5 Simple Ways To Indulge In Effortless Yoni Self-Care
Self-love means also caring for your yoni. For years, women openly discussing their yoni was taboo. Growing up, the only "yoni talk" between my Puerto Rican mother and I was, "You better not come in my house pregnant." My mother's words scared me straight, so I steered away from acknowledging my yoni altogether. My yoni and I were complete strangers. As I got older, the fear of exploring my yoni rolled into the lack of acceptance of my own body and sexual expression. It took me years to freely discover myself or even look at her.
Now, thanks to radical feminism and the body positivity movement on social media, I have fully embraced my yoni. I've learned taking great care of our yonis is a way of honoring our temple. The female anatomy is beautiful and you should never feel embarrassed or uncomfortable to connect with it. Since taking care of your yoni is indeed a form of self-care, here are 5 self-care practices for your vag, vajayjay, yoni, or if you're a millennial or a Gen Z-er, your WAP.
Don’t Curve Your Gyno
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Hey, I get it. I'm not thirsty for a pap smear either, but as a woman it's part of the job. For those of you who aren't familiar, a pap smear is a procedure used to collect cells from the cervix as a means to test for cervical cancer. Getting a pap smear can reduce the risk of cancer, STIs, and other health-related issues. According to sources like Women's Health, it is recommended that women get a pap smear every three years and/or during yearly wellness checks.
Cancel Douching, Consider Yoni Steaming Instead.
In recent years (thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand GOOP), yoni steaming has become very popular. Yoni steaming is a natural remedy facial for your vagina. The remedy stems from ancient medicine. Women are instructed to infuse a variety of herbs into a steaming pot of water. When the steam comes to a comfortable temperature, you may sit over it for anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. According to Healthline some benefits to steaming are allegedly hormone imbalance, generalized pain, stress, depression, and hemorrhoids.
Women have also praised yoni steaming for healing deep wounds from sexual trauma and honoring their womanhood. It is also celebrated for its alleged ability to restore balance as well as being a catalyst for healing. Steaming can be done at home or in spas that specialize in yoni steaming. It is best to take into consideration that yoni steaming has not been scientifically proven to improve vaginal health. If you attempt to partake, do so at your own risk.
Use Fragrance-Free Feminine Wash.
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According to Mary Bogel, a pelvic floor physical therapist who shared her thoughts with Elite Daily, using fragrance soap to clean your vagina can be too over-drying. Instead, she suggested using a castile soap or glycerin soap and advised women to look for soap with a pH between 5.3 and 7.3. Harsh-scented soaps are not needed to cleanse the vagina. The beautiful thing about our yoni is it contains a healthy amount of bacteria and it's also capable of self-cleaning. I love a good Lush bath bomb as much as the next person, but for the sake of yoni self-care, it's best to be mindful of such products. If you love to indulge in baths, please consider natural bath balms. DIY vaginal washes are also a great way to honor your yoni.
If You Don’t Use Condoms Or Lube, We Not Linking.
Part of honoring your yoni is protecting your temple. Safe sex is always great sex. According to the STD-Center, women have a 60-90% chance of being infected by another male. The chances of those women being women of color are even higher. Safe sex is also great with lube. Using lube helps enhance your sexual experience and is overall easier on your yoni. According to ippf.org, using lube decreases your chances of injury during sex. To find the best lubrication for you and your yoni, check out our article on the site, "If You've Always Wanted A 'Lubricant Cheat Sheet,' Here Ya Go".
Going Commando Hits Different!
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Yes, we know you are obsessed with your Savage x Fenty panties, but let her breathe honey! She needs her space! It's OK if you don't feel comfortable going commando during the day. Going commando while you are wearing jeans might not be a good fit, sis. However, going commando at night can be more of a practical choice for most women and allows you to still tap into the benefits of going commando. According to Healthline, going commando means fewer chances of having a yeast infection (not cute). Another added benefit is the reduced chances of vaginal odor.
At the end of the day, honor your yoni like she's Beyonce. We are queens and as queens, we need to pay homage to our yonis. Our yoni is the entryway to our kingdom, our energy, and our divine femininity. We hope you radically accept your yoni for the beauty she is and honor her the way she deserves.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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8 'Low-Pressure' Date Ideas To Bring Connection Back Into Your Dating Life
Tired of “splitting the bill” dating debates? Well, A new trend might just put an end to this discussion for good.
Hinge recently shared its findings from their second annual LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) Report, which showed that modern daters are ditching grandiose dates and trading them in for what’s been coined as “low-pressure dates,” to connect with new people, build trust earlier, and develop deeper, richer bonds.
According to the reports, "An LPD (low-pressure date) allows for a safer and more laid-back environment where daters can gauge potential chemistry IRL before exploring things further."
This isn’t to be confused with low, or no-effort dates. LPDs, instead, are “a relaxed environment with a focus on getting to know one another,” where the focus is more on forming genuine connections and understanding their background and values. Think less about the place and more about the person.
When it comes to low-pressure first dates, many daters prefer to engage in conversations about personal growth, identity, family dynamics, and societal issues. These topics often set a thoughtful and meaningful tone for the date, leaving room to extend it for a longer amount of time if it’s going well.
While this dating style might not be a fit for every single person looking for their next boo, it’s an option to remove the materialistic component of dating and focus on what truly matters, forming a new, lasting, and meaningful connection.
So if you’re ready to switch up your dating style, we’ve put together a few low-pressure dates for your next relaxed, connection-forming rendezvous, no bill splitting required.
1.Stroll Through a Local Market:
Explore a farmer's market or street fair together. The casual browsing can spark interesting conversations and provide opportunities to learn about each other's tastes.
2.Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Discussing art or exhibits can lead to engaging conversations about personal interests and perspectives. The conversation can have a natural pace of pausing and exchanging notes on the art while enjoying each other’s company.
3.Bookstore Browsing
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Unleash your inner bookworm, browse your local bookstore, and discuss your favorite books or genres. You could even start a mini book club between the two of you.
4.Picnic in the Park
Pack a simple meal and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature. This setting encourages easy conversation and helps you get to know each other in a casual environment.
5.Coffee Date at a Cozy Café
We know how controversial coffee dates can be, but never underestimate the vibes of a chill, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place for meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee or tea and provides the perfect exit if sparks aren’t flying.
6.Walk or Hike in a Scenic Area
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Enjoying nature together can create a peaceful environment for meaningful discussion and shared experiences. Not to mention, you’ll get a boost in dopamine and epinephrine, giving you both a post-walk rush.
7.Attend a Community Event or Workshop
Many cities have endless local events, workshops, or classes that align with an array of interests. What a fun way to connect over a new hobby or skill that you both can walk away with.
8.Explore a New Neighborhood
Take a leisurely walk through a new part of town, discovering hidden gems and sharing your thoughts on what you see. Who knows, it could discover the place for your “how we met” story.
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