News: Lifestyle
In Lifestyle
What to know about student loan repayment plans and collections
It's been a confusing time for people with student loans. Collections restarted, then were put on hold. At the same time, borrowers had to stay on top of changes to key forgiveness plans.
In Lifestyle
Why some women choose Galentines over Valentines. And how they might celebrate
Galentine's Day became a pop culture phenomenon with a 2010 episode of the TV comedy "Parks and Recreation" that celebrated female friendships around Valentine's Day. Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope, gathered her gal pals on Feb. 13.
In Lifestyle
Renters use 'rent now, pay later' services to manage monthly payments, but fees raise concerns
Rent can eat up an entire paycheck at the start of the month, so a growing number of renters are turning to a financial product that promises relief by letting them split the bill — for a price.
In Lifestyle
Backyard vegetable gardens are healthy for people and the planet. Here's how to start yours
If you want healthy food, experts say to eat what's local, organic and in-season. Those foods benefit the planet too, because they are less taxing on the soil and they don't travel as far. It doesn't get more local, organic and in-season than a backyard vegetable garden.
With caviar McNuggets and heart-shaped pizza, fast food chains hope to win Valentine's diners
It's a tale as old as time, or at least as old as TikTok: chicken nuggets lovingly topped with a dab of caviar. McDonald's is embracing the trend this Valentine's Day with a limited-time McNugget Caviar kit. The free kit, which will be available on McNuggetCaviar.com on Feb. 10, pairs a one-ounce tin of Paramount's Siberian sturgeon caviar with a $25 McDonald's gift card to buy McNuggets.
In Lifestyle
Where are those darn keys? Tricks for remembering where you put things
With a scarf dangling from your coat pocket and those gloves left behind at the coffee shop, there are simply more things to lose in winter. That's not counting your misplaced keys at home or those exasperated moments looking for your phone when you say, "I just had it!"
In Lifestyle
Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it
Being a night owl can be bad for your heart. That may sound surprising but a large study found people who are more active late at night — when most of the population is winding down or already asleep — have poorer overall heart health than the average person.
Eating snow cones or snow cream can be a winter delight, if done safely
As the recent winter storm recedes, residents of lesser-affected areas might be tempted to whip up bowls of "snow cream" — snow combined with milk, sugar and vanilla — after seeing techniques demonstrated on TikTok. Others might want to try "sugar on snow," a taffy-like confection made by pouring hot maple syrup onto a plate of snow.
In Lifestyle
What travelers can expect as Southwest Airlines introduces assigned seats
Southwest Airlines passengers made their final boarding-time scrambles for seats on Monday as the carrier prepared to end the open-seating system that distinguished it from other airlines for more than a half‑century.
In Lifestyle
Shoveling snow? Over-exertion and cold temps can raise your heart risks
Pennsylvania health officials announced three snow-removal related deaths Sunday. All were between the ages of 60 to 84. The Lehigh County coroner's office cautioned people to take breaks and avoid over-exerting themselves.
In Lifestyle
Sleep-tracking devices have limits. Experts want users to know what they are
Your watch says you had three hours of deep sleep. Should you believe it? Millions of people rely on phone apps and wearable devices like rings, smartwatches and sensors to monitor how well they're sleeping, but these trackers don't necessarily measure sleep directly.
In Lifestyle
What to know about FDA's review of new Zyn advertising proposal
Americans who smoke may soon be hearing a lot more about Zyn, the flavored nicotine pouches that have generated billions in sales while going viral on social media.
In Lifestyle
To clear ice and snow, there are rock salt alternatives that are safer for your pets and yard
It's easy to dash to the closest hardware store to grab a bag of salt, but experts say there are a lot of environmental and other factors to consider when tackling all that ice and snow. Here's what to know.
Take these steps to protect yourself from winter weather dangers
Winter weather brings various hazards that people have to contend with to keep warm and safe. These dangers can include carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia and frozen pipes that can burst and make homes unlivable.
In Lifestyle
This just in from The New York Times: Its first 2-player game, and an evolving business model
For subscribers to The New York Times who are as interested in solving Wordle or filling in the crossword puzzle as in reading the latest political or business news, Wednesday is a big day.
In Lifestyle
A taste of nature can provide balance and calm during the workday
The crisp crinkle of fallen leaves beneath your feet. The swish and trickle of water moving through a stream. A breath of crisp, fresh air. Spending time in nature can be invigorating or produce feelings of peace and calm.
In Lifestyle
Mobility exercises are an important part of fitness as we age. Here are some tips
As they age, it's not uncommon for many people to let out a muted groan when getting out of bed in the morning. But if you "oof" every time you get in a car or "aargh" while bending over to pick up something, it may be time to prioritize exercises that target your mobility.
In Lifestyle
6 therapist-approved mental health tips to kick off the new year
Rula offers six therapist-approved mental health tips for the new year, emphasizing self-reflection, energy management, and setting achievable goals.
The coolest technology from Day 1 of CES 2026
Nvidia, AMD and Intel all had important chip and AI platform announcements on the first day of CES 2026, but all audiences wanted to see more of was...
In Lifestyle
Out with the old: With 2026 nigh, here's some wide-ranging intel on managing transitions
It's that time — December's waning days, when we prepare to turn the calendar page. Many Americans take stock, review goals accomplished and unmet, ponder hopes and plans. How's our health? What's up with our money? What about the country? Will the coming year look like the departing one year, or be something entirely different? Are we ready?
