I was a longtime fan of the Google Chromecast, having owned one since the first iteration in 2013. However, its 2024 discontinuation forced me to move over to Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K—and it’s been a surprisingly great upgrade!

An Intuitive and Feature-Rich Interface 
Having not owned an Amazon streaming device since the first-generation Fire TV Stick, I was impressed by the significant improvements that the Fire TV OS has undergone in recent years. In 2025, it is one of the most user-friendly streaming interfaces I’ve used, and while Chromecast also stepped up to the challenge with Google TV, the Fire TV Stick’s UI still surpasses it in terms of personalization, discoverability, and overall responsiveness.

Like with Google TV, the Fire TV home screen is neatly organized into personalized content rows, shortcuts, and trending shows, along with quick access to your favorite apps. However, unlike Google TV, which often prioritizes Google services and content, Fire TV provides a more neutral experience, whether you’re watching Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon’s native Prime Video.

A Superior Remote Control With Alexa Integration 
The Fire TV Stick 4K features a newly redesigned Alexa Voice Remote, which sets it apart from Chromecast with Google TV—the only generation of the device to include a remote. While the latter does support Google Assistant, it’s not as polished and lacks the deeper ecosystem capabilities that Amazon Alexa provides.

The latest Alexa Voice Remote is highly intuitive, with dedicated app buttons and volume and power buttons that sync to your TV. The blue-highlighted microphone button takes pride of place at the top of the handset next to the mic itself. This allows you not only to open apps and search for shows and movies but also to control your smart home devices, check weather reports, and manage Alexa routines.

In contrast, over the years, Chromecast has been heavily reliant on its app. While Chromecasts are still a good purchase in 2025 and can be controlled by my smartphone, for home use, I prefer the holistic and simplified solution that the Alexa Voice Remote provides.

Third-Party App Support and Native Streaming Services 
One of the primary benefits of the Fire TV Stick 4K is its support for a wide range of third-party apps and streaming services. Of course, there is the usual array of options available, including Netflix, YouTube, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, and live TV streaming, among others. However, what really sets it apart from other plug-and-play devices is the ability to sideload apps for better customization and a more personalized viewing experience.

While Chromecast with Google TV also offers a wide selection of mainstream apps, Fire TV’s compatibility with lesser-known services, like IPTV services and gaming platforms, as well as its ad-free integration of Prime Video and Freevee, makes it a much more versatile tool overall.

Straightforward Integration for Smart Homes 
Amazon has invested considerable effort in creating its native ecosystem, and the Fire TV Stick 4K integrates seamlessly, offering superior automation and control compared to its Google counterpart. Amazon’s smart products are affordable and readily available, and the Fire TV Stick 4K easily connects with a wide range of devices, including Echo speakers, Ring doorbells, Blink cameras, and smart plugs.

For example, you can ask Alexa to show your front door camera while watching a movie or dim your smart lights using voice commands via the remote. Fire TV even supports Matter and Thread, making it a future-proof hub for smart home devices across different brands. For me, deeper control and better customization options make the Fire TV Stick 4K stand out in comparison to Google Assistant-supported devices.

Improved Performance Overall 
The latest Fire TV Stick 4K is powered by an upgraded quad-core processor and GPU combination for smoother navigation, quicker app launches, and buffering-free playback. It also supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, providing a premium audiovisual experience that will hold its own when connected to a high-quality TV.

This performance is similar to that of the new Google TV Streamer, which is also a premium device, although it has a much larger footprint and a price tag that is double that of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K.

Excellent Value for Money
Value for money was the most compelling reason for me to opt for the Fire TV Stick 4K. In recent years, Google has decided to drop the ultra-compact, smartphone-activated, and affordable Chromecast in favor of the more expensive, bulkier, and remote-controlled Chromecast with Google TV. This was ultimately succeeded by the even bulkier shelf-top console, the Google TV Streamer, which is significantly more powerful—and more expensive.

When I considered that the Fire TV Stick 4K combines portability, convenience, app compatibility, performance, and affordability, along with the ability to stream live TV and free ad-supported content, it was a no-brainer for me.

If you also want a secondary streaming device for sideloading apps, streaming foreign networks via VPN, and having a portable backup unit for all your streaming subscriptions, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a perfect fit. And while Google’s streaming products have never let me down, and I will continue to pack my Chromecast in my tech pouch when traveling, the Fire TV Stick 4K offers the best balance of functionality, ecosystem compatibility, and affordability, making it my top choice for streaming in 2025.

