Stressed out? Try drinking a glass of water. Dehydration can mimic the symptoms of anxiety. Being properly hydrated is good for your energy, fitness and skin. It's just as important for your stress levels. A recent article in Women's Health broke down a study on the effects of being under-hydrated on anxiety and future health. Abigail Cuffey is the executive editor of Women's Health. "The researchers ultimately found that those who were drinking lower levels of fluids, lower levels of water — they had a bigger reaction to stress, and they put them through various stress tests. And those who were less hydrated had a bigger reaction, had a more powerful reaction to stress," Cuffey said. We've always known proper hydration is key for good energy, fitness and skin. Now we know it can impact mood. Think of your water bottle as another tool, like meditation, to control stress. "Now, is it going to magically take away all of your problems? I wish it could remove all the stress. But it really can help, and these really simple, easy things that we do also just make us feel like we're in control," Cuffey said. On this Dying to Ask: The link between being properly hydrated and stress levels Why dehydration mimics anxiety A simple way to know if you're drinking enough water How dehydration impacts your future health How much water should we drink daily?

Audiobooks are booming in popularity and they are a fun way to boost mental health. A calm voice can actually lower your stress hormones just like meditation does. Publishers Weekly reports the audiobook industry grew 13% in revenue last year, marking more than a decade of double-digit growth. Americans are listening more than ever while while commuting, working out, or just winding down at night. Lonely? An audiobook can be surprisingly comforting. There's something about having a voice in your ear, telling you a story, that is intimate. That sense of connection is can really impact your mood. Need to improve focus? Stop scrolling and start listening. Give your busy brain a break. On this Dying to Ask: 5 ways listening to audiobooks is good for your mental health 5 places to get audiobooks, including one that is 100% free

Stressed out? A recent Gallup poll shows one in two Americans is stressed out every day. The poll found it's affecting how much and how well we sleep. And women are slightly more stressed than men. Dealing with that level of negative emotion is exhausting. But it doesn't have to be. You can lessen stress in just minutes with a few resets to your routine and lifestyle. On the Dying to Ask: 3 simple stress resets for when life gets overwhelming The science behind why they work And a blueprint on how to fit them into your day when you're turning into a stress ball

What would you do if your whole life changed in one moment? Robert Paylor can actually answer that question because it happened to him. He's defying odds and inspiring people across the country. His new book is called Paralyzed to Powerful. It's equal parts memoir and motivation and tells the story of what happened after he suffered a catastrophic injury in a televised college rugby match in 2017. Robert Paylor was a rugby star at Jesuit High School who went on to play for Cal Berkeley. His injury happened during an illegal play during the 2017 National Championships. It left Robert a quadriplegic. Paylor says, "On day one, I was told I'd be lucky if I could feed myself, so what I'm doing today is just sort of miraculous. And I'm taking everything I can get." Paylor went through years of grueling rehabilitation and credits his athlete's mindset, faith and support from family and friends for all that happened next. Paylor graduated with a business degree at Cal, became a motivational speaker, got married and is expecting his first child. Life looks a lot different eight years later. "I can walk 500 yards in my walker now. I've had about 80% return in my upper body and it continues to progress here 8 years out," says Paylor. Get ready for a mindset masterclass. On this Dying to Ask: The impact of mindset in any physical recovery The question Robert asks himself to push through hard days How to find purpose in life's darkest challenges And a reality check on who really benefits when you forgive someone

Want an instant pick me up? The simple phrase "tell me something good" can dramatically change your day. What happens when someone tells you something great doing on in their life? Unless you're the jealous type, it probably makes you feel good too. You get a little hit of dopamine just by hearing another person's excitement. But why is that? The answer is something scientists call emotional contagion. It's the idea that moods spread, for better or worse. Contagions typically aren't good. But, in this case, catching someone else's joy can actually lift your mood. If you've ever been dragged down by a "Debbie Downer," you know how powerful negative energy can be. The flip side is true too: get around someone who's celebrating, grateful, or just genuinely happy, and you'll likely feel lighter yourself. It's a concept called freudenfreude and you can read more about it at this article I reference in the episode. That's the power of asking the simple phrase: "Tell me something good." On this Dying to Ask: Why sharing good news is so powerful Three ways it impacts your connection with others And what happened when I asked some of my KCRA colleagues at the station to tell me something good    

