Category: Lifestyle

Well+Good 

It may not come as a surprise that an estimated 73 percent of adults aged 25 to 35 years overthink. This period of life comes with so many key choice points about our partnerships, careers, families, and friendships. And in 2023, there is also so much happening on a collective level that warrants our worry: a climate in peril, a coordinated assault on our reproductive rights, and racial injustice and violence, to name just a few things.

Most of the advice we get about overthinking is targeting how to stop it. But as a therapist, I’ve found that our internal experiences tend to rage on if we just try to get rid of them rather than pay attention to and understand them—a subject I recently discussed on an episode of The Well+Good Podcast.

While overthinking is clearly very common, it can also be distressing and prevent us from feeling ease within ourselves and about our life choices. Let’s examine how we can identify when it’s happening, what it might be attempting to help us do, and how it might be getting in the way of us living with less worry.

Photo: Courtesy of Lia Avellino / W+G Creative

What is overthinking really about?

There are many reasons why people tend to overthink. It may be a coping mechanism that you learned in childhood, when the world around you felt too overwhelming; you went up in your head to try to find refuge and distraction from the chaos. Overthinking may have also helped you achieve success, if you spent a lot of time thinking through obstacles and how to overcome them. Or it may have been the strategy you used to stay safe, as you cautiously calculated how to travel the least risky path; after all, our brains have evolved to worry as a mechanism to help keep us safe.

No matter the cause, overthinking is a function of worry. You may overthink something you said because you’re worried about being disliked. You may overthink about a work project before submitting it because you’re worried it won’t be good enough. This often manifests as excessive rumination: constant thoughts or questions that are hard to silence, moving through your mind at a fast pace.

Though persistent, overthinking typically has a good intention; it maintains the underlying belief that if we think harder or longer on something, we will eventually find the perfect solution that will bring us to peace.

Overthinking can help us avoid certain difficult experiences by making us believe that we can think our way out of a problem or nervous system state.

For this reason, one way I view overthinking is as a prevention or avoidance tactic, meaning that the thoughts keep us from being aware of other parts of our experience. Overthinking can help us avoid certain difficult experiences by making us believe that we can think our way out of a problem or nervous system state. Below are a few different ways that overthinking can manifest as avoidance, and how to identify them in action.

How overthinking often works as an avoidance tactic

Overthinking prevents body awareness

When we are in our heads, we are often not feeling what’s happening in our bodies. For example, if I am excessively wondering about if my partner is cheating on me, this rumination might actually be helping me to avoid the heart palpitations I am experiencing, the fear of being rejected, or the pain of being betrayed.

Sometimes, by trying to find an answer in our minds, we actually bypass the truth that exists in our bodies. In this way, overthinking can be a method for avoidance of inner feelings and fears.

Overthinking prevents us from feeling out of control

If we believe that we can think our way into an answer, we may also believe that we are capable of finding a solution and fixing the problem—even if that’s not actually feasible. Trying to have control over an outcome can be an attempt to stop the anxiety we are experiencing around it. For example, we might have a sick parent and spend countless hours researching their condition to avoid feeling the sadness or fear about them being sick.

Overthinking prevents us from feeling imperfect

When we are concerned about our ability to “get it right,” we tend to spend a lot of time thinking about it. We want to be sure to analyze every angle and anticipate unforeseen pitfalls in order to protect ourselves from rejection or the feelings associated with “getting it wrong.”

Many over-thinking perfectionists tend to be procrastinators because of the extensive analysis process they engage in to avoid their imperfectness. When we are procrastinating by overthinking, we are not really avoiding a task or an activity; we are avoiding the emotional experience of potentially failing at the activity.

Overthinking prevents us from being in conflict

Sometimes when we are deliberating for a long period of time, we are storing our distress instead of expressing it. We do this because we are afraid of the conflict, break-up, or discord that it might create when the truth is out of our bodies and in the world. We accept internal discord in exchange for external “peace” (or lack of real talk). In this case, it can be helpful to ask yourself: How do I feel about making this trade-off?

Wondering how to address these contributing factors to overthinking without just outright suppressing those thoughts? Listen to the full podcast episode here for my additional insights.

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Carscoops 

Toyota teased a trio of concept cars for the Japan Mobility Show 2023 which will open its doors in a couple of weeks in Tokyo.

Two of the concepts remain hidden under a veil, leaving us with more questions than answers. They both appear to feature low-slung bodystyles, with the left one looking more like a coupe and the right one resembling a sleek sedan.

The other concept which will be exhibited in two different versions is fully uncovered, revealing its boxy shape. It appears to be a small-sized EV with single-box proportions inspired by minivans and LCVs. The pixel-style LED headlights look like they are housed in a digital panel that could also display messages, while the windshield is heavily inclined for better aerodynamics. We can also see a sliding door on the profile and narrow windows seemingly connected to the rear glass. One of the prototypes has a roof rack with a kayak and other equipment hinting at a camping-friendly and adventure-ready proposal.