 Caterpillars and worms are a menace to both the garden and fruits such as tomatoes. But to prevent this, gardeners plant nature's miracle plant next to the seedlings.

Growing tomatoes at home can be a fun activity, but some uninvited guests can make the process difficult. Aphids and caterpillars and pests, which are one of the biggest nightmares of tomato plants, can turn your garden into a nightmare in an instant. You don't need to resort to chemicals anymore for this. This plant that you will plant next to tomatoes will protect from both caterpillars and worms.

SEVİ PLANT THE HERB NEXT TO THE SEEDLINGS
Experienced gardeners plant love grass next to tomatoes when planting a garden. It is one of the impressive natural defense systems against these pests. Love grass, which revives every year, continues its duty of protecting your garden. Love grass grows easily in areas with full or partial sunlight, and moist, loamy and slightly acidic soil is ideal for its development. In other words, it is a perfect neighbor for tomatoes.

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IT REMOVES INSECTS FROM THE GARDEN
But what makes it really special are its umbrella-shaped yellowish flowers that bloom at the end of its thin stems. These flowers do not attract harmful insects, but their natural predators: wasps. These small but effective creatures target pests such as tomato hornworms and lay their eggs in their bodies. The larvae that hatch from the eggs consume the pest from the inside, thus preserving the health of the plant.

TRADITIONAL PROTECTION METHOD
Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, spiders and lacewings provide similar protection. However, parasitic wasps are a secret weapon in pest control. They are often overlooked because of their size and pose a low risk of harm to humans.

Traditional ways to protect your tomatoes include regularly checking the leaves and removing pests by hand. However, this method can be laborious and ineffective if done late. That's why incorporating lovewort into your garden stands out as an easy yet effective natural protection strategy.

 “He always wants to be entertained with something… He gets bored… If we don’t play with him, he definitely wants the screen.” In recent years, our conversations with parents have started with this sentence. Filling the gaps with the screen or the games offered to him dulls a very valuable skill that every child must acquire developmentally: the capacity to be alone.

According to British child psychiatrist Donald Winnicott, this skill is one of the most important indicators of a child's emotional health and inner world. According to Winnicott, a child's capacity to be alone develops as a result of the basic secure attachment experience. In a relationship where the primary caregiver is "good enough", meets the child's needs in a timely manner and is "there" with him/her spiritually, the child feels safe even when separated from the caregiver. This sense of security enables the child to play on his/her own, return to his/her inner world and engage in creative processes. Being alone here is not abandonment, but a way of creating an inner space where the child feels his/her own existence and recognizes his/her boundaries. One of Winnicott's famous concepts, "good enough mother", prepares the ground for the child's ability to cope with loneliness. The child first learns to be alone with the mother. Then, he/she manages to stay in touch with his/her internal representation in her/his physical absence. These experiences build an area of ​​inner solidity that the individual will use throughout his/her life.

However, in the digital age, these inner areas are not given enough time. Free time, moments of boredom and stagnation are immediately filled with a screen. However, children need to be bored. Boredom is a call for the child to turn to internal resources. When this call is immediately answered digitally, the child turns to ready and external stimuli instead of seeking creative solutions. In this way, they get used to dealing with constant stimulation, not loneliness.

Screen use eventually becomes a regulation tool that replaces the capacity to be alone. However, real emotional regulation is achieved through the methods developed within the person. In other words, presenting a screen when the child is bored and does not know what to do reinforces the child's ability to cope with boredom, but rather the child's reflex to escape that feeling. Over time, this paves the way for a child profile that cannot imagine, cannot create games on its own, and experiences internal tension when alone.

Being able to be alone is important for the child to be able to be alone with himself and to be able to carry his feelings. As Winnicott stated, this skill is a developmental achievement and should be supported patiently for every child. Although screens seem to open up the outside world, they often distance the child from his inner world.

Summer vacation is a great opportunity to support children’s capacity for solitude. Making room for silences, troubles and gaps allows children to recognize their inner strength. Instead of offering solutions to every moment of distress, parents creating “bearable solitudes” with their children is one of the greatest contributions to emotional growth. Because when children are alone, they learn to build a world from within. And that world connects them to both themselves and life.

