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Women's Health, Your Way

February 12, 2026

Ask & Search With Clara

Welcome to a new standard for women’s health answers.

The Wellness Edit

Emmy Hayes Condon

Your daily guide to feeling, looking, and living your best.

Can Standing on a Shaking Platform Really Improve Strength and Circulation?

Feb 11, 2026

I don’t know about you, but my Reels have been inundated with someone vibrating on a plate! What is going on with this old-school but new-school fitness trend? That quirky machine is called a vibration plate (or whole-body vibration, WBV), and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a platform that shakes at a set frequency while you stand, sit, or do exercises on it. The idea is that the rapid oscillations force your muscles to contract and relax repeatedly — sort of like a reflexive mini-workout for your entire body.

So what is it supposed to do? Research and expert insights suggest a few real, science-backed perks when vibration plates are used alongside traditional activity (not as a magic replacement for workouts). Studies point to improved muscle activation, stronger balance and stability, enhanced circulation, possible support for bone health, and even eased muscle soreness after tough sessions. The mechanism is pretty neat — the vibrations prompt lots of tiny muscle contractions that recruit more muscle fibers than standing still would, helping engage both big and stabilizing muscles.

People who've tinkered with WBV often describe feeling more awake, warm, and engaged after just a short session — great for a pre-workout activation or a low-impact way to move on a rest day. But be real with your expectations: this isn’t going to replace a treadmill run or squats with weights, and the science on fat loss or dramatic body changes is still mixed.

If you’re curious, start slow, use it as a supplement to your regular routine, and talk with a doc if you have health concerns — especially if you’re pregnant or recovering from injury.

Ask Clara:

"What are the benefits of lymphatic massage?"

What Is Lip Basting? The Cold-Weather Lip Care Trend Dermatologists Swear By

Feb 10, 2026

Have you ever heard of lip basting and wondered if it’s worth the hype? Well, I’m here to tell you that it is, indeed, worth the hype.  Think of lip basting as a mini spa treatment for your pout, tailor-made for cold, dry weather when chapped lips are practically a rite of winter. In the simplest terms, lip basting is a two-step skincare hack: gently exfoliate your lips to remove dry, flaky skin, then slather on a rich layer of moisturizerand let it soak in before wiping it away. This helps soft, smooth skin fully absorb hydration and repair the delicate lip barrier.

The idea first gained traction with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, who popularized it as a way to treat stubborn dryness more effectively than a quick swipe of lip balm alone. Cold weather is especially brutal on lips because they lack oil glands and are exposed to wind and low humidity, which pulls moisture right out of the skin. Standard lip balms help by sealing in moisture, but the deeper layering in lip basting gives your pout extra TLC.

And yes—winter is prime time for this ritual! In chilly months, locking in hydration is key. Dermatologists routinely recommend using occlusive ingredients like jelly, shea butter, and ceramides to protect lips against frigid air, and lip basting simply amplifies that protective effect. So next time your lips feel like they’re staging a rebellion against the cold, give lip basting a try.

Ask Clara:

"How do I keep my skin hydrated?"

Friendship Is the Real Love Story (Plus Cute Galentine's Gift Ideas)

Feb 9, 2026

Valentine’s Day will get all of the spotlight later this week, but Galentine’s Day is the real main character. There’s just something deeply healing about celebrating the women who hype you up, send the “text me when you get home” message, and will absolutely help you overanalyze a situationship for three straight voice notes.

Around here, Galentine’s is less about grand gestures and more about cozy, joy-sparking rituals. Think: group walks with coffee in hand, a low-key dinner where everyone brings a favorite snack, or a living-room spa night where no one has to pretend they know how to do a lymphatic drainage massage (we’re all just vibing with the gua sha, okay?). It’s friendship as self-care — and honestly, we deserve a holiday for that.

If you’re in the mood to treat yourself and your favorite women, here’s a little beauty-wellness gift list that feels thoughtful but not try-hard:

Galentine’s Treat Yourself (and Them) List
• A luxe body oil that makes your post-shower routine feel like a ritual
• A silky sleep mask for better beauty sleep
• Herbal teas for stress, bloat, or winding down at night
• A cute pill organizer for daily vitamins (romanticize your supplements!)
• Sheet masks for an at-home facial night
• A candle that smells like a spa, not a cupcake
• A gratitude or friendship journal you can fill out for each other
• Magnesium bath flakes for the ultimate unwind soak

Because at the end of the day, Galentine’s isn’t about stuff — it’s about saying, “I’m really glad we’re in this life thing together.” And maybe doing it with glowy skin and a cup of tea - and a movie date to Wuthering Heights! 