More: Toyota Crown Sport SUV Launches In Japan With A Ferrari Purosangue Flair For $40k

The rest of the exhibits are mostly production vehicles that have already been revealed. Highlights include the IMV0 / Rangga multi-purpose truck that was recently showcased in Thailand, and the Toyota Hilux BEV concept. We can also see two examples of the Toyota Crown Sport that was recently launched in Japan, next to the Land Cruiser J300, J250, and J70. Last but not least, Toyota will also display the Century SUV flagship that made headlines with its debut last month.

Besides the concepts and the production models, Toyota will offer fun activities involving music, dance, and gaming. In the “Capsule Bar”, visitors will be able to win miniature cars in a capsule if they find the correct answer to a simple question. The photo spot with a buggy running on the moon is likely a reference to the Baby Lunar Cruiser EV concept. Finally, Toyota will showcase a new technology allowing wheelchair users to operate driving simulators like the Gran Turismo 7 without the need to use accelerator or brake pedals.

The Japan Mobility Show 2023 will take place in Tokyo between October 26 and November 5 but we expect to learn more about the Toyota concepts on October 25 which is the press day of the event.

Photos: Toyota

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Carscoops 

There’s no shortage of Chinese EV brands, but WM Motor has filed for bankruptcy.

In a Weibo post, the beleaguered automaker said they’ve strived to “provide high-quality products and excellent services” since 2015. The company went on to say they have “achieved rapid growth” thanks to the support of their customers, employees, and the governments of Shanghai, Wenzhou, Huanggang, Hengyang, Mianyang, and Chengdu.

However, WM Motor said a number of events have hampered their success. These include the pandemic, a sluggish capital market, fluctuations in raw material prices, and “frustrations in obtaining operating and development funds.” These issues have caused the company to run into “operating difficulties” and the eventual “pre-reorganization process.”

More: China’s WM Motor Unveils An 805 HP Track Car Based On Their Upcoming Electric Crossover

Despite the setback, WM Motor said they’re hoping to save themselves by “adjusting corporate strategies, solving financial debt problems, and obtaining investors to participate in restructuring and development.” The automaker also said they’ll conduct a comprehensive review to identify ways to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and make the company sustainable.

Reuters notes the move comes shortly after Kaixin Auto Holdings signed a non-binding acquisition term sheet with the company last month. At the time, Kaixin said they were “planning to issue a certain number of new shares to acquire 100% of equity of WM Motor held by its current shareholders.”

The company billed this as a win as they noted WM Motor has successfully developed and delivered four EVs with a fifth model on the horizon. The firm also said the automaker has sold over 100,000 vehicles and is primed for future success.

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The Points Guy 

Quick take: American Airlines’ A321neo first class started with a stressful boarding experience and meager amenities but made up for it with impressive aircraft features and a surprisingly good meal.

Pros

Enormous overhead bins are capable of accommodating every passenger’s carry-on bags.
Seatback USB ports next to personal device holders make it easy to charge while watching entertainment.
Meal service is above average, with custom sundaes.

Cons

Even on a new aircraft, American has forgone seatback entertainment and headphones.
No food or drink menus or pillows and blankets are provided.
The first-class seats recline relatively deeply but still feel constricted.

It’s been almost five years since American Airlines’ A321neo first entered service with new traveler-friendly features like bigger overhead bins, faster Wi-Fi, more widely available in-seat power and more first-class seats. Nowadays, American operates 70 of these planes, which you’ll often find on some of the airline’s transcontinental and West Coast to Hawaii flights.

On a recent trip from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), I came across a reasonably priced first-class flight for just 24,000 AAdvantage miles (worth $360 at TPG’s valuations) plus $5.60 via Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Here’s what it’s like to fly American Airlines’ Airbus A321neo from Philadelphia to San Francisco.

How much does first class cost to book on American Airlines?

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

American generally operates two to three daily flights from Philadelphia to San Francisco, most of which are on the Airbus A321neo. The airline sells basic economy fares, standard economy fares, Main Cabin Extra seats with more legroom and first-class seats. American uses dynamic award pricing, so award rates vary and correspond somewhat to cash fares — meaning if airfares are high, you can expect to redeem more miles for a ticket.

Here’s what you can expect to spend for a nonstop itinerary between Philadelphia and San Francisco over the next year at current prices.

Class
Economy
First class

Cash price (round trip)
$208 to $1,190
$1,170 to $4,790

Miles (round trip)
21,000 to 103,000 (plus $11.20 in taxes and fees)
53,000 to 200,000 (plus $11.20 in taxes and fees)

All passengers can bring a personal item and a full-size cabin bag onboard. Here’s what else is included (or not) with economy versus first-class on this specific route.

Class
Change fees
Checked bag fees
Seat selection
Boarding group

Economy
$0 (no changes for basic economy)
$30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second checked bag
$34 to $41 for a preferred location like a window or aisle near the front of the cabin, $0 for all other seats, $67 to $77 for Main Cabin Extra (extra legroom, complimentary beer, wine and spirits and preferred boarding)
Main cabin boarding (Group 4 to 9)

First class
$0
Two free bags
$0
First-class boarding (Group 1)

American Airlines offers complimentary upgrades for its AAdvantage elite members on this route. I was surprised to see that all but four customers on the upgrade list cleared into first class.

