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15 healthiest dog foods

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15 healthiest dog foods

Editor's Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from items purchased on this list.


In the quest for optimal canine well-being, selecting the right nourishment is paramount. With the pet food market expanding rapidly, it's crucial to make informed choices. Astonishingly, around 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, underscoring the significance of a wholesome diet. Furthermore, considering that pet owners spend approximately $31 billion on dog food annually, the stakes are high for both our four-legged companions' health and our wallets. In this article, we unveil a comprehensive guide to the 15 healthiest dog foods, equipping you with the knowledge to prioritize your dog's vitality and longevity.

15 healthies dog foods

  1. Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel
  2. Sundays Air Dried Food for Dogs
  3. Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper
  4. Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Premium Air Dried Dog Food
  5. Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain - Free Recipe
  6. Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe Dog Food
  7. NOW Foods, Colostrum Powder
  8. Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
  9. Stella & Chewy’s Superblends Raw Blend
  10. EasyRaw Grass Fed Dehydrated Dog Food
  11. Kibble of the Sea Dog Food
  12. PetKind Dog Food
  13. Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Food
  14. ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food
  15. Grandma Lucy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food

Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel

As a pet parent, ensuring your furry friend receives the highest quality nutrition is essential. When it comes to finding the healthiest dog food available, Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel stands out as an excellent option. Made with all-natural ingredients and free from fillers commonly found in other brands, this food is designed to provide a balanced and complete diet for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Whether you have a young pup or an aging senior dog, Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel offers a range of options to meet your furry friend's nutritional needs. Give your dog the gift of exceptional health with Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel.

Sundays Air Dried Food for Dogs

If you're on the hunt for the healthiest dog food for your furry friend, you might want to consider trying Sunday's air-dried food for dogs. This unique method of preserving food works by gently removing moisture from the ingredients without the use of preservatives or high heat. As a result, the food retains more of its natural nutrients and enzymes, which can benefit your dog's overall health. Sundays offers a variety of protein options, including beef, fish, and turkey, all of which are sourced from responsible suppliers. Plus, because the food is air-dried, it's lightweight and easy to store, making it a convenient option for busy pet owners. Give Sundays a try and see the difference it can make for your furry best friend.

Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper

Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper is a nutritious addition to your dog's diet. Made from a blend of fresh fruits and vegetables, this meal topper is packed with essential nutrients that will keep your furry friend healthy and happy. If you're looking for the healthiest dog food, look no further than Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper. This product is a great way to boost your dog's immune system, improve their digestive health, and keep their skin and coat in top condition. Plus, it's easy to use – simply sprinkle a small amount on top of your dog's regular food and watch as they devour it! Try Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper today and give your dog the gift of good health.

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Premium Air Dried Dog Food

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Premium Air Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners who are looking for the healthiest dog food for their furry friends. This product is packed with superfoods, essential vitamins, and minerals that provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all ages and breeds. What sets this premium dog food apart is that it is air-dried, which means that the nutrients are preserved and the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients are maintained. This process ensures that your dog gets all the health benefits of the ingredients, including improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and healthier skin and coat. Overall, Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Premium Air Dried Dog Food is an outstanding option for pet owners who prioritize their dog's health and well-being.

Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain - Free Recipe

Introducing Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain - Free Recipe – the ultimate choice for pet owners who prioritize their dog's good health. Developed with premium ingredients, this formula packs essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are vital for your dog's overall well-being. Made with 70% raw animal ingredients and oils to support a lustrous coat and healthy skin, you can trust that every bowl of Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain-Free Recipe is packed with the right nutrients for your pup. Say goodbye to artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives; this is the healthiest dog food on the market that will leave your dog with an irresistible taste and a shiny coat to show off!

Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food

As pet owners, we all want to provide our furry friends with the best possible nutrition to help them live a happy and healthy life. That's why Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food has become a popular choice for many dog owners who are seeking the healthiest dog food options. Made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, this air-dried dog food is packed with essential nutrients and free from harmful additives. Not only is it a great source of protein and fiber, but it's also easy to digest, making it a fantastic option for dogs with digestive issues. This innovative air-drying process locks in vital nutrients, creating a delicious and nutritious meal that your dog will love. By choosing Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food, you can rest assured that you're providing your beloved pet with a healthy and balanced diet.

Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe Dog Food

As a dog owner, you always want to provide the best nutrition for your furry friend. And when it comes to choosing the healthiest dog food, Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe certainly deserves a spot on your list. Made with real turkey as the first ingredient and paired with whole grains, this dog food formula is designed to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your pup. It also contains an array of fruits and vegetables, including peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cranberries, to give your dog a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. With Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe, you can trust that you are feeding your dog a quality food option that is crafted with their health in mind.

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend when it comes to their nutrition. It's no secret that dogs thrive on a raw diet, but finding high-quality raw food can be a challenge. Luckily, Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Essential Wellness Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is available. This premium dog food formula is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with the healthiest dog food possible. With real, raw ingredients sourced from trusted, local farms, Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend is packed with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrition that dogs need to stay healthy and happy. Plus, the freeze-drying process preserves the ingredients' natural goodness, making it a convenient and easy-to-prepare option for busy pet owners. If you're looking for a top-quality, all-natural dog food that supports your pet's health and wellness, look no further than Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend.

Stella & Chewy’s Superblends Raw Blend

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, every pet parent wants to provide them with the best nutrition possible. That's exactly why Stella & Chewy's Superblends Raw Blend has made such a mark in the pet food industry. This particular brand of dog food has been praised as one of the healthiest options on the market today. Made from premium raw ingredients, they give our dogs the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. With its unique blend of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality meat, it's no surprise that many owners trust Stella & Chewy's Superblends Raw Blend as their go-to dog food option.

EasyRaw Grass Fed Dehydrated Dog Food

As a responsible pet owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry companion. And when it comes to their diet, nothing is more important than choosing the healthiest dog food possible. EasyRaw Grass-Fed Dehydrated Dog Food is a fantastic option for those looking for a nutrient-packed meal for their canine pal. Made with high-quality grass-fed meat and organic fruits and vegetables, this dehydrated dog food is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare and store, making it a convenient choice for busy pet owners. Give your dog the best start possible with EasyRaw Grass-Fed Dehydrated Dog Food.

Kibble of the Sea Dog Food

Choosing a high-quality dog food is essential in keeping your four-legged friend healthy and happy. When looking for the healthiest option, consider Kibble of the Sea Dog Food. This premium dog food is packed with wholesome ingredients, such as real seafood and vegetables, that are essential for your dog's overall well-being. Plus, it is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors that could lead to health problems down the line. Not only does Kibble of the Sea provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your furry companion, but it also helps support their immune system and promotes healthy skin and fur. Give your dog the best start in life with Kibble of the Sea Dog Food - a food that prioritizes their health and wellness above all else.

PetKind Dog Food

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, we all want the best for them. That is precisely why PetKind Dog Food has been making waves in the pet industry for its wholesome and nutritious offerings. Not only are their formulas made with high-quality ingredients, but they are also free from any harmful additives or fillers. PetKind's philosophy is based on the belief that what goes into your pet's body can significantly impact their health and well-being. That is why they use only the healthiest, most nutritious ingredients in their dog food formulations. With options like Wild Pacific Fish and Green Tripe, your furry friend will be getting the best of the best when it comes to their diet. Invest in PetKind Dog Food, and give your furry friend the gift of good health.

Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Food

As a dog owner, there's nothing more important than ensuring your furry friend is happy and healthy. For many pet parents, selecting the healthiest dog food is a top priority. That's where Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Food comes in. Made with high-quality salmon as the first ingredient, this formula is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Its limited ingredients ensure that it is easy on your dog's digestive system, while also providing essential nutrients and promoting healthy digestion. Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming, but with Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Food, you can feel confident knowing that you are providing your beloved pet with a healthy and satisfying meal.

ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food

ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is widely considered one of the healthiest dog foods out there. Made with high-quality protein sources and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, this formula meets all of your dog's essential nutritional needs while limiting the number of ingredients they consume. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, the grain-free formula ensures that your pup isn't consuming any unnecessary fillers that could lead to weight gain or digestive upset. Packed with vitamins and minerals, ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great option for those looking to give their furry friend the best possible nutrition.

Grandma Lucy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food

Looking for the healthiest dog food brand around? Grandma Lucy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food is definitely worth considering. Made using the freshest meats and vegetables, it contains no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives that could harm your furry friend. If you’re looking for quality protein sources, wholesome fibers, and all-natural ingredients, look no further than Grandma Lucy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food. With this brand, you can rest easy knowing that your furry companion is getting the best possible nutrition and that your beloved pet is enjoying a happy and healthy life. So why not give it a shot and see the difference?

