What Really Happens Up There During a Brain Fart?

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Uh oh. It happened again. You’ve walked into a room with a purpose, only to realize you have no idea why you’re there or what you were doing. Welcome to the club. Since I turned 40, ahem, a *few* years ago, I’ve noticed a distinct uptick in these mental lapses. Some people like to call them ‘brain farts’—those moments when your brain seems to be conspiring to make you feel or look stupid. 

It might induce a laugh or two the first few times it happens, but it can also leave you frustrated, scratching your head, and wondering, “Am I losing it?” If you’re like me and have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, you might also start to worry that it might indicate a more serious problem with your memory.

I talked to some mental health experts to help explain why these quirky cognitive hiccups happen–and when they might be a sign of something more serious.

At a Glance

Brain farts can be frustrating and worrisome. Are they just normal absent-mindedness or a sign of something you should be more worried about? Research suggests that these moments are often just a normal part of how memory works and tend to worsen when you are distracted, stressed, or bored.

Age-related memory changes can also play a role, but it’s important to be diligent and watch for signs of abnormal or increasing forgetfulness. If you are concerned about your memory problems, be sure to have a conversation with your doctor.

What Causes Brain Farts?

“Mental lapses—forgetting a name, losing focus, or struggling to think clearly—are pretty standard and often linked to stress, fatigue, and multitasking demands,” explains Dr. Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW, an adolescent and mental health expert and chief clinical officer at Charlie Health.

The specific type of brain fart that plagues me–forgetting what I was doing once I walk into a room–even has its own name: the doorway effect. It’s described as a type of short-term memory loss that happens when people move from one location to the next.

According to researchers, it happens because our brains create a temporary “event model.” This event model contains information about the environment and the various thoughts and actions that relate to it.

When we move from one environment to the next (e.g., walking from one room to another), our model has to shift to focus on what’s happening in the present moment. The researchers note that passing through a doorway can trigger the replacement of the previous event model with a new one, which means forgetting the thoughts and intentions associated with the previous model.

Walking from one place to the next obviously doesn’t always trigger this phenomenon, and the doorway effect isn’t the only factor that contributes to brain farts in different situations. Other factors that can play a role include:

Attention

My own forgetful moments tend to strike when I’m multitasking. Juggling multiple mental tasks often means doing some things on autopilot. Since your attention isn’t fully focused on what you’re doing, you’re more likely to experience these mistakes.

“When we try to juggle too many things simultaneously, our cognitive resources become stretched, and we’re more likely to experience these mental ‘blips,'” Dr. Fenkel explains.

Age

Unfortunately, research suggests that this mental flatulence may start to increase as you get older. Sure, the sheer business of life definitely plays a part, but certain cognitive abilities, including memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function, really do tend to decline with age.

Stress

Mental mistakes are more likely to happen when you’re dealing with a lot of stress. 

“When we’re under stress, our brains prioritize immediate concerns, often at the expense of less urgent tasks, like remembering where we put our keys,” Dr. Fenkel says.

Because your brain is distracted by other worries, you’re less able to concentrate on the information you need in the present moment.

“Stress is known to be a factor that can contribute to memory issues. As we age, we can be at higher risk for developing memory lapses,” says Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik, DO, a pediatric neurosurgeon and co-founder of JellyMed. “However, it’s important not to just brush these symptoms off to age and to speak with your primary care provider if you have any concerns.”

Fatigue

Have you ever searched for your glasses only to find them on your head, or zoned out in traffic and almost rear-ended another car? Evidence suggests that these types of brain farts might be caused by sleep deprivation.

A tired brain doesn’t function well, leading to more frequent lapses in memory and concentration.

—
DR. CAROLINE FENKEL, DSW, LCSW

Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you feeling cranky and exhausted; research has found that it can also create lapses in memory and visual perceptions.

A study led by UCLA researchers found that the brain slowed in sleep-deprived participants, leading to more mistakes during tasks. Because lack of sleep disrupts communication between brain cells, it also affects the ability of these cells to encode information and interpret visual signals.

Boredom

Research also suggests that you’re more likely to experience brain farts when you are engaged in routine, monotonous tasks. When your brain drifts off, your default mode network becomes activated. This consumes a lot of the brain’s energy. To fuel it, the brain may shut down other processing systems, leaving you less attentive and more prone to making basic goofs.

