Well + Good

pulse check

Summertime Sadness

This summer, I’ve loved sneaking in a quick swim whenever I can. It gets me outside, moving, and usually leaves me in a better mood. So when the pool near me closed due to wildfire smoke from Canada last week, I felt like I’d lost more than access to an aquatic workout, especially when you count all the days it's been too hot to do, well, much of anything.

It made me realize how much climate change shapes how we experience our world — and research agrees. That, coupled with the particular melancholy hot weather can bring, creates a perfect storm of emotions. I can’t control the weather, but I have found other ways (that don’t rely on the forecast) to amplify the restorative energy I normally associate with this time of year:

A summer memory map can make every week feel more intentional.
Another trick to add more magic: a “monthly 10” list.
Routine disruptions are actually great opportunities to take advantage of the “fresh start” effect.
Finally, the easiest, low-effort way to get out of a rut — that you can do indoors.

— Anna “Watching The Odyssey is my serotonin boost this week” Davies, writer

Well, well, well

What's Making the Rounds

Kate Middleton says "chemo fog" made it hard to read or focus. Here's the hobby that helped her cope.

Yes, there is a right way to fight with your partner. And the last secret on the list doesn’t require you to say anything.

“Ferritin face” could be a sign of low iron. Here’s how to spot it — and what to do next.

The “cook once, eat three times” method we’ve adopted for the summer… or, let’s be real, forever.

Perimenopause is everywhere, but do you really know what it means? Take this six-question quiz to find out.

Chaos gardening is a viral trend for anyone who wants the benefits of being a green thumb without the pressure to get it right.

in our rotation

A hand sanitizing mist that doubles as aromatherapy on the go.

This is our editor's favorite durable salad spinner. It's easy to use and keep clean.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

well aware

Your Body Is Talking

Your digestive tract is in constant communication with your brain, immune system, and metabolism through what scientists call the gut-brain axis, an always-on network of nerves, hormones, and signals that run in both directions.

So while that yogurt you just opened is a nod to the trillions of bacteria part of this ecosystem, new research increasingly finds that it takes more than gut-friendly foods to keep your microbiome happy.

To be clear: What you eat still matters (a lot). Experts say the biggest good bacteria payoff comes from a fiber-rich diet with a wide variety of plants, plus fermented dairy and veggies. But it’s far from the only thing at play.

For your sanity:

Protect your sleep. It’s a two-way street: Poor sleep can reduce microbial diversity, while a healthier microbiome may promote more restorative rest. Consistent early natural light exposure and a regular bedtime routine help keep both in sync.

Take stress seriously. Your gut and brain talk via the vagus nerve, which means everyday stress can directly shift the composition of your gut bacteria. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to tip the balance in your favor.

Move your body. Scientists noticed the link between gut health and athletic performance in endurance athletes, and the benefits could translate to the rest of us too.

Skip the at-home tests (for now). Mail-in microbiome kits are everywhere, but scientists say they still miss a key piece of the puzzle. Your energy may be better spent learning to spot the subtle signs of an issue… not all of them are GI symptoms.

the more you know

Warm weather can increase your risk of which infection by up to 30%:

Pinkeye

Staph

UTI

in our rotation

And a fruit and veggie wash to go with said salad spinner.

We're convinced this is Mrs. Meyer's best scent and it's officially back for the summer.

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

just one thing

A Root Awakening

Scalp routines are having a moment, and honestly, fair. Between sunscreen, sweat, chlorine, and whatever happens under a baseball cap, summer can leave the skin on your head just as clogged, itchy, and irritated as your face. Now is also peak shedding season, so give your scalp a little extra attention today — it’ll thank you later.

See bumps or flakes? Skip the trendy hair potions and look for ingredients that actually do something. And don’t try to shampoo your way through persistent pain, inflammation, or increased hair loss. Those are signs it’s time to check in with a dermatologist.

Well Reviewed

Neck’s in Line

Sleep Number

Sleep Number Travel Pillow is the best budget-friendly option.

Temper-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic Travel Pillow is the best option for long-haul flights.

COOP

COOP AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow is the best compact, packable option.

Ostrichpillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is the best memory foam option.

Here’s the full list of the best neck pillows, according to experts.

Well Fed

Go for a Dip

Dips do a lot of heavy lifting. They make any spread look like you tried harder than you did and can quietly deliver a nutrition boost while everyone's just there for the flavor. Snack on these solo, or bring one to your next summer hang. Tip: If you’re still bypassing the produce aisle, consider swapping fresh herbs for dried ones. And roast chicken strips, shrimp, or hardboiled egg wedges make great, protein-packed alternatives to crudité.

1. Viral "hippy dip" This TikTok-viral, Trader Joe's-inspired dip is about as low-effort as a healthy snack gets: pre-steamed lentils, bruschetta sauce, and diced avocado (or crumbled feta) pack in plant-based protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich lycopene. Dump, stir, done.

2. High-protein "boat dip" If we were gonna be stuck at sea for a decade, this is the dip we’d want on deck. We like how this recipe swaps sour cream for Greek yogurt and cottage cheese to boost the protein but retain its creamy, scoopable texture. Pretty sure Odysseus would approve.

3. High-protein pickle dip This viral dip is a must for dill lovers. Cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt creates a smooth, protein-packed base. Bonus: pickles bring a little sodium back after a sweaty day, which can help with hydration.

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