In crafting a roadmap to canine vitality, it's evident that the choices we make regarding our pets' diets reverberate profoundly. As the demand for healthier options grows, it's heartening to note that organic dog food sales have surged by 39% in the past year alone, reflecting a shift towards more mindful nutrition. Conversely, the prevalence of food allergies in dogs has risen by approximately 30% over the last decade, signifying the urgency of well-informed dietary decisions. Nourishing our beloved companions with the 15 healthiest dog foods not only safeguards their well-being but also contributes to a paradigm where quality nutrition reigns supreme, ultimately paving the way for happier, healthier tails that wag with exuberance.

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Music

Teacher jokingly tells 10-year-old going on a trip to England to 'find Duran Duran'—and so she kind of does.

And just like that, Simon LeBon appeared in the doorway.

Wikicommons and lakehighlandsadvocate IG

Duran Duran lead singer Simon LeBon poses with a young fan

Imagine this: you're a fourth grade language arts teacher in Dallas, and like many Gen X-ers, your obsession with Duran Duran never waned. So much so that you still have dolls of each member of the band in the classroom and, according to Austin Wood's article for the Lake Highlands Advocate, even an old telephone in case (lead singer) "Simon LeBon calls."

This describes Miriam Osborne, a fourth grade teacher at White Rock Elementary in the Lake Highlands district of Dallas, Texas. Wood shares in "White Rock E.S. student, inspired by teacher, meets Simon LeBon" that one of Osborne's students, 10-year-old Ava Meyers, was getting an early pickup for Christmas break, as her family was heading to the U.K. for a holiday wedding. As they were saying their goodbyes in the hallway, Osborne kiddingly said to Meyers, "Find Duran Duran."

gif of Duran Duran performingDuran Duran 80S GIFGiphy


Cut to: Ava and her family, including her mom Zahara, fly across the pond to find themselves in the Putney neighborhood of London. After a day of sightseeing, Zahara shares, "I was just Googling things to do in Putney, and the first thing that popped up was 'Simon Le Bon lives in Putney from Duran Duran.'”

Zahara did a little sleuthing and found Simon's house, thinking perhaps a Christmas stroll by the home would be exciting. But, according to the article, Ava felt they could do better. She and "an 83-year-old relative named Nick, who apparently has courage in droves, went to the door and tried a knock. Zahara was initially hesitant but assumed Le Bon would be away on vacation, so she figured it was harmless. Le Bon’s son-in-law answered, his wife came to the door next, and following a few moments of getting pitched the idea by Nick, agreed to get her husband 'because it was Christmas.'"

And just like that, Simon LeBon appeared in the doorway. He warmly greeted Ava and her family and even took pictures. "It was just crazy," Ava exclaimed.

But possibly more excited was Miriam Osborne, back in the States. She proudly shared the photo (which had been texted to her) with many of her friends and even encouraged Ava to recount the story to her classmates when they returned from the break. Wood shares, "Osborne’s connection to the band goes back to her childhood in El Paso in the ’80s. As the daughter of a Syrian immigrant, she says she had trouble fitting in and finding an identity. Some days, she and her brothers would travel across town to get records from a British record store."

Miriam explains she used her babysitting money to buy her first Duran Duran record. "And so I had been a fan, literally, for 43 years—my entire lifetime."

gif of Simon LeBonDuran Duran GIFGiphy

Osborne's love of Duran Duran, and many '80s bands in general, nostalgically connects her to a throughline for her life that she tries to impart onto the students as well. "Music is a connector, and it connected me to a world that I didn’t always fit in as a child. It helped me find people who I still love to this day, and it’s a big part of this classroom with me and the students I teach, because everybody has a story, and there’s something really incredible about hearing something and it taking you to a happy moment."

As for Ava? She's now taking guitar lessons. And perhaps one day, she can become so famous and inspirational, a teacher sends a student off to find her on a Christmas vacation in the future.

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Joy

Woman with unfortunate initials upset she can never wear monogrammed clothing

Some other folks responded that they have it worse.

via Canva/Photos

A woman who is frustrated with her name.