When to Be Concerned

Mental health experts suggest that if you are concerned about these mental lapses, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. “If memory issues begin affecting your daily life and make it more difficult to complete tasks that normally and previously were done without issue, you may want to speak with your primary care provider,” Dr. Podkovik suggests.

Common Examples of Brain Farts

We’ve all been there at some point or another, so you can probably think of a few examples of brain farts you’ve experienced in your own life. Maybe you forgot what you were talking about in the middle of a sentence. Or you walked into the grocery store only to find that you couldn’t remember what you stopped to get.

Becoming more aware of these types of brain blunders can help you feel a little better about your own mistakes. Honestly, it can be a little reassuring to realize that these moments regularly happen to other people, too!

Forgetting Someone’s Name

I am the *worst* at remembering people’s names. After being introduced to someone, I’ll often realize—literally just moments later—that I’ve already forgotten their name. Oops!

Inattention and distractions are frequently to blame. If you aren’t fully focused on learning the other person’s name when it’s announced, it fades from your short-term memory before it can be transferred to long-term memory. Other distractions, like carrying on a conversation or paying attention to other details, can make it harder to focus on this information.

Misplacing Objects

Misplacing objects is another common type of brain fart that often happens when you perform tasks on autopilot. You know you put your keys…somewhere. A place that made sense. A place you’d definitely remember later, right? So why are you scrambling to remember where they might be when you’re already late for work?

Chances are good that you sat them down somewhere without really thinking about it. Since you failed to encode that bit of information in your memory, you’re not able to actually remember where you left them when you really need them.

Making Simple Errors in Calculations

Even if you consider yourself a math wiz, you’ve probably made the mistake of going over budget or underestimating how much cash you’ll need due to simple calculation errors. These mistakes might stem from overconfidence in our abilities, but fatigue and distractions can also play a part. Either way, they are a reminder that everyone has their moments.

Getting Sidetracked During a Conversation

Do you ever start talking about one thing and get sidetracked by some tangentially related story, only to realize that you’ve completely forgotten the original focus of your story?

Losing your train of thought in the middle of a conversation is another example of a brain fart you might experience from time to time. You might forget the point you were trying to make or forget what you were talking about altogether.

It can be a bewildering experience, but it’s important to remember that it happens to everyone. Factors like fatigue, distractions, and information overload can leave you scrambling when you lose the plot. 

Impact of Brain Farts

In most cases, we only recognize these mistakes after the fact. We’ve made the error, and now we need to make an excuse to explain why it happened. Depending on the nature of the lapse, you might feel like laughing at your own forgetfulness or hiding your head in the sand to avoid embarrassment. But can these mental lapses really have an impact on your daily life?

“These ‘blips’ absolutely can become intrusive if they begin happening more frequently to where they affect your day-to-day life. Particularly when the people around you begin to notice,” Dr. Podkovik says. “It can be very worrisome when it begins affecting your functioning at places such as work.”

 While brain farts are usually harmless, that doesn’t mean they aren’t inconvenient, frustrating, or cringe-worthy. Some possible effects include:

  • Embarrassment: Let’s face it, brain farts sometimes do live up to their names. You might find yourself blushing if you forget someone’s name, make a simple mistake, or lose your train of thought, particularly if it happens during a professional or formal social context.
  • Social awkwardness: Mental flubs can make conversations awkward, especially if they involve a social faux pas (like making a cringe-inducing Freudian slip, calling someone by the wrong name, or accidentally ignoring someone). 
  • Self-doubt: These moments can leave you questioning yourself, your abilities, and your cognitive health. It might feel like you’re losing your memory or that your intellect is slipping.
  • Frustration: Struggling to remember a word that seems like it’s on the tip of your tongue or something that you were supposed to do can be really frustrating. It can also be annoying and inconvenient when you waste a lot of time thinking about what you were doing, where you put something, or some other detail you’ve forgotten. This can hurt your productivity and reduce your time to focus on other tasks.

Safety Risks

Brain farts are usually harmless, but they can be dangerous if they happen when you are engaged in a potentially risky activity, like cooking a meal or driving a car. For example, forgetting to turn a hot plate off might lead to a fire, while zoning out in busy traffic might lead to an accident.