As mentioned, my one-way ticket from DCA to SFO via PHL cost 24,000 miles plus $5.60. If you also find a discounted first-class deal on miles, you’re best off booking with AAdvantage. When partner first-class award space is available, Alaska Mileage Plan offers seats on this route for 25,000 miles plus $18.10. If you want to use American Express, Capital One or Chase transferable points, British Airways Executive Club is probably your best option, and charges 38,750 Avios plus $5.60.

Some of the best credit cards for booking airfare include:

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
American Express® Gold Card

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Checking in to and boarding first class on American Airlines

You can check in for your flight 24 hours before departure on the American Airlines app to skip the airport check-in lines. As with the Delta and United apps, you can track the status of your inbound flight to stay apprised of potential delays.

American operates out of Terminal 2 at Washington’s National Airport. There’s a designated priority check-in area. Lines for the self-service kiosks and customer service were short. With TSA PreCheck and Clear, it took a few minutes to get through security.

Having a two-hour connection made the 15- to 20-minute walk from my arrival in the F concourse to my B departure gate more manageable, but leave plenty of time between flights if you have a connection in Philadelphia.

The gate area for the San Francisco flight felt cramped and was air-conditioned to an arctic degree, but since the plane was only about two-thirds full, plenty of seats with power outlets were available.

Boarding began on time at 7:30 p.m., and I was among one of the first passengers to board with Group 1. As I scanned my boarding pass, the gate agent told me I had too many items to be allowed to board and halted the entire boarding process. Lacking clear instructions, I interpreted this interaction as a request to place my laptop inside my backpack, which I promptly did. Eventually, I was allowed to board, but the experience was stressful due to the lack of clear instructions and the attention of other passengers and airline staff as I hurriedly loaded my laptop into my backpack.

The Airbus A321neo features spacious overhead bins similar to what you expect on wide-body aircraft. This meant you could place a typical roller bag on its side so more passengers can fit theirs in. We pushed back on time, partly because no bags needed to be gate-checked due to full overhead bins.

Getting settled, first-class passengers were offered a predeparture beverage choice of water, orange juice or sparkling wine in plastic cups. The flight attendant also offered to store passengers’ coats in the closet.

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

We pushed back from the gate at 8 p.m., about five minutes early.

How comfortable was American Airlines first class?

The aircraft for my six-hour flight to San Francisco was a brand-new, 2023-delivered Airbus A321neo with the following seat count and layout in first class.

Number of seats
20

Cabin layout
Five rows of seats in 2-2 configuration

Seat pitch and recline
37 inches, 5 inches

Seat width
21 inches

After turning right at the boarding door, all passengers pass through this single-aisle aircraft’s five rows of first class. Enhanced by the soothing blue mood lighting, the dark gray leather recliner seats have a sophisticated, if spartan, look. The last row of first class showcases the distinctive American Airlines logo on the divider, serving as a visual marker before transitioning into the economy class section of the aircraft.

Although this was a nighttime flight, the windows felt a bit small. The Boeing 737 MAX, which American also flies, has slightly larger windows.

While these seats do not have built-in seatback entertainment, they provide an expandable personal device holder that can conveniently accommodate a tablet or phone. Additionally, a seatback USB port is positioned next to the personal device holder, allowing you to avoid any hassle with tangled cords when you need to step out.

Speaking of inflight charging, each seat has a universal AC power outlet in the center armrest, which opens for easy access.

Additionally, along the center armrest, you’ll find the seat control, which consists of a single metal button to recline your seat. Although you can recline your seat and adjust the headrest for added comfort, the seats do not have a forward-cradling feature. This limitation may restrict your space when the passenger in front of you decides to recline their seat.

A foldable metal tray table expands from each seat’s other armrest. It also has a personal device stand you can pop up when the table is partially unfolded. When fully unfolded, the table provides ample space to work on, accommodating even larger devices such as my 16-inch MacBook Pro.

There’s also a beverage tray between seats that folds down, from the preceding console which I found useful for keeping my drink handy but away from my laptop.

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

First-class passengers and pilots use the lavatory just behind the cockpit. American stocks liquid D.S. & Durga soap., which feels like a high-end touch. I captured these photos shortly after boarding, but around halfway through the flight, the lavatory clearly required servicing, which the flight attendants did not see to for the duration.

American Airlines first-class amenities

With no headphones, pillows, blankets, amenity kits or menus supplied, American’s amenities were scant, especially for a six-hour first-class flight — particularly when you compare it to what’s provided in first or business class on the airline’s transcontinental flights, which proffer bedding, noise-canceling headphones, printed menus and amenity kits.

There was, however, an ample selection of inflight entertainment on the AA Inflight portal with 12 stations of live TV, hundreds of TV shows and movies (including hits like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Carmen”), Apple Music, Apple TV+ and Rosetta Stone language classes.

I also purchased full-flight Wi-Fi for $29. While speeds weren’t sufficient for uploading photos, I could send emails and Slack messages throughout the flight.

