New research published in the July 14, 2025, issue of *Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly* reveals a powerful dynamic: college students embedded in supportive friend networks are more likely to reduce their alcohol consumption. This finding runs counter to the commonly held notion that peer groups only promote risky or problematic drinking. Instead, the study demonstrates that social connections can serve as a foundation for healthier choices, accountability, and personal growth.

A new social media trend, the ‘cortisol cocktail,’ is sweeping platforms like TikTok, captivating thousands seeking stress relief. As influencers tout its benefits for lowering stress and enhancing wellbeing, health experts urge caution—reminding the public that, while some ingredients offer nutritional value, scientific evidence supporting the drink’s effectiveness is slim. Yet, the trend is gaining momentum, reflecting broader shifts in attitudes toward stress management and alcoholfree living.

Stella McCartney’s newly launched SWave Sport sneaker signals a bold shift at the intersection of luxury fashion and conscious consumption. Crafted to appeal to ecoconscious consumers who value both style and sustainability, this fully compostable sneaker is more than a fashion statement—it’s a manifesto for mindful living and holistic wellbeing.

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology is overturning longheld assumptions about aging. While it’s widely acknowledged that some physical capacities decline with age, the new research emphasizes that aging is not a story of universal decline. Rather, it involves a nuanced balance of gains and losses, with several aspects of health and wellbeing actually improving as people grow older.

GLP1 medications like Ozempic are creating dramatic, rapid physical changes in users, with many losing 15–20% of their body weight in just a year. These transformations are so striking that friends and acquaintances may find users nearly unrecognizable, sometimes describing them as looking like “their pretty twin versions.” This phenomenon is sparking not only personal milestones but also a wider cultural conversation about body image, attractiveness, and the shifting social dynamics that come with visible change.

As work cultures evolve with hybrid schedules and fourday work weeks, workplace socializing is also changing. Thursdays have become the new Friday, with afterwork gatherings increasingly shifting to the end of the “inoffice” week. For many, these events come with an expectation to drink—an expectation that can create discomfort or social pressure for employees who wish to moderate their alcohol intake or remain sober. This article provides actionable strategies to handle such scenarios, grounded in recent research and a fundamental rethinking of alcohol’s role in professional life.

Many people believe the way to improve their finances is to cut costs wherever possible—clipping coupons, chasing gas station discounts, and settling for less. But while saving money feels safe and tangible, it has a hard limit. If you want true financial freedom and a dramatically better lifestyle, it’s time to shift your focus: grow your income and upgrade your mindset. This approach not only unlocks unlimited earning potential, but also aligns with a healthier, more empowered way of living—especially when it comes to choices like sobriety.

A new analysis reveals a decisive shift in how people engage with social media: rather than publicly posting, more users are choosing to lurk, scrolling through feeds without contributing content themselves. This trend is particularly pronounced in wellness and sobercurious communities, where private engagement is now favored over performative sharing. The phenomenon, described as “posting ennui,” challenges the assumptions that underpinned the early days of social networking and signals a deeper cultural transformation.

Hims & Hers has announced the upcoming launch of a generic version of a popular weightloss injection in Canada, slated for 2026. This expansion marks a significant step for the company into the fastgrowing GLP1 weightloss medication market and opens new avenues for medically supported weight management. The news has been met with enthusiasm, as indicated by a 4.5% rise in the company’s stock following the announcement.

Alcohol Awareness Week (July 7–13, 2025) shines a spotlight on the oftenoverlooked impact of drinking in professional environments. As organizations examine the relationship between alcohol and work, there is a growing movement to challenge old assumptions, reframe harmful norms, and promote a soberfriendly culture that enhances productivity, safety, and wellbeing.