How to know if you're misusing words like "trauma" and "gaslighting," whether protein bars are just glorified candy bars, and more.

Lex Ashcroft's reads

Don't try to worry less. Worry smarter. Being told not to worry, or that worrying is pointless, is a common response from others in situations that are in fact worrisome. Worry is often framed negatively, when it is truly a form of problem solving, where we use 'what-ifs' to consider potential outcomes and solutions. Attempting to prevent or suppress worry only increases anxiety and simply doesn't work. Writing for the Washington Post, Celia Jacobs explains the importance of worry as a part of the human condition and offers tips for learning how to "worry well" and with time, worry less.

Are protein bars just glorified candy bars? Protein bars have surged in popularity over the last few decades and are continuing to grow in the global market thanks to clever marketing strategies. Manufacturers often brand protein bars as a must-have for improving workouts and overall health. Despite these claims, you may want to think twice before grabbing the convenient snack. Writing for the New York Times, Dani Blum shares what nutrition experts say are common misconceptions about protein bars, who really benefits from eating them, and basic criteria for selecting healthier brands.

Allie Rudin's reads

How to know if you're misusing words like 'trauma' and 'gaslighting'. When we express our feelings, it can sometimes come at the risk of being misunderstood—especially when using so-called "fuzzy words." These words are often used in the context of therapy or mental health care, and their misuse can obstruct clear communication. Writing for the Washington Post's "On Your Mind," Robin Stern and Marc Brackett break down the real meaning of common fuzzy words like "narcissist" and "gaslighting" while providing reasons to avoid misusing the terms in conversation.

Asteroid measurements make no sense. Twenty-two penguins? Half a giraffe? Big Ben? These are all examples of recent attempts by journalists to communicate the size of asteroids. When describing a distant celestial object, it is helpful to put the dimensions into context by comparing to something familiar—but why penguins? Marina Koren consults with several astronomers to answer this question for The Atlantic, exploring the strategies, considerations, and pitfalls of asteroid size contextualization.