5 Ways to Improve Your Personal Wellness Routine

Apr 26, 2018

Great news: Americans take wellness seriously these days. With much-needed talk about the importance of mental health days and an emphasis on exercise to feel good (rather than simply to look good) circulating the interwebs, it’s no surprise to see people resolving to form healthier habits. In fact, new data from global communications firm Ketchum shows that a whopping 93 percent of Americans currently have a wellness goal — be it emotional or physical. The different aspects included in the research are based on The National Wellness Institute’s six dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical health, social, and spiritual well-being.

According to the same Influencer of Wellness survey, which counted 1,046 adults and included wellness influencers, Americans view wellness positively while believing that good health is truly attainable. What does that mean, exactly? Three-quarters of respondents note that they think achieving personal wellness is as important as financial stability, while 66 percent say that they opt for products and service with health benefits over those without.

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Interestingly, a nearly equal percentage of men and women say they experience wellness barriers such as putting others’ needs before their own or a lack of support at home. While men rate social aspects as slightly more important, women say that physical health tops their list of wellness priorities. Doreen Young, a director at the award-winning Sedona-based Mii amo spa, attributes much of this to women’s distinct body-mind connection. “The body and mind are undeniably connected,” she explains. “Consistent care of the body (which transcends to the soul, and mind) is much like preventative medicine. Small acts of physical self-care can quickly accumulate and help protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being.”

Physical wellness, as Young points out, is more than just making sure you use up all of your Classpass credits each month. “When it comes to self-care, we encourage women to set a daily intention for wellness so they can be the best, most energetic and joyful version of themselves,” she shares. She also speaks about exercise-free ways to improve the physical aspect of your health. “For example, when you disconnect yourself to rest at home or during a stay at a spa, you can… gain insight, awareness, and peace.” In other words, a warm soak, deep-tissue massage, or day away from the weights might be just what your bod needs to physically repair itself.

5 Ways to Rock Your Personal Wellness Routine

While there’s no doubt that people care about wellness, 77 percent of respondents admit that temptation (33 percent), difficulty sticking with a healthy goal (27 percent), affordability (24 percent), putting others first (23 percent), a lack of time (19 percent), and not knowing where to start (18 percent) can serve as potential pitfalls. To ensure you avoid these obstacles, try incorporating some of the following tips into your current routine:

1. Prioritize self-care. You’ve heard it before: Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. Young reminds us that being intentional is key. “Self-care often falls by the wayside when life gets hectic. As women, it’s especially easy to feel spread thin as we tend to prioritize others’ needs before our own.” To avoid this, make the conscious decision to put your self-care first. Feel guilty about doing so? Remember that you’ll be able to better serve others when you feel good.

2. Make the most of digital inspiration. Is affordability your issue? The internet and social media have made it much easier to track your goals, learn new information or skills, and find accountability partners. Free content can be a real goldmine. “We’ve developed digital wellness and mindfulness resources at Mii amo, all designed to encourage women to prioritize self-care and well-being,” Young says. “This is all online and on our social channels.” One of many resources, a quick Google or Instagram search can also turn up additional health and wellness content to inspire and educate you.

3. Treat rejuvenation seriously. You’re more likely to give in to temptation or find it tough to stick with a goal when you’re overworked or overtired. “Aim to receive energy and relief,” Young suggests. “You can get this with body treatments that release and relax you.” If a massage or facial isn’t in your future, decompress with a warm soak or simply take a day off.

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4. Stay nourished. What you eat and drink is important; nourishment can affect a number of your wellness dimensions. “We suggest three meals a day, along with fresh juices. You should feel healthy, light, energetic, and satisfied,” Young elaborates. “It’s all about balance and varying dietary needs… You don’t need to give up your wine!”

5. Spend time in nature. Young tells us that Mii amo’s mindfulness treatments are all set to a backdrop of the inspiring red rock setting of nearby Boynton Canyon, and that the views contribute to the spa’s healing atmosphere. To mimic the effect, seek your own sense of spirit. Spend time outside or admiring the great outdoors — be it from your patio, a park, in the woods, or by the beach. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on your skin. Nature is a proven mood booster that’s always available to you.

