ever, but it could be the missing step in your self-care.

Hurkle-durkling simply means to linger in bed long past the time when you “should” already be up. It’s a Scottish term dating back to the 1800s—-originally having more to do with sitting in a crouching position either for warmth or secrecy, but eventually taking on a more relaxed and positive connotation.

It’s a word that only the biggest etymology enthusiast would know, had it not been plucked from obscurity thanks to TikTok.

The viral trend seems to have started with actress Kira Kosarin sharing it as her “word of the day,” joking that “I do be hurkling, and I do be durkling and once I’ve hurkled my last durkle in a given morning I will get up, but I’m a big fan of a hurkle-durkle.”

@kirakosarin
hurkle-durkle, u deserve it <3
♬ original sound - Kira Kosarin

Kosarin’s clip prompted others to share videos of themselves enjoying a good hurkle-durkling, blissfully wrapped in their sheets, basking in the sunlight, leisurely reading, etc.

One woman hailing from Scotland even joked, “[The Scottish] knew it was so critical to well-being they made a whole term about it. So no I’m not being lazy or wasting my life. I’m practicing an ancestral right of passage. I’m connecting with my culture and heritage.”

At this point you might be thinking, wait, isn’t this just bed-rotting?

Bed-rotting, another TikTok trend about lying in bed, and hurkle-durkling are similar, but have very different contexts. Bed-rotting has more to do with symptoms of burnout and fatigue, whereas hurkle-durkling is a bit more hygge, if you will. It’s seen as a pleasurable activity meant to promote rest for overall well being. Plus a hurkle-durkle has an end in sight, whereas bedrotting can take up an entire weekend, or longer.

And now matter how silly hurkle-durkle sounds, it could be seriously good for us. Research has shown that sleeping in, even a couple days a week, reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke by 63%, especially for folks who get less than 6 hours of sleep through the rest of the week. (So, everyone, basically). Not only that, but getting those few extra minutes of shut-eye from hitting the snooze can help increase alertness and boost our mood.

Really, as with any self care practice, balance is key. Experts warn against staying in bed as an everyday practice or to avoid responsibilities an uncomfortable feelings, especially as too much inactivity can worsen feelings of depression. But when done mindfully and moderately, it can be the rejuvenation we long for, that so many of us don’t grant ourselves.

In fact, Kristin Wilson, a licensed professional counselor and chief experience officer, told Yahoo Life that perhaps so many people are leaning into silly, catchy terms like hurkle-durkle because they make rest and self-care, activities many Americans "are hesitant to celebrate and fully embrace,” more accessible.

"Sometimes our bodies just need a break, and we don’t want to feel guilty about taking time to rest," she explained. "Giving this behavior a clever social media name can make it feel more socially acceptable and when it trends and becomes popular, it normalizes the need for relaxation within the community of followers."

So with that, show yourself some love with a little hurkle-durkle. It’s fun to say, and oh so important to do.

From Your Site Articles

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Health

One simple breathing exercise could be all you need to enjoy a good night's sleep

The doctor backed hack just might cut through all the hype.

Canva

Who doesn't want to get better sleep these days?

For many of us, those elusive zzz’s keep getting harder and harder to catch. Hence why everywhere you look there seem to be new “hacks” for getting a good night's sleep—especially on TikTok, where “sleepy girl mocktails” currently reign supreme.

But unlike most viral elixir recipes, this trick for falling asleep fast is actually doctor approved.

Dr. Kunal Sood, who is a TikTok celebrity in his own right with 2.2 millions followers, revealed that finally getting some long awaited shuteye might come down to a super simple breathing exercise.

In a clip posted to his page, Dr. Sood breaks down what’s known as resonance frequency breathing, which involves slowing your breathing down to around 3-7 breaths per minute.

This type of breathing is accomplished by “inhaling and exhaling for a count of five,” Dr. Sood explains, adding that this activity “activates the parasympathetic nervous system,” which helps us relax enough to fall asleep.

The doctor also stated that “there is even research which shows that practicing resonance frequency breathing can reduce your anxiety and improve your cognitive performance,”a claim upheld by The National Institutes of Health which states: “Self-training in resonance breathing lowers stress, blood pressure and improves mood.”

@doctorsood Have you tried this to help you sleep? 😴 #sleep #sleeptips ♬ original sound - DoctorSood, M.D.