If you’ve ever felt a little anxious as summer winds down and routines ramp up, you’re not alone. You might have a case of the September Scaries. My morning show partner, Teo Torres, is my co-host on this episode, where we talk about this end-of-summer phenomenon. Think of it as the seasonal cousin of the Sunday Scaries. The September Scaries are not an official diagnosis. But psychologists say they're the real deal, and re-framing your view of September can help. On this Dying to Ask: Teo and I will break down what the September Scaries are and what it isn't And we'll offer you a five-step plan to give it a try Disclaimer: We also get off topic A LOT because, well, we're us.  Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunesCLICK HERE to listen on StitcherCLICK HERE to listen on Spotify See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel 

Have you been walking wrong all your life? According to TikTok, the answer is probably. If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen videos about the Japanese walking trend. Some posts call it a weight-loss miracle. Others say it’s the secret to why people in Japan live longer, healthier lives. What's real and what's really just hype? The Japanese walking trend is a combo of basic habits a lot of Japanese people share. It involves mindfulness, breathing patters and purposeful movement. People in Japan have been living that way for hundreds of years. But TikTok has now discovered what a lot of people are calling the ultimate health hack. Bottom line, giving the trend a try isn't going to hurt you. In fact, it will probably make you feel more calm, energized and happy. The best part? You can try it anywhere. You don't need a gym or fancy equipment. You can even try it while pacing your living room! On this Dying to Ask: What the Japanese walking tend is and isn't A 5 step plan to try it out And why it makes a lot of sense that Japan leads the way in living long and happy

Denise Austin is one of the original fitness influencers. And she's as passionate about getting America moving as she was in the early 1980s. Denise got her TV start as the first fitness correspondent on the Today Show. She was a natural and quickly became a household name. That led to a daily 30 minute exercise show that aired for more than 20 years. She went on to sell more than 25 million exercise VHS tapes and DVDs. She authored 12 best selling books. More than 40 years later, Denise is still sharing workouts on social media and YouTube. And, her daughter Katie is a popular fitness influencer for Gen Z and millennials. How'd she stay passionate about her job for more than four decades? "You go to meet the people, you feel the love . You think, yeah, this is why I'm doing it. They tell you their stories, and how much better they feel," says Denise. In this episode, Denise shares how she maintains her positivity no matter what obstacle life throws her way. We're going beyond fitness and getting advice on growing a business, growing a family and growing older with her community.   On this Dying to Ask: Find out how Denise cold-called her way into becoming the first fitness reporter on the Today Show How she turned that opportunity into a 40 year empire How she keeps up her famous energy Why she still believes 30 minutes a day is the key to aging well And how her daughter Katie is following in her footsteps as a Gen Z and Millennial fitness influencer

You are what you eat. And if you're stressed or depressed, you might be able to blame your lunch. Dr. Candice Seti is the author of Shatter the Yoyo. She's a food psychologist. She studies the brain-body food link. "It's the idea of nutritional psychiatry and the idea of connecting how food makes us feel. And there are certain foods that make us feel better than others," says Dr. Seti. Omega 3 rich foods like salmon are great for brain health. Fruits, veggies and seeds? All good. But other foods can be a torpedo to your mental health. No surprise, it's anything sugary or processed. Dr. Seti says, "People don't always make the connection that when your brain is healthy your body tends to be healthy, and when you're lacking these things we're more likely to be depressed." Understanding the why might be exactly what you need to make better choices. And shifting your behavior can really help in stressful times. On this Dying to Ask: Foods to boost your mood Foods most likely to bum you out or increase anxiety How your food choices impact your mental health Ways to make the mind-body connection between what you eat and how you feel And a deep dive into the field of food psychology

Need a pick-me-up? Skip the coffee and try a movement bite. Jessica Schatz is a celebrity trainer and biomechanics and ProACTIVE Aging expert. She's trained professional athletes, Broadway stars and Hollywood actors for decades. Those athletes and performers need to maintain energy to perform. Jessica says the key to maintaining energy and aging well isn't destroying yourself in a two-hour gym workout. It's a lot easier than that. It's incorporating five-minute exercise breaks frequently into your day. Even 30 seconds of jumping jacks, pushups or squats can go a long way. Jessica calls them movement bites. "They increase your blood flow. They increase your heart rate. And they start to release these proteins, these Myokines, and they also release a protein called BDNF, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor. It's like fertilizer for your brain," Schatz said. It's good news for anyone not crazy about chasing the elusive runner's high. Creating a positive neurfeedback loop doesn't have to leave you exhausted. It just needs to be consistent. "You're literally teaching yourself to foster a relationship with movement that's positive," Schatz said. Follow Jessica: Facebook: @thecoreexpert Instagram: @TheCoreExpert YouTube: @TheCoreExpert On this Dying to Ask: A deep dive into the science of hope molecules 5 movement bites you can do sitting in your car or at your desk How to plan your own "pick-me-ups" to improve mood and energy And what it's like to be a celebrity trainer to stars like Ashley Olsen and NBA players Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunesCLICK HERE to listen on StitcherCLICK HERE to listen on Spotify See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

