9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk

exercise for sitting at your desk

Long ago (aka 2014), we at Brit HQ had a team-wide 5-minute exercise and stretch break every day at 3pm. It forced/allowed us to pry our eyes from the computer screen, pull our butts out of our seats and get a refresh — together! As our team got bigger and busier, we let this crucial breather fall by the wayside. But not anymore! Check out our deskercise routine below — all stretches are quick, office-wear friendly and best of all, NOT embarrassing :)

Sitting Stretches

Torso Twist

Reps: 10 seconds for each side

Why: Releases tension in the upper body

How: Cross one leg over the other, then place your opposite elbow on your top thigh, right behind the knee (never put it directly on your knee as this could cause injury). Take a deep breath and sit up nice and tall, then slowly twist your back and look over your shoulder as you exhale. After 10 seconds, slowly come back to resting position and repeat with the other side.

The Finger Lace

Time: 30 seconds for each position

Why: Helps prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, releases tension from the shoulders

How: Plant your feet squarely on the ground and sit up straight in your chair. If your feet don’t touch, move to the edge of the chair until they do. As you extend your arms in front of you, interlace your fingers and turn your hands so that the backs face you. Stop when your arms are fully extended and hold for 30 seconds. Then slowly bring your arms above your head to release even more tension from your shoulders.

Back Arch

Reps: 2 15-second reps

Why: Releases tension in your back

How: Plant your feet on the ground hips-width apart. Rest your hands on the back of your hips, lengthen your spine, then slowly arch your back as you gently tilt your head back. (For some, tilting the head back is uncomfortable. If that’s you, do this stretch without the tilt). Hold for 15 seconds, then return to resting and repeat.

Standing Stretches

The Shoulder Roll

Reps: 3 times in each direction

Why: Releases tension in your neck and back; increases shoulders’ and upper back’s range of motion

How: Plant your feet squarely on the ground with your feet hips-distance apart. Keeping your arms relaxed, slowly roll your shoulders in a backwards circle three times. Repeat the same motion going forwards.

The Shrug

Reps: 3 5-second reps

Why: Releases tension in neck and shoulders

How: Shrug your shoulders straight up to your ears, then slowly bring them down again. Repeat eight times.

Upper Arm Stretch

Time: 15 seconds for each arm

Why: Stretches back of the upper arm and shoulder

How: Bring your right elbow behind your head, then carefully pull the elbow towards the left with your free hand. Repeat on the other side.

Behind Arm Stretch

Time: 10 seconds for each arm

Why: Works shoulders and neck muscles

How: Place your arm behind your back, then gently pull it towards your opposite side with your free hand. Carefully tilt your head towards the opposite shoulder, then return your head to resting position. Repeat with the other arm.

Wrist Extensor Stretch

Reps: 3 sets of 20 seconds

Why: Helps prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How: Reach your arm out with your palm facing out and down, then grab your fingers with your other hand. Gently pull your facing hand back towards your body as you keep your elbow locked. Then do the same stretch with your palm facing your body. Repeat three sets for 20 seconds on each hand.

Prayer Stretch

Reps: 20 seconds for each position

Why: Helps prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How: Bring your palms together just above your chin, then slowly moved them down to your chest as you press inward. After 20 seconds, slowly rotate your palms out and over until they face downwards as you continue to press inwards.

That’s it! Easy, huh? Happy stretching!

Will you and your office adopt this deskercise routine? Tweet us about it @britandco!

This post has been updated.

We've been known to geek out on how your MBTI personality type affects your dreams, stress levels, friendships, and love life. But it can also impact how you work in more ways than one. Knowing your type can help you learn more about yourself and how you work best with others, and ultimately help you achieve your career or entrepreneurial goals. With the help of the career coaching team at FlexJobs, we're exploring how your MBTI results can help you design a better and more productive office space no matter if you're remote, hybrid, or in full-time office mode. Get ready to change the way you work for the better.

