Colourful sports bras | Plant-packed lasagne recipes | Brick app blocker review

Plus, how long does it take for your body to recover after a period of stress?  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

Plus, how long does it take for your body to recover after a period of stress? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  VIEW IN BROWSER Is it time for a screen time audit? How long did you spend on your phone yesterday? If, like me, the idea of checking your tally fills you with dread, then it might be time to have a screen time audit. Using our phones isn't inherently bad for us – in fact, I think social media is a fantastic tool to build connections, spark creativity and learn more about the world. But there are two ways to use social media: purposefully and passively. My biggest struggle is slipping into passive social media mode, where I end up scrolling for hours on end without really engaging. It feels like a break for my brain, but in reality, it's feeding it bucketloads of stimulation that leave me fatigued, foggy and struggling to concentrate. I'm not the only one on Team Stylist who feels this way, so this week we decided to put a solution to the test – the Brick app blocker. This NFC-enabled device allows you to 'brick' your phone by tapping it against a cube, restricting access to chosen apps in the process; to regain access, you need to tap it again against the cube. The idea is that by adding extra friction to the app blocking process, you're less likely to override it and go back to scrolling – cutting your screen time in the process. You can find out how we got on by checking out our review later in this email. Next week, we have the wonderful Miranda Larbi – Stylist's health and fitness editor – back as she returns from maternity leave, so this is my last letter as acting health and fitness editor before I return to my senior writer role. I want to say thank you for reading and engaging with this email over the last 10 months – I've loved every second of it!  Lauren Geall Acting Health and Fitness Editor, Stylist This week I'm… Listening: the new Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer active noise cancellation and crystal clear sound, so I've been using them to block out background noise while working in the office and to enjoy my favourite podcasts on the Tube home. Eating: some delicious recipes from Farmer J's new cookbook. I am a big fan of their lunches, so when I saw they were launching a cookbook – The Farmer's Pantry – I was very excited. The recipes are simple, delicious and packed full of nutrients. How long does it take for your body to recover after a period of stress? We all have those times when life just won't seem to give us a break: work is busier than usual, loved ones are going through health challenges or everything in your house seems to break at once. And as anyone who has been through one of those moments will know, the weight being lifted doesn't always equal the end of the struggle. Elevated levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – can have a knock-on effect on your hormones, skin, immune system and gut health in the short and long-term. But how long should you expect to feel the ramifications of a period of stress? And is there anything you can do to speed up that recovery? We spoke to the experts to find out. READ NOW Diagnosis Diaries: "For 14 years I was told my endometriosis pain was part of 'being a girl'" READ NOW   From premenstrual asthma to nose bleeds: 10 women on the first day of their period READ NOW Celebrate the arrival of spring by adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe with these bright and cheerful sports bras… Vuori / £65 Made with breathable, lightweight fabric with that signature Vuori softness, this low support bra is ideal for restorative yoga sessions and walks with friends. BUY NOW Sweaty Betty / £45 This Sweaty Betty bra is made with an adjustable T-bar strap so you can ensure a perfect fit. Its seam-free design and moisture-wicking material add to the comfort. BUY NOW Adidas / £35 Perfect for sweaty summer workouts, Adidas' Climacool technology wicks and disperses sweat so you stay cool and dry no matter what the conditions. BUY NOW Puma / £55 Puma's PWRbreathe Run bra is built for high-intensity workouts; the compressive yet stretchy fabric moulds to your body for an ultra-supportive final result. BUY NOW Colourful Standard / £34 A sports bra that doubles as a crop top, Colourful Standard's bra is made with a circular knit to maximise your ability to move freely whatever you're up to. BUY NOW Stella McCartney / £80 This bra – from Stella McCartney's collab with Adidas – has mesh panels for extra breathability and is crafted entirely from recycled materials. BUY NOW Does the Brick app blocker actually work? 5 Stylist writers and editors put it to the test READ NOW Dr Rabia Topan is a gastroenterologist and expert in the gut-brain connection, speaking on behalf of Precision Biotics Question "Whenever I have a stressful week at work, my bloating and digestive issues get worse. How big an impact can stress have on the gut?" Answer "Stress is more than a mental response. When we are stressed, the body gears up by activating the fight-or-flight response of our nervous system. Because of the close communication between the gut and brain, known as the gut–brain axis, stress has a huge impact on digestion. "The gut has around 100 million nerve cells, often called our 'second brain'. When stress becomes chronic or long-term, signals from the brain can alter gut movement, sensitivity and the balance of bacteria in the microbiome. This is why many people notice digestive symptoms during stressful periods at work, exams or around major life events. For some people this might show up as mild bloating, while for others it can worsen underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)." Do you have a question for a health and wellness expert? Send it to us on Instagram @strongwomenuk, and it might be answered in the next newsletter. 3 plant-packed lasagne recipes for delicious high-fibre meals READ NOW The Strong Women Trek returns for 2026 with an all-new location This summer, the Strong Women Trek returns on Saturday 20 June for our half-marathon hike – and this year, we're taking you somewhere new. Set in the charming Chiltern Hills, our annual half-marathon trek will see us hiking through the ancient woodland of Amersham. Catch up with friends, take in the sights and reconnect with nature as you join hundreds of Stylist women for a refreshing day out. We're also heading back to the Lake District for our second Strong Women Adventure Trek, taking place on Saturday 18 July, with the new addition of an optional overnight stay. Both events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded women and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Secure your spot now and be part of an unforgettable day out. BOOK YOUR PLACE Everything you love about Stylist in one place Download the Stylist app today View in browser | Update your preferences | Send to a friend | Unsubscribe | Stylist T&Cs | Competition T&Cs | Privacy | Advertise FYI, we may make revenue on affiliate links contained in this email. Image credits: Well by Stylist; Stylist; Lauren Geall; Adobe; Getty; Vuori; Sweaty Betty; Adidas; Puma; Colourful Standard; Stella McCartney; Stylist; Brick; Dr Rabia Topan; Precision Biotics; Mr Organic/Romy London; Strong Women Trek Amersham © DC Thomson Ltd Stylist 185 Fleet Street London England EC4A 2HS United Kingdom Hidden Unsubscribe