Heartbreak Healing: Why More People Are Turning to Breakup Support Spaces

Feb 5, 2026

Let’s talk about something so real — heartbreak. It’s one of those universal experiences that feels totally isolating in the moment, yet we all go through it at some point. Lately, there’s been an interesting shift: broken hearts aren’t just something you “get over” on your own anymore — people are creating dedicated healing spaces and strategies to help you do it with intention and support.

Across the U.S., grief cafés, support groups, and therapeutic workshops are popping up specifically for people navigating romantic loss. These aren’t cheesy meetups; they’re guided spaces led by counselors and facilitators trained in emotional healing. Research shows that intentional social support can significantly improve recovery from relationship loss, boosting emotional resilience and decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, practices like expressive writing and mindfulness — both backed by scientific research — are being adapted into structured programs for post-breakup care.

Even yoga studios and wellness centers are offering heart-opening classes themed around letting go and self-compassion (think calming sequences with guided intention). And honestly? That makes sense. Heartbreak triggers a stress response similar to physical pain — it hurts because your brain literally reacts that way.

So whether it’s a workshop, a support circle, or just carving out intentional self-care time, there’s no shame in saying “I want help healing.” Treat your heart like you’d treat a wound — gentle, patient, and with a little community around you. You deserve that kind of care.

Ask Clara:

"How do I find more balance in my daily routine?"

Can You Really Fall in Love With AI? Exploring the Trend of Digital Companionship

Feb 4, 2026
Can we talk about something wild but also kinda real? Romantic relationships with AI — sometimes playfully dubbed “AI-lationships” — are starting to shift from sci-fi fantasy to everyday conversation. It turns out that a surprising number of people today are forming emotional bonds with chatbots and virtual partners that go beyond friendly banter. In one survey, 80 % of Gen Z respondents said they’d be open to marrying an AI, and 83 % felt they could form deep emotional attachments to one. (!!!)
 
So what’s behind this trend? A mix of human longing for connection, improved AI social responsiveness, and the sheer accessibility of 24/7 companionship. Some research on chatbot companions shows that users can develop intense emotional connections over time — even rituals and feelings that feel real — especially when life feels lonely or unpredictable.
 
It’s easy to see the appeal: no judgment, no surprise arguments, just someone (or something) who listens and responds with warmth.
But here’s where the conversation gets nuanced. Studies suggest these digital romances can be a double-edged sword. While AI partners might offer comfort and a sense of intimacy, they can’t truly experience emotional reciprocity the way humans do — and heavy reliance on them may blur the line between companionship and dependency.
 
At the end of the day, bonding with AI reminds us how deeply wired we are for connection, and why real-life relationships, with all their messiness and magic, still matter. 
Ask Clara:

"How do I create meaningful connection with my partner?"

The “Gumification” of Wellness: Why Your Supplements Now Look Like Candy

Feb 3, 2026
Have you noticed the supplement aisle lately? It’s starting to look suspiciously like the candy section. Sleep support in raspberry chewables, collagen gummies shaped like little berries, and apple cider vinegar in something that tastes like a fruit snack. Welcome to what I like to call the gumification of wellness — where your daily routine feels less like a pill organizer and more like a treat.
 
Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or health routine.
 
For many women, this shift makes consistency easier. If a gummy helps you actually remember your magnesium or vitamin D, that’s a win. But here’s the part worth a pause: when supplements taste like candy, it’s easy to forget they’re still biologically active. More isn’t better — especially with nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins or hormones like melatonin.
 
Quality is another thing to keep in mind. Supplements in the U.S. aren’t reviewed for safety and effectiveness before they hit shelves, the way medications are. Independent testing can vary, too. A study published in JAMA found that melatonin content in gummies often differed significantly from what labels claimed. That doesn’t mean all gummies are bad — it just means brand reputation and third-party verification really matter.Zooming out, the gummy boom is big business—market forecasts show rapid growth for gummy vitamins/supplements over the next several years.
 
So, really enjoy the convenience, but treat gummies like medicine with a sweet tooth. Stick to the serving size, look for third-party testing (USP/NSF), and store them with the rest of your supplements. 
Ask Clara:

"How should I go about starting a new supplement routine?"

The Rise of Low-Pressure Hobbies: Why Screen-Free Activities Are Trending for Mental Wellness

Feb 2, 2026

Can we all agree that January somehow lasted 400 days…and yet here we are, already a month into the year? This is usually when I start peeking at what’s bubbling up in the wellness world — the habits, mindset shifts, and tiny lifestyle tweaks people are actually sticking with (not just posting about for a week).

