TODAY I WILL:  

Let myself be seen—mess and all.

The group chat is feeling empowered, a little mysterious, and definitely hungry.

• Dating younger might be the ultimate confidence boost.

• Meet the mysterious TikTok collective everyone’s suddenly obsessed with.

• Women are up to bat.

• Malala’s book reminds us you can be serious and stylish.

• This micro-chopped version of a Caesar salad serves a bite-sized glow-up.

Small Habits, Big Brain Benefits

It’s time to take a look at your routine because your daily habits might be quietly shaping your long-term brain health for better or worse. Neurologists say that chronic sleep deprivation, sitting for long stretches, and constant multitasking can all chip away at focus, memory, and emotional balance over time. Even skipping meals or doomscrolling before bed can trigger inflammation and stress hormones that make it harder for your brain to rest and recover.

Their advice is simple: Move your body regularly, get quality sleep, challenge your mind (yes, learning new things counts), and nurture real connections offline. It’s less about hacking your brain and more about giving it the calm, consistency, and care it needs to keep showing up for you now and decades from now.

Yesterday, we talked about the rise of the everyday athlete—and asked you to pick your player. The results? Surprisingly close.

Almost 30% of you chose the hot girl walker, proving that movement and mindfulness is a winning combo. Just behind, 26% said you’re a Pilates girly—all about that core burn and cozy matching set. Another 23% identified as weight room regulars, repping strength in every sense. And 22% are just here for the smoothies—no judgment, only protein powder.

Your Brain Loves Your Dog as Much as You Do

It may have started as cuddly companionship and some dog-mom merch, but the mental health perks of pup obsession? Totally legit, because it turns out, making your dog your bestie isn’t just cute––it might be one of the healthiest decisions you’ve made all year. 

Over the last decade, the growing number of women in their 20s and 30s who have “made their dog their whole personality” has made it rare to go anywhere without running into a four-legged friend. And honestly, we can’t get enough of the stylish dogs in sweaters on every walk once the temperature hits below 40. 

But it’s time to give credit where it’s due. It’s not just a vibe—it’s biology. That connection with your pup is backed by actual brain science.

We already know that petting dogs releases good mood chemicals in our brains like oxytocin (hello, puppy yoga!). But recent research also shows that impact on a woman’s mental health is tied to the strength of the emotional bond with her dog. 

One study from last year looked at 214 women in midlife and beyond to measure how attached they felt to their pups using a tool called the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. The results found that women who reported a stronger bond with their dogs had significantly fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

But here’s the fascinating part: It wasn’t just about having a pet—it was about how connected they felt to their fur baby. Ultimately, emotional closeness mattered most, especially for women who had experienced early life adversity. A deep attachment to their dog offers even stronger mental health protection, buffering the long-term effects of chronic stress.

According to the scientists, it comes down to brain science. In addition to receiving oxytocin for regulated emotions, these bonds also calm the amygdala (your brain’s stress alarm), reduce cortisol, and strengthen circuits tied to resilience. A report from Harvard shows that simply petting a dog lowers stress hormones and lights up the brain regions responsible for mood control. 

Unlike humans, dogs don’t judge. And that weight off allows for a dog's steady presence to help create a sense of safety, stability, and emotional support—no filter required. Over time, those consistent moments of calm can actually rewire the brain to recover more quickly from emotional lows.

The takeaway: That furry bestie of yours isn’t just cuddly—they may be a built-in boost for your brain.