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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

15 ways to enjoy the summer even while you're stuck at work

IMAGE: CORBIS ALBERTO RUGGIERI/ILLUSTRATION WORKS

KAITLYN RUSSELL for The Muse

3 days ago

As you've probably noticed, summer has arrived! And we're sure you've also noticed that your office is still operating as if it's not beautiful outside. You're stuck inside, staring at a stock image of a beach as your desktop background while your social media feeds get filled with photos of tropical getaways, Summer Friday activities, and tan lines.

While you can definitely continue daydreaming of your next escape, you can also take matters into your own hands and learn to enjoy the season from indoors. While my tips and tricks won't land you that summer glow, they'll definitely help you scroll through Instagram without feeling (quite so) jealous.

1. Make fruit-infused water

One of the best parts of it being sunny out is having the excuse to down fruity drinks without feeling silly. And we're not just talking poolside cocktails! To make a summery, SFW drink, all you need is a flavor enhancer, like MiO Liquid Water Enhancer. Or, check out these DIY recipesthat you can make at home and leave in the office fridge.

2. Switch up your playlist

'Tis the season to make a new playlist with all your favorite summer hits. Maybe it's a classic like "Summer" by Calvin Harris, or perhaps it's a song that no one else relates to summer but reminds you of your family's annual beach trip. Or maybe, it's just a compilation of every "song of the summer" from the past 20 years from Spotify. Get everyone (else stuck) in the office involved by asking for suggestions. If you're still feeling stumped, start with Billboard's recommendations.

3. Brighten your desk

It's no secret that colors affect our mood, environment, and work ethic. So, why not incorporate the colors of the beach into your workspace? May I suggest starting with this poster or this desktop sand box — or this amazing fish tank deskcoration if you're in the mood to go all out?

4. Plan a frozen treat happy hour

If your office doesn't participate in Summer Fridays, suggest starting an (alcohol-free) happy hour on Fridays to enjoy some ice cream sundaes (or slightly less-messy ice cream sandwiches). The only thing that doesn't work for this? Bringing your guilt! Taking an hour away from work will actually make you more productive. So, put down your computer, and pick up a scoop.

5. Lighten up

Whether you bring a new lamp to your desk or purchase a "happy light," brightening up your workspace is a simple trick to feeling more like you're outdoors. Especially when you're trapped in a cubicle craving some sunshine. Try out this one to get the full sunlight effect — even if you can't see any windows.

6. Play with your wardrobe

Nothing notes a season change more than switching out your closet. If your most beloved part of summer is a sundress or bright shorts, find ways to wear incorporate your summer pieces into your wardrobe. Obviously, keep your company's dress code in mind, and be sure that all attire is work-appropriate. But, there's no reason you should still be wearing what you wore when it was snowing out. (Ladies — check out some of our outfit suggestions here.)

7. Switch up your lunch

BBQs are great for the summer, so leave the boring old sandwiches at home and grab a hot dog or burger for lunch. Bonus points if you start an indoor BBQ tradition with your co-workers! Rather than firing up the grill, you just need everyone to agree to bring a key ingredient: buns, hot dogs, ketchup, you know the drill.

8. Get outside every day

A little fresh air can do your mind and body wonders, so step outside for some breaks during the day. It's a simple trick that will score you some Vitamin D and improve your efficiency. Can you say win-win?

9. Bring popsicles for your office

Stock your office freezer full of popsicles and snack on one when you're craving a treat — or, better yet, make some friends by offering them up to your co-workers. Have a few extra minutes? Grab one and go sit outside while you eat it.

10. Buy a plant

Bring the outdoors (and some fresh O2) to your cubicle with some small plants. Even if you can't physically be outside, you'll feel a little better if you can actually see some green. Personally, I love this one — and not just because it's called a Donkey's Tail.

11. Make your schedule more summer-friendly

If possible, start coming in an hour earlier so you can actually head out at a reasonable hour and enjoy the late night sunshine. (Because it wasn't so long ago that it was dark at 4 PM.) Or, put the bulk of your work or meetings on your schedule earlier in the week to allow you to duck out on Friday afternoons without missing anything important.

12. Use your lunch breaks differently

Eat outside instead of at your desk, bring your lunch so that you can use your break to get a quick mani-pedi, or spend those 30 minutes reading a book at the park near your office. Feeling more ambitious (and have a bit more time)? Work out! From walking around the neighborhood to taking a short class to jumping in the local gym's pool, it's possible to be active in the middle of the day without getting behind.

13. Make summer Friday friends

Also known as all of those other people who have to work on Fridays, too. Try to make a routine to grab lunch together at your favorite outdoor restaurant. Or, at the very least, know who will be around on Gchat when the rest of the world goes quiet at 2 PM.

14. Change up your commute

If you usually drive to work or take the train, give yourself extra time in the mornings to walk or bike to work. If that's not an option, try to take a different route. Switching up your daily routine (especially if it's been daily for years) will feel more exciting than you even realize.

15. Get sporty

Bring summer sports to your office! While I don't recommend throwing a frisbee around electronics, there's no reason you can't take 10 minutes to toss one around with your co-worker outside in the parking lot. Or, if your office has the spare room (and your co-workers understand the difference between tossing a beanbag and torpedo-ing it), you can easily play a quick game of cornhole.