Resonance frequency breathing is very similar to the popular 4-7-8 breathing technique, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Both seem to uphold the concept that breath can be the key to our relaxation, thanks to the physiological processes it conjures up.

Research has shown that different emotional states are linked with different forms of breathing, and that following the breathing patterns associated with those emotions causes you to actually feel the corresponding emotion. Breathing in a relaxed way therefore sends a signal to the brain saying that it’s time to relax. Though you could you either resonance breathing as described by Dr. Sood, or 4-7-8 breathing, or some other variation, a good rule of thumb is to lengthen your exhales, as that’s when your heart rate slows down.

Breathing can be a helpful tool in a variety of anxiety inducing situations.

Canva

We all know that getting good sleep is vital for our wellbeing, and while it might seem like we need to go to extremes or buy whatever’s trending on the subject, it’s nice to know that oftentimes our body is already well equipped to help us. Sometimes, it really is as easy as taking a breath.

From Your Site Articles

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Motherhood

Give the gift of relaxation to moms this holiday season

Both her and Santa deserve a mental break.

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Moms don't have to be hard to shop for. Here are gifts she'll love.

True

Every year, moms put on their elf hats and become Santa's helpers. They shop for and wrap the family's presents, cook the holiday meal, organize the crafts and even set out cookies for the big guy. They're so busy making the holiday season magical for their family that oftentimes they don't get any time to rest.

So this year, we've carefully selected five items for mom that you can grab without braving the cold and crowds. These gifts are sure to be just what Santa's helper needs to rejuvenate after the festivities. Plus, 10% of sales made through this gift guide will be donated to the organizations The Magnolia Mother's Trust and the SeekHer Foundation, to help even more moms this holiday season.

1. Baloo Weighted Blanket

It's hard to go wrong with a weighted blanket. They can help with anxiety and sleep because the pressure from the blanket helps to calm your heart rate and slow your breathing. Baloo’s weighted blankets come in several sizes, including a throw blanket so mom can cuddle up on the couch. Plus Baloo donates a portion of its proceeds to Pajama Program, a nonprofit that provides books, sleep health education and caring connections to kids facing adversity.

2. Conscious Step Scented Candles

Conscious Step scented candles are amazing! They smell fantastic and support multiple causes, so if mom has a cause that's near to her heart, you can grab a candle that supports it. The candle Starry Seas supports Oceana, the largest advocacy organization focused on oceans, while the candle Love and Limes helps to support The Trevor Project, an organization that offers a lifeline to LGBTQ youth.

3. Mindsight Breathing Buddha

This little guy is so cute and the perfect gift for a mom trying to get relief from the stress and anxiety of the holidays (or any days). The Mindsight Breathing Buddha helps with mindfulness by serving as a guide for open-eyed meditation—when the belly is green you inhale, purple you hold and blue you exhale—making meditation much less complicated and easy to do between cookie decorating parties. Plus it doubles as a great natural sleep aid, to help mom wind down after a day filled with demanding kids (and partners).

4. Wearwell Cozy Moccasin Slippers

Why, hello warm feet. Kids may not know, but spouses certainly do—mom’s feet are notoriously always cold and are generally warmed up on the back or legs of their unsuspecting partner. You can do mom a solid by making sure her toes stay toasty with these super comfortable and stylish Wearwell Cozy Moccasins.

5. Burt's Bees Calming Night Cream

Who doesn't love a good moisturizer that serves a double purpose? This Burt's Bees Calming Night Cream is perfect for moms with sensitive skin, plus it will help her get some quality rest after long winter days. It's made with aloe and rice milk for amazing hydration while mom sleeps.

Upworthy has earned revenue through a partnership and/or may earn a portion of sales revenue from purchases made through links on our site.

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Innovation

8 affordable and stress-reducing products you need for your home

The holidays are the most wonderful and maybe the most stressful time of year. Transforming our homes into places of peace and serenity can give us, and those we love, refuge from the storm.

A peaceful home starts in our heads and hearts. That said, there are a number of affordable items that can profoundly help set the stage for a low-stress environment. Here are a few of our favorites -- let us know in the comments which items you think should be added to the list and we'll update here!

1. Essential Oil Roll-On

Essential oils are, well, essential stress reducers. This simple roll-on is only $10 and infused with all-natural coconut. You can take it almost anywhere but we suggest keeping one in a familiar place at home, maybe where you keep your keys.