How was the food in American Airlines first class?

On eligible routes, which my flight from Philadelphia to San Francisco was, American Airlines allows you to reserve a meal beginning 30 days (and up to 24 hours) before your flight.

The pre-order main course choices on my flight included:

Golden roasted chicken with roasted tomato chutney, salted smashed potatoes, haricot verts. Created and inspired, according to the airline, with wellness in mind by James Beard Award-winning author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger
Gemelli cacio e pepe (vegetarian) pasta with cheese and black pepper served with smoky tomato sauce, zucchini and tomatoes
Harvest vegetable and grain bowl with roasted garlic dressing, roasted vegetables, pickled onions, lentil salad, green beans, roasted shiitake mushrooms and grilled salmon available upon request (another Ellie Krieger collaboration)

You can also pre-order special meals if you have a dietary preference or restriction. I ordered the chicken, and the flight attendant confirmed my entree and asked for my preferred beverage shortly after boarding.

About 20 minutes after takeoff, the dinner service began with a hot towel. a beverage and mixed nuts.

About 10 minutes later, dinner was served.

The chicken dish exceeded my expectations and was a step up from United’s domestic first-class meals, which I’m more accustomed to. It had a delightful citrusy flavor, and the portion size was satisfactory. On the other hand, the shrimp appetizer fell short. It tasted more like mayonnaise than seafood, leaving room for improvement.

Complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks, were available, but unfortunately, there was no menu provided, making it challenging to know the full selection of options.

About an hour after the dinner trays were collected, the flight attendants offered a choice of a hot fudge sundae, a lava cake or a fruit and cheese plate.

I went with the sundae, which could be customized with hot fudge, caramel, nuts, fruit and whipped cream, then served in a glass.

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

The hot fudge on the cold ice cream with the crunch of the nuts hit the spot.

While the flight attendants left the passengers to themselves after the dessert service, they remained available for drink requests. About an hour before landing, a snack service was offered.

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

The choices including kettle potato chips, honey-roasted pistachios, mini pretzels and sea salt corn nuts.

Would you recommend American first class?

Despite American Airlines lacking features like built-in seatback entertainment, headphones and high-end first-class amenities such as blankets, the upgraded meal and spacious 2-2 seating arrangement made my journey across the U.S. comfortable and relaxing. However, in the future, I would aim to avoid connecting in Philadelphia due to the significant distance between the inbound and outbound gates.

Although these aren’t the same updated seats Delta offers in first class on the same aircraft, with more comprehensive privacy dividers and crisp entertainment screens, the cabin still felt fresh. To enhance the experience, American Airlines could consider providing built-in seatback entertainment, menus and cradling recliner seats with wings on each side of the headrest to offer a slightly improved feeling of privacy.

If you’re flying from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to San Francisco, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or John Wayne Airport (SNA), try to work out a connection to get on a nonstop flight between these airports to experience the airline’s Flagship Business or Flagship First. On these routes, American offers lie-flat seats, menus, upgraded multi-course meals, lounge access and built-in seatback entertainment in both business and first class, which would put this particular flight to shame.

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Well+Good 

There are so many reasons why you might feel bloated on a given day—food sensitivities, traveling, exercising, and more. But if you’re scrolling TikTok and searching for “bloating relief,” you could get the impression that your hormones are at the root of your tummy and energy woes. And more specifically, that you could benefit from “balancing your hormones” to avoid this lethargic fate.

“[The concept of hormone balancing has] become a big trend in wellness culture and social media for sure,” says registered dietitian, podcast host, and author Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CEDS, who recently devoted a podcast episode to the topic after having received a high volume of listener questions about it. Fitness instructors, food bloggers, alternative medicine practitioners, and influencers of all stripes are using social media to tell followers that if they’re tired, bloated, acne-prone, carrying more weight than they’d like, or really feeling less-than-optimized in any way, they might work to “balance their hormones.” The proposed remedies are often diets, supplements, and workout regimens.

And for some, curiosity about hormones is mounting. According to Google Trends data, searches for the term “hormone health” have steadily and dramatically increased over the last five years, peaking this past spring. At face value, this interest may seem perfectly natural. Hormones play a role in digestion, metabolism, energy, and more, so why shouldn’t we pay attention to them when it comes to how we feel day in and day out? The only problem is the fact that the concept of “balancing your hormones” is mostly nonsense.

It is possible to have a genuine medical condition known as a hormone imbalance (meaning, one hormone or group of hormones is out of the normal range for your age). However, these conditions’ existence doesn’t mean there’s an inverse situation of an ideally “balanced” hormonal state. In the case of a hormone imbalance, the best path forward is to seek medical diagnosis and treatment with a doctor catered to your personal symptoms—not just heed the advice (and products) of an expert (or “expert”) you encounter on social media.

“If you truly believe that you have hormonal imbalance, then please seek help from a physician,” says Misha Zilbermint, MD, chief of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Medicine.  If you—like many folks—are curious about what constitutes optimum hormone function, what experts want you to know is that the concept of “balancing” them isn’t a medically sound or recommended path.

