It’s not hard to get sick on the road. With the recycled plane air, germy hotel furniture, and close contact with other tourists, there are countless ways to pick up an illness. And now—due to the recent coronavirus and norovirus outbreaks—it’s even more important to protect our immune systems. Below, we’ve rounded up the worst health hazards spreading today and how to avoid contracting them while traveling.
1 | Coronavirus
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If you haven’t heard the news, the coronavirus has become a global pandemic. Coronavirus COVID-19 is a new type of respiratory infection that was first identified in Wuhan, a large port city in China. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms—fever, cough, and shortness of breath—can range from mild to severe, even fatal. While the majority of cases have been in China, the virus has traveled to more than 30 other countries, including Italy, Iran, and South Korea. Recently The New York Times reported there have been at least 34 confirmed cases in the U.S. (although those people are in quarantine).
You can only pick up coronavirus through contact with an infected person, so if you are planning a trip to a country that has seen a spike in the virus, you should probably reconsider. For instance, the U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 “do not travel” China travel advisory, and the CDC has released a level 2 travel health alert for Italy.
2 | Norovirus
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Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads through direct or indirect contact with someone who has it, or through contaminated food or water, according to the CDC. The virus spikes during the winter and is rarely fatal except in severe cases, mostly among children and the elderly.
The best way to prevent norovirus while traveling is to wash your hands often, rinse fruits and vegetables well, and make sure food is thoroughly cooked before eating. Pack hand sanitizer, and if you feel like you might be experiencing symptoms, report them to medical staff immediately.
3 | Ebola
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Ebola is a deadly virus located mainly in sub-Saharan Africa that can affect both humans and primates. In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Ebola first appeared in the United States after an infected traveler returned to Dallas after visiting West Africa, the epicenter of the epidemic. Today, the virus is most active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ebola can be spread from animal to human, or from human-to-human through contact with infected blood or bodily fluid, explains the CDC. Symptoms—like fever, aches and pain, vomiting and diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding—may appear from two to 21 days after you’re infected. The virus is often fatal, but those who seek medical attention ASAP can survive. Luckily, travelers today are at a very low risk, besides for those in contact with primates or bats in Africa (aka, probably not you). If you are traveling to Africa, the surest way to prevent Ebola is to avoid touching animals and sick people, and to wash your hands often.
4 | Zika
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Zika is spread by mosquitoes, and while anyone can contract it, the CDC warns that the biggest risk is for pregnant women, who could experience miscarriage, stilbirth, or birth defects if they catch the virus. The most dangerous part is that the symptoms are relatively mild (fever, rash, headache, and joint and muscle pain), so many infected people don’t feel sick enough to seek medical attention.
Although the virus has diminished, the WHO reported in 2019 that it is still slightly active in 87 countries across most of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. If you are traveling to an area that has had a Zika outbreak, pack long-sleeved clothing and bug spray, and inquire with your hotel if they offer mosquito nets. You may also want to travel to cities in the wintertime, when mosquitoes are less active.
5 | Malaria
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Malaria affects areas of Africa, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and the South Pacific (think: anywhere mosquitos are prevalent). The good news is that with proper healthcare, Malaria is highly treatable and rarely becomes life threatening. It can be detected through a blood test and treated with drugs. The symptoms, according to the CDC, are flu-like and may include severe chills, headache, muscle aches, and overall fatigue. Most people might begin to show symptoms as early as seven days or as late as three months after exposure. If you’re traveling to an area where malaria is common, talk to your doctor about taking prescription medicine before and during your trip, and take the proper precautions to avoid bug bites.
6 | Yellow Fever
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This mosquito-borne virus—found in tropical and subtropical parts of Africa and South America—gets its name from the yellow jaundice that some infected people experience. Initial side effects are flu-like and include fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, according to the WHO, but some people might develop more serious symptoms like jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. There is no known treatment for yellow fever, and the mortality rate is 30 to 60 percent for serious cases, explains the CDC. That being said, there is a vaccine that prevents yellow fever, and one single dose can protect you for life. If you’re visiting a high-risk area, the vaccine is required and you must show medical papers at the border control. To get the immunization, make an appointment at a specialized travel clinic like Passport Health.