Coping Strategies for Brain Farts

While brain farts are a part of life, there are things you can do to minimize how often they happen–and deal with them gracefully when they do:

  • Stay organized: Keeping your space neat, tidy, and organized can go a long way toward minimizing mental mishaps. Make a designated spot for the items you use regularly, like your keys, glasses, and wallet.
  • Write things down: If you tend to forget certain information, such as names, dates, or appointments, start writing them down as soon as you can. You might keep a notebook handy or try an online app to keep track of this type of information. Sometimes, just the act of writing it down can help cement it more firmly in your memory.
  • Use active listening: As you take in new information, work on staying fully engaged and giving it your full attention. “It’s also helpful to resist the urge to multitask,” Dr. Fenkel suggests. “Instead, try to focus on one thing at a time, allowing your brain to engage with the task entirely.”
  • Slow down: If you’re feeling rushed, take a step back and try to slow things down a bit. Give yourself some extra time to think before you respond. This can go a long way toward reducing blunders.

  • Get plenty of sleep: Brain farts are more likely to happen when you are tired, so strive to get enough rest each night. “Prioritizing sleep is super important; a well-rested brain is sharper and less prone to errors,” Dr. Fenkel says.

She also recommends taking steps to manage your stress. “Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or simply taking a break can help keep your brain in a more optimal state.”

Mindfulness can also be a helpful way to focus more on the present and minimize the distractions that can derail your train of thought. “Practicing mindfulness can train your brain to stay in the moment, improving focus and reducing the frequency of these mental lapses,” Dr. Fenkel says.

Taking these steps can better support your brain’s functioning and minimize those frustrating blips.

—
DR. CAROLINE FENKEL, DSW, LCSW

So what should you do when a brain fart does happen? Laugh it off! Trust us, it happens to everyone, so it helps to maintain a sense of humor about it. Laugh, apologize for your mistake, and move on. 

Dr. Podkovik suggests that if you are experiencing these lapses in memory, the most important thing you can do is focus on your own health. He recommends seeing your primary care provider regularly to ensure that your physical, cardiovascular, and mental health are in good order.

Takeaways

According to the experts, brain farts generally aren’t a cause for concern. If you are worried, consider some of the factors that might be playing a role, such as your age, stress, and attention levels. Try utilizing some simple memory-boosting strategies, such as avoiding multitasking, taking notes, and slowing down when possible.

If these tricks aren’t helping, or if you notice that your memory problems are worsening, talk to your doctor. They can evaluate your memory for signs of a more serious problem–and suggest treatments or solutions that can help.


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The Mental Benefits of Learning a New Language

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Every night, no matter how exhausted I am, I carve out at least 5 to 10 minutes for a quick lesson on my language learning app. I might not be fluent yet, but according to the experts, my daily lessons have serious brain-boosting benefits.

“Learning a new language can be immensely helpful for cognitive health, particularly as we age. This is because language learning engages a wide range of complex cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving, which can help to create and strengthen connections in the brain,” explains Dr. Roy Hamilton, MD, trustee of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation. 

The benefits go beyond protecting the brain against the effects of aging. Experts also note that language learning can help foster social connections and empathy. We are all citizens of the world, and it’s important for us to stay connected with other cultures and people from different backgrounds.

Of course, knowing the benefits doesn’t necessarily make the process easy. Learning a new language takes time, practice, and diligence. Even if you stick with it every day for a long time, it can still be a struggle. But that’s exactly why learning a new language can be so beneficial. It challenges your brain in unique ways that, ultimately, help your mind stay healthy and strong.

At a Glance

People learn new languages for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes, it’s for work or school. Others enjoy the thrill of chatting with the locals when they’re on vacation. And sometimes, it’s just for fun.

However, it can also be a powerful way to boost your cognitive skills and maintain your brain’s health. It can build your cognitive reserve, stave off the effects of brain aging, and have helpful social and emotional benefits. Learning a new language as an adult is certainly more challenging, but your brain will thank you.