Chill (Stress Reducer and Relaxation) Essential Oil Roll On, Pre-Diluted 10ml (1/3 fl oz), $9.95-$12.95; at Amazon

2. Acupressure Mat

Image via Amazon

Ok, get admit that stepping on a spiky mat doesn't sound super relaxing at first glance. But trust, when you do try it out, you won't look back. Acupressure has been used for thousands of years and there's growing scientific evidence to support its use for a number of health benefits. The one that seems most certain: stress relief. And this mat is incredibly versatile, you can stand on it, lay down and even rest your head on the accompanying acupressure pillow for neck relief. It just 5-10 minutes you'll be transported to a very different state of mind. It works great both for decompressing after a long day or for getting energized and centered before you head out into the world.

ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set for Back/Neck Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation, $19.99; at Amazon

3. Scalp Massager

Good luck spending more than a few seconds with this one and not turning into a puddle of chill. At just over $10 and with a near five star rating on Amazon, it's one of the cheapest and most-effective immediate forms of physical and mental relaxation. You can use it on yourself or coax a lucky partner into taking turns. Seriously, this will make you understand how a very good dog or cat feels when getting a loving scratch from their human friends. It's amazing and makes for a perfect stocking stuffer or holiday party gift as well.

Scalp Massager,Handheld Claw Head Massager for Deep Relaxation & Stress Reduction in The Office Home SPA. Dark Blue and Green(2-Pack), $10.99; at Amazon

4. Essential Oil Diffuser

This is a must-have for any stress free home. You can choose between a nearly endless variety of scents depending on what effect you're aiming for. Peppermint is our personal favorite as it helps clean the air while creating a relaxing and yet energized atmosphere. Lavender is great for pure relaxation and other popular scents include orange, cedar and vanilla. They're also a handy tool if you have pets, as the peppermint scent helps to mask pet odors and is non-toxic. The typical diffuser lasts 5-10 hours and only requires a few drops of oil, along with around a half cup of water. Most diffusers also have a lighting system, which can enhance the relaxing vibe and also serve as a nightlight if you have them in a child's bedroom or just need a little extra illumination while you sleep. If you prefer less light, you can turn that option off or go with a model that has a chill faux wood grain.

URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser Aroma Essential Oil Cool Mist Humidifier with Adjustable Mist Mode,Waterless Auto Shut-Off and 7 Color LED Lights Changing for Home, $16.99; at Amazon

5. Portable Back Massager

OK, this is truly a must-have. You've probably seen countless different massage tools. Heck, you may have even bought one or two already. And let's guess: you probably never use it, right? How many of us are realistically going to take the time to run a hand-held massage wand across our back and shoulders? Not many. But there's something almost irresistible about having a personal massage at our disposal. And this thing works! So well! You literally just rest it on your shoulders and go. You can enjoy it sitting down, laying down, or while walking around making dinner or talking on the phone. It has adjustable options for heat, reverse direction, adjustable intensity and timed shut off so you can just relax and let its "hands" go to work. The portable factor is also a cool addition for the tech-savvy member of your household. Seriously, you can't go wrong with this one.

Back Massager, Shiatsu Back Neck Massager with Heat, Electric Shoulder Massager, Kneading Massage Pillow for Neck, Back, Shoulder, Foot, Leg, Muscle Pain Relief, Home,Office,Car Use, $49.99; at Amazon

6. Meditation Cushion

In one of the great ironies, meditation is often intimidating and stressful for people who are new to it. And yet, with as little as a few minutes, it can literally change your entire outlook on life. Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improving overall mood and even resulting in tangible health benefits. And when in doubt, always remind yourself: There is no wrong way to meditate. There are, however, some ways to make the journey a little easier. And one of the key items to get anyone started, or back into, their meditation routine is the right cushion. There are a ton of options for people with leg and back issues but a standard pillow like this one is a safe bet. Experiment with different sitting styles and check out some YouTube tutorial on getting started with meditation. There are a number of free apps like HeadSpace that can get you started as well. This also make an excellent gift for anyone that's expressed an interest in meditation but just needs a loving nudge to get started.

