Skimm Well

Morning, Glory

This time of year, I’m an early riser. No, not like that guy. And not even to “do” anything productive. But a quiet moment on my balcony with a coffee, book, or my thoughts to start the day is absolutely transformative. And that early light exposure impacts the rest of my day (and night) in positive ways.

For me, the pull is the idea that for one glorious hour, no one needs me. I can truly do whatever I want. But if choosing your own adventure makes you want to crawl back into bed, here are some science-backed ways to make the most of your mornings:

Longevity experts say these AM habits could add years to your life… and number seven proves science is on our side.
A better start to the day doesn't require a 12-step routine. This simple three-part formula checks every box.
For anyone who can’t seem to break up with the snooze button, this “opening shift” reframe could change the way you think about mornings.
Finally, a happiness expert says what you do in the first few minutes after you wake up could shape the rest of your day. So choose wisely.

— Anna “Waiting for Sunrise” Davies, writer

PS: Speaking of routines, this 14-day course can help you build an at-home Pilates practice that actually sticks.

What's Making the Rounds

Scientists think they’ve finally reached the “starting point of clitoral science.” Better late than never?

Is there any part of the body that perimenopause doesn’t affect? You can probably add one more organ to the list.

Good news for anyone who can’t bear a colonoscopy: There's now a less invasive screening option to consider.

There is such a thing as too much protein. Here are five risks that likely aren’t on your bingo card.

Scientists studied how chimps sleep and found a few habits worth stealing.

Some daily gummies that'll help support your metabolic and cognitive health. We'll take anything to help us age in a healthy way.

These are the best mental health tools that won our third-annual Good for You Awards.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

Magnesium Enters Its A-List Era

Our medicine cabinets are full of supplements that’ve left us with buyer’s remorse. One exception? Magnesium. On the contrary, it's earned a permanent spot in our rotation.

Everyone on Instagram claims the mineral changed their lives. Better sleep. Healthier skin. Less stress. Fewer muscle cramps. Maybe even weight loss. It’s a lot of hype to place on one essential nutrient, but magnesium lives up to much of it.

It helps your body do hundreds of jobs behind the scenes. And plenty of people don't get enough from their diet alone, which can be tricky to detect because the signs of a deficiency aren't exactly obvious.

Where things get complicated is that magnesium may support sleep, metabolic health, stronger skin and nails, and optimal vitamin D function, but some claims go further than the science. For example, it can help your body regulate blood sugar more efficiently… but it won't “stabilize your weight” on its own.

Before you add magnesium to your routine, keep a few things in mind.

For Your Sanity:

Start with your grocery cart. Several foods are high in magnesium other than beans and dark leafy greens. (Love to see number 26 on this list.)
Read the fine print. The formulation matters, and some types are easier for your body to absorb than others.
Check your meds. There are prescriptions (as well as this common supplement) that can interact with magnesium, so it’s safest to run it by your doc first to avoid any drug interactions.

Which drink is the most hydrating over several hours, according to research?

A liquid multivitamin that gives Mary Poppins energy. You just need a spoonful or two.

The arch sleeves our editor loves to wear while she strength trains. They provide compression and support to her flat feet.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Ashley Park on Resilience

For five seasons, Ashley Park’s Emily in Paris character, Mindy Chen, has bounced back from just about everything: family pressure, career pivots, heartbreak, and the occasional public humiliation — all while becoming the show’s emotional glue. And while the Netflix series is set to end after season six, Park herself feels like she’s just getting started.

Turns out, that resilience has roots in real life. The actress recently spoke with theSkimm as part of Bristol Myers Squibb’s Time Back campaign, which honors oncologists. She reflected on how surviving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at 15 shaped the way she approaches ambition, adulthood, and moments where people try to limit her.

"I felt like I wasn't ‘winning the cancer battle’ if I let it affect the person I was,” she says. “As soon as I feel underestimated, I dig in. I really tried to move forward with just gratitude and trying to make the best of everything and live in the present. And I think that it's really defined how I've lived my life rather than sitting in the devastation of missing out on part of my youth.”

How do you say, “Honestly, checks out,” in French?

Read the whole interview here.

We’ve Got a Bone To Pick

If bone health feels like a problem for Future You, here's the catch: Skeletal strength peaks decades before an osteoporosis diagnosis may be on your radar. Which means the habits you build now determine how much you may lose later. A good place to start is the surprisingly simple routine a physical therapist uses to keep bones strong for the long haul — no gym membership required.

And about that daily Diet Coke habit... Some research suggests that phosphoric acid in colas may interfere with calcium absorption, while caffeine can nudge your body to flush a little more of the mineral than usual. So if bone health is on your mind (it should be), these high-calcium drinks are good soda substitutes. The second one is a fridge staple for us.

You're Invited: Read With Us

This spring, we’re reading Kin by Tayari Jones, the national bestselling author of An American Marriage.

A peek into the story: Two girls grow up side by side in the 1950s South, bound by the absence of their mothers. Then life starts pulling them in different directions — one steps onto a traditional path, the other goes off-script, chasing answers in ways that break all the rules.

It's all about friendship, and how far we go for the friends we love.

Read with us — then join us on June 17 to meet Tayari Jones and ask her your questions about the book and the choices her characters make.

Psst… With your RSVP, you'll also get 15% off the book + a Skimm-exclusive reading guide.

Save My Spot

The Drug That Keeps Expanding Its Résumé

What’s going on: The long list of GLP-1 drugs’ supposed benefits reads like a wellness wish list, and the newest potential perk is a big one: slowing cancer. New Cleveland Clinic research tracked more than 12,000 patients with the same early-stage cancers and comorbidities (like obesity and smoking). It found that those on a GLP-1 (compared to other diabetes medications) were 38% to 50% less likely to progress to stage IV in four cancers: breast, colorectal, liver, and certain types of lung cancers. The research hints that GLP-1 receptor-related signaling may directly influence how some cancers grow and spread. It lands on top of prior studies that have linked the drugs to lower risk of addiction, and improvements with sleep apnea and kidney disease, on top of the FDA-approved uses for diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss.

Sounds like a miracle drug: It does, but experts caution that there’s still a lot we don’t know, and say much more research needs to be done to confirm cancer-slowing benefits. These new findings are a genuinely exciting start — but the real-world, observational data hasn’t been peer-reviewed, and GLP-1s are not a current cancer treatment option. A randomized clinical trial still needs to confirm the link, and they’re no substitute for routine screenings like colonoscopies — as much as we wish we could save you from prep with that lemon-lime laxative monstrosity. So, if you’re among the one in eight adults on the meds or considering them, know that while the weight and blood-sugar benefits of GLP-1s are well established, the everything-else benefits are a science story still being written.

PS: Every weekday, the Daily Skimm breaks down the headlines that impact your world. Get our unique take on what's going on — and what it means for you. Sign up here.

Permission To Blend In

On a hot morning, a cold breakfast just makes sense. The challenge? Most smoothies either leave you hungry an hour later or taste too healthy. A few smart tweaks can solve both problems:

Four registered dietitians picked the same frozen fruit as their favorite base because its nutrition profile is so high. But think twice before you mix it with banana.
These underrated add-ins can boost fiber and protein without changing the flavor.
And if the protein powder aisle feels overwhelming, here's where to start.

Need inspiration? These healthy smoothie formulas rely on affordable ingredients, freezer staples, and offer plenty of room for improvisation.

Step Up Your Sandal Game

Let’s get it out of the way: Orthopedic sandals do not equal granny gear. Instead, they offer the strong foot support regular flip-flops could never, so you can actually show off your toes all summer long.

Sleep like a primate