Why Learning a New Language Is So Hard

My daily Duolingo sessions aren’t my first foray into trying to learn a new language. But, like many people, my motivation dwindled once my high school foreign language credits were completed. Time and dedication are two common challenges when it comes to learning a new language. But a big part of the reason it’s so tough comes down to how your brain is wired.

Dr. Hamilton explains that there is an optimal developmental period–usually spanning infancy to around puberty–when the brain is particularly receptive to language. During this age, the brain’s language networks possess a high degree of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and change.

“Because of this, [children] can easily organize and reinforce themselves in response to being exposed to language. This allows children to learn languages naturally and efficiently—essentially automatically—if they are regularly exposed to those languages,” Dr. Hamilton says.

Other factors that might affect your ability to pick up a new language as an adult include:

  • Language complexity: Sometimes, other languages have linguistic complexities that can be challenging, especially if they’re very different from those of your native tongue. Dr. Hamilton notes that adults tend to rely on the thoughts and structures of their native language, which makes learning the sounds and grammatical rules of a new language trickier.
  • Anxiety and self-consciousness: Dr. Hamilton explains that adults are more likely to feel anxious or self-conscious about learning a new language, which can stand in the way of their progress. Being scared to practice or embarrassed about making mistakes certainly doesn’t make it any easier!
  • Learning methods: How you learn and practice is also important. Traditional learning methods may focus more on things like memorization and vocabulary, which may work for some people. However, others may find that approach tedious and difficult to stick with.
  • Age: Let’s face it, it really can be harder to teach an old dog (or brain) new tricks. Experts suggest that the ability to learn new languages starts to decline once someone reaches adolescence and adulthood. “While the adult brain remains plastic, the rate at which new connections form slows down over time, making it harder to acquire new skills, including language,” Dr. Hamilton says. Plus, the stress and busyness of everyday life can make it difficult to find time to practice.

The Benefits of Learning a New Language

Learning a new language can definitely be a challenge–but that’s exactly why it can be so rewarding!

According to psychotherapist Kristie Tse, LMHC, clinical director and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling, “Learning a new language has profound benefits for brain health. It encourages the brain to be flexible and adaptable, as it requires quick thinking and problem-solving skills to comprehend and construct new sentences.”

Cognitive Benefits

Learning a new language doesn’t just make you *sound* smarter. In one analysis, 90% of the studies they examined found that learning a new language leads to improvements in other academic subjects as well.

Such benefits don’t just stem from increased literacy skills. Other research has found that second language learners also appear to make gains in their working memory, concentration, and creativity.

Dr. Hamilton also points to research findings showing that people who speak two or more languages have a delayed onset of dementia compared to those who only speak one.

“Speaking more than one language may improve so-called executive functions, such as the ability to switch fluidly between mental tasks, and may even positively impact other cognitive skills like visual-spatial abilities and reasoning,” Dr. Hamilton says.

Emotional Benefits

On an emotional level, developing new language skills can also give you a greater sense of confidence and purpose. Such benefits can spill over into other areas of your life. You might not be a polyglot yet, but tackling one language can give you the boost in self-efficacy you need to keep working toward your language-learning goals.

Social Advantages 

Hint: Knowing more than one language can be a great conversation starter. People are often interested in learning more about your learning journey. Plus, learning a new language can be a great opportunity to meet new people and forge new friendships over your shared interests.

Building these meaningful connections not only helps widen your social circle (and improves your social support system), but it also brings a deeper sense of cultural perspective.

It not only enriches cognitive abilities but also serves as a bridge to understanding cultural complexities and enhancing emotional resilience. 

How the Brain Changes When You Learn a New Language

So, what exactly is going on inside your head when you’re conjugating verbs and learning how to roll your Rs? Learning a new language does a lot more than just expand your linguistic skills–it actually leads to significant changes in your brain. 

Researchers have found that the brain actually starts to rewire itself in response to learning a new language. Such changes not only challenge your brain, but they can also help you stay more adaptable as you age.

What other kinds of brain-boosting benefits can you expect?

It Can Protect Your White Matter

White matter is the fatty substance that covers brain axons, which allows signals to travel through the brain quickly and efficiently. Evidence suggests that learning a second language helps protect white matter from the effects of aging, which can help you keep your brain healthier as you grow older.