7 | Polio
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Polio is a life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus, which spreads from person to person through contact with feces or, more rarely, saliva or mucus from sneezing or coughing. Polio affects the spinal cord and brain, and leads to paralysis and sometimes death. The flu-like side effects include sore throat, fever, nausea, headache, and fatigue, but only one in four people infected actually manifest these symptoms; most don’t show visible signs of sickness.
Today, there is a safe polio vaccine, and the CDC recommends that all children get four doses of it. Chances are, you don’t have to worry about polio if you’re traveling since it has been eliminated from the majority of the world. Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the only three countries that haven’t been certified free of the disease. If you’re traveling to one of those nations, you should talk to your doctor to make sure you’re properly vaccinated. If not, they’ll administer a booster shot.
8 | Measles
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Thankfully, the measles have been eliminated in the U.S., but this contagious viral disease is still common in other countries where there is less access to immunization, explains the WHO. The measles are an airborne disease spread through coughing and sneezing, and babies and young children are the most susceptible group. The most common symptom is a high fever, which can spike above 104 degrees, along with a runny nose or cough.
Anyone visiting an area where measles is active should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to traveling. Consult the CDC’s map of global measles outbreaks and speak to your healthcare provider before traveling to one of these regions.
9 | Hepatitis A
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This highly contagious liver infection is contracted through contaminated food or water as well as through fecal or oral contact with an infected person. Symptoms typically occur four weeks after infection and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and nausea. However, they are usually resolved after two weeks, explains the CDC. Hepatitis A doesn’t cause chronic liver disease, and almost everyone who gets infected fully recovers, according to the WHO.
The disease is most closely associated with bad sanitation and poor personal hygiene, so it’s important to be vigilant about washing your hands often and drinking bottled water. Still, the best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated, so check with your doctor to see if you are properly protected before traveling.
10 | Typhoid
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Typhoid fever is an illness caused by a bacteria spread through human contact or contaminated food and water. Once in your system, the bacteria may enter the blood steam, multiply, and become life-threatening. Typhoid is most common in the developing world where sanitation is poor and food may be unsafe. Symptoms include high fever, general weakness, muscle aches, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, reports the Mayo Clinic.
If you’re traveling to a high-risk area, be cautious about what you consume. The CDC offers a simple rule for travelers: “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.” In other words, drink bottled or boiled water, make sure all food is cooked thoroughly, and stick to produce that can be peeled. Stay away from street food if you can, and wash your hands thoroughly before you eat. If you think you might have typhoid, see a doctor immediately, so they can prescribe antibiotics.
11 | Dengue
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The four types of dengue viruses are common in more than 100 countries around the world, posing a risk to about 40 percent of the global population. The silver lining: Although an estimated 400 million people are infected each year, the fatality rates of severe dengue are very low (less than 1 percent). The symptoms range from moderate (fever and rash) to more rare and severe (vomiting, bleeding from the gums or in stool). Dengue is found where mosquitoes are common: in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including many parts of the U.S. While there is no treatment for dengue, most people recover on their own, according to the Mayo Clinic. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, applying bug spray, and using screens on windows and doors.
It Ends With Us opened to $50 million at the domestic box office, but rumors about a behind-the-scenes rift between director Justin Baldoni, 40, and Blake Lively, 36, continue to rumble on. Lively plays Lily Bloom, a florist who ends up in a toxic relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni), in the first major adaptation of a Colleen Hoover novel. The movie hadn’t even been released before the first rumors started about possible friction on set between Baldoni and the rest of the cast. No one has gone on the record to make a statement either way, but plenty of sources have been leaking gossip from the set. Here’s what’s been reported so far.