What are the key aspects of your personal wellness routine? Tell us on Twitter @BritandCo.

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Travel Anxiety Sucks — Here Are 7 Easy Tips To Soothe It

Traveling can be so rewarding; new experiences lend to a broader and more understanding mindset and taking time away from your everyday routine can feel like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Whether you’re headed away on a quick weekend accompanied only by a carry-on, or jet setting on a bachelorette trip to celebrate a lifelong girlfriend, trips are good for the mind, body, and soul.

While the positive aspects that accompany traveling are plenty, it’s completely normal to experience anxiety around this process as well. It’s inevitable that each time you take a trip you’re usually forced to encounter one uncomfortable situation or another; planned or not. Maybe your flight gets delayed, your friend can no longer watch your pet while you’re away, or you get sick just days before heading overseas; the unpredictability of travel can be extremely anxiety-inducing, and we get that.

Instead of leaving you to fly solo to stress about the potential anxieties of any upcoming trips you may have on your calendar, we spoke with California-based mental health professor, Dr. Ishan Shivanandwho has experience in groundbreaking protocols for reversing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

What is anxiety?

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Dr. Shivanand describesanxiety as "a complex state that can manifest in various forms and intensities, affecting both the mind and the body." He continued, saying, “At its core, anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating. One way to understand anxiety is to think of it as the mind being overwhelmed by the multitude of thoughts, concerns, and stimuli bombarding it at any given moment. Just like a computer with too many open applications, the mind struggles to process everything efficiently, leading to a sense of being scattered and unable to focus.”

Why do I get anxious when I travel?

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When it comes to anxiety specific to travel, the reason for why you may experience these uncomfortable feelings could be due to a multitude of reasons and can vary in intensity from person to person. Dr. Shivanand shared that travel anxiety could be in part due to “fear of the unknown, fear of safety, fear of flying, control issues, and past traumatic experiences,” as well other areas of anxiety including “separation anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety.” Dr. Shivanand went on to explain that, although fun, “traveling often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone and encountering unfamiliar situations, environments, and people. For some individuals, the uncertainty of what to expect can trigger feelings of anxiety.”

No matter why you experience anxiety related to travel, “It's important to recognize that travel anxiety is a common and valid experience, and there are various strategies and coping mechanisms available to help manage it,” offered Dr. Shivanand. “These may include relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, seeking support from mental health professionals, and planning ahead to minimize stressors during travel.”

How can I control my travel anxiety ahead of my upcoming trip?

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Plan and Prepare in Advance: “Plan your trip ahead of time to reduce uncertainty,” says Dr. Shivanand. “This includes booking accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the destination, and local regulations.” Having a loose agenda of things to look forward to when your trip starts is a great way to get excited when thinking about traveling, instead of stressed.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: “Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm and center yourself. [Yoga of Immortals] Breathwork and Advance Cognitive sessions can really help,” says Dr. Shivanand. As the founder of the Yoga of Immortals practice, he uses its principles in his everyday life and has seen how it can positively impact the lives of others from a mental health standpoint. However, any type of yoga, meditation, and other similar practices you're familiar with should help.

Image via Andrew Worung/Dupe

Create a Checklist: “Create a checklist of essential items to pack and tasks to complete before your trip to stay organized and minimize last-minute stressors,” shared Dr. Shivanand. “Organizing your belongings and documents can also help you feel more in control during your travels.” The simple task of crossing off packing items from a list can feel cathartic and ensure you don’t forget anything essential during your travels.
Stay Connected: “Maintain communication with friends or family members before, during, and after your trip,” Dr. Shivanand recommends. “Knowing that you have someone to reach out to for support or guidance can provide reassurance and alleviate feelings of isolation.” News flash, the people you care about care about you too! They’ll be happy to hear from you and walk you through any tough feelings, if need be.
Stay Grounded: “Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and centered during your travels,” shared Dr. Shivanand. Embrace the ‘pinch me’ moments of your trip as they happen, this is why you’re traveling in the first place after all!

