<keyword id="6355315" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="elon-musk" source="Orion">Elon Musk</keyword> on Monday showcased the <keyword id="107096" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tesla" source="Orion">Tesla</keyword> humanoid robot called '<keyword id="545507" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="optimus" source="Orion">Optimus</keyword>' who greeted his followers with a '<keyword id="76421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="namaste" source="Orion">Namaste</keyword>', while performing a couple of Yoga postures comfortably.<br /><br />Showcased for the first time during 'Tesla AI Day' 2022 in October, Optimus was seen performing simple tasks this time in a video posted by the X owner.<br /><br />Optimus is now capable of self-calibrating its arms and legs.<br /><br />Using only vision and joint position encoders, the robot can precisely locate its limbs in space<br /><br />It learns its tasks smoothly, like sorting and unsorting coloured-blocks, and its neural net runs entirely on-board, using only vision.<br /><br />After a long day at work for the humanoid robot, "it is time to stretch", ending with a Namaste, showed the video.<br /><br />The robot has the same artificial intelligence (AI) software and sensors present in Tesla's advanced driver assistance system called 'Autopilot' and it may cost around $20,000.<br /><br />The humanoid robot is made for mass production in the "millions" of units.<br /><br />The robot contains a 2.3 kilowatt per hour battery pack which is "perfect for about a full day's worth of work", runs on a Tesla chip, and has Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, reports The Verge.<br /><br />The human-like hands are a "Biologically Inspired Design" that will make the robot suitable for picking up objects of various shapes and sizes at factories and other facilities.<br /><br />"It'll be a fundamental transformation for civilisation as we know it," Musk had said at the AI Day event.<br /><br />He said the robot could be priced "probably less than $20,000", as his team moved a non-walking prototype offstage behind him.<br /><br />It will be able to carry a 20-pound bag, use tools and have a precision grip for small robots.<br /><br />It is also equipped with wireless connectivity as well as audio support and hardware level security features.<br />

Musk showcases Tesla humanoid robot performing Yoga, Namaste

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/28784527.cms" /><br /> Do you believe in healing beyond <keyword id="75801" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Traditional-medicine">traditional medicine</keyword>? Alternative paths to wellness are widely practised nowadays – right from meditation/mind-body therapy to naturopathic treatment to <keyword id="2014172" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Energy-medicine">energy medicine</keyword>. But it is also likely that your <keyword id="53521" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="family-doctor">family doctor</keyword> hesitates to recommend these for a very simple reason. Lack of data and concrete proof of effectiveness. In-depth <keyword id="15509" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Research">research</keyword> and <keyword id="1009416" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="scientific-testing">scientific testing</keyword> are yet to happen in this space while most of the <keyword id="405225" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="medical-practitioners">medical practitioners</keyword> believe that alternative methods simply create a pleasant, feel-good sensation in the brain instead of any actual <keyword id="1821684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="physical-healing">physical healing</keyword>. Simply put, alternative therapies like <keyword id="1538409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="yoga-and-meditation">yoga and meditation</keyword> may increase your mental and physical toughness to fight a disease, but can’t cure the disease itself. There can be no ‘true’ <keyword id="2014174" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Physiological-effects">physiological effects</keyword> on those suffering from <keyword id="1144427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="medical-conditions">medical conditions</keyword>.<br />
 <br /> Wrong! The above concept no longer holds water as <keyword id="2014183" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Research-scientists">research scientists</keyword> are now leveraging <keyword id="696384" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Neuroimaging">neuroimaging</keyword> to measure the biological effects of <keyword id="6355812" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yoga">yoga</keyword> on the body. So that it will be a proven fact that the age-old practice is physically effective in curing <keyword id="23666" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="stress">stress</keyword> and other diseases, instead of simply driving the so-called <keyword id="2014193" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Placebo-effects">placebo effects</keyword>.<br />
 <br /> According to a study published last year in the <keyword id="2014195" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Scientific-journal">scientific journal</keyword> <em><keyword id="639871" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="PLoS-ONE">PLOS One</keyword></em>, a single relaxation-response (<keyword id="177639" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="RR">RR</keyword>) session produced immediate changes in <keyword id="160634" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="100" keywordseo="gene-expression">gene expression</keyword> of <keyword id="48619" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Immunity">immunity</keyword>, <keyword id="2014198" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Energy-metabolism">energy metabolism</keyword> and <keyword id="2014199" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Insulin-secretion">insulin secretion</keyword>. It also reduced the expression of genes linked to inflammatory response and stress. Investigators from <keyword id="53675" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvard">Harvard</keyword> analysed the expression of more than 22,000 genes and found that RR reduces symptoms of <keyword id="15418" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="anxiety">anxiety</keyword> and improves <keyword id="119915" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart-rate">heart rate</keyword>, <keyword id="22982" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="blood-pressure">blood pressure</keyword>, <keyword id="2014204" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oxygen-consumption">oxygen consumption</keyword> and <keyword id="72936" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Brain-activity">brain activity</keyword> through <keyword id="49685" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Genetic">genetic</keyword> changes in the DNA.<br />
 <br /> Scientists from other institutions are also investigating the biological changes happening due to yoga. According to a Bloomberg report, scientists at the <keyword id="689783" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="University-of-California-at-Los-Angeles">University of California at Los Angeles</keyword> and <keyword id="52659" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="nobel-prize">Nobel Prize</keyword> winner <keyword id="686620" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Elizabeth-Blackburn">Elizabeth Blackburn</keyword> have found that 12 minutes of daily yoga for eight weeks suggest an improvement in stress-induced ageing. Blackburn of the <keyword id="73593" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="University-of-California">University of California</keyword>, San Francisco, shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2009 with <keyword id="1283940" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Carol-Greider">Carol Greider</keyword> and <keyword id="1283941" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jack-Szostak">Jack Szostak</keyword> for research on the ageing process of cells.<br />
 <br /> That is, undoubtedly, good news. Till date, experts have tried to track the health benefits of yoga and <keyword id="6388212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="meditation">meditation</keyword> through some routine tools like <keyword id="24479" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart">heart</keyword> rate and <keyword id="962453" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="blood-pressure-monitoring">blood pressure monitoring</keyword>. But now that sophisticated neuroimaging and <keyword id="210886" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Genomics">genomics</keyword> technologies are put to use, measuring physiological changes will be more authentic and may persuade doctors to adapt a standard yoga therapy for various <keyword id="6505867" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ailments">ailments</keyword>, based on the <keyword id="1200030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="research-data">research data</keyword>.<br />
 <br /> Although stress is a normal pat of life and a little bit of it keeps us ready and alert for impending challenges, being constantly under pressure without any relief or relaxation often leads to critical medical conditions – right from <keyword id="6354802" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="depression">depression</keyword> and <keyword id="22984" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="hypertension">hypertension</keyword> to <keyword id="24295" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="infertility">infertility</keyword>, untimely <keyword id="24314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="aging">aging</keyword> and even heart attacks. In the US alone, 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects due to negative or <keyword id="2014223" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Intense-stress">intense stress</keyword> and 75-90% of <keyword id="6355082" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Doctor">doctor</keyword>’s office visits happen due to stress-related conditions.<br />
 <br /> Stress has been dubbed “the <keyword id="2014227" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Health-epidemic">health epidemic</keyword> of the 21st century” by the <keyword id="43588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization">World Health Organization</keyword> (<keyword id="6366244" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="WHO">WHO</keyword>) and is estimated to cost American businesses up to $300 billion per year. In fact, moderate-to-severe stress impacts almost half of all workers while they are on the job, a survey by ComPsych has revealed. So the current findings are heartening, especially if a <keyword id="416649" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="non-invasive-therapy">non-invasive therapy</keyword> like yoga can physically cure the condition instead of the much-abused anti-depressants.<br />
 <br /> <keyword id="2014165" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="John-Denninger">John Denninger</keyword>, a <keyword id="33876" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="psychiatrist">psychiatrist</keyword> at <keyword id="20988" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Harvard-Medical-School">Harvard Medical School</keyword>, is also conducting a major research to confirm that yoga affects the genes and the brain activities in the <keyword id="2014231" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chronically-stressed">chronically stressed</keyword>. The $3.3 million government-funded study, to be concluded next year, tracks 210 subjects with high levels of <keyword id="1596274" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="chronic-stress">chronic stress</keyword>, for a span of six months. The subjects are split into three groups and undergo various <keyword id="2014234" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yoga-therapies">yoga therapies</keyword> to determine which would be the most effective for long-term relief.<br />
 <br />
Can yoga and meditation do it for us what traditional medicine has failed to accomplish? The jury is still out on this, but the positive developments keep us hopeful.