The capacity to be alone may vary according to the child's age and character. For example; in the 0-2 age period, children are dependent on the physical presence of the primary caregiver. "The capacity to be alone" is not physiologically possible for this age. Separation anxiety is at its peak between 6-18 months. Brief momentary separations (for example: staying in another room for a few minutes) can be tolerated with small steps. In the 3-4 age period, the child now has a mental representation of the caregiver (in Winnicott's words, "transitional objects" become clear in this period). Time spent playing alone: ​​5-10 minutes. Role-playing is seen with imaginary friends or toys. Short-term focus develops in activities such as drawing pictures on one's own and playing with cubes. The basis of the capacity to be alone at this age is linked to the child's trust in the outside world as well as the play they establish in their inner world. For this reason, we do not want children to have screens in their lives during this period. A 5-6 age child may now experience a feeling such as "being bored", but their coping strategies are limited. They can make up stories on their own and create a play area using their imagination. He/she can play alone and quietly for 10–20 minutes. However, this solitude should not feel like “abandonment.” The capacity to be alone increases in the 7–9 age period because the child’s perception of time develops (for example, when told “I’ll be back in 20 minutes,” he/she can wait). Internal speech has developed; he/she thinks silently, can create stories and plans within himself/herself. He/she can do tasks that require focus, such as reading books, writing, and completing puzzles on his/her own. Being alone can sometimes become a need (“He/she may say, “I want to be alone for a while”). Creating “semi-structured spaces” is important in this age group. In other words, offering options such as “If you get bored, you can do something with the materials in this box” is useful.

The ages of 10-12 are the age of establishing a balance between the inner and outer worlds. Being alone does not only involve play, but also intellectual production: writing letters, daydreaming, drawing, walking alone, etc. Although physical contact with their parents decreases, they still need mental connection. Boredom tolerance develops with increasing emotional maturity. Being alone at this age increases the child's self-awareness. Activities such as journaling, nature observations, and planning deepen the inner life. You can help the child identify this with questions such as "What does spending time with yourself look like?"

The capacity to be alone is not an innate characteristic, but a skill that develops over time and with support. Time spent without screens nurtures this skill. Respecting the developmental characteristics of each age, allowing children space to be bored, wait, and be with their inner worlds makes them emotionally stronger, more creative, and more resilient individuals.

Photos: iStock

Why do we get stressed? What are the harms of stress? What are the functional medicine strategies in stress management? Stress management in 10 items.

What are the Health Problems Caused by Stress?
We hear, especially lately, how important it is to take care of ourselves, but do we really know what that means? You may think you take good care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and going to bed early. But how do you manage your stress levels? Stress-related health problems cause many diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer. In this article, we will talk about functional medicine strategies for stress management.

Why Do We Get Stressed?
Stress is our body’s response to challenges. Factors that cause stress can include anything from finances, relationships, work, family life, illness, and major life events or changes. When you feel threatened, your body creates a chemical reaction as a defense mechanism. This response is called the “fight or flight” or stress response. Your heart rate increases, your breathing quickens, your muscles tense, and your blood pressure rises to get you ready to take action.

What is Acute Stress and Chronic Stress?
Stress can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute stress is stress that is experienced for a short time. For example; arguing with someone, preparing for an important presentation, getting stuck in traffic, being late for your destination. Short-term stress can help you complete tasks and protect yourself. Chronic stress, on the other hand, refers to long-term stress that usually lasts for months. Chronic stress experienced for a long time secretes the stress hormone cortisol. Prolonged secretion of the hormone cortisol causes great harm to the body; it increases inflammation in the body and paves the way for many chronic diseases.

Stress Management Methods:
Effective stress management is essential for living a healthier, longer, and happier life. However, stress management methods can vary from person to person. The key here is to experiment and find what works best for you. The following stress management methods can help you do this.

How to Manage Stress in 10 Steps?
1. Support your digestive system. About 80 percent of our immune system is located in our gut. Stress can be triggered by an unhealthy gut structure. Include quality protein sources, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and healthy fats in your diet.

2. Get some sunlight. Getting out into natural sunlight, especially after waking up, has a positive effect on your body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates energy levels, mood, and sleep.

3. Avoid packaged foods, processed carbs, and sugar. These types of foods affect brain chemistry and can cause metabolic problems and trigger mood disorders. They can also cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar, reducing your ability to cope with stressful situations.