For starters, what are hormones? 

Our glands, muscles, and other tissues secrete chemicals known as hormones that travel throughout the body in the blood, sending messages between our organs and prompting them to do their various jobs. There are more than 50 known hormones, and researchers are still discovering both more hormones and the functions of the known hormones.

Hormone levels vary from person to person, and levels even change over time. Doctors do not expect a teenager and a retiree to have the same levels of testosterone, for instance, according to Raymond de la Rosa, MD, an endocrinology specialist at Millennium Physician Group in Florida. “Some people may have a little bit higher levels, some people may have a little bit lower levels, but it doesn’t mean it’s abnormal,” says Dr. Zilbermint. “Everyone is different because our body has so many hormones, [and] each of the hormones have a different prevalence.”

What medical experts think about the phrase ‘balancing your hormones’

“This phrase is meaningless and overly broad,” says Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, an OB/GYN who is also an integrative and Ayurvedic medicine specialist. Even as someone who says she has feet in both the worlds of research-backed and holistic-leaning medicine, she is flummoxed and concerned by the term. “I think the implication is supposed to be about homeostasis—or a so-called ‘point of balance’—but in fact our hormones are supposed to fluctuate. It is true [that for people who menstruate, hormones] should do this with some predictability and pattern during our menstruating lives. But the promise of perfection is based on misunderstanding at best and manipulation at worst.”

One misunderstanding implied by the term “balancing hormones” is that all doctors approach a hormonal concern like a ratio or formula, looking at various levels in relationship to each other. But most doctors assess hormones individually, not systemically. “We check for hormonal dysfunction, hormonal excess, or hormonal shortage,” says Dr. De la Rosa. “It’s not a balance protocol. We’re looking for the appropriate levels.”

“The promise of perfection is based on misunderstanding at best and manipulation at worst.” —Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD

If you come to your doctor with concerns about your energy, mood, or another function that could be tied to hormones, they might order a blood test that looks at the levels of an individual hormone or a small group of related hormones. Your doctor will have to order the specific test you need based on your particular concerns, says Dr. De la Rosa—there is typically no general, all-encompassing “hormone levels” test. For example, a doctor might test a patient with dramatic weight gain or weight loss for thyroid hormones since the thyroid gland regulates metabolism.

If one hormone or group of hormones measures outside the realm of expected levels, it is addressed, but this is not an exercise in balancing the whole of all hormones.

So then why is today’s digital world is especially ripe for social media users, in particular, to chase the misinformed goal of balancing their hormones? Dr. Gilberg-Lenz points out that an overburdened medical system and its legacy of dismissing women’s health concerns mean that patients won’t necessarily get what they’re looking for when they bring hormone questions to a physician. As we’ve seen play out in the misguided backlash to hormonal birth control, the promise of a “natural” wellness solution can be “appealing to people who feel like they’ve gone to doctors for symptoms and problems and not gotten help and relief,” says Harrison. (Meanwhile, since the science around aging and longevity—and hormones’ role in it—is still an active area of research, there are some outlier physicians who do take a more active approach in tinkering with hormone levels, sowing both interest and confusion.)

Hormone health can also be a screen for ways to talk about weight loss—focusing on bloating and metabolism can feel more body neutral than using the words “weight loss”, even if the end goal of getting smaller is the same. Harrison says that this dovetails with cultural expectations about what it means to be a healthy, productive member of society. “In some cases, people don’t necessarily have anything medically going on, but it’s more of the cultural pressure to never have a bloated belly, or to constantly be energetic,” Harrison says. Rather than acknowledging these are normal parts of life, hormones take the blame.

Can—or should—you be proactive about hormone health?

Generally, hormone health is not something you need to actively worry about. “[Hormones] are always in flux and the body typically does a great job of regulating them all on its own, except in the case of these true endocrine disorders,” Harrison says.

What’s more, exercise programs, supplements, and other products promising to “balance your hormones” that aren’t prescribed by your doctor are likely to be ineffective, and potentially harmful. It’s not wise to take a hormone without medical supervision, or do to a “hormone-balancing diet” that could result in disordered eating, and actually end up causing a hormonal problem.

“The bottom line is there is no universal hormone you can take to fix everything, and there’s no one vitamin or pill to fix it,” Dr. De la Rosa says.

While lifestyle choices can affect some hormone levels, the truth is that there are a host of conditions that can only be treated by a doctor. For example, if someone has high levels of cortisol (a hormone whose production is supercharged by stress), they might be able to take up meditating to bring it back to baseline. But, if a person’s adrenal gland is not functioning properly, they might be producing an insufficient amount of cortisol, and no lifestyle change or supplement or diet will adequately treat that.

“I think the question is,” says Harrison, “how can we find empathetic care providers who will give us evidence-based medicine and also admit the limits of what we don’t know in conventional medicine in a way that’s not going to drive people to unproven, potentially harmful treatments that they might find in alternative spaces?” If we can find the answer, we may finally be able to stop falling prey to false problems—and solutions—peddled on TikTok.

