Cold plunges are everywhere — on TikTok, in boutique gyms and maybe even your neighbor’s backyard. Advocates say they improve mood, cut inflammation and boost metabolism. But what does the research say?

A 2024 review by Stanford’s Longevity Project confirms that cold-water immersion can increase dopamine levels by up to 250 percent, which can potentially improve your mood and energy. Cold exposure also seems to reduce muscle soreness and trigger an anti-inflammatory response, which might help with recovery.

But cold plunges aren’t magic. According to Health.com, the benefits vary depending on water temperature, time of exposure and personal health factors. People with cardiovascular issues should avoid cold plunging without medical guidance, because the shock can raise blood pressure or trigger irregular heart rhythms.

Thinking of trying it?

• Start small: Try a cold shower for 30 seconds and build from there.

• Aim for consistency over extremes.

• Always listen to your body—shivering isn’t a badge of honor.

Summer is showing off this year — and so is your AC bill. Before you crank it up again, try these quick, efficient ways to cool your space naturally:

1. Keep curtains closed during peak sun hours, especially on south- and west-facing windows.

2. Switch your sheets to breathable cotton or linen.

3. Reverse your ceiling fan so it spins counterclockwise. (Yep, that’s the summer setting.)

4. DIY a cross-breeze by cracking windows on opposite sides of the house.

5. Replace incandescent bulbs, which give off a surprising amount of heat.

6. Cool your pulse points with a damp cloth or a chilled water bottle.

7. Declutter surfaces: Less stuff equals better airflow and a more-breathable vibe.

Little changes can make a big difference. Your future self (and utility bill) will thank you.

During the last few years, “dopamine detoxing” has become a buzzword in wellness circles. The idea? Take a break from overstimulating activities — such as scrolling social media, watching TV, snacking or chatting — to “reset” your brain’s reward system.

But what does neuroscience say?

Dopamine isn’t just a “pleasure chemical”; it’s a motivation neurotransmitter that helps your brain learn what’s worth pursuing. It spikes when you anticipate rewards but not necessarily when you receive them. According to Harvard Health, the idea of “fasting” from dopamine misunderstands how it works. You can’t truly “reset” your dopamine levels, just by turning a phone off and on.

That said, there is real value in taking breaks from overstimulation. Constant novelty — such as notifications, videos and algorithm-curated content — trains your brain to expect fast rewards, which can alter your attention span and baseline mood.

So what’s the takeaway?

Although you don’t need a full detox, giving your brain space to be bored, to focus deeply and to experience slower forms of pleasure — such as taking a long walk or journaling — can retrain your reward system, and science backs that.

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you."

Are you thinking about selling, or do you want to love your space more? These simple upgrades can make a big visual impact without breaking the bank:

• Paint the front door. A fresh coat — especially in a bold, welcoming color— adds instant curb appeal.

• Upgrade cabinet hardware. Swapping knobs and pulls in the kitchen or bathroom is an easy facelift.

• Add outdoor lighting. String lights or solar path lights make your yard feel polished and ready for summer nights.

• Mulch and tidy the yard. Clean lines and fresh Landscaping go a long way in first impressions.

• Replace worn-out caulk or grout. Although a small detail, clean lines in kitchens and bathrooms make a
home feel more cared-for.

• Power wash exterior surfaces. Cleaning driveways, siding, and walkways instantly brightens your home’s appearance. 

Splash your face with cold water or use chilled eye patches. Doing this instantly reduces puffiness and awakens you.

• Stand up straight. Good posture signals energy, even if you're faking it.

• Moisturize your face (and lips). Dull, dry skin is a dead giveaway.

• Style one thing intentionally. Whether it’s your hair, an outfit or an accessory, looking pulled together
tricks the brain and everyone else.

• Smile or laugh once, and even fake it. Smiling boosts circulation and awakens your whole face.

This recipe has no meat, no dairy and no regrets, only cozy BBQ vibes, melty goodness and big flavor.

Ingredients:

1 can young jackfruit in brine (not syrup), drained and shredded

½ cup BBQ sauce (your fave, ideally low sugar)

½ cup dairy-free cream cheese

½ cup unsweetened plain dairy-free yogurt or sour cream

¼ cup nutritional yeast (adds that cheesy flavor)

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: a handful of chopped green onions or cilantro on top

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Sauté the shredded jackfruit in a pan with a little oil until it starts to brown. Add BBQ sauce and cook down for 5–7 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, yogurt, nutritional yeast and seasonings. Fold in the BBQ jackfruit.

Spread into a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Make it ahead: This dip reheats like a dream. Just bake it at the party or pop it in the microwave in your friend’s kitchen.

Top with green onions or cilantro, if you want, and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks or grilled bread.

Fresh flowers can lift a space instantly, especially during summer when blooms are at their peak.

Sunflowers bring warmth and energy, thrive in natural light and last up to a week.

Zinnias and dahlias are heat-loving showstoppers that add vibrant color and structure to any room.

Lavender or eucalyptus bundles are low maintenance, are fragrant, dry beautifully and stay fresh for weeks.

And if you want an effortlessly elegant vibe, then hydrangeas are classic, but keep them hydrated because they’re thirsty.

Everyone knows that meditation can reduce stress. But researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital say it directly affects the function and structure of the brain. It increases attention span, sharpens focus, and improves memory.

With the aid of advanced brain scanning technology, one study showed that daily meditation thickens the parts of the brain's cerebral cortex responsible for decision-making, attention, and memory.

With practice, you can develop a state called mindfulness, which is being aware of what's going on as it arises without jumping to conclusions, judgments, hopes, fears, or plans.

Meditation also improves productivity and reduces absenteeism at work, probably because it helps prevent stress-related illness. 

Meditation seems to aid with emotional regulation, which helps people get along better. It acts on emotional intelligence, which neuroscientists say is more important for life success than cognitive intelligence.

As summer stretches out with its long days and golden evenings, the season gently invites us to slow down. During these quieter moments — the clink of ice in a glass, a passing smile from a neighbor, the hush of a sunset — is when I’m reminded of the beauty in the ordinary.

Lately, I’ve realized that progress often comes not in bold strides but in steady, quiet steps. This season has been teaching me that it’s perfectly okay not to have everything mapped out. Each day offers its own chance to move forward, to learn something new or simply to breathe.

And more than ever, I’m noticing that staying connected is essential. Whether a quick check-in, a kind word or just being present, these simple gestures hold a quiet power. They remind us that we’re not alone in figuring things out and that all of us are navigating life one moment at a time.

There’s no big message here; just a gentle thought: Sometimes the most-meaningful progress occurs when we pause, appreciate where we are and take that next step with intention.

Wishing you calm moments and meaningful connections this summer.

With gratitude,

Gino Pezzani

June is here — longer days, warmer nights and a good excuse to fire up the grill. (Thanks, Dad.)

It’s also when we tip our hats to the father figures who’ve taught us everything from changing a tire to changing our perspective. Their classic one-liners and quiet life lessons stick with us, sometimes more than we care to admit.

This month, let’s celebrate the wisdom, the wit and the welltimed dad jokes that helped shape who we are.

Here’s to the guys who taught us how to do the hard stuff — and laugh along the way. And if you haven’t called him lately, then this is your sign.