Yoga Can Cure
You – Soon There Will Be Tangible Data To Prove It

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a0a29173dbef4ae078b5be8-1200/shaun t book headshot 2 black.jpg" alt="Shaun T headshot 2" data-mce-source="Shaun T." /><p class="source"><span>Shaun T.</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Shaun T. is the mind behind the viral "Insanity" workout.</strong></li><li><strong>In his new book, "T is for Transformation," Shaun talks about what motivates him to exercise.</strong></li><li><strong>Shaun told Business Insider that you shouldn't be afraid to change things up when your fitness routine is getting dull. </strong></li></ul><hr /><p> </p><p>Working out is hard. To avoid giving up, a lot of people stick to a specific schedule. Some might do an evening run on weekdays before dinner or a spin class first thing every morning. But the same fitness routine can become monotonous fast.</p><p>This can drive a lot of people - even those who start out feeling highly motivated to work out - to lose momentum and start letting their fitness goals slide.</p><p>That's according to fitness guru <a href="https://shauntfitness.com/about/#bio">Shaun T.,</a> the mind behind <a href="https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/programs/insanity">the "Insanity" workout</a>. He created an approach to fitness that aims to transform the body in 60 days using <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/7-minute-workout-science-2017-4">interval training, an equipment-free workout</a> that involves breaking up quick bursts of sweaty movement with short rest periods.</p><p>"If you're doing the same thing every day, even if you're doing one of my workouts, maybe you need to do something different," Shaun told Business Insider.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a06011135876e8c008b5510-1200/shaun t 1.jpg" alt="shaun T come on yall" data-mce-source="Shaun T." /><p class="source"><span>Shaun T.</span></p><p class="caption">Shaun T.</p></div><p></p></div></div>As someone who tries to practice what he preaches, Shaun uses his own workouts to stay in shape. "I yell at myself," he said, describing what it's like to workout to a typical "Insanity" video.</p><p>Still, there are times when he doesn't feel like doing the same routine. To change things up, he advises trying something outside of your comfort zone.</p><p>"Don't force yourself to do something you're not motivated to do," Shaun said. "Get a little uncomfortable."</p><p>By putting away our usual tools and trying something completely different, we're able to challenge the body - and brain - in a novel way. A <a href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797613499592?papetoc=">recent study published in the journal Psychological Science</a> found that older people who were assigned to learn a new skill like quilting saw gains in memory that were still present more than a year later. This suggests that taking up a new exercise hobby, whether it's cycling, dancing, yoga, or kickboxing, could help not only increase your workout motivation but also benefit your mind.</p><p>"Being uncomfortable is the first step to great success. If you're going after something you've never had you have to have uncomfortable moments. If it was easy - if there was no discomfort - we'd all have that amazing body we wanted 100% of the time," Shaun said.</p><p>Beyond benefiting your brain, new workout routines may also help ensure you're getting the best possible physical results from your workouts.</p><p>After extended periods of exercise, the body adapts - meaning that you'll burn fewer calories with the same exact workout once you've done it repeatedly for several weeks or months. For a <a href="http://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(15)01577-8">recent study published in the journal Current Biology</a>, scientists tracked the activity levels of more than 300 people across the US, Ghana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the Seychelles and found that those who got the most exercise burned only as many calories throughout the day as those who were moderately active, suggesting that our bodies naturally try to burn as little energy as possible.</p><p>Switching it up can help avoid this problem because you're working muscles you may not have been using before.</p><p>"A day or two after [trying something new] you're going to be sore because you've never moved in that way. And you're going to thank yourself," Shaun said.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-lose-weight-brain-body-effects-2017-10">Here's what losing weight does to your body and brain</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/SpDKrTA4-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

The fitness guru behind the 'Insanity' workout told us the main reason you're not motivated to exercise - and how to dive back in