Creative Differences?
Photo by NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
The issues between Baldoni and the rest of the cast/crew appear to go beyond mere creative differences. "All is not what it seems," a set source tells PEOPLE. "There is much more to this story. The principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him."
Social Media Evidence
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Fans note that Hoover, Lively, and Slate do not follow Baldoni back on Instagram. This could be nothing, but it certainly doesn’t look good.
Friction On Set?
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There was alleged friction on set with Lively, who is also a producer on the movie, clashing with Baldoni. “There are all these things that happen every day on set, there’s always friction that happens when you make a movie like this," Baldoni told ELLE. "Then at the end of the day, it’s that friction, I believe, that creates the beautiful art. Everything in life needs friction to grow. We created something so beautiful and so magical, and it was hard, and it was worth it at the same time. And I grew so much as both a filmmaker, an actor and as a person throughout this experience."
Complex Personalities?
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Baldoni also made some comments to TODAY that hint at friction. “Every movie is a miracle… You’re navigating complex personalities and trying to get everybody on the same page with the same vision. And mistakes are always made, and then you figure out how to move past them."
Who’s Directing Next?
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When asked about directing the sequel, Baldoni seemed reluctant. "I think that there are better people for that one,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “I think Blake Lively's ready to direct. That's what I think." Hoover adds, "I think that whoever decides to take charge of the next one would do it justice. But, you know, it’s a lot of people to get the same schedules again."
Chauvinistic Behavior?
Photo by Nils Meilvang / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
A source told the Daily Mail Baldoni created an uncomfortable atmosphere on set. “During scenes depicting abuse, Justin failed to consider Blake’s character’s perspective, instead focusing solely on what he believed was the abusive male viewpoint,” the source says. “His approach was very chauvinistic, creating a tense atmosphere on set.”
Method Acting?
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
The Daily Mail source suggests Baldoni might have taken method acting too far. “Justin almost became the character in the sense that some women on set felt he was borderline abusive to them and that he was unprofessional and unapologetic,” the source says. “Directing a film so serious and so important about domestic abuse without allowing the women to be included in this process is disturbing.”
Script Rewrites?
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
The Daily Mail source alleges Baldoni would take any script rewrite requests from Lively and Hoover personally. “Without Colleen's book, none of this would have been possible,” the source says. “Parts of the film were rewritten under the instruction of Colleen - they had to be. He took their script decisions very personally, even though they weren’t intended that way. His behavior extended beyond the main players. Once he felt ganged up on, he became even less empathetic.”
Clashes Behind the Scenes?
Photo by Gotham/WireImage
Some of the friction behind the scenes may be down to Ryan Reynolds being involved. “The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it,” Lively told E! News. “Nobody knows that but you now. We help each other. He works on everything I do. I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his. I mean, he's all over this film."
Spotlight on the Issue
Photo by Nils Meilvang / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
A source tells PEOPLE that Baldoni is respectful and aware of the issues highlighted in the movie. “In every bit of press he has done, he has placed an emphasis on the importance of spotlighting this issue and breaking the cycle of violence,” the source says. “Though this is Justin’s biggest directing and acting role to date, this film has never been in the interest of self-promotion. It has, and will continue to be about the message with the goal of touching real lives and inspiring people to speak out against DV. Ultimately, it is about the survivors and hope.”
You never quite know when a movie might become a beloved cult classic—many of the following films were not runaway successes when they first came out, but have since cemented their place in cinema history. Comedy, science fiction, romance, and fantasy all feature heavily in this collection, which includes a movie where an actor made Mel Brooks laugh so hard the director lost money from ruined takes. Can you guess which one? Read on to find out!
Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore, this Coen Brothers’ movie is known for its quirky characters and funny dream sequences, not to mention the brilliant dialogue. “I’m so happy to be in that movie,” Bridges told The Hollywood Reporter. “I pretty much dug it all, man. There’s an aspect of the Dude I aspired to — he’s authentic, isn’t he? He’s who he is, and that’s about it. He’s a lovely cat.”
