The Washington Post has relaunched its Recipes experience and invited you to come cook with them. You can find more than 10,000 recipes using their revamped search tool. You can also learn about the health benefits of cooking, the dangers of sleep deprivation and the importance of getting your flu shot in this week’s Well+Being newsletter.
Cooking is not only a way to nourish your body, but also a way to express your creativity, connect with others and improve your mental health. Research shows that cooking can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and enhance mood. Cooking can also help you eat healthier, as you have more control over the ingredients and portions.
The Washington Post has made it easier for you to find the recipe you want to cook today. You can type in keywords such as “chicken thighs” or “air fryer” and get plenty of options. You can also narrow the results by cooking time, diet restrictions and more. You can browse through categories such as “quick and easy”, “vegetarian”, “baking” and “global cuisines”. You can also save your favorite recipes, rate them and leave comments.
Don’t Let ‘Mombie’ Syndrome Ruin Your Day
If you feel like a zombie during the day, you might be suffering from ‘mombie’ syndrome. This term refers to mothers who are sleep deprived and struggle to function normally. Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for your health, such as increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and anxiety.
The good news is that you can take steps to improve your sleep quality and quantity. Here are some tips from experts:
- Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine in the evening.
- Turn off screens at least an hour before bed.
- Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.
- Seek help from your partner, family or friends if you need support with childcare or household chores.
- Consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions or medications that affect your sleep.
Get Your Flu Shot Before It’s Too Late
Flu season is here, and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from this potentially serious illness. The flu can cause fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and complications such as pneumonia and sepsis. The flu can also worsen chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year, preferably by the end of October. The flu shot is safe and effective, and it can reduce your risk of getting sick by 40% to 60%. The flu shot can also reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick.
Getting a flu shot can also have other benefits for your health. A recent study found that getting a flu shot may lower your risk of developing dementia later in life. Another study found that getting a flu shot may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
To get your flu shot, you can visit your doctor’s office, pharmacy, clinic or health department. You can also use the CDC’s Vaccine Finder tool to find a location near you.