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Microdosing the body with physical <keyword id="12194347" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="stress" source="Orion">stress</keyword> could have mental and physical benefits, <keyword id="12094404" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="research" source="Orion">research</keyword> suggests.</li><li>Hormetic stressors, like hot saunas and ice baths, can help aid recovery, according to lead researcher Elissa Epel.</li></ul><p>Quick bursts of exposure to cold, heat, or intense physical activity could actually help your body cope with stress better, according to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco.</p><p>Hormetic stressors, like a cold shower or ice bath, sitting in a <keyword id="13412900" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sauna" source="Orion">sauna</keyword>, or doing exercise such as <keyword id="12436793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hiit" source="Orion">HIIT</keyword> (high intensity interval training) can briefly spike biological stress, followed by recovery and ease, Elissa Epel, lead study researcher and professor in the University of California's psychiatry department, told the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Fwhat-is-hormetic-stress-and-how-does-it-work-11647179278">Wall Street Journal</a>. </p><p>There are other types of hormetic stress, such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/intermittent-fasting-52-diet-reasons-why-people-quit-fasting-2021-4">intermittent fasting</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482316/">hypoxic breathing</a> (temporarily depriving the body of oxygen), which are more controversial and discouraged by many <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> professionals. </p><p>The researchers are also looking into gentle meditation, exercise, and hypoxic breathing to compare their stress relieving benefits.</p><h2>The study was inspired by the Wim Hof Method, which involves breathwork and <keyword id="13412898" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cold-therapy" source="Orion">cold therapy</keyword></h2><p>Epel said her research stemmed from her own experience with the Wim Hof Method, which involves exposure to extreme cold, yoga, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/breathwork-why-people-are-breathing-to-beat-anxiety-and-stress-2020-3">breathwork</a>.</p><p>Wim Hof, also commonly known as the Iceman for his advocacy of ice water dips, is the man behind the method, and his fans include Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah Winfrey, and Justin Bieber.</p><p>Epel found that the method significantly reduced her own stress threshold, so she recruited Hof to teach his technique in her study.</p><p>There is research to suggest that Hof's techniques can help people <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-phelps-breathing-technique-for-mental-health-relaxation-2019-4">regulate their emotions</a>, decrease <a href="https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/less-stress-clearer-thoughts-with-mindfulness-meditation/">stress</a>, potentially <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030698770700566X?via%3Dihub">help with depression</a>, and even help <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225749">reduce harmful inflammation</a> in the body, <a href="https://www.insider.com/iceman-wim-hof-netflix-the-goop-lab-science-fact-check-2020-1">Insider's Hilary Brueck reported</a>.</p><p>Cold exposure, such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/cryotherapy-what-it-feels-like-benefits-celebrity-athlete-treatment-2022-2">cryotherapy</a>, has also been shown to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18785356">activate the body's nervous system</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030698770700566X?via%3Dihub">trigger</a> a release of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/norepinephrine">noradrenaline in the brain</a>, which helps the body regulate stress. </p><p>For people who want to start increasing their hormetic stress, Hof recommends taking a daily cold shower, starting with 15 seconds and working up to as much as you can stand.</p>

Exposure to cold or heat in short bursts can provide stress relieving benefits, research suggests

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've done nightly "checks" of my closets, under the bed, and all the locks in my house for a decade.</li><li>When my young daughter caught me one night, I knew I needed to get help. </li></ul><p>One evening, with my husband out of town on a camping trip, fear crept in at the sound of a creaky floorboard. I could've been just as easily triggered by the sight of an open door that I thought I'd remembered closing. It didn't really matter the reason: my fight-or-flight response had already kicked in with a vengeance.</p><p>I ran from room to room, checking latches on windows and looking inside closets, pushing back winter coats just in case. My breath caught in my throat as I jerked back the shower curtain. I peered behind the couch in the living room, then took the stairs two at a time to my bedroom. I got down on my hands and knees, my heart pounding, and looked under the bed. It was the most terrifying place I could think of, so I always saved it for last.</p><p>I was a 34-year-old woman afraid to be alone in her own home at night. Even though I knew I was seriously miscalculating the likelihood of it happening to me and in my own home, I half-expected to find a rapist or serial killer waiting for me. There never was one.</p><p>My husband was the only other person who knew about my nighttime routine, which I'd been doing for over a decade. A few years later, when I was nearly 40, our young daughter caught me looking under my own bed. At that moment, I knew it was time to get help.</p><p>I sought out a therapist who diagnosed me with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-know-if-have-regular-anxiety-or-anxiety-disorder-2020-7">general-anxiety disorder</a>. I resisted at first, arguing that everybody experiences <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-anxiety">anxiety</a> from time to time; while this was likely true, my particular experience with anxiety had grown beyond occasional worry and wasn't just situational. It was persistent and relentless, characterized by neurotic, reccurring thoughts about a man hiding in my home.</p><p>I learned that of the <a href="https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders">40 million Americans</a> suffering from anxiety disorders, women are <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders">twice as likely</a> to be diagnosed with one compared to men. Why, I wondered, are so many women anxious? Where does our collective fear come from?</p><p>It took a lot of soul-searching, personal research, and therapy before I understood that my anxiety represented a<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders"> confluence</a> of biology, genetics, cultural factors, and personal experience. For one, I grew up in an unstable household with an unpredictable — sometimes explosive — father who I'd once watched kick the beloved family dog. Children whose stress-response systems "turn on" repeatedly and for prolonged periods of time have a <a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/brain_development.pdf">higher likelihood</a> of later developing anxiety disorders, as do children who have endured trauma. This had turned out to be my story.</p><p>My enduring fear was also a byproduct of being a female in a world where <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women#:~:text=A%202018%20analysis%20of%20prevalence,intimate%20partner%20or%20non%2Dpartner">violence against girls and women</a> is common, has historically been tolerated, and is frequently portrayed in media. As a young woman, I'd lived in a neighborhood where a serial rapist was attacking other single women in their beds at night, one of them a block from where I lived alone in an apartment complex with an unsecured entryway. These and other similar crimes against women seared themselves into my mind, forming lasting memories that exaggerated my threat perception. It seemed potentially violent men were lurking everywhere.</p><p>There was so much out in the world I couldn't control; so much pain and violence and so much unpredictability. But now, I knew I wasn't some ridiculous woman looking inside a cramped furnace closet in case an intruder had contorted themselves to wait for the perfect moment to attack. I was trying to control something, anything.</p><p>I also learned that some of the safety measures I was using in public were not uncommon: On dark walks to my car after work, I found myself gripping my keys tightly, each one between my fingers. As it turns out, many others employ similar <a href="https://farahandfarah.com/studies/sexes-sense-of-safety/">tactics to keep themselves safe</a>, whether only emotionally or, in the worst case, physically. My nightly "checks'' were the most prevalent of these safety measures. Whipping open a closet door made me feel momentarily safe, while paradoxically feeding into the notion that a man waited for me on the other side. </p><p>While not all anxiety disorders present like mine, I recently <a href="https://twitter.com/vic_toriawrites/status/1514216414474821639?s=20&amp;t=7Dh5dGBYIhnH9I5ZthPngQ">read a tweet</a> from @vic_toriawrites that read, "How do you go to sleep at night when you live alone?" There were nearly a hundred replies from women with answers including sleeping with hammers or baseball bats nearby, wedging chairs under doorknobs, living with really big dogs, owning guns, and yes, checking closets. I was surprised to learn that there are so many of us. For too long, I'd felt ashamed.</p><p>Unearthing the roots of my general-anxiety disorder helped me understand my fear of intruders and gave me the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-mental-health-experts-wish-you-knew-about-anxiety#5-you-can-reduce-anxiety-by-addressing-your-emotional-state-5">courage to face it</a>. From the variety of treatments my therapist recommended, I opted for cognitive-behavioral therapy, yoga, journaling, and other calming techniques like as going on walks. When I was home alone and the familiar anxiety started to rise in my chest, I also reminded myself that the actual thing I feared happening was highly improbable. I forced myself to stay present in the moment and watch a movie or read a book without "checking." </p><p>The more successes I had, the easier it became to break my unhealthy routine. Overcoming my fear didn't happen overnight; it took time, during which I spent five years writing a book about fear and confronting it head-on. Naming my fear instead of hiding from it was ultimately empowering. </p><p>Except for double-checking the lock on the front door at bedtime, I no longer do my "checks." Yes, women do face real dangers in the world, but I had learned that danger wasn't hiding under my bed, and my compulsive behavior isn't something I want to pass onto the two young daughters I now have. Though healing the original sources of my anxiety is going to be a longer process, I finally enjoy the solitude and freedom of nights alone. Fear manifests itself in complicated — sometimes illogical — ways, but it comes from a very real, painful place that deserves consideration.</p>