The Princess Bride (1987)
20th Century Fox
Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin, The Princess Bride is full of quotable quotes and pure magic. This fantasy adventure is beloved by movie buffs for good reason. "I loved that it was about true love and that she would never give up and nor would Westley," Wright told Entertainment Weekly. "You always dream about as a little girl but I never stopped dreaming about that."
Repo Man (1984)
Universal Pictures
Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, and Tracey Walter star in Repo Man, a movie that deserves its cult classic status. “The day I auditioned for The Breakfast Club I went on a Taco Bell commercial audition as well. I was just happy for any callback. I also auditioned for 16 Candles and really believed I nailed it, but they told me I didn’t get the part and I needed to go audition for Repo Man,” Estevez told Boise State Public Radio.
Withnail and I (1987)
Handmade Films
Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, and Richard Griffiths star in this comedy drama is known for its sharp wit and memorable dialogue. Withnail and I is still deservedly considered one of the most quotable comedies ever written.
Clerks (1994)
Miramax Films
Starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, and Jason Mewes, this cult Kevin Smith movie is perfectly representative of the slacker 90s genre. “I worked in six convenience stores in New Jersey from 1989 to 1993, which is where Clerks came from,” Smith told The Guardian. “It was an appealing, easy job, like being a bartender: it puts you nominally in charge and people have to socialize with you.”
Harold and Maude (1971)
Paramount Pictures
Starring Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, and Vivian Pickles, this love story still has a devoted following. “The film was written for L.A., but none of us felt that the ambience was right,” producer Charles Mulvehill told Variety. “So we found an estate in Hillsborough instead. Hal wanted to be away from the studio, and he didn’t want people showing up at the set all the time.”
The Cable Guy (1996
Sony Pictures
Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, and Leslie Mann star in this dark comedy directed by Ben Stiller. Carrey gives a typically unhinged performance as a demented cable installer in this cult movie.
The Goonies (1985)
Warner Bros. Pictures
The ultimate 80s classic coming-of age story, The Goonies is still beloved by movie buffs. Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Ke Huy Quan, and Jeff Cohen are magical in their roles as friends looking for pirate treasure.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Columbia Pictures
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis give career-cementing turns in this supernatural comedy. Murray is his typical sardonic best in this classic 80s movie.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Geena Davis, this wonderfully weird movie put Ryder on the map. A Tim Burton classic that still stands up today, with Keaton giving an iconic performance as the titular character.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Allied Filmmakers
Starring John Neville, Eric Idle, and Sarah Polley, this Terry Gilliam’s film is imaginative and whimsical. A classic fantasy adventure rightfully beloved by movie buffs.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Paramount Pictures
Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, and Mia Sara star in this funny, unique high school comedy directed by—who else?—John Hughes. “He was not easygoing in some ways,” Broderick told The Hollywood Reporter. “He was nervous it wouldn’t come out right.”
Labyrinth (1986)
Tri-Star Pictures
Starring David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, and Toby Froud, Labyrinth is one of the most beloved fantasy movies ever made. It’s hard to pinpoint what makes this film so iconic but Bowie’s performance elevated the Jim Henson classic.
Spaceballs (1987)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis send up movies like Star Wars in this hilariously offbeat science fiction parody. “Rick was hysterically funny in the role,” Brooks says. “He cost me a lot of money because I ruined so many takes he was in by helplessly breaking into loud laughter.”
A Christmas Story (1983)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin star in the ultimate holiday movie. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without watching this nostalgic, heartwarming comedy.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Buena Vista Pictures
Starring Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, and Gwyneth Paltrow, The Royal Tenenbaums is Wes Anderson at his quirky and wonderful best.