Photo by Cliff Booth/PEXELS

Seek Professional Support: “If travel-related anxiety significantly impacts your ability to engage in travel experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional,” says Dr. Shivanand. Listen; asking for help is okay, and something that you should do if it will have a positive impact on your life.
Incorporate Meditative & Wellness Daily: In doing so, Dr Shivanand says, "One can effectively manage travel-related anxiety and enjoy your travel experiences with greater ease and confidence.” Dr. Shivanand reiterates that “it's okay to seek support and take proactive steps to prioritize your mental well-being during your travels.”

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Stop Throwing Away Overripe Bananas! Make These 6 Delicious Recipes Instead

Nothing's more irritating than having to throw out fresh fruit you just bought because it either ripened too fast or was already festering with mold. And what food is the biggest culprit? Usually, it’s bananas. Unless you're fitting bananas in your everyday meal routine, it’s difficult to keep up with how quickly they brown (which can be anywhere from 24 hours to five days, depending on how green they were at the store when you grabbed them).

The good news is that there’s actually a lot you can do with overripe bananas. We turned to chefs for top tips (both creative and delicious) that will prevent you from throwing speckled bananas in the trash!

What To Do With Overripe Bananas

Image via Butternut Bakery

Banana Bread, Obviously

One of the most widespread baking recipes to make with overripe bananas is banana bread. Why? Because it’s simple, delicious, and an automatic crowd-pleaser. Check out our one bowl gluten-free banana bread recipe, our chocolate banana pumpkin bread, or these 40 recipes of banana bread that you need to make this weekend (the options are endless!).

(Writer’s note: My go-to recipe is the chocolate chip banana bread from Butternut Bakery — but I use dark chocolate chips instead!)

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Freeze Them For Your Smoothies

When in doubt, put your overripe bananas in the freezer. Then you’ll at least have time to think on what to do with them—and you can throw them in your morning smoothies. Bananas last up to three months in the freezer ideally, and pair well with a variety of different flavor profiles, like caramel, blueberry, chocolate, or orange.

This strawberry-banana colada smoothie from Half Baked Harvest may just be your new fav, or the cloudy summer smoothie which doubles as an Erewhon smoothie dupe. Chef Chris Morgan of Joon restaurant in Washington D.C. advises using overripe bananas and other raw fruits for your children at home (he makes little smoothies for his 7-month old baby—pure genius!).

Image via Food Faith Fitness

Make Banana Cookies

Substitute the flour for bananas in your baking with some tasty cookie options. The plus side of banana cookies is that they are often automatically gluten-free and can easily become dairy-free (but always check first!). These easy peanut banana oatmeal cookies from Food Faith Fitness are a great option. If you’re looking to ditch the peanut butter, try out these 4-ingredient banana oat cookies from Livvin Media.

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Ice Cream, Anyone?

There is nothing better than sorbet or ice cream in the summer months. All you really need is frozen ripe bananas, any other frozen fruit you prefer, milk (whichever kind you enjoy— almond, oat, etc.) and some sweeteners like honey or vanilla extract. To fit your health goals, you can even throw in protein powder. This strawberry nice cream from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog only has five ingredients!

Image via Butternut Bakery

Upgrade Your Breakfast

Pancakes, overnight oats, and muffins are all incredibly tasty options to use up those ripe bananas and upgrade your breakfast game. Try Butternut Bakery’sbanana nut muffins for a quick snack or these healthy chia banana pancakes from Half Baked Harvest for a savory morning bite. You can also sift through Brit + Co’s 17 overnight oats recipes — keep in mind that overnight oats only last a few days in the fridge, though!

