The sleep tricks that actually work for high performers who have trouble ‘switching off’

The sleep tricks that actually work for high performers who have trouble ‘switching off’

Struggling to catch some ZZZs? Cutting down on caffeine, kicking a smoking habit, curbing alcohol intake and sticking to a regular workout routine are great first steps toward getting some much-needed sleep. For high performers who are always on, even these tips may not be enough to help their brains turn off. While certain lifestyle changes can help … Read more

Why most people fail at fitness, according to biohackers — and the tricks they use to keep on track

Why most people fail at fitness, according to biohackers — and the tricks they use to keep on track

It’s that time of year again: Fridges are stocked with fruits and veggies, gyms are full, and millions of people are determined to make this the year they lose weight and build muscle. Getting in shape tops the list of 2026 resolutions, with nearly half of Americans vowing to exercise more next year. But the … Read more

Getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night is shortening your life, study finds — here are 5 tricks to snooze faster

Getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night is shortening your life, study finds — here are 5 tricks to snooze faster

Failure to get a proper night’s rest could send you to the big sleep faster. In a new study published this week, researchers from Oregon Health & Science University found that, far more than diet, exercise or loneliness, sleep quality stood out as a primary predictor of life expectancy, second only to smoking. “I didn’t … Read more

3 tricks to clear congestion without medicine — but the last one could be ‘triggering’

3 tricks to clear congestion without medicine — but the last one could be ‘triggering’

‘Tis the season for the sounds of sniffles. A stuffed up nose seems to be a staple of colder weather, especially as cold and flu season has hit its peak from now until February. While avoiding catching a cold is tough, you can find relief without having to stock up on hundreds of medications and … Read more

I’m a dietitian — my tricks for healthier Thanksgiving sides, plus my exact gravy recipe

I’m a dietitian — my tricks for healthier Thanksgiving sides, plus my exact gravy recipe

Americans are likely to gobble up about 4,500 calories at their Thanksgiving feast on Thursday — and that’s before the inevitable late-night raid for leftovers. But minding your menu doesn’t mean you have to ditch the dishes you look forward to all year. “You may find that making small, healthy changes to your Thanksgiving meal … Read more

Cruise ship experts reveal the ‘mind tricks’ that keep passengers happy on the high seas

Cruise ship experts reveal the ‘mind tricks’ that keep passengers happy on the high seas

Cruise holidays are well-known for their laid-back luxury, whether it be sipping cocktails poolside, indulging in fine dining, unwinding in lavish spas, or waking up to new destinations each day. But according to cruise industry insiders, the blissful feeling many passengers experience isn’t just down to sunshine and sea air — it’s also the result … Read more

You’re making pancakes all wrong — try these tricks to make the perfect breakfast

You’re making pancakes all wrong — try these tricks to make the perfect breakfast

We can all agree that the first pancake is often a flop. For me, it typically ends up smooshed up in the pan – half raw, half cooked, in the bin.  The next few pancakes are good, evenly golden, cooked through, but then a burnt mess sometimes happens towards the end of the batch, with … Read more

Struggling with back pain? Try these 2 free, easy tricks supported by science

Struggling with back pain? Try these 2 free, easy tricks supported by science

They say pain is all in the mind. Over 50 million Americans struggle with lower back pain — which an estimated 80% of adults can expect to experience at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, effective and accessible treatments have been elusive. In fact, researchers recently said most treatments are “barely better than … Read more

In ‘The Friend,’ A Great Dane and His Co-Star, Naomi Watts, Learn New Tricks

In ‘The Friend,’ A Great Dane and His Co-Star, Naomi Watts, Learn New Tricks

Typically on movie sets, only big stars get those fancy, oversized trailers for dressing rooms. But on “The Friend” an unknown was a really big star. Even bigger than his fellow actor Naomi Watts. Quite literally: The newcomer, Bing, is the Harlequin Great Dane at the center of “The Friend,” the new film based on … Read more

How ‘Severance’ Uses Old Tricks to Make Its Office Hell

How ‘Severance’ Uses Old Tricks to Make Its Office Hell

Contains spoilers about past episodes but not the Season 2 finale. In “Severance,” the Apple TV+ series about a shadowy company where some employees have their consciousness split into two parts, with the “innie” doing all the work and the “outie” remembering none of it, the office is sparse and lifeless. The show reinforces that … Read more

I’m a doctor — how to lose weight for good this year and tricks to avoid diet fatigue