It’s fair to blame parents if they give their child a name and the initials spell out something unseemly or embarrassing. They should have considered this before giving the child the name. However, you can’t blame someone with funny initials after getting married because no one will reject the love of their life for having a last name that starts with the wrong letter.

A woman shared that she can’t stand her initials because she can’t wear monogrammed clothing. "[My initials] are the bane of my existence, and I can never have traditional monogramming (first, last, middle) without it being a sandwich." Yes, her initials, in the traditional monogram form, are BLT. They are a tasty option for lunch but probably not something you’d want on a fancy necklace or bathrobe. She also refuses to eat the sandwich. "Raw tomatoes are disgusting to me personally,” she adds.

Why is it that in traditional monogram form, a married woman’s initials are different than if she was writing them first, middle, and last? “A monogrammed gift for a woman should include her first, middle, and last initial or, if she is married, her first, maiden name, and married name initials. Traditionally, a woman's monogram is presented in first, last, and middle initial order,” The Monogram merchant writes.

For example, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy would have a traditional monogram of JKB.



Some commenters shared their initials, and many were worse than BLT.

"My friend's is AIDS, so dont worry, i remember in secondary school having to sew our initials on pillows for home economics. I felt bad for her."

"I’m D.M.B. - all I’m missing is the U."

"Mine are TB.... just as unappealing haha."

"My initials are BS, so don't feel bad. I get cracked on all the time."

"Hubs initials are ET. Cue 'ET phone home,' circa the '80s from all his so called friends at work."



"My initials are RAD, lol."

"I knew a girl with the initials PMS, I think food is better than that."

"Mine happen to spell 'ELF', and I hated it as a kid. Now I embrace it, lol."

"My brother’s are R.A.T. He kinda embraced it, an animal lover and all."

"I'm APE lol."



It was once believed that having unfortunate initials meant more than suffering the occasional embarrassment—they could take years off your life. In 1999, a study found that men with positive initials, such as WOW or JOY, lived 4.5 years longer than those with neutral initials, while those with negative initials, such as DIE or ROT, died 2.8 years later.

The idea was that people with negative initials subconsciously think less of themselves, which could lead to an unhealthy lifestyle compared to someone with positive initials. However, six years later, that study was debunked by a subsequent study that found there is “no persuasive biological theory of how longevity should be significantly affected by initials."

Pamela Redmond Satran, author of "Baby Names Now," says we should still consider initials when naming children.

"Every conventional naming book gives the guideline, 'Don't forget to look at the initials,'" Satran said, according to CBS News. "Even if the second study contradicts the first, and having bad initials is not going to shorten your life span, it could make what there is of your life less pleasant. And who wants to foist that on innocent children?"

This article originally appeared in January.

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Heroes

Instacart delivery driver trusted her gut instinct and ended up saving a customer's life

"You're supposed to take a picture and leave, and I could not just leave."

@JessicaHiggs3/TikTok

Jessica Higgs had a sense that something wasn't right at a customer's house and her action saved his life.

One the more mysterious aspects of being human is our sense of intuition. This "sixth sense" isn't something we can see or measure, but many people have experienced it in some form or fashion. Maybe it comes as a strong feeling that something isn't right, or that we or someone else should or shouldn't do something. It can be hard to read—not every feeling we get is truly our intuition—but there are plenty of examples of people trusting their instincts and being glad they did.

One such story has gone viral on TikTok. Jessica Higgs, a mom who works as an Instacart grocery delivery person, shared a story in an emotional video that illustrates the importance of listening to that inner voice when it prompts you to make sure someone is OK.

"I just want to start this off by saying if you see something, say something," Higgs said.

Animated GIFGiphy

She explained how she had done an Instacart order the previous day for a daughter who was ordering for her older dad who couldn't shop for himself. She said she was going the extra mile like she always does for her customers, and that the daughter told her to just drop the groceries on the porch and he'd get them. That's what Higgs would usually do.

"I get there and something was telling me no, you gotta help this man out," she said. "He came out, and I was like OK let me help you, and I got the groceries. You're not supposed to go into someone's house, but I used my judgment and I brought the groceries inside and put them down wherever he wanted me to put them down. You're not supposed to, but I did. And you're supposed to just take a picture and leave, and I could not just leave."



