science | The Burgundy Zine

July 17, 2020

Why Anxiety Prevents You From Falling Asleep

Your heart’s beating like a racehorse and you’re gasping for air. Beads of sweat break from your pores and trickle across your skin. Your stomach’s in a twist and your mind is either shouting garbled nonsense or filled with cotton balls.

Sound familiar? These are among the most common symptoms of anxiety. About 31 percent of adults in America will experience anxiety at some point in their life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

In addition to interfering with your daily life, anxiety can make sleeping seem like an impossibly arduous task. But… why?

Fortunately, Vanessa O. of Sleepopolis is here to explain the ins and outs of anxiety-induced insomnia.

July 16, 2020

Bug’s Philosophy: The Truth About Self Love

Self love and self care seem to be abundant in the air these days. Yet, they’re often polluted by a shroud of toxic positivity the trails behind them.

While optimism is central wellness, too much of that cream in your coffee will leave you wondering if you’re better off just drinking milk.

Although cynicism could be revered as the counter-culture to suffocating positivity, the two can exist in equilibrium.

In fact, self love thrives in a space of self acceptance. How are you expected to love every part of yourself if you’re unwilling to accept all that comes with being you: the good and the bad?

July 11, 2020

Burping and Belching: How the Hell Do You Make it Stop!?

Listen, we all get gas trapped in our stomachs or upper gastrointestinal tract from time to time. Burping is simply a part of the human experience.

But if your conversations are regularly interrupted by little squeaks or ogrish growls that rattle around your rib cage before flinging themselves of your mouth, it may be time to change up your lifestyle habits.

Excess burping could also be a sign of an underlying condition, like a gastrointestinal disorder.

July 1, 2020

Happy National Clean Beaches Week – Don’t Forget to Wear Your Mask!

Americans nationwide are flocking to beaches in droves as states ease their way into the green phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

While some may feel life is slowly “returning to normal,” other states have just begun to feel the full wrath of COVID-19.

In addition to raising our environmental awareness for National Clean Beaches Week, let’s not forget that we’re still amidst a global pandemic. We encourage you to spread information about making your day trips to the coast as safe as possible.

June 26, 2020

Can Caffeine Decrease Productivity?

Pulling all-nighters to finish your homework, finals, work presentations. We’ve all been there – and we’re usually not alone during these late-night escapades. You’re probably accompanied by a good ol’ cup of coffee. Or perhaps some tea, a soda, an energy drink. Pick your poison.

After all, there’s nothing quite like a caffeine buzz. It’s notorious for getting you through long nights, Monday mornings, and hangovers.

But there’s a point at which too much caffeine begins having a paradoxical effect. Rather than a surge of productivity coursing through veins as you down yet another cup of coffee, research shows it may actually decrease your productivity.

June 19, 2020

Social Robots: The Cure to Quarantine Loneliness?

Have months of quarantine left you longing for social interaction? Look no further. Social robots are on their way.

Who needs human friends, anyways? They disappoint us.

June 10, 2020

Hooked on Hot Sauce… For Your Health

Holy hot sauce and jalapeños, are you aware of all the health benefits associated with spicy foods? Probably not.

Contrary to popular belief, spicy food doesn’t cause ulcers – it may actually cure them. Additional health benefits associated with the heat include pain relief, a boost to your metabolism, improved heart health, and cancer-suppression.

June 6, 2020

Think With Your Gut

Our bodies are essentially an apartment complex for 100 trillion micro bacteria that have found a home within our intestines.

Before you start writing up an eviction notice, it’s worth noting just how much we – and every other organism with a digestive system – depend on gut microbiota.

Recent research shows gut microbiota influence our mood, behavior, and neurodevelopment. While it may seem these microscopic critters run our lives, the gut microbiome is largely influenced by environmental factors including diet, stress, geography, and age, among others.

Instead of accusing your gut microbiota of being bad tenants, ask yourself: “Have I been a good landlord? What are they trying to tell me?”

Learn to think with your gut, not against it.

June 6, 2020