Rushmore (1998)
Buena Vista Pictures
Another Wes Anderson delight, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Olivia Williams light up the screen in this coming-of-age comedy. Funny, unique, and endlessly rewatchable.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Toho
Starring Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, and Shigesato Itoi, this Hayao Miyazaki classic is beloved for its charm and gentle storytelling. My Neighbor Totoro is easily one of the best animated films ever made.
The Birdcage (1996)
United Artists
Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman are perfectly cast in this very, very funny movie about a gay cabaret owner pretending to be straight for the sake of his son. The movie is not witty but full of heart and pathos.
Tootsie (1982)
Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, and Teri Garr star in Tootsie, one of the best comedies from the 80s. The movie’s themes are still very relevant today, and it’s Hoffman at his finest.
Have we reached peak hydration culture? It’s become totally normalized for people to walk around carrying giant tumblers of liquids (remember the Stanley cup craze?) but is it necessary, or even dangerous to be drinking this much water? “People have this fear that they’re always dehydrated or underhydrated and they need to fix that regularly,” Colleen Muñoz, director and co-founder of the Hydration Health Center at the University of Hartford, tells the Wall Street Journal. “That’s probably not usually the case.” So how do you know if you’re overdoing it with the water? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Severe water intoxication is dangerous and comes with alarming symptoms. “Water intoxication comes from drinking too much water," nurse practitioner Elizabeth Clay tells OSF HealthCare. "And it can lead to some severe symptoms. You can get a headache, disorientation, confusion, nausea, vomiting – it can even be fatal.”
2. Blood Pressure
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Muscle weakness, double vision, and a rise in blood pressure are also symptoms of water intoxication. “The amount of water that a person should consume is going to be individualized," Clay says. "But overall, your kidneys can only handle so much. And that's between 0.8 and one liter. So, you really don't want to be taking in more than that per hour in water.”
3. Low Sodium
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Drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia. "This is where sodium in the body is too low from excessive sodium loss in sweat or urine," pediatrician and sports medicine specialist Jeffery Cline, MD, tells University of Utah Health. "Or it is diluted by taking in too much free water without any electrolytes."
5. Nausea and Vomiting
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6. Dehydration and Intoxication
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Be careful not to let dehydration lead to drinking too much water in a short amount of time. “Dehydration can play a major role in water intoxication because when a person feels that they're getting dehydrated, they may try to overcompensate and may drink too much water at one time, and your body can't handle that," Clay says. "So, you'll start to get these symptoms whether it's nausea, vomiting, confusion – just disruption of your brain activity – and that comes from that depletion of sodium. And so, your cells inside your brain are holding on to that water and it causes swelling inside your brain and that can lead to some serious complications.”
7. Mental Confusion
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Mental confusion could be a sign of overhydration. “In severe cases symptoms could include mental confusion, seizures, unconsciousness and even coma,” says Gundersen Health. “The first treatment is to stop drinking fluids which will help someone recover in a few hours. However, with more severe symptoms, immediate medical attention may be necessary.”
8. Fatigue
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Loss of energy, drowsiness, and fatigue are all possible symptoms of too much water, says the Mayo Clinic. “You may feel nauseous or sleepy, and you may develop vision problems, muscle cramps or elevated blood pressure levels,” Candacy George, D.O., tells ChristianaCare News. “In rare cases, overhydration may cause breathing difficulties, seizures and even death.”
9. How Much Water?
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So how much should you drink? “Everyone has individualized hydration needs, but generally, women should drink 9 cups of water daily, and men should drink 13 cups, according to the National Academy of Medicine. Look at your urine to gauge how well you’re hydrating; it should be pale yellow. Darker urine may be a sign of dehydration. Clear urine, combined with excessive water intake, may suggest overhydration,” George says.
It's no secret that a well-laid-out workspace can do wonders for your productivity. But even outside getting all the tools you need and eliminating distractions, your design decisions can also have an impact on your work—including what shade you have on your walls. If you want to ramp up your output, you might want to consider grabbing a roller and going with one of these options. Read on for the best colors to paint your office, according to productivity experts.