@jessicahiggs3

@Instacart #28DaysOfEucerin #fyp



Higgs noticed that the man looked really sick and she was really concerned. A voice in her head said, "You gotta say something. You gotta say something, Jess." Rather than mark the order as complete, she messaged the man's daughter and told her that it was really unprofessional to say something like this, but she felt like her dad wasn't doing well. "There's a propane tank in there," she told the woman. "I was in there maybe five feet and I got dizzy. There's got to be a leak. He might not be doing good because of this leak."

The woman said she would send her son over to check it out and Higgs left. The woman changed her tip from $14 to $100, which Higgs appreciated, but the message she sent her the next morning was a much greater reward for her going the extra mile.

"Thank you so much, once my son went to check on my dad it turned out it was definitely leaking," she wrote. "You definitely saved my dad and my younger son's life!!!"

Through tears, Higgs said, "I'm just an Instacart worker, but if you see something, say something. I did and I'm so happy I did."

Higgs' TikTok has been viewed more than 15 million times and has been shared widely on social media. It has also attracted the attention of big companies.

Royal Caribbean Cruises shared a TikTok video of its own praising Higgs for her heroic act and offering her and her family a seven-day cruise anywhere in the world. "Cause even heroes need a vacation," the company wrote.



@royalcaribbean

Stitch with @jessicahiggs3 - cause even heroes need a vacation. Thanks @captaincruiseguy



Old Navy connected with her and arranged a shopping spree where she got to model several new outfits. People Magazine commented, "You’re literally a HERO! Good job trusting your instincts. 💕" Even TikTok itself wrote, "You are amazing ❤️thank you for sharing this with all of us."

Lots of commenters also pointed out that she's not "just an Instacart worker." Her work is important, she's providing a needed service and any job done in a spirit of helping others should not be minimized. If she hadn't been there doing her job well, that man may not be here. Never underestimate the difference each of us can make by the simple act of looking out for one another, friend and stranger alike.

Higgs' heartfelt story touched millions, and she's being rightly rewarded for listening to her heart and going out of her way to help someone. Gotta love seeing good things come to people doing good. Well done, Jessica Higgs.

This article originally appeared three years ago.

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Wellness

How to stop waking up each night at 3 or 4 in the morning

The good news is that there are ways to get back to sleep and stop the downward anxiety spiral.

via Polina Kovaleva/Pexels

A woman with her eye mask on in bed.

Do you often wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. with an intense feeling of anxiety? Do you get stressed that you’re awake and begin making a mental laundry list of everything you need to do the next day? Do you start thinking about fights you once had with your spouse or ponder how you have let yourself down in the past?

If so, you’re not alone. It’s common for people to wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. regularly and there’s a reason why we choose this time to catastrophize and worry. The good news is that there are some steps we can take to get through that awkward phase of the night so we can wake up refreshed.

Why do I wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. every night?

Many of us reliably wake up in the middle of the night because after we’ve had a good chunk of sleep, our bodies start to slowly prepare us for the day by reducing melatonin, the hormone that puts us to sleep and increasing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

That biological phase of sleep is why we start to feel stressed.



insomnia, sleep, sleep hacks, how to sleep better, melatonin, stressA woman struggles with insomniaImage via Canva


After the big hormone release at 3 or 4 in the morning, if you are dealing with stress in your life, you are more likely to wake up. If your life is calmer and you don’t already have a stress baseline, you will probably wake up, fall asleep quickly and forget that it happened.

Why do I wake up feeling stressed in the middle of the night?

If you’re already experiencing stress in your life, that extra cortisol kick is going to cause you to wake up with a feeling of anxiety. The problem is that when we’re lying in bed in the middle of the night, we are in a vulnerable position. “Around this time in the sleep cycle, we’re at our lowest ebb physically and cognitively. From nature’s viewpoint, this is meant to be a time of physical and emotional recovery, so it’s understandable that our internal resources are low,” Greg Murray, a psychology researcher with expertise in mood, sleep, and the circadian system, writes in The Conversation.

“But we also lack other resources in the middle of the night – social connections, cultural assets, all the coping skills of an adult are unavailable at this time,” Murray continues. “With none of our human skills and capital, we are left alone in the dark with our thoughts. So the mind is partly right when it concludes the problems it’s generated are unsolvable – at 3 a.m., most problems literally would be.”


insomnia, sleep, sleep hacks, melatonin, stress, anxiety A woman struggles with insomniaImage via Canva

At this moment, when we’re stressed and feeling vulnerable, stuck in bed with no way out, we can begin to spiral. This is when we ruminate on why we forgot to feed the dog that one day in 1994 or contemplate why things went bad with your first significant other at 21. It’s when we start recalling a disagreement with a friend and plotting out what we’ll say the next time the issue arises.