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Well+Good 

At long last, the record-breaking summer heat is finally behind us. With autumn underway, that means a few things for the foodies out there: Apple picking, the obligatory PSL latte, and baking warm foods for cozy days in. To make your mornings oh-so-sweet and snug, we suggest making these mini cinnamon crunch banana bread loaves by recipe developer Kiley O’Donnell, aka @wellmadebykiley.

“These are healthier, soft, fluffy, filled with the warming flavors of banana and cinnamon, and have the perfect crunch from the cinnamon topping,” O’Donnell shares. Plus, if you ask me, mini versions of foods are just inherently more fun to eat. You can share the extras with your loved ones or save them for a rainy day… but we won’t judge you for storing and saving them for yourself. Keep reading to see what makes this recipe shine, then learn how to make these simple yet deliciously satisfying loaves yourself.

Why we love this cinnamon crunch banana bread recipe

“When it comes to banana bread, the simpler the better,” says O’Donnell. “And if you have a couple extra ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this one’s for you.”

Speaking of bananas, they’re one of the most nutrient-dense fruits you can find. They’re rich in carbs, proteins, fatty acids, and minerals—plus bioactives like alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities. Standouts on the nutrient front include fiber (3 grams per medium banana), which promotes digestive and cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, their potassium content (450 milligrams per medium banana) balances water content in cells and thus helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Oat flour is another nutritional powerhouse in this dessert-for-breakfast (or dessert for dessert’s sake) recipe. It contains beta-glucans for even more beneficial fiber, which 93 percent of us could really use more of to help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic ailments. Moreover, oat consumption at large has been shown to enhance health by improving gut microbiota and helping promote a healthy immune response. (P.S. O’Donnell suggests using ready-to-go oat flour from Bob’s Red Mill, which is available in whole grain and gluten-free varieties.)

Her recipe also calls for a bit of Greek yogurt—aka the best yogurt for gut health—from Chobani to offer a bit of protein and calcium and minimal sugar. Maple sugar adds natural sweetness, and cinnamon rounds out the warm flavor profile while offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects.

Alas, it’s time to wake, bake, and invigorate with these tasty treats.

Mini cinnamon crunch banana bread recipe

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill oat flour (or 1 3/4 cup oats, blended)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup Chobani Greek yogurt
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon crunch topping:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a mini loaf pan or a standard loaf pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and use a wooden spoon to mix until well incorporated and the batter is somewhat smooth.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon crunch topping.
For mini loaves, use a 1/2 cup to scoop the batter into each mini loaf. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each for the cinnamon crunch topping.
If using a standard loaf pan, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, sprinkle the top with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
For mini loaves, bake for 28-32 minutes.
For a standard loaf pan, bake for 45-50 minutes. If the top starts to about halfway through, add foil to the top.
For both, bake until golden brown or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Let cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Serve with a spread of butter and a drizzle of honey, if desired. Enjoy!

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Carscoops 

Honda introduced millions of riders to life on two-wheels in the 1960s by producing machines like the Super Cub, CB160 and CB750 that proved motorcycles could be reliable and easy to ride and own – three qualities absent from the dominant British machines of the time. Now a new piece of shifting tech from Honda follows in that same tradition.

It’s called E-Clutch and as its name suggests is an electronically operated clutch for motorcycles equipped with a manual transmission. Honda already offers a car-like dual-clutch transmission on some of its bikes, but the E-Clutch is different because it doesn’t handle shifting duties. You still have to tap the foot peg up and down to shift the gears yourself, but use of the clutch lever next in front of your left hand is optional.

Many riders will already be familiar with shifting without using the clutch, particularly if their bike is equipped with a quick-shifter or auto blipper, but the big benefit of the E-Clutch is that it also does the heavy lifting when you’re stopping and starting, which means it could make town riding far more relaxing.

Related: Honda’s Autonomous Work Mower Makes Lawncare Easy

It will also make the idea of piloting a motorcycle less intimidating to new riders, just as the centrifugal clutch in the original Super Cub did 60 years ago. Honda says the system is designed to be used by “more riders of diverse riding experience and skills, who can concentrate on the fun of riding in more comfort.” But it also says that more expert riders and those wanting a more traditional riding experience can still operate the clutch lever manually.

Honda hasn’t detailed exactly how the technology works, or which bikes will get it, but claims it is lightweight and compact, so can be installed to existing engine layouts, and says it will be rolled out across the brand’s “fun” bikes over time. We’re not sure what that means, but we’re guessing it’s referring to naked bikes like the little Monkey, Grom, Hornet and CB1000R.

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Carscoops 

Last weekend’s F1 Qatar GP was quite the eventful one. With storylines such as intra-team crashes, tire wear so bad it necessitated last-minute track changes, and extreme heat to the point where some drivers were throwing up in their helmets, there was one momentous occasion that was easy to miss: McLaren setting the record for the world’s fastest pit stop.