4. Create a gratitude journal. Shift your perspective by writing down positive attributes, possessions, and things you appreciate about your life. This can help you address negative self-talk patterns that can increase your stress.

5. Use breathing techniques. Your diaphragm is connected to your vagus nerve, which when stimulated stimulates relaxation in the brain. Take a deep breath through your nose, count to 4, and fill your belly with air. Hold your breath for 7 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Do this 4 times a day.

6. Exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, a hormone that makes you feel good, and helps lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels, which rise during stressful times. Aerobic exercises, such as walking and dancing, which increase your heart rate, help reduce tension in muscles, including the heart, by allowing more oxygen to reach the cells.

7. Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine, found in black tea and coffee, acts as a stimulant, causing the adrenal glands to secrete more cortisol, which can reduce our ability to cope with stress.

8. Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature is good for both your mental and physical health by reducing your blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.

9. Socialize. Many studies show that socializing triggers hormones that reduce the body’s “fight or flight” stress response. Spend quality time with people who make you feel good and safe. If you feel comfortable, expressing what you’re going through can be very liberating.

10. Learn to say no. Set your boundaries and stick to them. Taking on more than you can handle, both personally and professionally, increases your stress. Say “no” to being too hard on yourself.

 What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?
Antisocial personality disorder is a heterogeneous developmental disorder that can be seen in almost every country; it starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood, and is characterized by a widespread disregard for and violation of the rights of others. In studies conducted on the general population based on psychiatrist interviews, the lifetime prevalence of antisocial personality disorder was determined to be 3.3% in men and 0.9% in women. Antisocial personality disorder has been accepted as a mental disorder for nearly 200 years, and this diagnosis cannot be made to people under the age of 18. The main characteristic of antisocial personality disorder is that it exhibits recurrent antisocial and criminal behaviors that begin in childhood or early adolescence and spread to all areas of life, such as school, work and social relationships.

The conduct disorder of an antisocial person peaks between the ages of 24 and 44, then declines sharply. Antisocial personality shares many characteristics with narcissistic personality, and is sometimes even seen as a subtype of narcissistic personality. The specific characteristics of conduct disorder, one of the most common diagnoses in childhood and adolescence, consist of four categories;

1. Aggression towards people and animals,
2. Do not damage the goods,
3. Fraud or theft,
4. Serious violation of the rules.

What Causes Antisocial Personality Disorder?
In addition to the negative variables such as serious marital problems in the environment and family, low socioeconomic status, large family, criminal behavior in the father, and mental disorders in the mother, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in the child are risk factors for antisocial personality disorder, but it is known that they are not only related to these factors. Gene-environment interaction also plays an important role in the development of these disorders. Although there are views that sociocultural factors have a great effect on the formation of antisocial personality disorder and that criminal behavior is a learned and adaptive situation, biological causality has been increasingly strengthened in recent years. As a result, the interaction of various genetic, biological, psychodynamic and psychosocial factors with each other is gaining importance in the formation of antisocial personality disorder.

Is Antisocial Personality Disorder Genetic?
The question of whether antisocial personality disorder is genetic or environmental is a difficult one. In recent years, genetic factors have become more important. Many studies have shown a relationship between alcoholism and sociopathy in first-degree relatives of antisocial individuals, and more antisocial relatives have been identified in antisocial adults than in controls. Adoption studies reveal that genetic and environmental factors are both risks for this disorder. So, what happens biologically in the brain that makes people antisocial? It has been observed that a person who has not previously exhibited any behavioral problems begins to exhibit antisocial behavior as a result of trauma to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. According to Damasio, patients who are defined as "acquired sociopathy" begin to exhibit socially inappropriate and aggressive behavior after brain damage.

The Role of Psychosocial and Environmental Factors in Antisocial Personality Disorder
Studies have shown that antisocial personality disorder is closely related to low levels of education, job changes, irregular marriages, and lack of deep attachments. Urbanization is a significant risk factor for antisocial personality disorder. Studies of antisocial children show that they mostly come from large families. Presumably, the presence of other male children in families contributes to the development of antisocial behavior, while the presence of female children in families has the opposite effect.