I was afraid to be alone at home for over a decade. When my daughter saw me doing my nightly checks, I got help for my anxiety.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Multiple reports confirm that Hilaria and <keyword id="27308" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Alec-Baldwin">Alec Baldwin</keyword> used a surrogate to welcome their new child.</li><li>The couple welcomed baby Lucia in early March, but the news caught many people by surprise.</li><li>Hilaria gave birth to the couple's fifth child, Eduardo, nearly six months ago.</li></ul><p>Hilaria and Alec Baldwin welcomed their sixth child, Lucia, via surrogate, a source <a href="https://people.com/parents/hilaria-baldwin-shares-name-of-sixth-child-daughter-lucia/">confirmed to People</a>. </p><p>E! News also <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1244000/hilaria-and-alec-baldwin-welcomed-baby-no-6-with-the-help-of-a-surrogate">confirmed</a> that the couple's new baby "arrived via surrogate." </p><p>Representatives for the couple did not respond to Insider's repeated requests for comment. </p><p>Hilaria first <a href="https://www.insider.com/hilaria-baldwin-alec-baldwin-new-baby-eduardo-2021-3">revealed the latest addition to their family</a> in an Instagram post on March 1, which she captioned "7" along with a heart emoji.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CL4hIHUhfqA" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Hilaria Thomas Baldwin (@hilariabaldwin)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>A day later, the yoga instructor shared a close-up of the newborn, writing, "We are so in love with our daughter, Lucia. Just like your brothers and sisters, you are a dream come true." </p><p>Lucia follows shortly behind her older brother (the Baldwin's fifth child) Eduardo "Edu" Pao Lucas, who was born on September 8.</p><p>In addition to the newborn and Edu, Hilaria and Alec have four other children together: Romeo, 2; Leonardo, 4; Rafael, 5; and Carmen, 7. Alec also has a 25-year-old daughter, Ireland, with his ex-wife, Kim Basinger. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CL66OGRBUV3" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Hilaria Thomas Baldwin (@hilariabaldwin)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>The timing of Lucia's birth caused many to speculate whether the Baldwins, who tied the knot in 2012, adopted her or used a surrogate. </p><p>New York Times reporter Katie Rosman <a href="https://twitter.com/katierosman/status/1366453752824225793">wrote earlier this week on Twitter</a> that when she asked if their newborn was adopted or if Hilaria was pregnant last year, a rep for the mother responded, "Not sharing!"</p><p>Fans zeroed in on the possibility of <keyword id="6375354" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="surrogacy">surrogacy</keyword>, especially since Hilaria follows <a href="https://www.alceasurrogacy.com/">Alcea Surrogacy</a>, a gestational surrogacy agency with office in Texas and New York, on Instagram.</p><p>It's worth noting that the Baldwins, who reside in New York City, likely didn't use a surrogate in New York State. </p><p>Paid surrogacy was just made legal in the state on February 15, giving people with infertility, as well as gay couples, single men, and others more options when it comes to building a family. </p><p>Previously, surrogacy - or carrying a child to whom you're not biologically related to term - was only allowed in the state if the surrogate wasn't paid. After New York's move, commercial surrogacy only remains prohibited in Michigan and Louisiana.</p>

Hilaria and Alec Baldwin reportedly used a surrogate to give birth to their 6th child