There's nothing wrong with wanting your workspace to feel a little lively. That's why a pale yellow might be one of the better options for keeping your spirits lifted throughout the day.
"Scientifically, this warm, sunny color has been shown to increase office creativity and output," Mary Poffenroth, PhD, a biopsychology faculty member at San Jose State University, tells Best Life.
Research also shows yellow is connected to better recall and memory. "Studies find that participants exposed to yellow backgrounds did better on memory tests than those exposed to other colors. Yellow's capacity to activate the left side of the brain—associated with logical thinking and memory—is thought to be the source of this effect," she says.
Other experts agree that it's also an overlooked color for offices. "Yellow is naturally an inspiring color, as it reminds our body of the energy of the sun, and it is also calming to our nervous system, as it is close enough to a neutral color to not overstimulate our senses," says Olivia Howell, a clinical hypnotherapist and certified life and success coach.
2. Light Blue
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Stress can be the biggest enemy of productivity. If you're feeling too much pressure in the office, you might want to choose a soothing paint color.
"Light blue is known to be very calming, as it reminds our body of both the sky and the ocean, and our primal brain responds well to anything nature-related," says Howell. "It's both stimulating enough to keep us motivated during the work day and always keeps our nervous systems from feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated."
3. White
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Some people look at white walls as an easy way out from making a decision on a paint color or picking up a brush. But Poffenroth says the neutral choice can actually be fairly effective at helping you get things done.
"This simple and adaptable color scheme can greatly improve workplace output," she explains. "Effective reflection of light by soft white walls maximizes both natural and synthetic lighting in the office."
Research has also linked greater alertness and cognitive ability to this enhanced brightness. "White light exposure during working hours enhanced alertness and performance on cognitive tasks, according to studies," says Poffenroth.
4. Light Green
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Looking for something that can help keep you going throughout the day besides that afternoon cup of coffee? Consider picking a paler shade of green for your workplace for a consistent boost.
"Light green is another nature-inspired paint color that will help our senses feel calm and also help our body stay active and motivated throughout the day," says Howell. "Green is known to be a color of abundance and happiness, as well as a nature-inspired color, of course, and it's very motivating to surround ourselves with the color of abundance every day!"
It can be all too easy to focus on specific color schemes for your office in an attempt to keep things looking professional. But if you are willing to be a little playful with the possibilities, Poffenroth says pink is a standout option.
"The uplifting but not overpowering character of soft pink makes continuous productivity possible throughout the day," she says. "Because of their connection with ideas like peace, relaxation, and compassion, lighter pink tones—like blush or rose—cause emotions of calmness. Soft pinks help the mind to enter a condition of calm focus by releasing tension and anxiety."
6. Gray
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Neutral tones might seem like a default choice for wall color. However, they can still affect one's mood and output.
"Gray is an excellent color that determines a sophisticated and professional atmosphere," says Lucas Botzen, a human resources expert and CEO of Rivermate. "It is the most flexible color to blend with other colors to strike a perfect balance and harmony in your working space."
He adds that gray can help reduce visual distraction by providing a clean slate "through which one may focus and be productive."
There’s no denying that the rise of Netflix has forever changed how we watch our favorite shows and movies. Anyone who has ever lost an evening—or even an entire weekend—to a binge-watching session can attest to just how easy it can be to get sucked in and hit that “Are you still watching?” prompt again and again. But even though the streaming service has made it simpler than ever to access content on demand, there are still some handy tricks you might not know about. Read on for eight cool and useful Netflix features you’re probably not using.
Big names have long been a way to draw audiences to the box office, and streaming hasn’t changed that. However, staying on top of the latest releases has made it somewhat more complicated to follow some of your personal favorites’ careers—unless you have a Netflix account.