I’m a doctor — how to lose weight for good this year and tricks to avoid diet fatigue

You’ve heard it all before — you must eat less and move more to lose weight. While cutting calories and joining a gym are popular ways to start the new year, dieters often regain the pounds that they shed because they set unrealistic goals. Before you get in line for the treadmill and hop on … Read more

Exclusive | Two easy self-hypnosis tricks to stick to your New Year’s diet and fitness resolutions

Exclusive | Two easy self-hypnosis tricks to stick to your New Year’s diet and fitness resolutions

You’re getting very sleepy… thinking about how much effort it’s going to take to stick to your healthy New Year’s resolutions. But Hollywood hypnotherapist and holistic coach Maria Freeman has shared some tips that will make it easier to eat healthy, move more, lose weight, or whatever else it is you’ve committed to doing in … Read more

Sensitive gag reflex? These tricks can make swallowing pills easier

Sensitive gag reflex? These tricks can make swallowing pills easier

Gulp! Many Americans have trouble taking pills — some have a fear of choking while others suffer from dry mouth or a hypersensitive gag reflex. The throat condition, estimated to affect 10% to 15% of the population, causes people to gag easily when eating, swallowing pills, undergoing dental procedures or just laying eyes on certain … Read more

Can superstitions ruin your day? Doctor reveals mental tricks to be luckier on Friday the 13th

Can superstitions ruin your day? Doctor reveals mental tricks to be luckier on Friday the 13th

Cue the doom: Friday the 13th is upon us. If you’re used to this day being an unlucky one, you’re probably right — but that doesn’t mean it may not also be all in your head. According to a behavioral health physician, a lot of what we perceive as bad luck comes down to our … Read more

4 tricks to enjoy Thanksgiving but not overeat — including a craving reducer in the morning

4 tricks to enjoy Thanksgiving but not overeat — including a craving reducer in the morning

Even the best laid diet plans can be derailed by a Thanksgiving feast — and who can say no to their mom’s mashed potatoes or auntie’s pumpkin pie? But just because we’re letting ourselves indulge in some of our favorite holiday foods doesn’t mean we have no power against the pull of over-indulgence — and … Read more

These 5 tricks can shift help you go to sleep earlier — avoid a ‘huge disruptor’ in the night

These 5 tricks can shift help you go to sleep earlier — avoid a ‘huge disruptor’ in the night

Is there a way to transition from a night owl to an early bird? As days darken and outside temperatures drop, getting up earlier can be more challenging than ever. Yet, experts say there are ways to condition your body to rise and shine. The average American goes to bed at 11.39 p.m., but evidence suggests … Read more

How the ‘Blue Bloods’ cast faked eating their way through Reagan family dinners: ‘We all have tricks’

How the ‘Blue Bloods’ cast faked eating their way through Reagan family dinners: ‘We all have tricks’

Talk about a gag! The cast of “Blue Blood” revealed how they navigated through those family dinners for the past 14 seasons. Tom Selleck finally let the cat out of the bag, revealing all of his co-stars have tricks to make it look like they are eating. He also admitted that some of his cast … Read more

I’m a doctor who was overweight — these 5 weight loss tricks helped me shed the pounds for good

I’m a doctor who was overweight — these 5 weight loss tricks helped me shed the pounds for good

He’s shedding light on how to lose weight — and keep it off. Dr. Tommy Martin said he grew up overweight thanks to unhealthy eating habits, tipping the scale at 230 pounds at his heaviest. He tried overly restrictive diets and intense workouts but it wasn’t until he changed his mindset and goals about a decade … Read more

When does old age begin? How increased longevity tricks seniors into thinking they’re still young

When does old age begin? How increased longevity tricks seniors into thinking they’re still young

It’s an age-old question. Researchers have found perceptions about age differ wildly between generations, with senior citizens possibly suffering from “age-group disassociation” when they insist that they’re not yet elderly. Scholars from the University of Berlin, in collaboration with academics at Stanford University, the University of Luxembourg and the University of Greifswald, Germany, examined responses from … Read more

Mercury retrograde tips and tricks for avoiding dating disasters

Mercury retrograde tips and tricks for avoiding dating disasters

It’s the first Mercury retrograde of 2K24, my babies. ‘Tis the most maligned time of the year, folks, when the planet of communication slows its proverbial roll and wreaks havoc on our travel plans and best efforts at clear communication. Mercury retrograde is a bit of a misnomer — the planet only appears to move … Read more