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've lived in <keyword id="23469" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Charlotte">Charlotte</keyword> for years, and I'm sharing the best things to do, see, and eat <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-do-brighton-england-according-to-local-2021-6">in the city</a>.</li><li>Tourists should visit NoDa, AvidXchange Music Factory, ImaginOn, and Carowinds amusement park.</li><li>They should eat and drink at LittleSpoon, Reigning Doughnuts, and Amélie's.</li></ul><p>Dubbed the Queen <keyword id="18448" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="city">City</keyword>, Charlotte is a metropolitan destination in <keyword id="6397385" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="north-carolina">North Carolina</keyword> full of craft breweries, colorful street art, and quality barbecue.</p><p>I've lived in the city since 2007, and after exploring every neighborhood, I've <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-do-philadelphia-pennsylvania-according-to-local-2021-6">compiled a list</a> of must-visit hotels, sites, and eateries from <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-do-buffalo-new-york-according-to-local-2021-7">across the city</a>.</p><h2>Things to know before you go</h2><div type="image" title="mural at camp north end charlotte north carolina" height="2780" width="3706" msid="85303301" hostid="261"></div><ul><li><strong>COVID-19 PROTOCOL:</strong> <a href="https://www.mecknc.gov/news/Pages/Mecklenburg-County-COVID-19-Data-for-August-4-2021.aspx">As of August 5</a>, 50% of the population in Mecklenburg County (where Charlotte is) was fully vaccinated. While there are no mask mandates or <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> advisories in North Carolina, <a href="https://www.mecknc.gov/news/Pages/Mecklenburg-County-COVID-19-Data-for-August-4-2021.aspx">the COVID-19 positivity rate</a> is on the rise, and <a href="https://www.visitnc.com/advisory/snRb/coronavirus-travel-advisory">the state's health department</a> recommends that unvaccinated tourists refrain from visiting. </li><li><strong>WEATHER:</strong> Average temperatures in Charlotte range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to over 90 degrees in the summer. If you're visiting in July or August, it will be hot and humid.</li><li><strong>CURRENCY:</strong> The city uses US dollars. Credit cards and digital payment options are accepted at most places - even at food trucks. </li><li><strong>WALKABILITY:</strong> Charlotte is definitely a car city. You can explore certain neighborhoods on foot, but you'll need a rental car if you don't want to rely on ride-hailing services. The public light rail can take you to a few places, but its reach is limited.</li></ul><h2>Where to stay</h2><h3>Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park is a budget-friendly option</h3><p>Whether you're in town for work or play, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripadvisor.com%2FHotel_Review-g49022-d94166-Reviews-Sonesta_Charlotte-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sonesta</a> is a dog-friendly retreat just minutes from the airport.</p><p>There are 300 rooms that range from about $125 to $200 a night.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>The hotel has both an indoor and an outdoor pool.</p><h3>If you're traveling with the whole family, check out the DoubleTree in SouthPark</h3><p>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hilton.com%2Fen%2Fhotels%2Fcltdtdt-doubletree-suites-charlotte-southpark%2F" rel="nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">DoubleTree</a> is behind the bustling SouthPark mall and within walking distance of plenty of restaurants.</p><p>This hotel is comfortable and clean, and it has a pool. Rates range from about $175 to $275 a night. </p><p><strong>Tip</strong>: The "<a href="https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/charlotte/about/">Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show</a>" is performed at the hotel a couple of times a month. Check the schedule or ask about dates when you book your room.</p><div type="image" title="exterior shot of doubletree in charlotte north carolina" height="1851" width="2469" msid="85303303" hostid="261"></div><h3>The Ivey's hotel is a worthwhile splurge that's sure to make any trip special</h3><p>Give yourself a little treat while visiting the Queen City by staying at a five-star boutique hotel in the heart of uptown.</p><p>The 47 luxuriously appointed rooms at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fus%2Fthe-ivey-39-s.html%23availability" rel="nofollow sponsored">The Ivey's</a> range from $269 to $429 a night.</p><p><strong>Tip</strong>: The hotel has a partnership agreement with several area attractions, including the Mint Museum, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. </p><div type="image" title="exterior shot of oveys hotel charlotte north carolina" height="494" width="659" msid="85303304" hostid="261"></div><h3>If you're looking for more private accommodations, there's a luxury condo you can rent</h3><p>Charlotte has an abundance of selections when it comes to Airbnbs, including a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.airbnb.com%2Frooms%2F50677475%3Fadults%3D1%26check_in%3D2021-07-30%26check_out%3D2021-08-01%26federated_search_id%3Ddc027be8-1a78-404e-8575-7ae9220ff9e5%26source_impression_id%3Dp3_1625767128_OMoqeTv%252F%252F8dFs%252Bh%252B%26guests%3D1" rel="nofollow sponsored">luxury condo</a> in an uptown high-rise building.</p><p>The one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo offers skyline views and contemporary style starting at $130 a night.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Your rental gives you access to all of the building's amenities, including the pool and fitness room. </p><h2>Things to do and see</h2><h3>The botanical gardens are a free way to enjoy nature</h3><p>The <a href="https://gardens.uncc.edu/visiting-the-gardens/admission-and-hours/">UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens</a>, on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus, were created for the college's biology students as a "living classroom."</p><p>There are 16 garden collections to explore. Admission is free, but the gardens do take donations. </p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> The two outdoor garden areas are not wheelchair-accessible. The ground slopes and the terrain is uneven.</p><h3>You never know what you might find at Camp North End</h3><p><a href="https://camp.nc/">Camp North End</a>, which started as a factory for the Ford Motor Co. in 1924, has gone through several transformations over the years, but the 76-acre property is now full of restaurants, bars, shops, and art. </p><p>You can sip a cocktail at Black Moth Bars, snack on a cheese plate at Babe &amp; Butcher, or shop for unique items at Dupp &amp; Swat. There's also usually live music to enjoy on the weekends.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Check the calendar for events like the Van Gogh art exhibit or <a href="https://www.insider.com/i-tried-yoga-every-day-for-a-month-pros-cons-2019-11">outdoor yoga</a>. </p><div type="image" title="shopping containers with camp north end logo charlotte north carolina" height="366" width="488" msid="85303305" hostid="261"></div><h3>Kids and teens alike can have a fun time exploring ImaginOn</h3><p><a href="https://www.imaginon.org/">ImaginOn</a> in uptown, accessible via the 7th Street station on the light-rail line, is a library, <a href="https://ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp">children's theatre</a>, and interactive-exhibit space.</p><p>There's a teens-only spot and a multimedia production studio as well.</p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> ImaginOn offers various workshops and classes throughout the year. </p><div type="image" title="exterior shot of entrance to imaginon charlotte north carolina" height="2587" width="3450" msid="85303306" hostid="261"></div><h3>Get your science on at Discovery Place</h3><p>Opening little minds to the wonders of science, technology, and nature, <a href="https://www.discoveryplace.org/">Discovery Place</a> is an interactive children's museum in uptown.</p><p>Tickets start at $15, but there are up-charges for some of the traveling exhibits and events. Reservations are recommended, as time slots can sell out.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>The museum offers accommodations for visitors with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments. </p><div type="image" title="two exhibits at discovery place charlotte north carolina" height="628" width="1200" msid="85303309" hostid="261"></div><h3>AvidXchange Music Factory is a fun nightlife option</h3><p>This nightlife and live-music complex opened in 2006 under the name NC Music Factory, but it's since become the <a href="http://avidxchangemusicfactory.com/">AvidXchange Music Factory</a>.</p><p>Here you'll find concert venues, restaurants, bars, and a comedy club. VBGB Beer Hall and Small Bar are crowd favorites.</p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.hicharlotte.com/">The Holiday Inn Center City</a> offers a free shuttle to the Music Factory for its guests. </p><h3>Carolina Raptor Center has more than 20 species of birds</h3><p>The <a href="http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/">Carolina Raptor Center</a> focuses on providing environmental education, while rehabilitating injured birds. </p><p>Visitors can walk the trail to see over <a href="https://www.insider.com/birds-that-look-like-dinosaurs-2019-2">20 species of birds</a>. And it offers special exhibits and programs throughout the year. </p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> The Raptor Center closes every day from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for cleaning, so you have to buy either a morning or afternoon ticket.</p><h3>US National Whitewater Center offers outdoor adventures</h3><p>There are over 30 land- and water-based activities to choose from at the US National <a href="https://whitewater.org/">Whitewater Center</a>.