Why do heat waves make us anxious? 4 ways to calm down when it’s hot

Heat disrupts the neurotransmitter system (serotonin), disrupts sleep, and increases stress hormones.

Your support helps us tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is where the stories unfold. Whether we’re investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing The A Word, a new documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to … Read more

Why do heat waves make us anxious? 4 ways to calm down when it’s hot

Heat disrupts the neurotransmitter system (serotonin), disrupts sleep, and increases stress hormones.

Your support helps us tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is where the stories unfold. Whether we’re investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing The A Word, a new documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to … Read more

How L-Theanine can calm your mind and bring you better sleep

How L-Theanine can calm your mind and bring you better sleep

L-Theanine Latte is the new mushroom coffee, and luckily it tastes much better. In Los Angeles, the Volt Energy Drink on the menu at influencer hotspot Alfred Coffee contains amino acids combined with biotin and B vitamins. You’ll find it in the Iced Functional Latte at Beyond Juicery+Eatery (located in 48 states). And it doesn’t … Read more

A mop, a broom, and a calm mind: Why some people see mental health benefits in everyday tasks – The Boston Globe

Monks polished the wooden corridor of the walkway that connects between temple buildings at Soji-ji in Yokohama, Japan.

“Before enlightenment, cut wood and carry water. After enlightenment, cut wood and carry water.” Zen disciples, or “unsui” monks, spend a lot of time cleaning and organizing. “We sweep dust to get rid of earthly desires. We scrub dirt to get rid of attachments,” writes Yoshihiro Matsumoto, a monk living in Kyoto, Japan, in his … Read more