ISTJ ("The Logistician")

Jessica Arends

Orderly and dutiful, ISTJs thrive in a traditional workspace and do best when they progress slowly up the ladder, achieving their goals in good time and measure. These dedicated thinkers bring a certain harmony to their workplaces, since their chief goal is to create a smooth, stable operation.

For ISTJs, a highly structured office is best. They thrive when there's a place for everything, and the furniture is sturdy and reliable. However, these slow-and-steady workers may benefit from unexpected details, so don't be afraid to wear that kooky sweater or take on a project you're not so sure about.

INFJ ("The Advocate")

Beazy

INFJs are a unique blend of emotion and concrete action. As seekers of harmony and justice, INFJs likely have many fans around the office (meaning tons of visitors who may not be welcome when you need to recharge).

Give yourself the ability to shut the world out by installing a cubicle privacy door in your space, setting your remote communication tools off, or by asking team members to schedule meetings ahead of time. When you set up your workspace, feel free to scrap the traditional desk/chair/filing cabinet arrangement for something that better suits your unique preferences. Don't worry — with your intuition and innate sense of balance, you're bound to find the right setup!

INTJ ("The Mastermind")

Collov Home Design

You could just as easily nickname this type the "bookworm," since INTJs have an ingrained thirst for knowledge and highly cerebral pursuits. If you fall into this personality type, you'd do well to curate a library of professional reading that tickles your intellectual curiosity. Keep these books in your office where you can access them in one of your many retreats from the rest of the team.

In terms of decor, opt for flexible furniture, such as a convertible standing desk that will suit your need for freedom in your workspace. Choose colors that are soothing, with geometric patterns that work with your highly strategic mindset. And make sure that everything stays orderly — there's nothing an INTJ hates more than a chaotic desk!

ISFJ ("The Nurturer")

Collov Home Design

ISFJs are natural helpers, but they have a tendency to underestimate their own contribution to office culture. Therefore, they might benefit from displaying evidence of their achievements on their office walls — perhaps hanging an award or the race bib from a completed marathon.

Take time selecting your furniture when you set up your workspace, since you tend to perform best when everything feels welcoming and nothing is overlooked. And remember to book some time for learning when you start a new project. Nurturers like to approach new tasks with a hands-on attitude, so you'll need some room in your schedule to really dig into the details.

ISTP ("The Virtuoso")

Annie Spratt

Decorating for you means finding the perfect balance between order and quirkiness. With your out-of-the-box approach to life, you thrive in spaces that both allow you to express your unique blend of boldness and freedom and provide an enclosed retreat for private tinkering. Look for unusual, stimulating colors, like peaches and mint greens, but keep the furniture sleek with a slim profile that doesn't intrude on your thinking. And make sure to add some tactile desk toys — it will give you something to fiddle with while you wait for the perfect solution to drop out of the sky!

ISFP ("The Artist")

Ella Jardim

If you're an ISFP and you're reading this, you've probably already put a lot of thought into your office's setup. As sensual, visual people, ISFPs thrive on aesthetics — but that can also make them a little overly sensitive to what's going on around them. ISFPs should therefore strive to separate themselves from busy atmospheres, choosing instead spots near a window, where they can be drawn in by the natural ambience.

No windows in your office? Choose some soothing furniture, like a desk in blonde wood, and top it with plants or a small tranquil waterfall. Anything beautiful and peaceful is your milieu.

INFP (A.K.A. the "Idealist")

Lucija Ros

Dreamy and emotive, INFPs seek harmony and fairness in the workplace. This type needs a soothing, calming space to retreat, where they can recharge and reflect on their next move. If you can, choose an office space that's set away from the hustle and bustle of the main room. INFPs may have trouble becoming inspired by traditional office decor with its focus on function. Instead, you should try to integrate your personal passions into your office, choosing pieces that are fair trade, for instance, or that weave in natural elements.