How Is Antisocial Personality Disorder Treated?
Individuals with antisocial personality disorder rarely seek help for this condition. Attempts to treat these individuals often yield disappointing results. On the other hand, specific symptoms, including violent behavior, can be managed through specific treatment interventions (stress, anger management, etc.). It is noteworthy that antisocial individuals establish therapeutic rapport with psychotherapists who promise hope for their future. This contrasts with the traditional idea that these individuals cannot draw conclusions from dangerous events. Although the likelihood of antisocial personality disorder responding to hospitalization is low, the course of treatable anxiety or depression symptoms can improve. The early establishment of a bond between the person with antisocial personality disorder and the psychotherapist is very important for the course of treatment.

 Brushes, palettes, tweezers, eyelash curlers and many other assistants that are the players of perfect makeup damage the skin if not cleaned properly. Tips for the most proper cleaning are in our article.

Beauty is not just a rule, it consists of many rules. Of course, these rules also have steps. Whether it is skin care, a simple makeup removal routine, or a multi-step care program, they all have a certain order. Makeup application also has a certain order; base at the bottom, then foundation, eyes, lips, contour, each step is prepared with the same care. Our topic is the brushes we apply all these steps to. Because if our cosmetic products and makeup brushes are not clean and hygienic, the skin gets worse rather than more beautiful.

We all know that we need to clean our makeup brushes regularly, but the daily routine can be just as intense. Disinfecting our cosmetic products and makeup elements is often pushed to the back burner, neglected, and postponed. When proper cleaning is not done, the results are bad makeup, streaky foundation, long-term infection development, and more risks.

Which one and how should it be cleaned?
Okay, no need to worry. Because keeping our beauty products clean is not as big a deal as we make it out to be. It's enough to pay attention to a few tips.

1. Make it a habit to cleanse every week, even if you are very busy, even if it is just a few products.

2. Disinfect the powder palettes with spray and keep them under UV light if available.

3. Have more than one brush set. Have clean spare brushes on hand for when you don't have time.

4. If you need to use your brush without cleaning it, clean it with 99 percent alcohol before use.

5. Disposable applicators for the lip and eye area are life savers, make sure to have them on your makeup table.

6. There are many types, from cleansing soaps to cleansing pads, from battery-powered makeup removers that work like a washing machine to silicone cleaning mats. However, the ones that save time are cleaning sprays. It doesn't take much time to spray directly on the brushes and clean the residue with circular motions on a paper towel.

7. The most economical and easy to use ones are white soap... Warm water prepared with white soap will do the trick.

8. When washing the brushes, the bottoms should never be wet. If they get wet, the bristles will fall out in a short time and you will lose your brush.

9. Hot water should never be used during cleaning, instead warm water should be preferred. Hot water damages the brush structure and causes shedding.

10. After cleaning, be sure to dry it with a towel or paper towel and allow 24 hours for it to dry.

11. Palettes such as eye shadow, contour, and blush spread around over time and the palette gets dirty. The easiest way to clean this is to wrap a makeup remover wipe in a small eye cream container and clean it by moving it over the entire surface, down to the smallest detail.

12. Cleaning your make-up bags is another issue that should not be overlooked. Because all the products you put in a hygienic manner are inside these bags. The cleaner the better the hygiene. Clean your make-up bag once a week or every 15 days. Washable ones save time in cleaning. Machine washable ones are the most useful. Wipeable ones are also good, but the ones you should use the most carefully are the hard, box-like ones covered with fabric. You should use them more carefully and clean them before they get too dirty.

13. Washing your makeup sponges immediately after each use is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. You can use hot water and some cleansing soap to wash them. After gently scrubbing, rinse the sponges, squeeze out the water, and dry them on a damp cloth. If your sponges are very dirty, a few drops of baby shampoo will provide a good cleaning.

14. Now, let's come to our indispensable eyelash curlers. Perhaps many people do not even know that it is necessary to clean this beauty tool. However, skipping cleaning can cause the eyes to become infected. To clean, first put clean water and some soap in a bowl. Carefully remove the eyelash curler pad, dip it in water, then gently clean the pad with a toothbrush or eyelash brush. Brushing for a few minutes will be enough. After rinsing the pad with clean water, dry it on a towel or paper towel. Clean the body of the curler in the same way.

15. Use soapy water to clean your eyebrow brush, then rinse thoroughly. Dry the eyebrow brush on a towel or paper towel like other materials.