It Can Increase Grey Matter Volume

Grey matter is the brain material associated with learning, movement, emotions, and memory. Learning and using a new language helps to increase grey matter volume in important areas of the brain.

It Leads to Changes in Brain Structure

One study found that bilingualism increases the size of certain brain regions. Such increases also tend to grow as people gain more bilingual experience. The findings suggest that learning a new language creates complex changes in brain structures that are similar to those of other cognitively demanding tasks.

No single activity is a one-size-fits-all solution to maintaining healthy cognition throughout one’s brain span, but language learning is certainly a really great way to contribute to the health of one’s brain.

Practical Tips for Learning a New Language

Learning a new language as an adult can be really challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective (and fun) ways to achieve your language-learning goals:

Try a Language App

Language-learning apps can be a great way to get started with a new language. Babbel, Duolingo, and Memrise are a few options you might consider.

Practice Daily

Consistency is the key! Even just 5 to 10 minutes a day can help.

“Being exposed to and using the target language on a daily basis, even in small amounts, can significantly boost retention and fluency,” Dr. Hamilton says.

Be sure to turn on app notifications and use app widgets if they are available on your device. These regular reminders can help you stay on track.

Immerse Yourself

Don’t just limit your daily learning to your lessons. “It’s important to immerse oneself as much as possible in the language one wants to acquire. This can be done through media, such as movies, music, and podcasts, which helps to build listening skills and exposes the learner to the language being used in its natural context,” Dr. Hamilton suggests.

Memorize Vocabulary

Rote memorization may not be the most exciting part of learning, but it’s important for laying the foundation you’ll need to succeed when learning a new language. Flashcards, whether you’re using an app or making them yourself, can be a great tool for nailing those basic vocabulary terms.

Learn Grammar

Getting used to the grammatical structure of a new language can be tough. Start with the basics, like verb conjugations and sentence structure. Then, challenge yourself with more complex sentences. A grammar book or app can be a helpful tool.

Find a Conversation Partner

Getting actual experience speaking your target language is vital! “Finding a language partner or joining a conversation group can provide the necessary practice in speaking and listening, which are critical components of language proficiency,” says Dr. Hamilton.

Integrate Other Learning Tools

As you gain more skill and experience, start looking for other tools and resources that can help you build your language abilities. Listening to podcasts or radio broadcasts in your target language can be a great way to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the nuances of the language.

Try reading a book in your target language! Kids’ books can be perfect for beginners, and as you get more advanced, you might try reading a book you already know and love in your new language.

Tip: Try Spaced Repetition System (SRS)

Dr. Hamilton recommends spaced repetition system (SRS) when learning a new language. “This is a learning technique grounded in memory research that helps one to remember new vocabulary items by rehearsing them in a systematic manner. Reviews of words one remembers well are gradually spaced out, focusing effort on more on challenging items; this makes one’s study time more efficient and helps vocabulary to stick in long-term memory,” he explains.

Takeaways

Learning new things is good for your brain, and experts suggest that learning a new language, in particular, can have numerous important benefits for your cognitive functioning and health. Dr. Hamilton recommends managing your expectations as an adult language learner.

“Language learning is a gradual process,” he says, “and embracing mistakes as part of the learning journey and staying motivated through setting achievable goals can make the experience both effective and enjoyable.”


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The Truth About Cortisol Face—and Signs You Have It

by with No Comment Dating Tips, Guide and Advice


When will I learn that binge-watching wellness TikToks with trending buzzwords is not the best decision? This week, I’m freaking out about possibly having a “cortisol face.” Just what is “cortisol face,” you might ask? It’s a puffy or bloated facial appearance caused by extra cortisol (re: stress hormone) in the body. Think chubby cheeks, rounded jaw, and puffy eyes.

Here’s a little biology lesson: when your body gets ~stressed~ it releases cortisol aka the stress hormone. “The primary function of cortisol is to regulate the body’s response to stress, as it helps our body handle emergencies,” Dr. Brynna Connor, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician, says. “Elevated levels of cortisol in the body can cause some puffiness and swelling due to stress.”

Anxious about a job interview? Worried about your upcoming appointment with the doctor? Cue facial swelling. Most “cortisol faces” are a stress reaction but sometimes they can be a sign of something deeper.