On lap 27 of the race, Lando Norris came into the pits. Unbeknownst to him, his pit crew was about to make history as they changed his tires in 1.80 seconds flat. This time beats out the previous world record — a 1.82 second stop by Red Bull in 2019 — by a mere two hundredths of a second, but it remains a record nonetheless. The feat is made even more impressive when considering the new wheels of the post-2022 regulations are larger and heavier than their 2019 counterparts.

Read More: FIA Approves Andretti’s Bid To Enter F1 With Cadillac, But It’s Not Over Yet

The McLaren MCL60 at the Hungarian GP, in which Lando Norris equaled his career-best finish of second place | Image: McLaren Racing

See Also: Lewis Hamilton’s First Race-Winning Mercedes F1 Car May Sell For $15 Million

In addition to their pit stop achievements, McLaren has also been seeing success on the track recently. After an abysmal start to the season where points finishes were barely a guarantee, the team has seriously rebounded, with back-to-back double podiums in the last two races, seven podiums overall, and rookie Oscar Piastri’s first F1 victory (albeit not on a Sunday) in the Qatar sprint.

With this momentum, some are speculating that the Woking-based team may actually be in the title fight next season, and we’d be inclined to agree. Even if they can’t pack enough of a punch to take down the untouchable force that is Red Bull at the moment, we could potentially see a proper three-way season-long struggle for second place between McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

To watch the record-breaking pit stop from all angles, you can check it out on Formula 1’s YouTube channel here.

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The Points Guy 

London Luton Airport (LTN) has been closed following a fire that broke out in the hub’s multi-story parking garage, causing a “significant structural collapse.”

Luton Airport has suspended all flights until at least 3 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s believed at least 140 flights due to arrive and depart the airport have been canceled. According to reports, the disruptions could affect up to 40,000 passengers.

Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact the airline they’re due to fly with for further information on their flight.

Aviation Minister Baroness Charlotte Vere has urged travelers to follow Luton Airport’s social media channels (X — here, and Facebook — here) to receive guidance on travel.

The most recent statement from Luton Airport shared to social media said, “Emergency services remain on the scene following last night’s fire in Terminal Car Park 2. Our priority remains supporting the emergency services and the safety of our passengers and staff. We’re working hard to get the airport operational as soon as possible. All flights are currently suspended until 3 pm on Wednesday 11th October.”

“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time,” the airport continued, ” … as access remains severely restricted.”

The fire swept through the third floor of Luton’s new terminal car park two, after a vehicle caught fire shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

Unconfirmed videos on social media show what appears to be a parking garage ceiling collapsing, followed by an explosion.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service was alerted at 8:47 p.m. local time; the rapidly escalating fire was declared a major incident at 9:38 p.m.

Speaking to the BBC, fire chief Andy Hopkinson said that thankfully no members of the public had been harmed in the fire and that, currently, there was “no intelligence to suggest it was anything other than an accidental fire.”

According to Hopkinson, the parking garage did not have a sprinkler system fitted. It is believed that up to 1,200 vehicles may have been damaged during the fire, though Hopkinson also reiterated that a “substantial number” of vehicles were unscathed. The fire service is currently working to install a ramp to help remove the cars.

Hopkinson told the BBC: “There is a substantial number that are not damaged, and our focus as well is can we remove those vehicles safely without causing any danger to the responders.”

Home to EasyJet, Luton Airport is roughly 30 miles North of the center of London and is the U.K.’s fifth-largest airport.

Bottom line

Thousands of passengers face disruption after a vehicle fire caused significant damage to a car park at London Luton Airport. Travelers are advised not to travel to the airport and to contact the airline they’re due to fly with for updates.

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The 18 best places to travel in 2023
6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
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The Points Guy 

Like so many other things, visiting Walt Disney World was made more complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to purchasing a ticket, guests of the Central Florida resort were required to make a reservation for the theme park they wished to visit each day. If you had a ticket with Park Hopper privileges, you could only visit a second park after 2 p.m.

These were necessary measures when they were introduced to control crowds and anticipate staffing needs, but three-and-a-half years later, guests are reportedly pining for the days when their Disney World visits required a little less planning.

That day has finally arrived. Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, your Disney World visits are going to look a lot more like they did a few years ago.

“We are constantly adding new, innovative attractions and entertainment to our parks and, with our broad array of pricing options, the value of a theme park visit is reflected in the unique experiences that only Disney can offer,” a Disney spokesperson shared with TPG.

Several things at Disney will now be more expensive, as well. Here’s what you can expect from your next Disney World vacation.

The end of theme park reservations for most guests

You will no longer need to make a reservation to enter a Disney World theme park. OLGA DIAZ/DISNEY

As of Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will officially be a thing of the past for guests with date-based tickets. You will still purchase variably priced, date-based tickets for the days you plan to visit Disney World, but you will no longer be required to make a theme park reservation for the park you wish to visit on a given day.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

When the change goes into effect, you don’t have to decide ahead of time which park you want to visit. You can wake up and decide on a whim whether you are in the mood for a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or a spin on the Mad Tea Party teacups at Magic Kingdom.

This change applies to most ticket types, with the exclusion of annual passes and certain promotional tickets. These guests will still be required to make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney World park.