Photo by Anna Tarazevich/PEXELS

Make Dog Treats

Don’t leave out your furry friends— they love bananas too! Making long-lasting dog treats “relieves the pressure on the idea of food waste, plus there is a bonus that your pets are spoiled, happy, and nutritiously rewarded,” says pastry chef Susan Bae of the critically-acclaimed restaurant, Moon Rabbit in Washington D.C. Check out her go-to dog treat recipe below:

Chef Susan Bae’s Dog Treat Recipe:

250g organic whole wheat flour

240g organic peanut butter

70g organic, unsweetened apple sauce

56g mashed overripe banana

113g organic plain bone broth

25g organic shredded cheddar cheese

25g freeze dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 350F.

1.) Mix to combine whole wheat flour, peanut butter, apple sauce, bone broth and banana. Until a dough is lightly formed.

2.) Fold in shredded cheese and dried blueberries to evenly distribute in dough.

3.) Roll dough out to 1/4” thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out treats.

4.) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and bake dog treats until firm and dry to touch (this varies with each oven) Check at 45 minutes.

5.) Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

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Header image via Half Baked Harvest

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10 Easy Ways To Romanticize Your Life This Spring

We've collectively decided spring is the perfect time to hit the reset button because January put us through the wringer. Now that we’ve set aside our resolutions and need forself-improvement for something that feels more idyllic, we’re ready to share how you can romanticize your life too. Since you’ll be spending more time in the sun (finally) and watching gorgeous flowers bloom, spring is the best time to start this new trend because it’s when everything truly starts to feel new. Hey Alexa, play “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, please!

Make a Playlist Full of Affirmations

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Listening to a good playlist full of affirmative lyrics is an instant mood-booster and a super easy way to romanticize your life. From Taylor Swift to Janelle Monáe, there’s so many empowering songs you can add to help you set the tone for the day. If you don't have time to listen to music while getting ready for work or school in the mornings, make sure you download your playlist to your phone so you can listen to it during your commute! Check out 40 Motivational Affirmations To Encourage Youtoo!

Go For Daily Walks

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It’s easy to get used to bed-rotting, but nothing compares to getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D via daily walks. The best part about it is that you don’t have to accomplish a 20-mile trek. Simply cruising around your neighborhood or local park one to two times per day counts. Just don’t forget to invest in a great pair of walking shoes!

Learn to Make Your Own Version of the Sleepy Girl Mocktail

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You’ve seen the coveted sleepy girl mocktail floating around TikTok and are wondering if it’s worth making. The short answer is hell yes! Some of our team deals with insomnia periodically and have recently found that drinking a sleepy girl mocktail a few times a week induces restful sleep.

Open Your Blinds on Sunny Days

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Growing up in a Jamaican household means that our blinds were always open on sunny days because "You need to let natural light come in whenever you can." Whether you heard something similar or not, open windows definitely have a positive effect on your mood. This could be a stretch, but it almost feels like the sun's rays shine their light in as many places as possible! This is just one surefire way to romanticize your life.

Sit on Your Balcony or Patio

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Our grandparents had the right idea when they’d use to sit on their patios in the morning with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice. Some of my fondest memories involve sitting with my grandmother on her patio and watching cars go by. If we weren’t doing that, I’d sit and watch her prep collard greens to cook later on.

You don't have to prep a portion of your meals while sitting on your balcony, but you can read a book, listen to a couple of new podcasts, or put your meditation skills to use.

Buy Yourself Fresh Flowers

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The second Miley Cyrus released “Flowers” and I listened to the lyrics, I knew she was on to something huge. I know it’s romantic to expect a charming prince or princess to surprise you with a lush bouquet of flowers, but it’s just as lovely to buy your own. Before I entered into my committed relationship and baby era, my single girl days were filled with buying fresh flowers to brighten my kitchen. It’s something I still do on a monthly basis because it instantly puts a smile on my face.

Treat Yourself

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We know inflation is coming for everyone's pockets, but you should still enjoy nice things from time to time. Since buying yourself flowers is just one way to participate inlittle treat culture, we figure there are other things you can focus on if you're not really into that.

Your idea of a small treat can be everything from your favorite Starbucks drink to that cute new blush you’ve been eyeing at Target.