One theme I’m seeing everywhere right now feels refreshingly low-pressure: log off a little, and pick something up with your hands. When the news cycle feels overwhelming, or your brain is fried from screens, more people are turning to small, grounding resets: going for a walk without a podcast, reading a physical book, baking something just because, or dusting off a hobby they forgot they loved.

And honestly? I’m very here for the return of hobbies that have zero productivity goals attached. Not a side hustle. Not “content.” Just something you do because it feels good and lets your brain breathe for a minute. Crocheting, watercoloring, puzzles, gardening, learning a new recipe, playing an instrument badly and joyfully — it all counts.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the hobbies I used to love before everything had to be optimized, and my goal this season is to gently weave a few of them back into my weekly rhythm. Nothing intense. Just small pockets of analog joy that remind me I’m a person, not just a to-do list.

Ask Clara:

"How do I start a new hobby?"

The Rise of the Analog Bag: Why Everyone Is Swapping Screen Time for Real-Life Hobbies

Jan 29, 2026
Heard of the analog bag? The trend that keeps growing in our algorithms, ironically, because instead of being about a logo or designer label, it’s all about what’s inside — and how it helps us hit pause on our phones and actually live life in real time. The concept involves carrying a tote or little backpack filled with tactile, screen-free items; think crossword puzzles, a paperback novel, watercolors, knitting needles, even tarot cards or a Polaroid camera, so when idle moments hit, you have something joyful to do besides scrolling.
 
It sounds almost too simple, but therein lies its genius: this trend isn’t about shunning tech completely, but replacing the reflexive phone habit with something that feels more nourishing. Experts point out that habit change is about swapping routines rather than relying on willpower alone, which inspired the whole movement.
 
And yes, the irony isn’t lost on anyone: the trend spread on social media — the very thing it’s trying to counteract. But that just underscores how many of us are craving a healthier, more intentional relationship with our screens. Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a busy parent trying to reclaim your focus, the analog bag offers a gentle, customizable way to prioritize creativity, presence, and even connection in the real world.
Ask Clara:

"How do I start building healthy habits?"

Is Sex The Missing Wellness Pillar?

Jan 28, 2026
Let’s get real for a second: we talk about sleep, stress, nutrition, and movement all the time as key parts of wellness — but what about sex? Believe it or not, researchers and clinicians increasingly see sexual health as a foundational part of overall well-being, not just an afterthought. 
 
Studies show sex can have legit health benefits. From lowering stress hormones and improving mood — thanks to oxytocin and endorphins — to potentially bolstering immunity and even helping with pain relief, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Some other studies show regular sexual activity is associated with better heart health and emotional closeness.
 
But here’s the nuance: sex isn’t a magic bullet, and its wellness value isn’t universal in a vacuum. It’s tied up with self-esteem, communication skills, relationship quality, consent, and safety. A positive sexual experience tends to cluster with strong emotional intimacy and healthy communication, meaning the context matters.
 
So is sex the missing pillar of wellness? For many people, it’s an important piece of the puzzle, especially when approached with intention, respect, and awareness. But just like any wellness habit, its benefits come from quality over quantity and how it fits into your already established self-care routine. 
Ask Clara:

"How do I talk to my partner about wanting more intimate connection?"

Peptides for Skin and Health: Miracle Ingredient or Just Smart Marketing?

Jan 27, 2026
Peptides are becoming a “thing,” and with this little buzzword, they are showing up everywhere, from skincare counters to wellness blogs, and it’s not going away anytime soon. At their core, peptides are short chains of amino acids, basically tiny versions of proteins that play big roles in how your body works. They’re the messengers and building blocks that help cells communicate and do things like repair tissue, make collagen, regulate metabolism, and more.
 
In skincare, peptides have become especially popular because they can support the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin looking firm, bouncy, and youthful. Research and experts note that peptides may help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and texture, and even soothe inflammation or support a stronger skin barrier when used consistently in serums or creams.
 
But here’s some real talk: not all peptide products are created equal. Just because a label says “peptides” doesn’t guarantee dramatic results — formulation, concentration, and how the ingredient is delivered matter a ton.
 
Beyond skincare, science is exploring peptide applications in wellness and medicine — from supporting muscle growth to influencing metabolism — but a major consideration: many of these uses are still being studied, and some peptide injections or supplements lack strong clinical evidence or regulatory approval.
 
So if you’re curious about adding peptides to your routine, whether in your serum or your supplement lineup, it’s best to chat with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before beginning any new trend. They’re promising, but like all trends, best embraced with info and intention.
Ask Clara:

"How do I discuss health concerns with my doctor?"