At this point, if we don’t stop spiraling, we’ll be up until 5 a.m. and will feel like garbage when it’s time to go to work.

The good news is that there are ways to get back to sleep and stop the downward anxiety spiral.

Make a list

Dr. Jade Wu says that if you wake up and feel stressed about things you need to take care of, walk out of your room (so you don’t associate it with stressors) and make a list to read in the morning. This will free you of your worries, because you know you can care for them when you are awake.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

Pay attention to your breath

Murray says you should redirect your attention from your thoughts to your breath, which is a form of meditation. “I bring my attention to my senses, specifically the sound of my breath. When I notice thoughts arising, I gently bring my attention back to the sound of breathing,” Murray writes in The Conversation. This works in 2 ways: first, it takes your attention away from your spiraling thoughts and second, the breathing exercise helps you relax.


Have a bite to eat

Sometimes, we wake up in the middle of the night because we’re hungry and our blood sugar is dropping. “The first question I ask [my patients] is, ‘When was the last time you ate?’” Michael Breus, Ph.D. psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, told Sleep.com. “Often, they’ve finished their last meal at 7 p.m.; now it’s 3 in the morning — that’s eight hours later — so guess what? They’re out of fuel.” If you’ve woken up because of a drop in blood sugar, experts recommend eating a small snack that includes protein and fat, like peanut butter.

This article originally appeared last year.

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Heroes

Missing injured mom survives six days in ditch by using her hoodie to reach water

She fell asleep at the wheel and woke to a crash that seriously injured her legs and wrists.

Photo credit: Canva

Missing injured mom survives by using her hoodie to reach water

Getting into an accident typically isn't on the top of anyone's list of things to do for the day. Most people work very hard to avoid experiencing the trauma involved with colliding into another vehicle or careening off the road. But being human means mistakes are made and car accidents are bound to happen from time to time.

Brieonna Cassell, 41 recently lived through a harrowing accident after she fell asleep at the wheel resulting in serious injuries that left her stranded for six days in her car. It wasn't easy for passersby to spot the vehicle due to her ending up in a ditch under a bridge, though she could hear the nearby cars passing her by.

The Indiana mother of three was unable to escape the car with the extensive injuries to her wrists and legs. Phoning for help was also out of the question since her cell phone was dead under one of the seats in her car. All Cassell could do was scream for help and hope by some miracle someone could hear her cries. But after nearly a week of no one coming to her rescue, she resigned herself to dying there in the ditch.

car in a ditchWhat happens next is a miracle. Photo credit: Canva

Cassell was unaware that her family was searching extensively for her. They'd even included volunteers in the effort to find the missing mom. Her photo was widely circulated in the area in hopes to locate her before it was too late. Still, from Cassell's view, she was running out of time. With nothing to eat or drink and no way to get to sustenance, she had to be resourceful to buy herself more time until someone could find her.

The seriously injured woman used her hoodie to lower it down into the water that collects in the ditch. Once the hood was saturated, she would pull the hoodie back into the car and suck the water out of the material. Finding access to water is what likely kept her alive until the sixth day when a man driving a tall tractor working for a drainage and excavation company noticed her car.

"She was stuck in the car and could not get out. But she was able to reach the water from the car. The only way she was able to survive was using her hoodie and dipping it into the water in a ditch and sucking the water, or bringing the the water into her mouth from the ditch," the woman's father Delmar Caldwell tells ABC News.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of her family and community members to make sure everyone knew her face, the tractor operator, Johnny Martinez, recognized Cassell when he saw her. The woman was flown to a hospital in Chicago to be treated for her injuries and is listed in serious condition. But, she's in good spirits.

gif of firemen saving someone from a crashed carChicago Fire GIF by Wolf EntertainmentGiphy

Jeremy Vanderwall, assistant chief at a local volunteer fire department tells the outlet, "She said, 'I didn't think anybody was gonna find me. I thought I was gonna die in this ditch.'"

Thankfully for all involved, Cassell's grim predictions didn't come true and Martinez was able to call for help, which included his boss, Vanderwall, getting her the urgent care she needed.

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