</p><p>These activities include whitewater rafting, zip-lining, flat-water kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-fall-hikes-in-the-us-2018-10">hiking</a>, yoga, and rock climbing. In the winter months, there's also ice skating.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>The center <a href="https://whitewater.org/calendar/">hosts special events</a> as well, like concerts, races, and competitions. </p><div type="image" title="sign for us national whitewater center charlotte north carolina" height="628" width="838" msid="85303311" hostid="261"></div><h3>Adrenaline junkies should plan a day at Carowinds amusement park</h3><p>If roller coasters are your thing, <a href="https://www.carowinds.com/">Carowinds amusement park</a> on the border of North and South Carolina has nearly 60 rides to keep you busy.</p><p>On hot summer days, cruising down the water slides feels mighty refreshing, and if you visit in the fall, you can enjoy the annual Scarowinds Halloween event for spooky fun.</p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> The <a href="https://www.insider.com/disney-world-or-universal-which-is-better-review-photos-2021-7">amusement park</a> offers a "Fast Lane" pass for an added fee that helps you skip some of the lines.</p><h3>Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air at Freedom Park</h3><p>After a couple of adrenaline-filled days, you may be looking for a chill one at <a href="https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Parks/ParksByRegion/CentralRegion/Pages/Freedom.aspx">Freedom Park</a>.</p><p>You can picnic, play sports, or stroll around the lake, and you'll often find outdoor yoga classes, live music, and other happenings.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Parking can be hard to find on Saturdays because of the athletic events at the park, so it might be easier to visit during the week.</p><h3>Explore the art district with a NoDa art walk</h3><p>North Davidson, or NoDa, is home to intimate music venues, eclectic shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/pieces-of-art-that-transform-over-time">Art lovers</a> can travel the streets on the hunt for murals, tile work, and sculptures. Using the <a href="https://artwalksclt.com/noda-east">NoDa art-walk guide</a>, you can find popular pieces like the "Bloom" mural and the Smelly Cat.</p><p>The artsy neighborhood can be reached via the 36th Street station on the light-rail line.</p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> The art is always coming and going in this neighborhood, so some pieces you've seen before may no longer exist, and new ones may have taken their place.</p><div type="image" title="murals on the noda art walk charlotte north carolina" height="628" width="1200" msid="85303313" hostid="261"></div><h2>Where to eat and drink</h2><h3>Rise and shine for breakfast at the Original Pancake House</h3><p>One of the best breakfast options in the city is <a href="https://www.originalpancakehousencsc.com/">the Original Pancake House</a>, which has SouthPark and midtown locations.</p><p>Both open early, and they close just after lunchtime, so don't dawdle if you want a chance to nibble on comfort food that's been perfected over the past 20 years.</p><p>In addition to <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-blueberry-pancake-recipe-review-2021-6">pancakes</a>, you can get omelets, salads, crepes, and freshly brewed coffee. </p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> The bacon pancakes are a must-try.</p><h3>LittleSpoon is a funky spot for fresh, seasonal offerings</h3><p>If you want a boozy-breakfast option, swing by <a href="https://littlespooneatery.com/">LittleSpoon Eatery</a>.</p><p>It updates its menu often with seasonal and regional options, but the vibes are always amazing. I highly recommend the cinnamon-toast brûlée when it's on the <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-brunch-dishes-to-order-chefs-say">brunch menu</a>.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Head to the Selwyn Avenue location if you're looking to enjoy your brunch on a patio. </p><div type="image" title="(left) a drink next to a menu at little spoon (right) entree dish little spoon charlotte north carolina" height="628" width="1200" msid="85303315" hostid="261"></div><h3>There are all sorts of options to choose from at Optimist Hall </h3><p>For your midday meal, head to the "happiest place on earth." Previously an industrial complex, <a href="https://optimisthall.com/">Optimist Hall</a> is now home to eateries, bars, and specialty shops. </p><p>It's a fun place to spend a few hours roaming the different offerings after you're done eating, too.</p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> You won't want to miss the food at <a href="https://www.thedumplinglady.com/">the Dumpling Lady</a>.</p><h3>Reigning Doughnuts' hot-and-fresh offerings make the perfect snack or treat</h3><p>Anytime you visit the NoDa neighborhood, make sure to snag something from <a href="https://www.reigningdoughnuts.com/">Reigning Doughnuts</a>.</p><p>This walk-up window hands out heavenly treats with flavors that vary from day to day. The <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-donut-shops-us-2018-9">doughnuts</a> are cooked to order, which means you're guaranteed a hot-and-fresh treat.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>The stand is card-only and doesn't accept cash. </p><div type="image" title="exterior shot of reigning doughnuts charlotte north carolina" height="2994" width="3992" msid="85303322" hostid="261"></div><h3>There's a husband and wife duo serving up dinner at Mert's Heart and Soul</h3><p>For dinner, head uptown for <a href="https://mertscharlotte.com/">Mert's Heart and Soul</a>.</p><p>The Charlotte establishment serves traditional Southern dishes and was featured on Food Network's "<a href="https://www.insider.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives-trivia-2018-12">Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives</a>."</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>You don't want to miss the <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-the-best-cornbread-recipes-from-chefs">corn bread</a>.</p><div type="image" title="exterior shot of sign at mert's heart and soul charlotte north carolina" height="2994" width="3992" msid="85303327" hostid="261"></div><h3>Your late-night sweet tooth can be satisfied at Crave Dessert Bar</h3><p><a href="https://www.cravedessertbar.com/">Crave Dessert Bar</a> offers a cozy, cool atmosphere with tasty treats.</p><p>Here you'll find farm-to-glass cocktails, desserts to die for (I recommend the s'mores platter), and some great savory options.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Crave is a 21-plus establishment.</p><h3>You can't leave Charlotte without a visit to Amélie's</h3><p>With its quirky style, delectable desserts, and expansive hours, <a href="https://ameliesfrenchbakery.com/">Amélie's French Bakery</a> is a Charlotte staple.</p><p>You can sample one of <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-to-work-in-a-bakery-2019-3">the bakery's</a> spectacular pastries, tarts, and cakes, or snag your favorite flavor from its rainbow selection of macarons.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>The NoDa location is open 365 days a year, barring any terrible blizzards in the winter. </p><div type="image" title="interior shot of amelie's charlotte north carolina" height="2994" width="3992" msid="85303333" hostid="261"></div><h3>The Crunkleton has a full staff of knowledgeable bartenders serving up vintage cocktails</h3><p><a href="https://thecrunkleton.com/">The Crunkleton</a> has a highly curated spirit collection that's unrivaled in the city.</p><p>Don't worry if you don't know your way around <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-celebrity-chef-cocktail-recipes-for-negronis-best-drink">vintage cocktails</a>, the staff is all very knowledgeable and can help answer any questions you may have.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>I recommend giving the elderflower sour a try.</p><h3>The Park Road Shopping Center is an unexpected destination for a night out</h3><p>A shopping center may not be the first place you think of when you consider your nightlife options, but <a href="https://parkroadshoppingcenter.com/">Park Road</a> has one of the best cocktail lounges in the city, <a href="https://dotdotdotcharlotte.com/">Dot Dot Dot</a>.</p><p>In addition to the Prohibition-style bar, the shopping center also boasts <a href="https://www.siredspub.com/">Sir Edmond Halley's Irish pub</a> and <a href="https://burtonsgrill.com/">Burtons Grill and Bar</a>, which both offer great drink options. </p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> Dot Dot Dot is a members-only establishment. Learn how to become a member <a href="https://dotdotdotcharlotte.com/membership/">here</a>.</p><div type="image" title="exterior shot of sign at park road shopping center charlotte north carolina" height="1030" width="1373" msid="85303336" hostid="261"></div><h2>Final tips before your trip</h2><div type="image" title="charlotte north carolina" height="666" width="888" msid="85303337" hostid="261"></div><ul><li><strong>Even if you visit in the winter, you might want to pack some summery clothes. </strong>The weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for anything. There have been December days when I've needed a tank top and April days when I've worn a coat. </li><li><strong>Parking can be expensive in uptown</strong>. It isn't uncommon to find a spot for just a few bucks, but if there's a Panthers game or another big event, the rates can shoot up.</li><li><strong>You can purchase liquor only at an ABC store</strong>. In North Carolina, <a href="https://www.insider.com/affordable-liquor-according-to-experts-2019-4">liquor</a> can't be sold in grocery stores or other shops. It can be purchased only in state-owned liquor stores called ABC stores. Otherwise, if you want a drink, you have to order one at a restaurant or bar.</li></ul>