Seat Of Your Soul 2019 Meditation Cushion - Comfortable, Supportive & Durable Organic Cotton & Adjustable Buckwheat Filling | 7 Colors Crescent, Round Or Zabuton | Zafu Yoga Pillow, $32.99; at Amazon

7. Memory Foam Slippers

Oh heck yes. Slip these babies on and you'll never want to take them off. In some countries and cultures like South Korea it is considered proper to remove one's shoes and walk around in similar house slippers. And we couldn't agree more. Slippers no longer are reserved for nighttime or winter holidays. It's impossible to not move around with a calm grace when wearing these. With more than 5,000 five star reviews on Amazon, this has become one of the most popular slippers in the world. They are machine washable, come in a variety of colors and are very durable in case you need to run outside to meet your friendly Postmates courier. Or, maybe that's just us. Either way, these are a must-have for every member of your stress free household. And at around $20, they are an absolute bargain.

RockDove Men's Original Two-Tone Memory Foam Slipper, $19.99; on Amazon

8. Indoor Relaxation Fountain

The sound of gently running water is a universally relaxing sensation. Many experts have speculated that the sound of running water is deeply embedded in our DNA. Whatever the reason, it works and that's enough for us. However, not even has the luxury of living near a calming brook or within earshot of the ocean's cascading waves. Thankfully, there is an affordable solution. This small, indoor waterfall is just over $20 and is worth every penny. Visually, it conveys an immediate sense of peace and calm and is very stylish. The three-tiered fountain is controlled with a simple on/off switch, meaning you can run it through the day (or night) and turn it off when you leave for work or a social event. It's small enough that it makes a great gift for the holidays or a pick-me-up present for anyone who has too much stress in their lives.

HoMedics Silver Springs Indoor Relaxation Fountain, Illuminated Waterfall, Automatic Pump

GOOD Media Group may receive a percentage of revenue from items purchased that are mentioned in this article

From Your Site Articles

Get a better night's sleep with these 10 products

Photo by Jonathan Fink on Unsplash

If you've ever lain in bed awake when you should be sleeping, staring at the ceiling counting the minutes of your life tick away, you know how annoying insomnia can be. Sleep is a basic biological need, but one that eludes far too many of us far too often. In fact, according to the CDC, one in three adult Americans don't get enough sleep. Since our bodies need sleep in order to repair, restore, and rejuvenate, getting a good night's rest should be a top priority for all of us.

Sleep experts recommend keeping a regular bedtime routine and creating sleep-conducive environment to help your senses shut down at night. Here are some products that can help.

Concave molded sleep mask

MZOO/Amazon

Our bodies are wired to be awake when it's light and sleep when it's dark, but that doesn't always happen automatically. Some people need absolute darkness to sleep, and a comfortable sleep mask can make that happen, even when there's some light in the room. A mask also forces you to keep your eyes closed, but this one leaves room for your eyelashes so you don't feel like your eyelids are being squashed to your face.

MZOO Sleep Mask, $16.99; at Amazon

Portable blackout shades

AmazonBasics/Amazon

There are plenty of blackout curtain options for your home, but what about when you're traveling? Sleeping away from home can be difficult, but bringing along your own portable blackout curtains may help. Simply suction cup them to the window and voila! Dark room. (Don't let the fact that these say they are for a baby deter you — they're less expensive than the best-rated non-baby version.)

https://amzn.to/2pTwaEu

Non-digital, non-ticking alarm clock

Tinload/Amazon

Modern life, with all of its lights and digital displays, can disrupt our sleep in many ways. If you're someone who tends look at the clock and calculate how much sleep you're not getting, perhaps an old-fashioned, analog alarm clock will help. This non-ticking clock can help keep your room completely dark and keep you from obsessing over the time.

Silent Analog Alarm Clock, $17.99; at Amazon

White noise maker

Adaptive Sound Technologies/Amazon

A quiet room is recommended for a good night's sleep, but that's not possible for some of us. If you live on a busy street or have loud roommates or regularly get woken up by your cats' midnight shenanigans, a white noise maker might be your best bet. Getting just the right white noise sound without annoying your ears can be a challenge, but with 20 different sounds to choose from and more than 4,000 5-star reviews, this white noise machine seems like a sure bet.