Invest In Pink Blush

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If you haven't already, spring is the best time to invest in pink blush. Yes, we're talking barbiecore pink. The one we can't get enough of lately is Danessa Myricks Beauty's Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed — Matte Color for Cheek & Lip in the shade "IT Girl." It's a cool-toned pink that works for every skin tone and mimics the natural appearance of flushed cheeks.

Paint Your Nails

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Romanticize your life by doing an at-home manicure! It's time to break out your spring nail colors if you've been wearing jewel-toned nail polish. While we love a cute pastel moment that mirrors Easter centerpieces, you can easily choose neon pink, green, or yellow nail polish. If you're feeling artsy, try your hand at a few nail art ideas.

Check One Thing Off Your Bucket List

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We all have one thing we really want to do. It could be conquering your fear of swimming, bungee jumping, or even learning how to ride a horse. Even though it's not a huge thing, something I really want to get into is rollerskating this spring! My sister and I used to skate as kids, but haven't touched them in years. Whatever your personal thing is, make sure to check it off your bucket list this spring!

Here Are More Ways To Romanticize Your Life:

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When it comes to how to romanticize your life, it's all about creating habits and making memories that feel great for you. From adding ribbons to your spring hair to writing snail mail, let us know which one stands out to you!

How are you going to romanticize your life this spring? Let us know on Facebook!

Header image via Ron Lach/Pexels

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Run A Business In California? This Free Loan Tool Can Help You Grow

CA Small Business Loan Match

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Loan Match is powered by IBank, a state government agency that helps to promote healthier economies and improve quality of life in California communities. All lenders are enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which helps bridge the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

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Wondering if you're eligible? Any business operating in the state of California, with 1 to 750 employees, is eligible. You just need to be a business entity (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S-Corporation, or Not-For-Profit), and operate in an eligible industry according to the 2022 NAICS codes (read: a legit business).

Here’s how it works:

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Step 2: Based on your eligibility, they’ll match you with lenders who fit your needs.

Step 3: Review details about each lender, select the one you like, and they’ll connect you with them.

Step 4: The lender will reach out within three business days to complete the application process. (You’ll also get their contact info so you can follow up directly.)

Most California Small Business Loan Match lenders are certified as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which means they offer competitive rates but specialize in helping borrowers who don’t meet the rigid lending criteria of traditional banks — for example, small businesses that have a lower credit score, a prior defaulted loan, or no up-front collateral. CDFIs specialize in helping people in lower-income communities too, and offer a much more flexible and affordable repayment plan than online lenders or Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans.

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

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TaylorNation Reportedly Says “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” Could Drop Next Week

I am the opposite of a casual Reputation fan. Four of my five most-listened-to songs on Spotify are from the 2017 album, I wore a Rep-inspired outfit to my Eras Tour show, and I am constantly analyzing (and talking about) its symbolism. I stand by the fact that this album, as misunderstood as it is, is actually the key to understanding Taylor Swift herself, which is why its rerelease is the one I've been most looking forward to. With TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, it feels like there's a new theory every day about when we'll get Reputation (Taylor's Version), but I'm pretty sure Taylor's been telling us the announcement date the whole time.

When is Taylor Swift releasing Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Image via Source Pictures & Taylor Swift Productions

The cappuccino Easter egg from the "Karma" music video.

We don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but all signs were originally pointing to an announcement on February 16, 2024. When the music video for "Karma" from Midnights came out, featuring a shot of Taylor holding a cappuccino, Swifties immediately picked up on the symbolism. The blue nail (which represents 1989 (Taylor's Version)) lines up with the 8 on the clock, and the black nail lines up with the 2 on the clock. Taylor ended up announcing 1989 TV on August 9 — and then announced The Tortured Poets Department(also known as TS11) onstage at the 2024 Grammys in February!

TaylorNation just teased the Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date by hopping on the latest internet trend, which uses the "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me" lyric from "Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me?" Their Instagram carousel features images that have sent Swifties spiraling in the past, but there are two pics I'm paying special attention to: the "five holes in the fence" image from the Lover era, and a "Bejeweled" music video still of Taylor Swift pressing 3 in an elevator. May 3 (5/3) comes two weeks after the TTPD release, and since Taylor has been emphasizing her lead single "Fortnight" with the "For a Fortnight" challenge, it looks like it could line up perfectly.