A local's ultimate guide to visiting Charlotte, North Carolina

<p><strong></strong></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong><keyword id="27538" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="insomnia">Insomnia</keyword> often occurs during <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword> because your body is going through many changes that can disrupt <keyword id="6372996" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sleep">sleep</keyword>. </strong></li><li><strong>To get better sleep during your pregnancy, you can establish a calming sleep routine, get some light exercise each day, and try a few relaxation techniques. </strong></li><li><strong>While occasional sleep troubles during pregnancy aren't likely to harm you or your baby, you should talk with your doctor if you consistently experience the symptoms of insomnia throughout each trimester.  </strong></li><li><strong>This article <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">was medically reviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.marinaobgyn.com/provider/dr-jamie-lipeles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jamie Lipeles</a>, DO, OB/GYN and founder of Marina OB/GYN in Marina Del Rey, California.</strong></li></ul><p>Insomnia and sleep deprivation can be one of the most frustrating aspects of pregnancy.</p><p>Expecting mothers experience many <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms during pregnancy</a> — from nausea and nasal congestion to increased urination and anxiety — and all of these can cause trouble sleeping.  </p><p>Thankfully, there are ways to improve your sleep habits, even when you feel like the odds are against you. Here's what you need to know about insomnia during pregnancy. </p><h2>What causes insomnia during pregnancy? </h2><p>Insomnia can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it's most common in the third trimester. </p><p>A <a href="https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(17)30546-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 study</a> in the European Journal of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that more than 60% of pregnant women experienced third-semester insomnia. </p><p>"For some women it may increase in the third trimester as it becomes more difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep and there is increased anticipation about the baby's arrival," says Danielle J. Johnson, MD, FAPA, Chief Medical Officer at the <a href="https://lindnercenterofhope.org/clinicians/danielle-j-johnson-md/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lindner Center of HOPE</a>. </p><p>The major causes of insomnia during pregnancy include: </p><ul><li>Restless legs </li><li>Abdominal or back pain</li><li>Discomfort caused by gestation (growing a baby in the womb)</li><li>Frequent urination</li><li>Hormonal changes </li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Respiratory changes, which can cause nasal congestion or nose bleeds</li><li>Psychological factors like stress or anxiety </li></ul><p>Pregnancy is an immense time of change for your body, both physically and mentally. Your hormones fluctuate, your habits shift, and you're expected to make many stressful decisions — from your birth plan to your parenting preferences. </p><p>As you adjust, it's natural to have some trouble sleeping when you're pregnant. However, a routine lack of sleep can put pregnant women at a higher risk of developing potentially harmful conditions, such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-preeclampsia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preeclampsia</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S108707921630140X" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gestational diabetes</a>. </p><p>Moreover, a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4935047/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 article</a> published in Obstetric Medicine also found that consistent sleeping troubles in pregnancy can lead to <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-depression-cause-insomnia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depressive symptoms</a>, increased pain during labor, preterm birth, or low birth weight.</p><h2>How to get better sleep during pregnancy</h2><p>We all need sleep, but it's even more critical for expecting mothers and new parents. Thankfully, there are ways to improve your sleep habits during pregnancy. </p><p>According to Johnson, here are four of the best recommendations for avoiding insomnia and improving your sleep while pregnant:</p><h3>Establish a sleep routine</h3><p>First, it's important to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, Johnson says, and make sure you're sleeping in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature. </p><p>And even though you're likely feeling a lot of discomfort throughout pregnancy, it's still possible to still find a comfortable position in bed. </p><p>Pregnant women should try and sleep on their sides for optimal comfort. Our colleagues at Insider Reviews have compiled a list of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-body-pillow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best body pillows</a>, which can help make it easier to sleep comfortably while pregnant. </p><p>You should also remove all electronics from the bedroom, including TVs, smartphones, and tablets, and only use your bedroom for sleeping or sex, says Johnson.</p><h3>Implement exercise into your day</h3><p>Regular <a href="https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">physical activity</a> can improve quality of sleep and also reduce anxiety or <a href="https://www.insider.com/exercise-for-depression" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depression</a>. </p><p>When pregnant, you should get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. For example, you can go for walks, practice yoga, or try a dance class. </p><p>"If you exercised before pregnancy, it is okay to continue the same exercise," says Johnson. However, you should discuss your exercise regimen with your physician to ensure you're maintaining safe habits. </p><h3>Find ways to relax</h3><p>"Pregnant women and new mothers often worry about their <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword>, their baby's health, if they will be a good mother, and how their family will change," says Johnson, adding that this anxiety can keep you lying awake at night. </p><p>If you're feeling anxious or worried, it's important to find the relaxation techniques that work best for you. Johnson says it can be helpful to <a href="https://www.insider.com/why-is-mindful-breathing-important" target="_blank" rel="noopener">practice deep breathing</a>, try <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-meditate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meditating</a>, read, or take a bath — either right before bed or if you wake up in the middle of the night. </p><h3>Address your mental health needs</h3><p>However, if you're experiencing <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-anxiety" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/am-i-depressed-quiz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depression</a> during your pregnancy, you should speak to your doctor or a mental health professional. </p><p>Psychotherapy can help relieve symptoms, says Johnson, and a therapist can teach pregnant women or new moms coping skills or tools to reduce their stress. Some therapists are even trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), Johnson says. </p><p>If your symptoms are more severe, a psychiatrist can treat depression and anxiety with medications which are safe to take during pregnancy and while lactating. </p><h2 id="related-articles-from-health-reference:">Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-am-i-having-weird-dreams">Why am I having weird dreams? The science behind your dreams and how to manage them</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-treat-insomnia">How to treat insomnia and get better sleep with self-care, therapy, or medication</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/natural-remedies-for-insomnia">5 natural home remedies for insomnia that can help you get better sleep</a></strong></li></ul>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/insomnia-during-pregnancy">Insider</a>