How do you know if it’s stress causing your puffy face or something underlying? Before you fall down the HealthTok vortex (like me, lol) and self-diagnose yourself, read my expert-backed report that answers all your “cortisol face” questions.

So, “Cortisol Face” Is…?

According to Dr. Connor, “cortisol face” is used on TikTok and other social media platforms to describe a condition where your face swells up from additional stress. It’s usually temporary and rarely—if ever—painful.

And then there’s moon facies—a condition similar to “cortisol face” but not quite. When one has moon facies, they suffer from a “buildup of fat or fluid deposits along the side of one’s skull or swelling along the jawline,” Dr. Connor says. These fluids cause a puffed-up-like appearance and facial pain. Moon facies are a symptom of other health conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (more on this later) or corticosteroids and can’t be treated without medical intervention.

The Differences Between “Moon Facies” and “Cortisol Face”

Let me break it down further: both “cortisol face” and “moon face” stem from a heightened amount of cortisol in the body caused by stress. However, “cortisol face” is temporary and can be reversed with better lifestyle choices like exercising or meditation. “Moon face” is a symptom of a deeper underlying medical issue and should be addressed with a medical professional.

When Is It “Cortisol Face” or Something Deeper?

Go ahead and take a deep breath. Your puffed-up appearance might be caused by stress. Some meditation or breathing exercises can help regulate your system and decrease swelling. But if your puffed-up face is painful and worsens over time, call your local doctor. You might have an underlying health condition like Cushing’s syndrome.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is “a rare hormonal disorder caused by long-term/excessive production of cortisol by our body,” Dr. Connor explains.

Before you fall victim to HealthTok paranoia and self-diagnose yourself, remember that Cushing’s syndrome is rare and caused by an increase of cortisol hormones or a patient taking steroids. Furthermore, a puffed-up face isn’t the only symptom of this condition—abnormal weight gain, weak muscles, a fatty lump between shoulders, pink or purple stretch marks, and easy bruising are some other signs. Before you visit your doctor and run up a huge hospital bill over a single TikTok video, see if you have other symptoms along with a puffy face and get tested if you do.

How to Manage Your Stress and Prevent “Cortisol Face”

Phew, do you feel calmer now? I know I do. If your “cortisol face” is not painful and isn’t accompanied by other symptoms, the puffiness is probably just stress-related. And lucky for you, there are several easy (and did I mention free?) lifestyle changes that can chill you out.

Get Up and Move

Harmonee Dunbar, 29, also fell down the “cortisol face” rabbit hole on TikTok and realized how swollen her face had gotten because of stress. Since then, she’s started incorporating exercise into her daily routine and implementing practical changes such as “walking to the train instead of Ubering” to reduce her stress and debloat her face.

Mindfulness Always Works

Joy Pate, LCSW, the owner of Therapy With Joy, recommends deep breathing techniques, emotional freedom taping (the tapping of specific acupressure points in your body), and other mindfulness activities to reduce stress. “For something like [cortisol face], people should look into somatic interventions, which are a combination of addressing how your body and your mind process stress,” she says.

Pate also recommends making a joy list. “Write things that bring you joy like playful and light-hearted activities,” she explains. “[Knowing] what brings you joy is important because joy combats stress.” If you don’t know what brings you joy, Pate suggests asking yourself: “When’s the last time you had a flutter in your chest? Butterflies in your stomach? or Lightness in your body?”

Get Your Zzzs

Can’t forget about sleep hygiene! Having a solid nighttime routine can reduce stress tremendously. “Go to bed at the same time and do things at night that relax your body,” Pate suggests. Sleep meditation, a warm shower, and a cup of chamomile tea are a few activities that can improve your sleep.

If possible, avoid drinking coffee late at night and scrolling through your phone. Sorry, but you *have* to put down TikTok. Your phone’s blue light emits brain stimulation and keeps your neurons fired, which interferes with some much-needed shut-eye.

Takeaways

If you want to eliminate your “cortisol face,” stress reduction is key. There’s no quick fix, of course. But changing your habits and routines and adding more wellness-focused activities is a great start. Try listening to a soothing podcast on your morning commute or practice yoga stretches after work. Go to a happy hour with friends or pick up a new romance book. You can self-care your way out of a “cortisol face.”




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