'LectroFan White Noise Machine, $38.96; at Amazon

Noise-canceling ear plugs

BRYSON/Amazon

If white noise isn't your thing, noise-canceling ear plugs might be your ticket to lalaland. This set comes with two pairs of ergonomic, washable, and reusable ear plugs, one with a noise-cancelling feature. One reviewer said that they perform as well as a $300 pair they own, so if sound keeps you up at night, these are worth a try.

Noise-cancelling Ear Plugs, $22.99; at Amazon

Orthopedic knee pillow

ComfiLife/Amazon

Aches and pains keeping you awake at night? According to a 2015 study, knee and low back pains are associated with short sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Sciatica also affects millions of people, making it hard to get comfortable enough to snooze. If you're a side-sleeper, this little knee pillow might help you get your hips and knees aligned for a better night's sleep.

Orthopedic Knee Pillow, $27.95; at Amazon

Cooling mattress pad

oaksys/Amazon

Sleep experts recommend keeping your bedroom at a cool temperature to sleep, but that's not always possible. And some of us are hot sleepers no matter what temperature the room is. This 100% cotton cooling mattress pad is breathable and doesn't trap your body heat beneath you.

Cooling Mattress Pad, $39.95 (queen size); at Amazon

Weighted blanket

Bare Home/Amazon

If anxiety keeps you awake at night, you might want to try sleeping with a weighted blanket. Many people swear by them, both for adults and for children, and their popularity has resulted in an explosion of styles — and thankfully, a significant drop in price. Several years ago, an adult weighted blanket would run you between $100 and $200, but this highly rated blanket comes in several sizes that are less than $50.

Weighted Blanket, $46.40 (prizes vary by size); at Amazon

Magnesium oil blend spray

Seven Minerals/Amazon

Read the reviews from the dozens of chronic insomniacs who swear this spray worked wonders for them. Magnesium has been shown to have a positive impact on sleep, especially for those who suffer from restless leg syndrome. And the manufacturer offers a full refund if you find that the product doesn't work on you, so what have you got to lose?

Sleep Well Magnesium Spray, $19.95; at Amazon

Good night essential oil

Edens Garden/Amazon

If aromatherapy floats your boat, check out this blend of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Chamomile, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Key Lime, Lime, and Vanilla essential oils. With more than 1000 five-star reviews,Edens Garden Good Night aromatherapy oil is worth a try. Some people spritz a bit on their pillow, while others use it in an oil diffuser while they sleep. One reviewer wrote, "Better than any sleep aid I've tried, and I've tried them all."

Good Night Essential Oil Blend, $15.45 for 10ml; at Amazon

Here's to a better night's sleep for everyone.

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From Your Site Articles

Need to relax? Try jasmine, which may be as effective as a sedative, study claims

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Jasmine has been used as a natural treatment for depression, anxiety, and stress for thousands of years. Oil from the plant has also been used to treat insomnia and PMS, and is considered a natural aphrodisiac. It turns out, our ancestor's instincts to slather on the oil when they wanted a little R&R were correct.

A study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, and according to Professor Hanns Hatt of the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, revealed that jasmine can calm you down when you're feeling anxious.The results can "be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy."

"Instead of a sleeping pill or a mood enhancer, a nose full of jasmine from Gardenia jasminoides could also help, according to researchers in Germany. They have discovered that the two fragrances Vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513) have the same molecular mechanism of action and are as strong as the commonly prescribed barbiturates or propofol," says the study.

RELATED: 30 things people don't realize you're doing because of your depression

The study looked at hundreds of fragrancesto see how they effected the GABA receptors in both humans and mice. Researchers found that filling the mice cages with the fragrance of jasmine dramatically calmed the mice, making them sit quietly in the corner.

Brain scans confirmed what the scientists observed: Jasmine enhanced the GABBA effect on nerve cells by more than five times, thus relaxing the mice. "We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parentally and through the respiratory air," Hatt says. "Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement, and aggression-relieving treatment, and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable."

According to the study, jasmine is just as effective as sedatives, sleeping pills, and relaxants when it comes to calming you down. Unlike those drugs, jasmine doesn't come with a Russian novel of freaky-sounding side effects, like depression, dizziness, hypotension, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination. And on top of it all, jasmine smells great.

RELATED: Kristen Bell advises those with depression: 'Don't be fooled' by Instagram

Jasmine oil is found in a wide variety of products, so it's pretty easy to make your night a lot more restful with a little "queen of the night." Or "not restful," if that's what you're going for, too.