16. If your lipsticks get dirty while combining them with different lipsticks, clean them by cutting a thin layer off the top of the lipstick with a clean knife or a thin razor blade.

17. The easiest to clean are eye pencils. If you open them frequently, they won't get too dirty, but if you use them occasionally and put them in your makeup bag without closing the cap, clean your eye pencil with a disinfectant spray and a cotton or clean tissue. You can also clean the sharpener you use to open your eye pencil with disinfectant, and you can take precautions by changing the razor part at regular intervals. Also, don't forget that pencils have an expiration date.

18. Don't forget the tweezers and eyebrow scissors that we use frequently. It is not appropriate to wash these care products made of steel and metal materials with water because it can cause rust. You can easily clean them with cologne cotton or a disinfectant containing alcohol. Don't forget to do this step after each use.

Photos: iStock

 Is the “21-day rule”, which is frequently used by those who want to change their habits or start a new routine, really scientific or just an urban legend?

Waking up early, eating healthy, exercising regularly, doing a digital detox... It is often harder than we think to add a new habit to our lives. At this point, there is a common belief that repeating a behavior for 21 days makes it permanent. It is possible to come across the 21-day rule frequently on social media, in personal development books or in motivational speeches. But how true is this rule? Can a habit really become permanent in just 21 days?

What is the 21 Day Rule?
The 21-day rule is an approach that advocates that a behavior or habit must be repeated for at least 21 days in order for it to become a part of life. The origin of this idea is based on the observations of Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon in the 1960s. Maltz noticed that it took his patients an average of 21 days to get used to the changes in their faces and interpreted this as a general habit formation period. This idea spread over time and became a popular principle in the world of personal development.

What Habits Can the 21-Day Rule Be Applied To?
Not every habit is suitable for the 21-day rule. Small-scale habits that can be easily integrated into a daily routine can be established more easily with this method. For example, low-threshold behaviors such as drinking a glass of water every morning, reading a book in the evening, or going for a walk are more likely to become a part of life when repeated for 21 days. However, for deeper structural changes, such as completely changing eating habits or waking up early, a period of only 21 days may not be enough. In such habits, the process needs to be planned, supportive, and sustainable. Therefore, the content of the habit directly affects whether the 21-day rule will work.

Why 21 Days?
So why exactly 21 days? Neither 15, nor 30... How did the number 21 become so convincing? In fact, this period offers a psychologically "attainable" goal. A short and manageable period of three weeks is not intimidating for someone who wants to start a change. This means an ideal trial period for many people. In addition, 21 days can be seen as a threshold for overcoming the first challenging period. However, it cannot always be said that this period is scientifically sufficient. Depending on the type of habit and individual differences, some behaviors may take much longer to settle. Nevertheless, 21 days offers a suitable framework for a start.

Does the 21 Day Rule Really Work?
While it is true that a repeated behavior can turn into a habit over time, it is not always possible to attribute this to a definite period. A study conducted at the University of London revealed that it takes an average of 66 days for a habit to become established. Of course, this period may vary from person to person, depending on the type of habit and motivation level. While 21 days may be enough for some, it may take much longer for others. In other words, while the 21-day rule serves as a starting point, it may not be realistic to expect absolute results.

The 21-day rule can be a good starting point for forming a habit. However, this period should not be considered miraculous. The process of forming a habit is personal, variable and often has ups and downs. The important thing is to be patient, trust the process and allow each individual to find their own rhythm. Permanent change is born from sustainable steps, not short-term goals.

Photos: iStock

We examined the importance of the relationship between physical and mental health; psychosomatic disorders that occur in case of incompatibility and treatment methods.

What is Psychosomatic Disorder?
Physical health and mental health are an inseparable duo of human health. It would be quite wrong to separate the body and the soul, which are two sources of health for people. If our physical health is not in place, it is quite possible for us to feel emotionally unhappy and unhappy. When we do not feel good mentally, our immunity decreases, which we are not always aware of, but it is a situation that generally happens to us and clearly reveals the connection I mentioned. As a result of our immunity decreasing, our body becomes open to experiencing some disorders.

As you can see, the connection between these two sources that form the basis of our health is too strong to ignore. Physical illnesses that occur due to mental distress are called "Psychosomatic illnesses" in medicine. Some of us may think that psychosomatic illnesses are fake, that people create them in their minds because they are of psychological origin, but this thought would be a big mistake. Although the reasons for the emergence of such illnesses are harmful mental thoughts such as stress and anxiety, when they turn into physical discomfort, their reality is no different from the illnesses we experience due to viruses or bacteria.