A summer bucket list is like a personal manifesto of fun in the sun.  It's a list of ideas, big and small, of things you'd like to do or accomplish over the summer.  The goal is to collect your thoughts in one place so you can seize the day when you find free time.   Writing down your list improves the likelihood you'll actually follow through on those activities and not just scroll Instagram! And it's a great way to spend time with your family and friends while ditching your screens.   On this Dying to Ask:  A three step plan to starting your summer bucket list How to make it a summer tradition with your kids And how to create one as an adult that focuses on fun and productivity Where to find pre-done bucket lists for families with little kids

Stop the summer brain drain by getting your kids hooked on reading this summer. This is part two of the 10th annual KCRA summer beach reads series. Last week, we took a look at the best summer beach reads for adults with Tina Ferguson, owner of "Face in a Book" bookstore. This week, we're focusing on books for kids of all ages. Tina says the key to getting a kid to put a screen down is to offer a book that's more compelling than any video. And there are lots to choose from. Have a reluctant reader? Tina says it's helpful to let your child drive the book bus. Let them pick out what interests them. Graphic novels continue to be a huge trend for kids who aren't naturally drawn to reading. Her favorite this year is a book called "The Cartoonists Club." "I chose this one because graphic novels are great for reluctant readers. A lot of parents might think graphical novels aren't what they would choose for their child. But graphic novels actually have great vocabulary," Tina says.  Titles mentioned: "The Secret Letters," Margaret Peterson Haddox "Rebellion 1776," by Laurie Halse Anderson "The Cartoonists Club," by Raina Telgemeier & Scott McCloud "El Nino," by Pam Munoz Ryan "A Wolf Called Fire," by Rosanne Parry "Sharks Unhooked," by Patricia Newman Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunesCLICK HERE to listen on StitcherCLICK HERE to listen on Spotify See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

It's time for our annual "Summer Beach Reads" episode on Dying to Ask. The 2025 summer titles will not disappoint. Tina Ferguson, owner of Face in a Book bookstore, is back as our guide to all things literary. Tina and I have been doing a beach reads segment or podcast episode for 10 years now. And her pics this summer are a delightful blend of non-fiction and fiction. But our episode starts with a reality check on what the publishing industry looks like these days. Are people reading as much as they were during COVID-19 after they finished Netflix? Are romance sales as steamy as they were last year? Is Mark Twain about to follow in Hamilton's steps and be the next great musical thanks to a hot new offering from Ron Chernow? Don't miss this episode and please be sure to share it with your bookish friends and book clubs! Titles mentioned: "Headshot" "Glorious Exploits" "River of Lies" "We Solve Murders" "Mark Twain" "Tartufo"     Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunesCLICK HERE to listen on StitcherCLICK HERE to listen on Spotify        

Feeling blah? Head outside. Mother Nature may be the ultimate mood booster. Science has long backed the health benefits of the great outdoors. In this re-release, we're looking at how spending time outdoors impacts your physical and emotional health. Going outside can fight depression and lower blood pressure. Feel cranky after a long day indoors at school or work? A 10 minutes walk outside soaking in some sun can radically change how you feel and ultimately perform. Can't think? Go outside. Feeling down? Go outside. Can't sleep? Go outside. You get the idea. On this Dying to Ask: The viral video from Finland prompting more interest in the health benefits of spending time outside. The vitamin you'll increase naturally by soaking up some sun. And the link between your eyes, age, sun and sleep.

