How to De-stress Your Morning in Under 20 Minutes

If you're feeling stressed out, you're not alone! Whether it's going after a promotion at work or trying to keep track of every family member's birthday, the little things in life that we worry about can really add up and take a toll on our well-being. But it turns out that the solution might be found right in your own outdoor space! We've partnered with IKEA® to share with you an easily attainable 15-minute outdoor morning routine. We'll dive into some simple stretches, teach you how to create a soothing plant oasis, and show you why it's important to leave your phone inside so you can start your day with much-needed R&R — all in under 20 minutes.

STEP 1: TAKE YOUR BREAKFAST OUTSIDE

Start your morning feeling extra zen by making time for yourself to enjoy some fresh air. Zenning out doesn't need to be time-consuming leave your phone inside and opt to relax digital free. Five minutes without staring at your phone really adds up and will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

It doesn't take much to create the ultimate outdoor breakfast nook to kick back in. We built ours with the SOLLERÖN Coffee table and matching SOLLERÖN Corner section with comfy seat cushions added. Add a couple decorative cushions and throw blankets and you've got yourself a cozy little corner to start our day in.

A well-balanced breakfast includes cereal, fruit, OJ, and *at least* five cups of coffee, right? The only thing better than drinking coffee is drinking coffee out of a cute mug, like this FRAMKALLA Mug.

Serving yourself orange juice in this IKEA 365+ Carafe is the perfect way to up your vitamin C intake, because nobody has time to get sick. Now that you're fed and caffeinated, spend some time with your green friends.

FEATURED PRODUCTS

IKEA 365+ CARAFE
$5
SOLLERÖN COFFEE TABLE
$95


STEP 2: SPEND TIME IN A PLANT OASIS

Creating a plant oasis in your backyard and tending to your greenery after breakfast will vastly enrich your life.

Grab your SOCKER Watering canand take care of your little bb's. Having plants can be quite the responsibility, but it's a rewarding one! This IKEA plant stand is the ideal way to display your plants and *literally* elevate your oasis.


TBH, when it comes to plants, our philosophy is the more, the better. Succulents are terrific starter plants, as they tend to be very hardy and easy to keep alive for all green-thumbs in training. We potted ours in the BITTERGURKA Plant pot, which is great because it can hold multiple plants. Now that you've taken care of your plants, it's time to take care of yourself.

STEP 3: ADOPT AN EASY MORNING STRETCH ROUTINE

Stretching is an excellent way to decrease stress, improve your mood, and start your day off right. So grab your yoga mat, which you can conveniently store outside in the ÄPPLARÖ Bench with wall panel, and let's get started.

Make this a simple morning routine. Start today and you'll be on your way to your best life.

It doesn't take much time to create the ultimate backyard morning routine, and you deserve it!

How do you like to start your day off? We'd love to hear about your morning routines! Share with us on Instagram @BritandCo.

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Model: Natasha Thomas

Styling + Production: Cassidy Miller


This article has been updated from a previous post.

Between work commitments, grocery runs, and coffee dates, it feels like we barely have time to even make it to the gym. So when we do actually get our gear and go amid all these responsibilities (hello, 2024 New Year’s resolution), who can blame us for simply wanting to skip straight to cardio, burn as many calories as we can in 30 minutes, and then bounce? Unfortunately, this is a super ill-advised way to exercise, because it means you’re skimping on an essential part of the workout routine: stretching. Although adding a warmupmight mean tacking an extra 20 minutes onto your workout (you can do it!), the numerous benefits should make integrating stretching into your gym time a no-brainer. Nichole Tipps — lead trainer for V Shred, a virtual fitness training program — offers us some insight about the importance of stretching.


Everything You Need To Know About Stretching During A Workout

1. Why to Stretch: It’s not just for gym rats. According to Tipps, all of us, no matter how athletically inclined, should be incorporating stretching into our schedules.

“Many people ignore stretching when working out or just as a daily routine,” she says. “Stretching has an array of health benefits that serve as building blocks for longevity and physical well-being.”

Stretching increases flexibility, which improves range of motion in addition to improving workouts, and it delays the effects of atrophy later in life. It also aids posture and relieves stress. In terms of exercising, stretching has advantages both pre- and post-workout.

“Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and improves your circulation,” explains Tipps. Because of this, failing to stretch beforehand can result in injury, and neglecting to do it afterward can lead to enhanced soreness and a longer recovery period. You’re also making yourself more susceptible to pain, inflammation, and tension in general, Tipps warns.

2. When to Stretch: Most people are at least vaguely aware of the benefits of stretching, but a lot of confusion surrounds when to actually do it during a workout. Contrary to popular belief, the heavy-duty stretching should be reserved for when you’ve finished exercising.

“After your workout is a better time to stretch with more dedication,” Tipps confirms. “Your muscles are tense, and they are tired and stressed in a good way. So stretching can help relieve that tension and reduce the soreness that results from working a muscle.”

Allot 10-15 minutes for these post-sweat stretches. Before your workout, simply stretch lightly, keeping the time to less than 10 minutes.

“Ease your muscles into the idea that you will be challenging them to perform,” Tipps instructs.

3. What to Stretch: Both of these stretch seshes should always address your arms, legs, and back, regardless of what areas that workout focuses on.

“There are different parts to each of these areas, so concentrate on those that your workout calls for that day, but don’t neglect everything else altogether either,” advises Tipps. “Remember, a lot of workout routines include compound exercises, which are multi-joint movements that work several muscles at one time.”

Although stretching might initially seem like yet another chore to add to your to-do list, its benefits are invaluable enough to no longer ignore. As Tipps encourages, “Stretch regularly, and over time you will reap the benefits and maintain your mobility.”

How do you stretch when working out?

There are quite a few stretches you can do when working out depending on what your body needs. No matter what you end up going with, remember not to force it — stretching should, well, stretch your muscles, but it shouldn't be painful! Check out these Pro Tips To Reach Your 2024 Fitness Goals, The Best At-Home Workouts, and 9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk for more ideas!

Is it better to stretch during or after a workout?

Nichole Tipps recommends saving your more intense stretches for after a workout. But don't be afraid to do a few easy stretches beforehand!

What’s your favorite stretch during a workout? Let us know on social media!

This article has been updated.

All images via Brit + Co

Dearest gentle reader, if it were up to Lady Whistledown, the finest trend of the season would absolutely be the return of the cottagecore aesthetic. Bring on the floral dresses, ruching, and tulle because thanks to Bridgerton, we're glady welcoming cottagecore back into our current style rotation (if it ever left). Cottagecore has come and gone with the likes of period drama movies and TV shows á la Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey, and so many more. So whether you're frolicking in the English countryside, attending balls with Kings and Queens, or just simply catching up on Bridgerton season 3 from the comfort of your couch, we've got all the best dresses for the occasion that will have you looking like THE diamond of the season.

What is cottagecore?

Photo via House of CB

Cottagecore is an aesthetic or style that is inspired by "cottage living" — imagine the English countryside in the early 1900's. The clothing style is very reminiscent of a Jane Austen-inspired era with lots of feminine and flowy silhouettes. You'll notice the styles having corsets, ruffles, florals, and bows, so just think very effortlessly girly!

What are the best brands to shop for cottagecore aesthetic?

Photo via House of CB

The brands that immediately come to mind and encapsulate the "frolicking-in-the-english-countryside-while-waiting-for-your-star-crossed-lover" vibe are brands like Love Shack Fancy, House of CB, and Doen. I've personally shopped all of these and can attest that they are idyllic, gorgeous, and will have you feeling like the lead of a Bridgerton season in no time.

What should I watch to get inspired by the cottagecore aesthetic?

Photo via Netflix

Period dramas are perfect to get into this vibe, and some shows and films that I love to watch are Little Women, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton(obvi), and anything from the Jane Austen-era! When you watch all of these shows, you'll get so much inspiration from the way they dress and styles they're wearing. I also love scrolling Pinterest to find inpso for what to wear in order to achieve this aesthetic!

Shop Cottagecore Aesthetic Staples Here!

LoveShackFancy Floral Dress

LoveShackFancy is a brand that does cottage-core SO well! They completely nail the ruffles, florals, and femininity that we're looking for in order to achieve the cottage-core look. This mini is adorable with the ruffles and short silhouette!

Melloday Smock Dress

Anything smock will definititely help you achieve cottage-core style and this smocked dress is such a cute one! I love the length and material of this one, as well as the strings on the sleeves! Such a fun detail!

Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress

How could you think of cottage-core and have your mind not go immediately towards the cool-girl brand of Reformation. They are the brand to shop at for any linen pieces to achieve your cottage-core style. Plus, you can never go wrong with a simple white dress! It's definitely a staple in every wardrobe.

House of CB Rafaella Dress

This dress just screams femininity and grace; exactly what we need for this Bridgerton-inpsired aesthetic! To be honest, this dress looks like it was taken right from a diamond of the season's wardrobe! Adding this to cart now!

Free People Feeling Bonita Smock Dress

Free People is a brand that does cottage core so well but in a more understated and casual way. Like this dress above, it exudes the cottage lifestyle but more casual than you may see on shows like Bridgerton or Downton Abbey. You'll definitely get so much wear out of this staple dress!

House of CB Emmelina Poplin Dress

I have this dress after trying it on in store and falling in looove with it immediately! It's stunning quality and tulle skirt will have you feeling like a princess! Just a note-- it runs quite small so make sure to adjust your sizing to a size bigger than normal!

Abercrombie Emerson Mini

This pattern just screams English countryside to me with the beautiful vintage colors and silhouette. I would definitely pick up this one to achieve the cottage-core style on a budget!

Charles Henry Bustier Maxi

Another affordable option to achieve the same look as the House of CB dress! It checks all the right boxes: floral, bustier, maxi, and so cute! We love this one!

Reformation Cherise Linen Dress

This dress is quintessential cottage-core, Bridgerton vibes to me! It looks so dainty and regal with it being a maxi and having the most adorable puff-sleeves and bow detailing. I say add a pair of white mary-jane flats and big white bow in your hair to top off the whole look!

All In Favor Midi Dress

At only $64, you're going to want to sprint to checkout on this dress that looks like it was taken right from my Pinterest board! I love how simple it is and the blue color is perfectly on brand for our theme as well. Plus, I love a corset moment!

House of CB Petticoat Dress

Petticoat dress? Say no more, we have found the most perfect cottage-core dress ever, readers! This dress would have Lady Whistledown, herself, wanting to know where it's from!

Abercrombie Puff Sleeve Dress

Lastly, a puff sleeve dress from our favorite and affordable Abercrombie because you can truly never go wrong with anything linen or puff-sleeved. I love this one with mary-janes like above or even with a pair of white pumps to dress it up!

Looking for more awesome picks? Sign up for our shopping newsletter, and be sure to check out our Amazon storefront for more editor-approved products!

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

Lead image via Netflix.

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Photo by RDNE Stock project

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Check them out to help you grow your business, meeting our mission to help you succeed! Good luck!

Hero photo by Amina Filkins

Out of all of this May's movies (and all the 2024 movies, TBH) there's one I'm most excited for: The Fall Guy starring Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling! I haven't seen a big, silly action movie in so long and they always prove to be the perfect summer movies because they match the energy we all have when we're this close to sunny bathing suit weather.

The Fall Guy 2024 is absolutely a movie made by movie lovers, for movie lovers. It's also director David Leitch's "love letter" to the stunt community, and gives them the celebration they deserve! While the Emmys have a stunt category, the Oscars don't, and Emily and Ryan actually brought it up while presenting at the 2024 Oscars. "The Academy's history runs deep with the fearless work of the incredible artisans of the stunt community," Ryan said in a voiceover during the show. "Stunt performers and the action they design continue to create some of the most memorable moments in the history of cinema."

While The Fall Guy cast got me into the theater, the movie had plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Here's everything you need to know about the movie before you see it this weekend.

What's The Fall Guy 2024 film about?

Image via Universal Pictures

The Fall Guy follows Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), who disappears from Hollywood after a stunt gone wrong. When the lead of his ex's (Emily Blunt) movie goes missing, derailing the film, Colt jumps back into action to find him and save the movie — and, hopefully, get the love of his life back too.

While it definitely has plenty of explosions, fights, and stunts, The Fall Guy 2024 is just as much a rom-com as it is an action movie! Emily and Ryan have such great chemistry, and their characters are goofy, hilarious, and lovable. There's the classic miscommunication we see in all our favorite rom-coms, and the two of them continually watch out for each other in a really sweet way. They complement each other so well and I NEED to see them in another movie ASAP!