The Biggest Cause of Psychosomatic Disorders: Anxiety, Stress and Depression
The most common trio of mental problems that can cause psychosomatic disorders are anxiety, stress and depression. The physical discomforts that may occur as a result of these mental problems may vary from person to person. For example, a student who has an exam the next day may develop a cold sore due to stress and anxiety, while a bride who will be getting married in a month may suffer from eczema. In addition to the examples I have given, our mental problems can trigger the formation or progression of diseases such as migraine, blood pressure, ulcers, asthma and vitiligo. Although it seems a little more problem-free than the other disorders I have listed, acne, which requires medication in later stages and can enter our lives more easily, is a skin problem that can exist within a few hours together with stress and sadness. We may not all have experienced these problems that I mentioned, but we have acquaintances in our family and friends who have experienced one of these disorders.

So How Can We Cope With Psychosomatic Disorders?
We can think of the real reason for this discomfort as suppressing the feelings we feel, not sharing them and not relaxing, and trying to deal with these feelings on our own. First of all, after realizing these reasons, we can share our troubles with people we trust and relieve ourselves a little bit. Even if we can't share our stress, anxiety or sadness with anyone, we can ease our emotional intensity by writing them down in a notebook. In this way, we will realize that the saying "Too much of everything is bad" is also true for emotional intensity, and by putting those harmful feelings on paper or in words, we can find the opportunity to get rid of them a little bit and relax. Maybe we will realize that we are exaggerating some troubles and we can start to solve the problem slowly without letting it affect our physical health. Although we can't always succeed, if we try to be conscious in moments of stress and sadness as much as we can and act by putting our health before everything else, I can guarantee that you will have a much happier and healthier life.

 Starting a new relationship can add happiness to your life. But for a healthy relationship, there are some questions you need to ask yourself first. These questions will both take you on an inner journey and prepare you for the right relationship. So, what are these 11 critical questions?

Relationships are a journey that gives meaning to our lives, allows us to share and grow our happiness. However, establishing a healthy and satisfying relationship is not only about the right person, but also about starting at the right time. At this point, asking ourselves a few honest questions can both increase our inner awareness and enable us to take more conscious steps.

1. Why Do I Want Someone In My Life?
Asking yourself this question will help you understand your motivation for starting a relationship. Is it because you are looking for a partner, is it because of loneliness, pressure from your social circle, or is it because of a genuine need for love and sharing? If you answer this question honestly, you will be able to better understand whether entering into a relationship is the right decision for you.

2. Do I Have the Time and Energy to Devote to a Relationship?
A relationship requires not only emotional commitment, but also time and energy, both physically and mentally. Are you in a position to give the necessary importance to a relationship between your work life, personal goals and daily routines? By answering this question realistically, you can determine whether you are ready before taking the step into a relationship.

3. Have I Left My Past Relationship Behind?
Disappointments, anger, or regrets from a previous relationship can cast a shadow over a new one. If you haven’t been able to move past it, it can affect both your happiness and the happiness of your new partner. So questioning whether you’ve closed the past is an important step in moving forward.

4. What Mistakes Have I Made in My Past Relationships?
Mistakes are an opportunity to grow and develop in relationships. Reviewing your past mistakes will help you understand yourself and your behavior in your relationship better. Realizing where you need to be more careful can prevent you from experiencing similar situations again in the future.<br>

5. What were the right things I did in my past relationships?
You should focus not only on your mistakes but also on your successes. Understanding the positive characteristics that made you who you are in your previous relationships will help you step into a relationship knowing your strengths. This creates a positive foundation for a new beginning.

6. What are my strengths and weaknesses?
Knowing yourself is the foundation of a healthy relationship. Knowing your strengths allows you to understand what you can contribute to your relationship, while recognizing your weaknesses shows you what kind of support you may need from your partner. This inner awareness can put your relationship on a more solid foundation.

7. What Characteristics Do I Want My Partner To Have?
Being aware of what you expect from a partner is a critical step towards finding the right person. By determining what characteristics you want your partner to have, you can see how well these criteria align with your values. But remember to be realistic and flexible here.