INTP (A.K.A. the "Architect")

Kinga Cichewicz

INTPs adore playing with ideas and exploring — no wonder some of the world's renowned scientists fall into this personality type. These are the folks who are so creative and logical they can come up with the theory of relativity (Einstein is one of their more celebrated members), but will often abandon their coffee mid-sip in the throes of a new theory. A well-ordered space, with highly efficient shelving and organization systems, will suit this type well. But make sure to include a miscellaneous file — and a nook for doing more unordered thinking — for when the creative bug sets in.

ESTP (A.K.A. the "Entrepreneur")

Andrea Davis

ESTPs are having quite a moment these days. These rule-breakers love to think outside the box and are the kind you'd see chatting about "disruption" and "failing forward." Therefore, they need an energetic workspace that captures the boldness and risk-taking that inspires them.

Charged colors, like electric blue or bright orange, with unexpected accents — a curved desk, for instance, or an unusual piece of artwork — will keep this type running on all four cylinders. Just don't go for anything too fussy. With your preference for rapid change, you'll likely be reorganizing often.

ESFP (A.K.A. the "Performer")

Beazy

Expressive and vocal about your opinions, you probably take no issue redecorating your office as you see fit. But as a caring, compassionate person, you love to reach out to friends around your workplace too, so don't be afraid to ask them for their advice! Seriousness is for the other personality types to worry about, so go ahead, grab that fabulous bulletin board and that dramatic desk chair. Just make sure you don't get too caught up in decorating—after all, you still have actual work to do!

ENFP (A.K.A. the "Campaigner")

Kris Gerhard

Blessed with natural charisma and an energetic spark, ENFPs are passionate about their ideas and bring the fun at the office happy hour. In their workspaces, they need decor that will refill their nearly never-ending cup of joy. But they could probably also do with some simplifying as well, since these types hate routine tasks and view organization as a form of drudgery. Keep your filing system as simple as possible to avoid the blahs and allow you to focus on what you care about: new ideas.

ENTP (A.K.A. the "Visionary")

Slava Keyzman

As "big picture" thinkers, ENTPs tend to overlook the finer details, such as organization. For these idea-oriented types, challenges are motivating, so if you can view the cleaning as a problem that needs to be solved, you'll likely have much better results. Use unconventional solutions — an unusual, eye-catching shelf, or a standing desk with rolling walls — or just give yourself the freedom to work in a new coffee shop or restaurant, if that's an option. Just keep it flexible, and remember: everything is reversible!

ESTJ (A.K.A. the "Executive")

James McDonald

As you might guess by their moniker, ESTJs thrive on order and tend to follow the rules. They're also hard-working and moral, so they don't like to be weighed down by trivial details. Therefore, if you fall into this category, you'll do best with clean, unfettered decor that doesn't really push the envelope.

Think "oval office" and get inspired by the mixture of traditional luxury and executive prowess. And make sure to add an extra seat for visitors. With your reputation for leadership and community organization, you're sure to have more than a few office drop-ins!

ESFJ (A.K.A. the "Caregiver")

Dawid Liberadzki

You know that one chatty coworker who's always game for a quick conversation? If you're an ESFJ, it's probably you! You love working with people and view meetings as more than just work — they're a chance to entertain, too.

Give yourself enough room to invite people in when the mood strikes, while still maintaining the order and organization in your space. Go for practical, utilitarian pieces, like a rolling white board, that can help you lead a group meeting and keep your thoughts together.

ENFJ (A.K.A. the "Giver")

Nirzar Pangarkar

Generous and collaborative, an ENFJ is the very definition of a "people person." Therefore, they prefer spaces that are hospitable, inviting, and comfortable, and thrive in spaces that are energetic and novel (think "startup with bean bag chairs and wall murals.").

Choose pieces that are punchy and will start a conversation, but still maintain a sense of order in your space. Whatever you do, make sure there's plenty of room for collaboration. In fact, you may even want to share your office, if that's a possibility. ENFJs are one of those rare types who actually enjoy open plan offices, since they allow them to easily do their work in teams. If you work from home, try out coworking spaces and coffee shops.

