WATER FIGHT

Sugar has long been a legitimate go-to for stressful moments, and justifiably so. With it’s ability to release endorphins, hormones that make you relax and smile, chocolate-ly sweet snacks can make any frustrating deadline go away…temporarily. However, researchers at the University of Chicago recently discovered that plain old water may have the same effect. Add a green tea bag for extra giddiness.

PAIN KILLER

As if being hunched over your computer rushing to meet a deadline isn’t enough stress, flu season is upon us. Don’t be surprised if you feel achy and only in the mood to curl up with a Snuggie. To help you make it to the couch more easily, fill your refrig with foods replete with phytochemicals, which protect your immune system and promote resistance to certain diseases. Fall is full of them. Try a warm winter squash with apples, cinnamon and a splash of agave nectar or honey. It will tickle your endorphins also.

Or make a salad or hot soup with a few of these pain-fighting foods:

Dark leafy greens vegetables, carrots, sweet peppers, leeks, pumpkins, tomatoes, peaches, oranges, tumeric and thyme.

Omega 3 fatty acids not protect your hair and nails, but also minimize inflammation and speed up recovery time.

• Eggs fortified with omega-3 fatty acids.
• Wheat germ and other whole grains
• Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
• Deep water fish–herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel
• Walnuts, Brazil nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Avocados

Kick off the weekend with a mood boost and soothed muscles when you eat the foods that are wired to do the trick. And no, chocolate isn’t the only one equipped to do so.

WATER FIGHT

Sugar has long been a legitimate go-to for stressful moments, and justifiably so. With it’s ability to release endorphins, hormones that make you relax and smile, chocolate-ly sweet snacks can make any frustrating deadline go away…temporarily. However, researchers at the University of Chicago recently discovered that plain old water may have the same effect. You can add green tea bags and get an extra lift.

PAIN KILLER

As if being hunched over your computer isn’t painful enough, flu season is here too. Don’t be surprised if you feel achy and only in the mood to curl up with a Snuggie. To help you make it to the couch more easily, fill your fridge with foods replete with phytochemicals, which protect your immune system and promote resistance to certain diseases. Fall is full of them. Try a warm winter squash with apples, cinnamon and a splash of agave nectar or honey.

Or make a salad or hot soup with a few of these pain-fighting foods:

Dark leafy greens vegetables, carrots, sweet peppers, leeks, pumpkins, tomatoes, peaches, oranges, tumeric and thyme.

Omega 3 fatty acids not only protect your hair and nails,  but also minimize inflammation and speed up recovery time.

• Eggs fortified with omega-3 fatty acids.
• Wheat germ and other whole grains
• Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
• Deep water fish–herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel
• Walnuts, Brazil nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Avocados

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But now, in light of the recent SIGG bottle recall (due to the presence of the potentially-harmful chemical bisphenol-A), it seems we’re just picking our poisons when it comes to our canteens.

But, before you go running back to plastic, consider a newcomer on the water bottle scene: Wellness H2.O.

With a unique filtration system inside every bottle, Wellness H2.O provides a personal water purifier, kind of like a Brita on-the-go.

You’ve got the convenience of the reusable bottle paired with the purity and safety of the store-bought drink.

At $29.99 (reduced from $49.99 through Christmas), the price comes in close to that of the SIGGs, but without any of the worry. The Wellness H2.O bottles are made of ultra durable, flexible, BPA-free Polyethylene. And the green and blue design is versatile enough for both workout and work looks.

– Erica Goss

www.endbottledwater.com/, $29.99

Want a a FREE Wellness H2.O bottle? Don’t blame you. Answer our poll q to be automatically entered to win one.

EAT

Celebrating National Hot Fudge Sundae Day at Serendipity 3 is not unlike waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square. There will be tourists, and it’ll be cold and crowded, but resolutions? No. Don’t make any of those before, after, during the special time you dig into your Coward’s Portion ($13) treat. We’re gonna leave the Outrageous Banana Split for the desperately-trying-to-get-face-time-on-the-jumbotron types.

Serendipity 3: 225 East 60th Street. 212-838-353

Sweat

Still have Jai Ho and the fancy footwork dance accompaniment stuck in your head? Us too! Get a free Bollywood Dance Demo class at Lululemon’s Union Square store on Saturday. This beat is heavy, so heavy, You gonna feel it.

Lululemon. 2 p.m. 15 Union Square West. 212-675-5286, Free.

Chill

With our waxing and pedicure regimen down, we can stop, drop and roll into a pair of flip flops and a bathing suit at the first hint of early dismissal for roof laying out time. Our diligence is getting pricey though. Completely Bare, however, is shaving off some dollars when we sign-up online for a Brazilian (”Ouchless”) Wax or Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Treatment. Buy one and get one free now through July 31st.

Completely Bare, 764 Madison Avenue New York. 212.717.9300 and 103 5th Ave, 212.366.6060 and 25 Bond St. 212.598.1111

SHOP

Sometimes, we have to be reminded to keep in mind that what we put on our body is just about as important as what we put in it. Now that we’ve found Stewart + Brown’s eco chic and flirty designs all made of renewable fibers (never! herbicides, pesticides or defoliants) we won’t forget. Get 35% off all FULL-PRICED stuff like frilly dresses and bright open back Ts and an additional 35% off sale items now through Monday July 27.

We never thought the GAP could outdo our Favorite T. But they did.

Meet the latest edition of the rotating NYC concept store, Pure Body, open now through July 22nd.

SDC investigated the temporary midtown Zen scene, which sells the recently released ultimate layering essentials line by week, and doles out freebies by weekend. We fell upon a free yoga class and walked away with a Jade mat, some Fruit Essence Water and 15% off all our new workout gear.

Now piling on fabrics may sound counter intuitive in this heat, but these lightweight cotton spandex pieces are soft, comfortable and don’t cling when you sweat. We particularly like the Pure Body Tank ($14.50) and Foldover Pant ($39.50).

Throughout the day, on July 18, round-two of gift-giving returns, when Sadie Nardini teaches four free hour-long alternative yoga classes, like Learning to Fly and Total Body Transformation. The teacher is different this week, but the goodie bags are the same. Limited to 12 participants per class, so register in advance.

If you don’t mind.

680 Fifth Avenue, Store Hours: Mon–Sat: 10a.m.–9p.m. and Sunday 11a.m.–7p.m., 212-330-8080

July 18th

10-11 a.m The Fierce Club Flow

12-1p.m. Learning to Fly

2-3p.m. The Fierce Club Flow

4-5 p.m. Total Body Transformation.