8. Does This Person Make Me Happy?
Before starting a relationship, you should question the way the other person makes you feel. Evaluate whether you have found a harmony that will provide long-term happiness, not just superficial attraction. Do you feel happy, peaceful and safe when you are with him/her?

9. How Compatible Are Our Relationship's Core Values ​​and Goals?
A healthy relationship is built on shared values ​​and goals. Ask yourself how compatible your perspective on life, your expectations for the relationship, and your goals for the future are. This harmony is one of the cornerstones that makes the relationship sustainable in the long term.

10. What Are My Future Plans?
Knowing what you want in life is an important guide when starting a relationship. When you are clear about your own goals, you can better understand whether your partner can fit in with those goals. This way, you can see the relationship as a long-term journey, not just a momentary emotion.

11. Are You Ready to Compromise and Make Sacrifices for the Sake of Your Relationship?
Every relationship requires a certain level of sacrifice and harmony. However, these sacrifices need to be in a balance that will not make you unhappy or stop you from being you. By answering this question, you can determine how much flexibility you can show in a relationship and what boundaries you have.

Starting a new relationship can be both exciting and a life-changing step. However, before taking this step, asking these questions can help you get to know yourself better and manage the relationship process consciously. Each question you ask yourself will be a guide for you to establish a more solid and balanced relationship in the future.

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 Matcha tea, which has become a favorite drink in recent times, attracts attention with both its health benefits and its aesthetic presentation. So, what do we know about this green powder tea?

Matcha tea, a favorite of the green tea family, has become one of the leading players in healthy living trends in recent years. Matcha, which we often see on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, has begun to be used in many areas from lattes to smoothies, from cakes to skin care masks. With its aesthetic presentation, pastel green color and "cool" appearance, it has become a new passion, especially for young people. However, matcha is not just a trend, it is a Japanese tradition that dates back centuries. In other words, beyond its aesthetic appearance, it contains a very strong cultural and health potential.

What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha tea is a type of green tea originating from Japan, obtained by pulverizing special tea leaves grown in the shade. This tea, which has an important place in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, is obtained from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, the most important difference that distinguishes it from other green teas is that the entire leaf is consumed. This makes matcha tea both more concentrated and more nutritious. Its bright green color is created by keeping the leaves away from the sun during the production process. This method increases the chlorophyll content of the tea, giving it both its color and its unique aroma.

Benefits of Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is a beverage rich in antioxidants. The catechins it contains, especially EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), help protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Thanks to this feature, it supports the immune system, delays signs of aging and is thought to have protective effects against cancer. Matcha also contains caffeine but provides a more balanced energy compared to coffee. Thanks to the L-theanine amino acid it contains, it helps increase focus and can provide a calm state of mind. Some studies have also shown that matcha tea accelerates metabolism and can contribute to fat burning. For all these reasons, choosing a cup of matcha tea for breakfast or in the middle of the day can be beneficial both physically and mentally.

Harms of Matcha Tea
Although it may seem like a natural and healthy drink, matcha tea can have some negative effects when consumed excessively. Due to the caffeine it contains, it can cause heart palpitations, sleep problems and nervousness. It is especially recommended that those who are sensitive to caffeine should consume it
carefully. If you are pregnant or have a special health condition, you should definitely consult a specialist before consuming matcha tea. As with everything, balance is the most important rule here.

How to Use Matcha Tea?
The most common way to use matcha tea is to drink it by whisking it with hot water with a whisk called a "whisk", as in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. However, today this powdered tea finds life in many recipes that push the boundaries of creativity. For example, "matcha latte" has become the most popular drink of recent times, prepared with both plant-based milk and regular milk. It can also be added to smoothies, yogurts, cakes and cookies. It is even seen to be used in some skin care masks. Since it is in powder form, its area of ​​use is quite wide. However, it is very important not to expose it to high heat for a long time in order to preserve its nutritional value. For those who will be introduced to matcha tea for the first time, starting with a simple latte recipe can be a pleasant option.

Matcha tea is a special drink that draws attention with its deep-rooted history and strong nutritional content, beyond its aesthetic presentation. When consumed in the right amount and with quality products, it can provide many benefits both mentally and physically. However, as with every food, conscious and balanced consumption is important here. If you are looking for a natural and effective addition to your healthy lifestyle routine, you can give matcha tea a chance.

Photos: iStock