This information might seem counterintuitive at first. Researchers have found that the more you exercise, the better your body becomes at storing fat. But wait: Doesn't exercise help you burn fat? Yes, it does, but the critical point is not whether your body stores fat, since fat storage is necessary for good health, but rather how and where your body stores it.

Researchers from the University of Michigan, writing in Nature Metabolism, discovered that people who exercise regularly have a greater capacity to store fat under the skin, which is beneficial. Why? Because if fat isn't stored under the skin, then it's more likely to accumulate in organs, such as the liver, heart, or pancreas. When excess fat builds up in these organs, it can interfere with their proper function and lead to serious health issues.

In fact, fat is meant to be stored under the skin, where it's safely kept and can be accessed for energy when needed. Regular exercise ensures that fat is stored in this healthier way, allowing your body to tap into those reserves efficiently for extra energy during physical activity or times of need.


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Digital contacts are replacing real friendships. Technology, demanding jobs, and two-career households are translating into people having less time for in-person connections. Robert Putnam's book.

Bowling Alone notes that the decline of social activities, such as bowling leagues, reflects how people are doing fewer things together.

Similarly, the UK's The Lonely Society reports that half of Brits feel lonelier, and one-third wish they had closer relationships with family members.

In the United States, many Americans now have only two close friends and one in four has none. Online interactions dominate, but sociologists warn that these shallow connections can't replace real friendships.

The key to strong bonds? Spend time face-to-face. Cultivate meaningful friendships by putting down electronic devices and making time for real interaction.


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Breaking New Year’s habits is more common than you think. Research shows it takes about 66 days to form a lasting habit, so slipping up early isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. 

“Behavior change isn’t linear,” therapist Dr. Kristin Neff says. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, recognize them as opportunities to reflect and adjust.

One common pitfall is setting goals that are too big or vague. Dr. Timothy Pychyl, an expert on habit formation, suggests breaking larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. 

For example, rather than aiming to “get in shape,” try “walk 20 minutes three times a week.” Achieving small wins builds momentum and increases motivation.

It’s also essential to shift from a perfectionist mindset. Brené Brown, an American academic and podcaster, notes that perfectionism leads to all-or-nothing thinking, which can sabotage progress. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress and learning from slip-ups. Don't give up when you miss a day or deviate from your plan. Instead, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”

Most importantly, practice self-compassion. Dr. Neff highlights that being kind to yourself reduces stress and increases motivation. During difficult times, treat yourself like you would a friend. Offer understanding, patience, and encouragement, instead of criticism or judgment.


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This light, warm, and flavorful soup is filled with ingredients that promote digestive health and combat inflammation, making it ideal for a post-holiday reset. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that support overall wellness.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

1 tsp turmeric powder (or 1 tbsp fresh turmeric, grated)

1 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 small zucchini, diced

1 cup cauliflower florets

6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (optional for creaminess)

1 cup spinach or kale

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish 

Directions

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and turmeric, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

Add the veggies:

Toss in the carrots, sweet potato, zucchini, and cauliflower, stirring to coat them in the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Simmer:

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the spinach or kale, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. 

Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to wilt the greens and meld the flavors. If you’re adding coconut milk, then pour it in at this stage to create a creamy texture.

Season and serve: 

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.


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It’s the warmth of tea on a chilly night,

Steam swirling up in the soft, dim light.

The softest glow of a candle’s flame,

Whispering comfort, calling your name.


It’s the laughter shared in quiet rooms,

A melody drifting through the gloom.

The simple joy of flowers in bloom,

Brightening even the coldest of rooms.


It’s the sound of footsteps in the snow,

a rhythm gentle, moving slow.

The joy in watching embers glow,

As winter winds around us blow.


A cozy sweater, worn with care, 

the familiar hug of a favorite chair.


It’s these moments, pure and small

that fill our hearts and make us whole.


In every breath, in every glance, 

Life's magic thrives when we take a chance.


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The world's first 3D printed hotel, called El Cosmico, is officially under construction in Texas, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen before. 

Just north of the city of Marfa in the Lone Star State's far western desert region, the most noticeable piece of equipment at the site is a massive 3D printer. Nearly 47 feet wide, the Vulcan printer deposits layers of sand-colored concrete to form fantastically shaped structures that are unlike any hotel you've ever stayed in. 

Created by the 3D printing and robotics company ICON, the Vulcan allows El Cosmico's architects to build fluid shapes with ample curves and domes, with fewer constraints than traditional construction methods. 

The hotel is projected to cost $200 to $400 a night, and guests who really love it can pony up for their own 3D-printed dwelling on the same site—starting at a steeper $2.29 million. 

El Cosmico isn't ICON's only project. The company is also hard at work constructing one hundred homes in Georgetown, Texas. And the company may eventually go extra-terrestrial, too. In 2022, NASA awarded ICON a $57 million contract to research ways to erect 3D printed structures on the surface of the moon.


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Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and clementines are at their peak during winter. Packed with vitamin C, they boost immunity and add a refreshing brightness to your meals.

Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips are hearty and comforting. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, they offer slow-release energy, which is perfect for chilly days. Roast them for a sweet, caramelized side dish.

Dark Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are winter’s nutrient powerhouses. High in folate and iron, they combat fatigue and support overall wellness. Sauté them for a quick and healthy side dish.

Pomegranates: Their jewel-like seeds are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. These tangy bursts of flavor are perfect for adding crunch to salads or as a snack.

Walnuts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts improve brain function and mood. Add them to oatmeal, bake them into muffins, or pop them in your mouth as a heart-healthy snack.

Cranberries: These tart berries are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Mix dried cranberries into trail mix or toss fresh ones into baked goods for a festive touch.


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  • Ditch the snooze button. Set your alarm for when you'll really get up.

  • Be punctual. Perfection isn't realistic but leaving a few minutes earlier each morning can be a good way to start the day.

  • Floss. Your dentist always knows when you're lying about it.

  • Send handwritten thank you notes. They're more thoughtful than text messages.

  • Drink more water. Hydration is a wonderful thing!

  • Practice gratitude. Think of something you're thankful for every day.

  • Stand up at least once an hour. Set an alarm if you need to and take a lap around the office or do a few quick stretches next to your desk.

  • Give yourself some grace when you stumble. Remember that progress isn't linear; it's a lifelong journey.

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As you embrace the start of the New Year, it’s important to give yourself room to grow. It’s also important to remember that growth is not always easy or obvious. I’m reminded of the following story, a valuable metaphor for embracing adversity:

A man found the cocoon of a butterfly. A small opening appeared. The man sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no farther.

The man decided to help, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that at any moment the wings would expand, and the body would contract to the proper proportion.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It never was able to fly.

In his kindness and haste, the man had not understood something. A restricting cocoon and the struggle for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were nature's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need to become stronger in character and determination. If nature allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, we would not learn how to be resilient and powerful. We might never fly!

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