The return of all-day park hopping

Guests enjoying Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana at Epcot AMY SMITH/DISNEY

Since reopening in July 2020 after its temporary coronavirus-related closure, Disney World has required guests with Park Hopper tickets to wait until 2 p.m. before they could visit a second (or this, or fourth) park. If you wanted to “hop” to another park for lunch or to try for an early afternoon virtual queue spot for popular rides, you were out of luck.

Related: 5 ways using an authorized Disney vacation planner will improve your trip

Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, however, guests with Park Hopper tickets or annual passes can visit another park at any time of day. Because Jan. 9 also marks the end of theme park reservations for most ticket types, this means guests can come and go from Disney’s four theme parks as they wish. This means you can visit Magic Kingdom for a few early morning rides and head straight over to Epcot well before the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens at 1 p.m.

On days when theme park reservations are required for annual pass holders and promotional ticket types, those guests will be able to visit another park anytime after they visit their first park of the day.

The return of Disney Dining Plans

Donald greets guests at Topolino’s Terrace restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Disney shared earlier this year that the Disney Dining Plan would be returning in 2024, but it bears repeating here because when combined with the above changes, you can see just how much is changing at Disney beginning on Jan. 9, 2024.

The Disney Dining Plan allows you to essentially prepay for meals and snacks as part of your vacation package. You can redeem meals and snacks in the form of dining credits at any point during your stay. How many credits you receive is based on the number of nights in your package.

There’s no question that this popular add-on makes Disney vacations more convenient, but whether or not it can save you money depends on how you use it.

There are two versions of the dining plan to choose from: the Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan.

The Quick Service Dining Plan costs $57 for adults ($24 for children ages 3 to 9) and includes:

Two quick-service meals per night stayed.
A snack or nonalcoholic drink per night stayed.
One refillable drink mug with unlimited refills at your resort.

The Disney Dining Plan costs $94 for adults ($30 for children ages 3 to 9) and includes:

One table-service meal per night stayed.
One quick-service meal per night stayed.
A snack or nonalcoholic drink per night stayed.
One refillable drink mug with unlimited refills at your resort.

These plans are bookable now with Disney World room and ticket packages and beginning Nov. 14, 2023, guests can save up to 50% on kids’ theme park tickets and dining plans at select Disney World hotels on most nights between March 3 and June 30, 2024.

Parking price increase

When you take a Minnie Van to the parks, there are no parking fees. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Beginning today, the cost of standard parking at all of Disney’s four theme parks is increasing from $25 to $30. Accepting price increases is always hard, but this increase puts Disney in alignment with parking prices at other Orlando-area theme parks. Parking at Universal Orlando starts at $27 and at SeaWorld Orlando at $30.

Guests at any Disney Resort hotel still receive complimentary parking both at their hotel and at Disney’s theme parks. If you aren’t staying on-site, you only have to pay for parking once per day. Just hang on to your parking receipt and show it at the toll plaza of any other park you visit that day and you will not be required to pay for parking a second time.

Annual pass price increase and perks

Walt Disney World annual pass prices are increasing. MELISSA ANN PHOTOGRAPHY/THE POINTS GUY

Disney World annual pass holders will now have to pony up a bit more each year for the privilege of unlimited annual theme park visits. Beginning today, the pricing for all four annual pass tiers is increasing for new sales and renewals.

Pricing for new annual pass sales will increase as follows:

Disney Incredi-Pass will increase from $1,399 to $1,499
Disney Sorcerer Pass will increase from $969 to $999
Disney Pirate Pass will increase from $749 to $799
Disney Pixie Dust Pass will increase from $399 to $439

Pricing for annual pass renewals will also be increasing

Disney Incredi-Pass will increase to $1,229
Disney Sorcerer Pass will increase to $849
Disney Pirate Pass will increase to $679
Disney Pixie Dust Pass will increase to $369

Even before these increases, it was important to do the math and determine if purchasing a Disney World annual pass was worth it for you. With the most expensive Incredi-Pass, for example, you need to visit about ten or more days each year to cover the cost of the pass. Of course, that is before any pass holder discounts on hotels, dining and merchandise, which can offer significant savings.

In addition to discounts, annual pass holders receive a variety of benefits throughout the year. Currently, pass holders can visit Disney World’s theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a theme park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom

And, beginning sometime in January 2024, annual pass holders can take advantage of “good-to-go days. On “good-to-go days” annual pass holders can visit on select days without needing a theme park reservation. The theme park reservation calendar will be updated periodically with these special days when annual pass holders can embrace spontaneity and visit any park they like without a reservation.

Bottom line

For the most part, the changes coming to Disney World are welcome ones. It’s clear that Disney has been listening to guests’ wishes and doing their best part to play fairy godmother and make those wishes come true. In lieu of a magic wand to wave away price increases, we can at least offer you these tips for saving money at Disney World to help keep your vacation costs in check.

Related reading:

Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
The best Disney World hotels
How you can save hundreds of dollars by renting Disney Vacation Club points
How to use points to buy Disney tickets
New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

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