ENTJ (A.K.A. the "Commander")

Gabriel Beaudry

You like to brag that you've never been bested by a car salesman, and that's because you enjoy the challenge of negotiating. With your commanding presence and dominating personality, you need decor that's just as domineering — and maybe even just the slightest bit intimidating. Pick out the biggest desk you can get and a plush leather chair to capture that ambience of control.

But don't forget to allow your sensitive side out once and awhile, too. A few gentle touches, like a photo of your dog displayed on one of your shelves, will go a long way to humanize you to your fellow teammates.

Know your Myers-Briggs personality type? Share your workspace with us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

Lead image viaKarolina Grabowska/Pexels

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

There's something about keeping track of our goals, dreams, and commitments in a planner that just makes us feel like superheroes. Whether you're someone who loves to deck out their planner with artsy designs (check out our B+C Illustration classes to brush up on your skills!) or prefer to keep things paperless with a digital planner, these 30 organizers will help keep your life straight as we get closer to back-to-school season.

Academic Planners For The 2023-2024 Season

Papier That's the Spirit Spiral Academic Year Planner ($34)

We love the spooky artwork on this planner, and the fact that we can fit it right in our purse. With weekly and monthly spreads, you can keep every day organized.

bando 12-Month Academic Planner ($28)

Give yourself a dose of cheerful color and an inspirational quote every time you pull out this planner to do work. We're obsessed with the design and the fact that it has year, month, and week views.

2023-2024 Blue Sky™ Mahalo CYO Weekly/Monthly Academic Planner ($27)

Blue Sky does it again with another set of cheery, illustrated planners for the upcoming school year. How cute is this floral design?

Day Designer 2023-24 Academic Planner with Notes Pages ($15)

Perfect for the no-nonsense planner, this Monet-inspired pick will help you keep your grocery lists, class schedule, and meeting roster in check.

2023-24 Hard Cover Planner, 5.5" x 8.25", Gold Bees ($20)

Stay less busy and more productive with this baby! Consider this your life coach, accountability partner, and personal cheerleader wrapped into one binding.

Academic Planner 2023-2024 Planner Weekly and Monthly ($13)

We're ready to get down to business, and this 2023 planner lets us map out each hour of the day and channel our inner Wednesday Addams at the same time.

Passion Planner Weekly 2023 Hardcover ($36+, was $51+)

The Passion Planner is more than just a place to keep your to-do list — there's space for good things that happened, doodles, daydreams, and more!

Paperage Dotted Journal Bullet Notebook ($12)

If you're someone who likes to think outside the box, you might prefer a DIY planner. Grab a blank bullet journal and make it your own.

Watercolor Stripes LifePlanner™ ($60)

The LifePlanner is the perfect thing to grab if you're looking to organize your entire life, inside and outside of work. It includes monthly quotes, notes, productivity pages, as well as dated spreads.

Global Printed Products 2023-2024 Planner Rainbow Gold Marble ($19+)

If your home can only be described as a "color explosion" then this is the planner for you! Monthly tabs will help you navigate this planner quickly and easily, plus it comes with a bookmark and sticky note set.

The Everygirl x Day Designer 2023-24 Academic Planner with Notes ($16)

It's not too late to set some big (and small) goals for the year, and this planner from The Everygirl's Target collection will help you do just that. Take control of your finances, hobbies, organization, wellness, and more with the goal-setting worksheets. This is perfect for anyone obsessed with period dramas because it's giving major Jane Austen vibes.

Other Planners

Self-Care Large 2023 Weekly Planner ($30)

A little bit artsy, a little bit feminine, and a whole lot of chic, we love this self-care planner. Along with the weekly and monthly spreads, it includes space for your intentions and reflections so that you can get your mind and soul in order too.