The line in the sand (too soon?): You don't have to envy your traveling friends during the summertime. Incorporate your favorite parts of the season into your office space to help you enjoy the warm months while you're still trapped indoors.

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This article originally published at The Muse here

Friday, June 19, 2015

Defunk your junk: Your balls smell and that's not okay

IMAGE: ROY BOTTERELL, CORBIS

BY DAVID YI

Men: We've been there. It's 100-degrees, humidity is at 80% and sweat is dripping everywhere. There are no napkins, no towels and absolutely no instant dryers in sight to wick the ooze away. So when it's muggy, it's only natural for things to get swampy in the southern regions.

We've heard of swamp ass, but what about the funky junk syndrome? One in which the sack becomes so steamed that they let out a putrid-scented musk. With it comes unavoidable circumstances in which certain curious stenches arise.

SEE ALSO: Now that beards are over, here's the ultimate guide to shaving it all off

“It’s natural for this to happen to most men around summer months,” says Dr. Jeffrey Benadio, a board certified dermatologist based out of San Diego. “Two main things that grow in that area is bacteria and yeast. Bacteria grows on the skin and that creates an odor — the same found under arms. The bacteria breaks down oils and then creates a rancid smell.”

It happens frequently to guys like Carl Dulay, 30, a fund accountant supervisor from North Carolina. Dulay is an avid Crossfit enthusiast, an activity in which he claims is where the stinky crotch is made even more obvious.

“[I] sweat a lot really easily everywhere else, so you can imagine the sweat downstairs,” he says. “Definitely also notice the smell a lot more post workouts when I'm taking off my underwear. That initial whiff is like a slap in the face.”

Nicholas Chung from Brooklyn can relate.

“My experience with other dudes' hygiene issues are limited to the gym, but yes, it's a tragedy,” says Chung, 28, a city program coordinator.

“Sure, my research methods consists entirely of all the times I've been on the bench and a bro passes by all casual like he doesn't think I’d notice that he has a dead animal stuck between his cheeks, but I'm fairly confident that dudes my age can benefit from reassessing their hygiene habits.”

Benadio suggests that men become more conscious in their grooming habits.

"Most men aren't educated with deodorizing the nether regions or keeping it super dry," says Benadio.

The doctor suggests that men should use antiperspirants along the scrotum on the daily as they would for their underarms.

“I wouldn’t avoid looking for ingredients that are bad down there, instead, look for any deodorants that say ‘antiperspirants,” he says. “Aluminum salt is very effective in preventing moisture and makes the sweat glands shrink, reducing water on the skin.”

One thing that Benadio strongly warns against is using both bleach and alcohol (yes, there are some men who believe those two agents will kill bacteria).

“I’ve had many patients who are so desperate to clean that area that they use bleach and alcohol, which is the worst thing you can do to that area — and dangerous,” he says.

“You don’t want to kill the bacteria but make the environment inhospitable for it, so the biggest thing is to keep that area dry.”

Benadio suggests keeping the area super dry and to cleanse the area thoroughly by taking a shower every day. To get rid of extra moisture after a morning shower, Benadio says to take a blow dryer on a cool setting, and dry any water that your towel may have missed.

“It seems crazy, but it’s what is essential to keeping it dry and for the stench to stop,” he says.

To keep it extra dry, you can use a talc powder like Gold Bond, and or any antiperspirant you'd use for your underarms.

There are plenty of options to defunk the junk these days, many that are catered to this very problem. After washing, drying and thoroughly cleansing, use these products to ensure the bacteria is contained. From powders to creams that cater to deodorizing your schweaty balls, here are a few that we'd recommend.

Fresh Balls by Fresh Body, $11.99

The cream has a fresh scent and has a slight tingle when placed on the testicles. It's cool, it's refreshing, it's strange. While it does keep your nuggets from sweating, it leaves a white residue on your fingers and on your skin after it dries. It's best to remove if you're planning on doing any extracurricular activities later.

Dry Goods Athletic Spray Powder, $13.99

The spray-on powder leaves the scrotum tingly, dry and minty fresh from the menthol formula. Works well especially when working out. Keep in your gym bag or close by when you're performing at a strenuous level.

Matte for Men Manpowder, $22

A more sophisticated and, er, masculine version of baby power, this "man powder" does a good job at soaking up extra sweat and leaves skin silky smooth. It can get messy so best to apply in the bathroom at your own convenience.

Jack Black Dry Down, $20

When applied, the Jack Down powder leaves your boys feeling super fresh. You'll be so excited you'll shout "amaze balls" at some part of the day.

Comfy Boys, $14.98

Probably one of the more friendly fragrances of the bunch, Comfy Boys is stellar at protecting your scrotum from both odor and sweat. Like the Fresh Balls mentioned above, it does leave a white residue, so watch out for it getting on your hands — or underwear.

DZ Nuts, $24

With a name like DZ Nuts, how can you go wrong? Initially created Dave Zabriskie, a cyclist, it remedies chafing as well as eliminating any bacteria. Use and abuse and repeat.