Insomnia during pregnancy is common — here's how to get better sleep when you're expecting

MASTER YOUR MONEY: How the American millennial is overcoming debt, the dollar, and the economy they were handed

<ul><li><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57f4cdb557540ccb028b4cc4-2400/shutterstock_305112131.jpg" alt="man breathing yoga" data-mce-source="Shutterstock" /><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></div><p></p></div></div><strong>Meditation has become popular in Silicon Valley - CEOs have adopted the practice, and apps devoted to it have proliferated.</strong></li><li><strong>A growing body of evidence suggests regular meditation is linked with benefits including lower stress and better focus.</strong></li><li><strong>A new paper suggests people who participated in a meditation retreat reported decreases in anxiety and depression.</strong></li></ul><p>The idea of sitting in a quiet room doing nothing for a few minutes each day might sound absurd - unless you understand how meditation works.</p><p>By giving our bustling mind a dedicated break from its day-to-day worries, meditation appears to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meditation-effects-benefits-science-2017-3">empower it to run more efficiently</a>. A <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meditation-effects-benefits-science-2017-3">growing body of research</a> suggests that even a few minutes of a daily mindfulness practice is linked to lower stress levels, more positivity, better focus, and creativity.</p><p>These merits <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/salesforce-creates-a-tranquil-meditation-space-with-a-view-2016-9">haven't gone unnoticed</a> amongst <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-valley-meditates-2013-6">engineers and CEOs in Silicon Valley.</a> Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and Google co-founder Sergey Brin all meditate, <a href="http://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/Meditation-helps-speed-driven-Silicon-Valley-7752311.php">according to the San Francisco Chronicle</a>, and their companies provide opportunities for employees to do so as well. Meditation apps and gadgets have also proliferated. <a href="http://www.choosemuse.com/">Muse</a>, a $249-dollar "brain-sensing headband" is marketed as a personal meditation assistant, and the company behind mindfulness app Simple Habit <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/09/simple-habit-2-5-million/">has raised $2.5 million</a>. </p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meditation-effects-benefits-science-2017-3">Several studies</a>, including a <a href="http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00315/full">paper published this month</a> in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, have found that meditation's merits can be measured both indirectly - via answers to questions like "How stressed do you feel right now?" - and directly, using biological and neurological tests like blood tests and MRI scans.</p><p>In a recent <a href="https://www.law.upenn.edu/live/files/3918-mind-of-the-meditatorpdf">article for Scientific American</a>, neuroscientists Richard Davidson and Antoine Lutz, along with Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, wrote that "the discovery of meditation's benefits coincides with recent neuroscientific findings showing that the adult brain can still be deeply transformed through experience." </p><p>For the most recent paper, researchers looked at how participating in a three-month yoga and meditation retreat affects three factors: cortisol awakening response (a measure of how we respond to a stressful event), inflammatory stress markers, and brain derived neurotrophic factor, which plays a role in learning, memory, and stress. The researchers found that retreat participants showed "decreases in self-reported anxiety and depression as well as increases in mindfulness" - effects that were mirrored by many physical indicators measured. </p><p>The retreat involved a special diet and exercise in addition meditation, so more research is needed to clarify its effects. But so far, the results are promising.</p><p>"It is likely that at least some of the significant improvements ... were due to the intensive meditation practice involved in this retreat," <a href="http://keck.usc.edu/faculty/rael-cahn/">Baruch Rael Cahn</a>, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Southern California, <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/f-yam082217.php">said in a statement</a>.</p><h2>Why meditation is good for the brain</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/599d8205614d7949178b4586-786/man meditating grass.jpg" alt="man meditating grass" data-mce-source="Shutterstock" /><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Many of us go through the day with worrisome thoughts or concerns whispering at the back of our minds. We often push these thoughts aside rather than dealing with the feelings they bring up.</p><p>Something about meditating - whether it's the physical space we set up for ourselves each day or the mental space we make by regularly clearing the mind - <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meditation-effects-benefits-science-2017-3">seems to help us deal</a> with these negative thoughts.</p><p>A large review of studies involving close to 3,000 people found that mindfulness meditation was <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK180102/">linked with a reduction in feelings of depression, anxiety, and even physical pain</a>.</p><p>Experienced meditators' brains appear to have <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3289949/">well-developed regions that may be connected to things like awareness and emotional control</a>. Some studies even suggest that in people new to meditation, the practice is linked with <a href="http://www.psyn-journal.com/article/S0925-4927(10)00288-X/pdf">significant changes in parts of the brain</a> associated with memory, perspective, and self-awareness.</p><p>Regular meditation also <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meditation-effects-benefits-science-2017-3">appears to make it easier</a> for us to focus. Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist who has studied meditation and the brain for decades, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meditation-effects-benefits-science-2017-3">looked into this idea</a> for a long-term study. He compared people who had been meditating for years with complete newbies, and tried to startle two groups of people - one that was meditating and one that was not - with a sudden interruption like a loud noise. Those meditating were <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742737/">far less perturbed than the people who weren't</a>, regardless of whether they were new or experienced.</p><p>For another part of his research, Davidson had experienced meditators and newbies listen to the sounds of stressed-out voices. He observed increased activity in two brain areas known to be involved in empathy in both groups. But that increase was significantly more pronounced experienced meditators. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742737/">Davidson concluded</a> that people who meditate regularly might have an enhanced ability to respond to others' feelings and empathize with them without feeling overwhelmed.</p><p>Overall, meditation appears to be effective because it provides us with a sense of perspective. </p><p>"Meditation explores the nature of the mind," Davidson wrote. Perhaps that exploration helps people improve their health in addition to finding calm.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/deepak-chopras-3-minute-meditation-stay-focused-2017-4">Deepak Chopra's go-to 3-minute meditation to stay focused</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/bUdELNWI-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

You Searched For "Biology behind yoga" and got 10 results

Musk showcases Tesla humanoid robot performing Yoga, Namaste

IANS

Yoga Can Cure You – Soon There Will Be Tangible Data To Prove It

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The fitness guru behind the 'Insanity' workout told us the main reason you're not motivated to exercise - and how to dive back in

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Exposure to cold or heat in short bursts can provide stress relieving benefits, research suggests

Rachel Hosie

I was afraid to be alone at home for over a decade. When my daughter saw me doing my nightly checks, I got help for my anxiety.

Jody Keisner

Hilaria and Alec Baldwin reportedly used a surrogate to give birth to their 6th child

Libby Torres,Anna Medaris Miller

A local's ultimate guide to visiting Charlotte, North Carolina

Dara Brewton

Insomnia during pregnancy is common — here's how to get better sleep when you're expecting

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Hillary Hoffower

Silicon Valley is obsessed with meditation, and there's new evidence it changes the brain for the better

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