Etsy ruffhouseart Succulent Weekly ($19)

If you prefer to keep things strictly business, this desktop planner is great for keeping projects and lists in line. It's also undated in case you get off-track!

Etsy MiriCampbell Goodnotes Digital Planner ($10)

Go paperless with this iPad digital planner. With a finance tracker, a space for gratitude, habits, and exercise, a vision board, and even digital stickers and washi tape, you'll feel like a whole new person!

Papier Be Nice Undated Daily Planner ($35)

This undated planner is the perfect way to add some chic style to your desk with no pressure. Transition into the new semester with space for your goals, to-dos and deadlines. Plus, the cover will give you a nice reminder every time you look at it ;).

The Positive Wellness Planner ($34)

While it won't necessarily get you more organized, this daily journal will allow you to keep track of your thoughts, your self-care, and what you're grateful for.

momAgenda Desktop Luxury Day Planner ($37, was $46)

If you've been dealing with #MomBrain all summer, this planner is just for you. Created by a mom specifically for moms, the unique layout has separate spaces for you and up to four kids. Bonus points if you get a fuzzy pen à la Cher Horowitz to go with it.

Paper Junkie Undated Weekly Horizontal Desk Calendar ($19, was $27)

If you feel like your life is out of control, these notepads can offer organization for almost every area: food, your schedule, and what you need to focus on. Plus it comes in a funky horizontal format that's easy to fit on your desk!

The Solo Language Learner ($30)

Anyone who's learned a language knows how difficult it can be. That's where the Solo Language Learner comes in. This simple and adaptable pick includes deep dives, goal setting, and is both digital and printable so you can only print the pages you need.

Notion App (Free on IOS)

Keep your planner in your back pocket with Notion. This all-in-one app has room for notes, tasks, images, check boxes, and a drag-and-drop format. It also syncs across devices.

Moleskine Sakura by Kosuke Tsumura Limited Edition Hardcover Notebook ($28+)

Add some texture and extra inspo to your workspace with a notebook that features a greeting card, bookmark ribbon, and story card.

Moglea Weekly Planner Rainbow ($29)

With 130 pages that feature both dot grids and undated weekly planner layouts, you'll be able to balance work and creativity with this pick that also kind of makes us want to pick up a paintbrush.

Rifle Paper Co. Your Year Mid-Year Planner ($32)

Get groovy with your mid-year planning. This abstract design is modern, summery, and perfect for planning out your vacations from now until next July.

Paper Source 12-Month Strawberry Custom Planner ($13, was $50)

Strawberries and cream dreams! If you only need a planner to last you until New Year's, your favorite store's sale section might just have the planner of your dreams for a discounted price.

MOO Perpetual Planners ($25, was $30)

The unique thing about this planner is that while there's space to plan out your day, your week, and your month, none of the spaces have printed dates. That means if you miss a few days back-to-back, you won't waste pages.

Wilde House Daily List Pad ($20)

This minimalist pad is designed to organize your day in a mindful way. There's space to write your to-do list, make note of your top priorities, and check in with your holistic well-being at the same time.

Poketo Spectrum Wall Planner ($48)

If you're torn between getting a wall calendar and getting a planner, why not get a 2-in-1?

Katie Daisy 2024 Weekly Planner: Wild Beauty ($15)

The great thing about this planner is that not only is it beautiful but the paper is also sustainably sourced. Plus, Amber Lotus Publishing plants trees to offset their carbon footprint!

Shorthand Oasis Planner ($32)

Start dreaming of your next beach vacation — even after school starts — with this fun planner. You can even use it to plan your actual vacation!

bando Classic 12-Month Soft Cover Planner ($30)

Make 2024 a year to remember with a planner that reminds you life is full of endless possibilities.

Which planner is your favorite? Tweet us your best planner recommendations @BritandCo and check out our Unlock Your Planner Potential online class!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift guides for Mother's Day and beyond!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Image via brands.