One of the service’s most overlooked features is the ability to search for content by actor or artist. Besides typing their name into the app’s search bar, you can also dive deeper by clicking the “More info” button after you’ve finished a program and selecting their name from the “cast” tab, according to MakeUseOf.com. This will bring up their entire body of work that you can dive right into or bookmark to watch later.
2. You can play games.
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Most people are entertained by Netflix’s broad catalog of content that they can access simply by pressing play. But did you know you could also use your membership to literally play?
Besides being a streaming platform, Netflix users are also usually surprised to discover that they also have access to about 50 different games. The titles are available for download to mobile devices and tablets as part of your membership, with options like vintage versions of the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, arcade-style games, sports, puzzles, and more.
3. You can reboot your algorithm.
Dean Drobot / Shutterstock
Even though Netflix started cracking down on password sharing not long ago, there’s a decent chance that the algorithm that’s supposed to help you find your next binge-watch has gotten seriously derailed. But instead of slogging through lackluster recommendations, use a handy feature to get back on track.
Members can easily reset their algorithm by going through their viewing history and removing titles they don’t want to be associated with their account, according to MakeUseOf.com. Simply click on the account icon and select “viewing history” to access yours and begin dropping shows and movies that don’t appeal to you or were abandoned mid-watch. This can be especially helpful if your interests have changed in recent years or if you share the account with someone you live with.
4. Don't neglect the rating option.
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Your viewing history isn’t the only way Netflix decides what it wants to serve up to you next. The service has also long provided a way to rate content, providing users the option to mark titles as “did not like,” “liked it,” and “loved it.”
While it can be easy to skip over this as the credits roll on the final episode, it can actually help keep the app aware of what you actually want to watch. Making it a point to use this feature can cut down on the time you spend frantically searching for something new to start.
5. Optimize download for travel and mobile viewing.
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Netflix isn’t just a great option for hanging out on the couch: The app is also available on mobile devices, making it a fantastic way to pass the time while traveling or commuting. But unfortunately, it’s only helpful if you’re someplace with a decent cell or internet connection—unless you plan ahead.
According to Tom’s Guide, users can change their settings to ensure they’re never left without another episode on the go. One involves enabling “Download Next Episode,” which will both download the next segment of the series you’re watching onto your device and delete any finished content. And if you trust Netflix’s algorithm, turning on “Downloads for You” will have the app stockpile content it thinks you'll enjoy offline.
Do you have a show or movie you know you’ll want to have access to? You can also always prep specific content ahead of time simply by clicking “download” on its title page.
6. Reset your watch progress.
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Whether you’re prone to falling asleep mid-episode or someone else in your home is better at bingeing shows than you, it can be hard to stay on top of which shows you’ve actually watched. Instead of jumping around trying to find where you left off, you might want to try starting from scratch with Netflix’s helpful feature that allows you to reset your watch progress.
Similar to fixing your algorithm suggestions, you’ll have to access your viewing history to get started, per MakeUseOf.com. From there, you can choose to restart an episode or go back to the beginning of an entire series. This way, you can make your way through your new favorite show at your own pace.
7. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
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Watching Netflix on your laptop? You might be surprised to know you can navigate the experience more easily by using keyboard shortcuts, just like in some of your other go-to programs.
According to Tom's Guide, the relatively straightforward commands include being able to jump ahead 10 seconds by using the left and right arrow keys and controlling volume with the up and down keys. You can also press “M” to quickly mute your content or “F” to quickly enter full-screen mode.
8. Change your subtitles.
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No matter what your hearing level is, many viewers now opt to keep subtitles turned on while watching shows and movies to ensure they don’t miss any dialogue. However, you can go further than just turning them on or off.
According to MakeUseOf.com, users also have the option to change the look of the subtitles on their screen. By clicking on the account button and selecting “subtitle appearance,” you can control everything from font size and type to background color and shadowing. This can be especially handy if you’re watching on different screens or have difficulty making out the text.