There are plenty of other potential summer release dates too! Swifties know Taylor Swift lives and breathes the number 13, and that she's been making her recent rerecording announcements at her Eras Tour shows.

Well, this summer, Taylor is heading to Milan for a show on Saturday, July 13. X user @roranotaurora points out that the symbol for Milan is a snake (it's also a symbol for Rep!) AND that on July 13, 1977, there was a blackout across New York City. When Taylor announced the original Reputation in 2017, the "Don't Blame Me" singer blacked out all her social media. If she announced the album in July, there's a good chance we'd get it just in time for autumn, chilly weather, and Daylight Savings Time, all three of which go perfectly with the Reputation aesthetic.

There's another 13 we need to pay attention to as well: December 13, which is also Taylor Swift's birthday. The popstar had the date front and center in her Tortured Poets Department pop-up installation. Since the date falls on a Friday, it's the perfect day to drop some new music...

Are there any other clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) will come out next?

Image via Amy Sussman

Taylor Swift attends the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 07, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

Recently, Taylor showed up to the 81st Golden Globe Awards in an all green ensemble, which is already so Reputation-coded to begin with. However, fans noticed one teeeeeeeny tiny detail about her look that really leans into all the theories that Rep (TV) is next. If you zoom in on her rings, one of them is a snake that's wrapped around her finger. 🐍

And after Taylor Swift released a video teasing her new album, Swifties are analyzing all the snakeskin patterns (on the curtains, the floor, and the green couch), as well as the dark visuals. While the video moves from the dark room to a bright one for TTPD, I'm convinced we'll be returning — or continuing down the hallway where you can see a dark picture frame waiting for us...

All the surprise songs at her Tokyo Eras Tour shows referenced falling apart, and a huge part of the Reputation era was related to a quote from Taylor that says "when she fell, she fell apart." Before playing "The Outside" as her piano surprise song on February 9, she made a joke that the song was 175 years old — which has Swifties thinking August 2 (175 days from February 9) could be the album's release date. Considering "The Outside" is off her first album, it's also possible we're getting Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) in August!

A recent Disney+ ad that paired the Eras Tour film and Disney Pixar's Cars went viral on Twitter because its tagline is "Getaway Car," one of the most beloved songs on Reputation (Taylor's Version)! No matter when the album drops, having Taylor Swift's final two re-recordings be her name and her reputation is literally so iconic and I can't wait to listen.

What Taylor Swift songs are on Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

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We know that, based on previous re-recordings, Reputation (Taylor's Version) will have the original tracklist and an unknown number of vault tracks that Taylor wrote ahead of the Reputation era. PEOPLE also confirmed we'll be able to hear Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" in the new docuseries for the New England Patriots! You can also hear a snippet in the trailer for Ashley Benson's Wilderness ;). Here's what you can expect on Taylor Swift's Reputation (Taylor's Version). I'm really hoping the vault tracks include "I Don't Want To Live Forever"!

"Ready For It? (Taylor's Version)"
"End Game (Taylor's Version)"
"I Did Something Bad (Taylor's Version)"
"Don't Blame Me (Taylor's Version)"
"Delicate (Taylor's Version)"
"Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)"
"So It Goes... (Taylor's Version)"
"Gorgeous (Taylor's Version)"
"Getaway Car (Taylor's Version)"
"King Of My Heart (Taylor's Version)"
"Dancing With Our Hands Tied (Taylor's Version)"
"Dress (Taylor's Version)"
"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Taylor's Version)"
"Call It What You Want (Taylor's Version)"
"New Year's Day (Taylor's Version)"

What is Taylor Swift wearing to Grammys 2024?