Can you fidget your way to fitness? You can if you're a NEAT person. We're not talking about the organized type of neat.  NEAT stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. It's the energy you burn when you're moving about the day and *not when you're in a purposeful workout at the gym. It's things like walking to your car, folding the laundry, pacing on a phone call, taking the garbage cans out, and yes even fidgeting. Those are the calories a lot of us aren't burning enough and they are crucial to weight management and longevity. A Mayo Clinic study found people who sit at a job for six or more hours a day have a 35-40% increased risk of shorter lifespan. You can offset that by moving more. The key is being active in small spurts all day longer and not just an hour in a workout class. On this Dying to Ask  How to figure out if you're not moving enough  And easy ways to burn more calories by simply living your life

Move over, hustle culture. An Ivy League school says we're not lazy enough. Yale University researchers studied stressed-out students. They discovered that a scheduled day of doing nothing had powerful health benefits. Read more about the study here. Students reported improvements in mood, sleep, and anxiety almost immediately. Love being productive? That's great. But scheduling some downtime might make you happier, healthier and ultimately more motivated to get things done. On this Dying to Ask: Why laziness (in scheduled doses) could be a superpower And a 4-step plan to doing nothing

Say this, not that. Knowing what to say in the heat of the moment is key to defusing workplace drama. Karin Hurt and David Dye should know. They wrote the book on it. Karin and David are leadership experts and the founders of Let's Grow Leaders. They surveyed 5,000 people in 45 countries to gauge the most common forms of workplace conflict. The results aren't good. Workplace conflict is more complicated than ever before, thanks to an uncertain economy, remote work and a changing workforce. "And so that is all of that really combines to make complex conflict cocktails," says David. Karin Hurt and David Dye are the authors of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." It offers 300 phrases to diffuse everything from micromanagers to bullies to passive-aggressive types. "Well, the first thing you do is don't call them passive-aggressive," says Karin. "One of the most important things that you can do there is to start with a connection, you know. So start, you know, making the human connection. 'You know, hey? I know we both want the same thing here.' And then you give the thing." It's like having a script for difficult people. The advice works for a workplace and your personal life, too. David says, "sometimes people will say, well, you can't script a whole conversation, can you? And no, you can't, because we're human beings and we're messy. But if we can open the door with connection by introducing clarity and getting curious about the other person's perspective, then we can land on a firm commitment that opens the door to a meaningful conversation." On this Dying to Ask: Why workplace conflict is up What to say to bullies, micromanagers, and passive-aggressive types Why these phrases work so well How to avoid what Karin and David call a "conversation cocktail." How to tell a boss you're not happy with something without coming off as lazy or a whiner And how Karin and David found the perfect partnership in work and in real life

Have you ever kept up a streak? A mini streak is a great way to start a new habit. A mini streak is a short period of time of intense focus on a behavior you hope to make a long-term habit. It's a bite sized commitment that can be easily attainable and perhaps inspire bigger, more meaningful change at a later date. In this re-release of a "5 with Fitz," episode, we're looking at three ways to try out a habit mini streak.

Grab a timer and get ready to say goodbye to procrastination. The Pomodoro Method is a data-backed way of getting stuff done. The time management technique is named after Francesco Cirillo. He was an Italian student in the 1980s who struggled with procrastination. Francisco had a tomato-shaped kitchen timer on his desk. Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato. He set it for 25 minutes and committed to focusing on his work until the timer went off. Then he took a five-minute break. Timing work and break intervals had a remarkable effect on his productivity and mood. And the Pomodoro Technique was born. It's easy to try and very effective with getting work, homework and even household chores done. It's easy to try and very effective with getting work, homework and even household chores done. On this Dying to Ask: How pomodoro intervals work Why this procrastination technique is effective What happened to Francisco Cirillo after he developed this time management method Other places to listen CLICK HERE to listen on iTunesCLICK HERE to listen on StitcherCLICK HERE to listen on Spotify

All I need is three more hours in the day and life would be great.  I've told myself that a million times.   But Laura Vanderkam says it's not the number of hours in a day that's the problem. It's how you use them.   This episode is a re-release of one of my favorite author experts to follow on social media. Vanderkam is a time and productivity expert.  Vanderkam is the New York Times best-selling author of eight books on time management and host of the daily productivity podcast Before Breakfast. Her books include "What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast" and "168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think." "We all have 24 hours in a day," she said. "And many of the things we think are happening in our lives are based mostly on impressions." Vanderkam says the easiest way to unlock free time is to keep a time log of what you actually do in a day. Often, we think we're busier than we are and can change our relationship with the clock.  Vanderkam has tracked every minute of her day for years.   "People track their time, and they tend to realize well, maybe I do have some free time. It's probably not as much as I want, but it's some. And then once you realize that you're like well, let's figure out ways to work with this," says Vanderkam. In this Dying to Ask: Where we tend to waste the most time How to keep a time log Why Fridays are the best day to plan your next week What is "effortful fun" and why it's worth planning some Mentioned in the episode: Want to see our documentary 'Always Remember Your Name?' Watch in 4k on YouTube here. Watch on KCRA.com and see lots of web extras about the Bucci family here.