9 Great Vibes Links I Love

Embracing our brand and loving our content. 

We took a nice little July 4th vacay, not posting anything new last week, in an effort to sort through some life changes happening around here. To mindfully bring ourselves back to work mode, we wanted this week to be filled with all things mental health. I think one of the best things you can do for yourself is to take inventory of all the great work you've done and be proud of those achievements, no matter how small or far away. To demonstrate this on our end, these nine links we love are a curation of some of our favorite posts on The Guide. Check out the nine GVG content links we still really love ...  
 
1. Going on a date any time soon? Get the Dating 101. 
 
2. Brunch in bed with The Best Bloody Mary Recipe.
  
3. Feeling the stress? Unwind in 19 seconds. 
 
4. Cheers to green drinks and your health. 
 
5. Go shopping with this Valentine's Day Gift Guide. Treat yourself.  

6. Honestly, our favorite post: healthy snacks for the office. 
 
7. Introduce someone the right way. 
 
8. Walk with confidence: these heels are a must-buy. 
 
9. It's summer, say 'cheers!' with a watermelon champagne cocktail. 

Happy Hump Day! Xx.

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How to Unwind in 19 Seconds

Sometimes, anxiety happens. Here's how to unwind in 19 seconds. 

Sometimes life is stressful. There are days where the workload is high, the ability to compartmentalize personal from professional and vice versa is difficult, and anxiety threatens to take over completely. I think it is safe to say we have all had that paralyzing moment of not being able to mentally take it down a few notches. 

I use this breathing technique to relax my mind and body for various situations; before an interview or big meeting, if I can't fall asleep, or as a way to exit work mode. It takes less than a minute to complete three rounds and can be done anywhere. 

It's fairly simple yet highly effective. Here's how it works:

1. Close your eyes or drop your gaze to the floor. 

2. Breathe in for a count of four.

3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.

4. Exhale for a count of eight.

5. Repeat at least three times. 

How do you feel? Relaxed? Was it helpful to count or was it distracting?

Happy almost long weekend. Xx. 

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+ What do you think? 

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7 Podcasts Perfect for Commuting

Because boring trips and commutes aren't worth it. 

Do you listen to podcasts? It seems like everyone and their mother does so now. Last summer, I was addicted to Here's the Thing with Alec Baldwin and fell in love with the intimacy of hearing stories and fun anecdotes from people I didn't know or may never know. If you get to your job via the subway, are a consultant who travels via plane multiple times a week, or need interesting audio for your drives into school or work, these seven podcasts are sure to help you pass any length of time...

1. My Favorite Murder

I. Am. Obsessed. Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff invite you into their cozy podcast where they catch up, chat their favorite murders, and remind you to stay sexy. I was hooked from the very first episode. Needless to say, some nights I have to sleep with a nightlight, but it's worth every moment, because you'll find yourself laughing, disgusted, and horrified in the span of two minutes. 11/10 would start all over again. 

Perfect for: on your way to work, in the car to the grocery store, basically anywhere you want to laugh or listen to some crazy s***
Try this episode: My Firstest Murder

2. 2 Dope Queens

Straight from their bio: "Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams, along with their favorite comedians, tell stories about sex, romance, race, hair journeys, living in New York, and Billy Joel". It can't get much better than that. One of my favorites, I listed it below, stars Connie Britton, and they chat haunted houses (yasss). 

Perfect for: long commutes to or from work
Try this episode: Sleepover Accidents

3. Another Round

Buzzfeed is great, and Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton make it sparkle. Over a few drinks, these ladies chat everything from pop culture to politics, and make you laugh at their bold humor and charisma. 

Perfect for: a shorter commute to finish with a glass of wine on the couch to feel like you were with the girls all evening
Try this episode: This is the Most Beautiful Laugh

4. Last Podcast on the Left

Definitely darker and more researched than My Favorite Murder, this one explores the ins and outs of the horrific, and they spend more than one episode on one topic. It's kind of like being immersed in a scary book, except it is even more fascinating, in depth, and well, real. 

Perfect for: on the way in to work if you're jittery, so you can spend the whole day on an adrenaline rush and decompressing
Try this episode: Sexy Ghosts

5. Beautiful/Anonymous

Readers call in anonymously to discuss any topic of their choosing with actor and comedian, Chris Gethard. Beautiful, poignant stories, sometimes heavy, like a woman who found out she was married to a child molester and sometimes light, like the journey of one person getting their passport renewed. Either way, you feel wrapped into conversation and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be human -- and how it's never all black and white.  

Perfect for: when you're trying to connect to humanity or on your commute home after a particularly uneventful day
Try this episode: Married to a Monster

6. Call Your Girlfriend

Hosts Anna Friedman and Aminatou Sow, journalist and digital strategist respectively, discuss everything from politics to pleasure and have the kind of conversations you and your best friend have on the roof over a glass of wine. 

Perfect for: your ride into work when you're stressed and would rather be having a fun chat with your bestie
Try this episode: Wear Sunscreen

7. Splendid Table

If you like learning about food, cooking, or really just eating, you'll love this podcast. People who are passionate about food talk about it almost to excess (yet it's always the perfect amount). Splendid Table is hosted by Lynne Rossetto Kasper, an award-winning food writer and radio journalist. She interviews cookbook authors, chefs, wine experts, and others, so you learn about what to make, where to go, and have an in-depth understanding of the food world. Tip: Don't listen when hungry. 

Perfect for: your lunch break or commute home to wine and snacks
Try this episode: Cheddar

What I'm excited to start next: Homecoming

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+What did you think of these seven podcasts for commuting to work? Have you listened to any of them? 

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