How to watch Fall Guy movie 2024?

Image via Universal Pictures

The Fall Guy hits theaters May 3, 2024. It's a great movie to see with all your friends, or for date night (either with your partner or on a solo date).

Who's in The Fall Guy cast?

Image via Universal Pictures

The Fall Guy cast is crazy good — alongside Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, we'll see Stephanie Hsu, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

What is The Fall Guy 2024 film based on?

Image via Universal Pictures

While a lot of movies are based on books, The Fall Guy 2024 is actually based on a TV show. The series, which debuted in 1981, follows a stunt man named Colt who's also working as a bounty hunter. The show takes an opposite approach to the story (with Colt working as a bounty hunter instead of basically fighting them like Ryan does) and now I absolutely have to watch it.

Where can I watch all 5 seasons of The Fall Guy TV series?

Image via Universal Pictures

You can rent episodes from The Fall Guy on Apple TV and Prime Video. The TV show stars Lee Majors as Colt and Heather Thomas as Emily Blunt's character Jody.

What other spring and summer movies are you excited to watch this year? Ride the Ryan Gosling hype, and check out Ryan Gosling Supports Eva Mendes "In All The Ways," And It Makes Us Love Him Even More!

Lead image via Universal Pictures

Last season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, we all speculated that Kyle Richards swapped one Mo for another given her separation from Mauricio Umansky and budding friendship with Morgan Wade. While Richards was tight lipped throughout each episode, we learned a lot more from Buying Beverly Hills and tabloids alike, featuring more definitive timelines and theories about what was really going on at home with the Richards-Umansky family. Now, with Mauricio reportedly fully moved out and Morgan allegedly out of the picture, what's left for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14? Here's a breakdown of everything we know, from returning cast members, remaining couples, and more.

Who's returning to "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for season 14?

Images via Bravo

There aren't any official announcements about the returning cast yet, but there are plenty of stories out there about who's not returning — and who's potentially getting demoted!

First up is Dorit Kemsley. Dorit's been on the show a while now, gabbing and girling with Kyle Richard throughout the latter half of the show's history — but there's been a wrench in that relationship ever since Kyle befriended Morgan Wade. And now, The Daily Mail exclusively reported that Dorit may even get demoted to "friend of the show" after not being fully truthful about the state of her relationship with husband PK Kemsley. Kyle Richards "dismissed" these reports, but we'll have to see about that. Fingers crossed she and Kyle can mend things...and that she and the producers can as well!

Next, we've gotta address Anne Marie Wiley. Anne Marie was let go from the show after just one season — where we can't help but giggle at the journey from calling herself a literal doctor to finally addressing that she's actually a nurse — and is allegedly okay with it. She told Peoplethat she's "in a great space" since then, so...good for you, girl! Just maybe don't obsess over someone's esophagus in your next foray into the film and TV world.

A regular for the last three season, Crystal Kung Minkoff is also not returning to the RHOBH world, according to Deadline. She noted on Instagram how heavy it was to carry "the weight" of being the first — and only — Asian American woman to join the RHOBH cast. Her presence and thoughtful opinions will definitely be missed!

For now, we can only assume that Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, and Sutton Stracke will make a return, but only time — and tabloids — will tell!

Will any new cast members join "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14?

Image via NBC

Apparently Melanie Griffith, known for starring in projects like Working Girl, is joining the RHOBH crew for season 14, according to In Touch Weekly! She's a long-time friend to Kyle Richards, and I think that'll add a great dynamic...especially given how rocky things got between Kyle and Dorit last year. The girl needs friends now more than ever!

One of the sillier rumored cast situations is that Chelsea Handler was joining the show. The hilarious comedian quickly shut that down, however.

A person we don't think will ever return as a main cast member, friend, or otherwise? Miss upside down jacket herself, Denise Richards. 🤭

Who's still a couple on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" right now?

Image via Netflix

That's a very, very good question! Kyle and Mauricio are definitely broken up, and seemingly for good. The only other remaining couple is Dorit and PK, and well...according to The Daily Mail, PK's living in the Beverly Hills Hotel at the moment. It's not looking great for them, but we're hoping for the best!

When will "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14 air?

Image via Bravo

There's no set air date for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14, but I'd have to guess that we'll see these ladies (and whoever else joins them) by sometime in 2025.

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