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Taylor Swift showed up to the 2024 Grammys in a sculptural white gown from Schiaparelli Couture. I love how Taylor has hopped on the corset trend. This is my favorite neckline in recent years! Even though the dress is white instead of black or green — and ended up going along with the Tortured Poets Department (or TS 11) announcement — I think it's still a Reputation (Taylor's Version) Easter egg. White is, of course, the opposite of black, so I think it's a more unexpected reference to the album, with black accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelry being a direct nod. Plus, the watch necklace pays homage to Midnights! At the 2022 VMAs, Taylor wore another Reputation-coded outfit before she announced Midnights, so I think it's definitely a pattern.

Is there gonna be a Reputation Taylor's Version?

Image Paul Kane/Getty Images

Taylor Swift performs at Optus Stadium on October 19, 2018 in Perth, Australia.

Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift has been very vocal about the fact she's rerecording her first five albums. However, she's been less direct about the order or the release schedule, which is honestly more fun! The official Taylor Nation account added fuel to the fire when they posted a photo of Taylor rehearsing for The Eras Tour — because, like @nashs_mom on TikTok says, the pose doesn't match up with any of the songs. While all the photos they've previously posted match up with numbers like "Enchanted" or "Illicit Affairs," the new pose seems to match up with "I Did Something Bad" (which is both the last Reputation surprise song left AND the perfect song to announce the rerecording).

"Hear me out," another TikTok user commented. "['I Did Something Bad'] was not part of the set list in 2023 but what if the first night of the tour in 2024 she performs [it] and announces REP TV."

"I literally ratatatataed as soon as I saw it," another user says, referencing the iconic production at the beginning of the song. We have less than a month before the Eras Tour starts up again, so I'm excited to see when we'll finally get a Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement!

What caused Taylor Swift to make Reputation?

Image via Def Jam/UMG

Cover art for Kanye West's The Life Of Pablo, which features "Famous."

The primary catalyst for Taylor Swift's Reputation era was a phone call with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. After Taylor said Kanye did not have her permission to say he "made that b-tch famous" in "Famous," a video leak from Kim seemed to show Taylor did actually give her permission (it was later revealed the video was edited, and Taylor gave her permission to be mentioned, NOT to be called a b-tch).

"#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty" began trending on Twitter, and everyone from the media to the general public began calling her a snake. So she disappeared from the public eye for over a year, and Reputation was born. The era was moody — and full of snake imagery. Taylor says in her TIME interview that the album came from "a goth-punk moment of female rage at being gaslit by an entire social structure," and told Rolling Stone in 2019 that Reputation was a "metaphor" and her "playing a character."

How old was Taylor when she wrote Reputation?

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS

Charli XCX, Camila Cabello and Taylor Swift perform onstage during opening night of Taylor Swift's 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour at University of Phoenix Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona.

Taylor began writing Reputation in 2016, when she was 27. However, the stories she's telling go back farther than that since "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" talks about a relationship from when she was 25.

Is Reputation a love album?

Image via Big Machine Records

Cover art for Taylor Swift's Reputation.

While Reputation is sassy, moody, and satirical, I stand by the idea that it's actually a love album at its core. While the general public talked most about "Ready for It?" and "Look What You Made Me Do," songs like "Delicate," "Call It What You Want," and "New Year's Day" are all about healing after the media turned against her. The message of the album is all about how she wants to spend the the ins and outs of life with people she loves, because they make the boring days beautiful, which is also the sentiment running throughout "Lover."

"I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day" and "We can leave the Christmas lights up 'til January" are the same!!

What are the Reputation Taylor's Version vault tracks?

Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment

A Horcrux from Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part I

While we don't have the tracklist for Reputation (Taylor's Version) yet, she did mention in her TIME interview that the vault tracks will be "fire."

"I’m collecting horcruxes,” she says of the rerecordings. “I’m collecting infinity stones. Gandalf’s voice is in my head every time I put out a new one. For me, it is a movie now.”

I'm going to be real honest, this is the line that sent me into a tailspin because the idea that Taylor loves stories like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the MCU as much as I do is too much!! But it makes sense because after all, she IS a storyteller.

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Lead image via Big Machine Records

This post has been updated.

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