Monthly Archives: May 2025

This month begins at a stable pace for you, Aquarius and since you are usually ahead of your times, you have most likely way ahead of the work that the rest of us will be doing this Pluto retrograde in your sign- which sets you up for peaceful creation of all the changes, transformations and impact that you really wish to leave. It may feel like a particularly intense period for you, but not one marked with strife. Remembering that you are ahead of the game, will help you cement in some much needed patience and light so that you can allow the creative and regenerative processes kick in naturally. While you wait for the bud to transform into a flower, remember to release all that feels tense and not working for you.

Power Crystal: Clear Quartz, to cleanse, purify and amplify.

Uncertainty is a natural part of life, but it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed when a lot of unknowns are coming your way at once, like right about now. Tariffs are being added and subtracted by the hour, causing wild swings in the global economy that could potentially cost you a ton of money. The stock market is tanking, and a ton of people who used to have jobs that seemed stable are now being fired. Plus, you’ve got whatever is happening in your personal life to deal with on top of worrying about a looming economic crisis.

It’s easy to look around and assume everyone else is sailing along just fine when it feels like you’re barely keeping it together. But the reality is that everyone feels the heat when life is unstable—even therapists. “This comes up in almost every therapy session as of late, and something I am dealing with in my daily life right now,” says Hillary Ammon, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness.

You basically have two options when life is up in the air: Hide out on your couch and pretend like nothing’s wrong, or find new ways to work through the uncertainty. It goes without saying, but the first isn’t really an option—and ultimately, the only way out is through. If it doesn’t feel like this ability to navigate instability comes naturally to you, that’s okay. “We all have to learn to live with uncertainty, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy,” says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health and cohost of the Mind in View.

With that in mind, we tried to find the things therapists do when uncertainty strikes. From writing sticky notes to thinking about life’s “anchors,” here’s what they swear by.

They focus on what they can control

When the air is thick with uncertainty, it’s easy to assume the outcome will be horrible—and that can quickly make you a bit obsessive. “Uncertainties that cause worry tend to ‘stick,’” Dr. Ammon says. Hello, crushing anxiety!

Whenever she notices that she’s not able to easily shake a worry, Dr. Ammon says she’ll first pause and acknowledge it. “Then, I sit with it for a moment. I try not to push the thoughts or feelings away,” she says. This gives her the mental freedom to actually think about what’s bothering her versus trying to ignore it—which can ultimately put it on your mind even more, she explains. Dr. Ammon then finds it helpful to focus her attention on what’s in her control and to problem-solve the things she actually has the ability to change. It may even help to take it one step further and make an actual list of what’s worrying you and the aspects you can control so that you know what to focus on.

“Black olives contain more iron than green ones, making them helpful for women prone to anaemia or chronic fatigue,” says del Castillo. Interaceituna notes they provide up to 45.5% of your daily iron needs.

They’re antioxidant-rich

Black olives tend to have higher levels of hydroxytyrosol, one of the most bioavailable antioxidants. They’re also a solid source of vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative damage.

They may support weight management

A 2024 study from the University of Granada identified β-resorcylic acid in black olives, which may reduce fat mass, improve insulin resistance, and support metabolic health, without compromising muscle.

They may reduce the risk of colon cancer

Yaraseth del Castillo adds that compounds found in olive skins have been shown to reduce the formation of intestinal polyps by up to 45%, pointing to a promising role in colorectal cancer prevention.

They help regulate cholesterol

Olives are high in oleic acid (up to 77%), an unsaturated fat that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

They’re probiotic-friendly—if you choose right

Naturally fermented olives (brined and unpasteurised) contain live bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum, which can support gut health, digestion, and immunity. Many supermarket versions, however, are pasteurised and lack these benefits. Del Castillo recommends seeking out organic or artisanal options.

How many should you eat?

Despite their salty reputation, nutritionists are increasingly pro-olive. Interaceituna recommends 25g of table olives per day—roughly seven olives, clocking in at 37 calories. “That provides the same amount of healthy fats and antioxidants as a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil,” says del Castillo. The important thing to note is to choose natural, low-sodium, brined varieties with no chemical processing.

A 2022 study by Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health linked regular olive oil consumption (and by extension, olives) to a significantly lower risk of death from heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. So next time the bar snack is olives, say yes and make them black.

Tapenade recipe: Black olive pâté

Ingredients:

• 200g pitted black olives
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 anchovy fillets in oil
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of half a lemon
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Rinse the capers with water and chop the garlic clove.
2. Put them in a bowl together with the black olives and the anchovies.
3. Add the juice of half a lemon and the oil.
4. Whisk the mixture for a short time: just enough to make it smooth but with texture.
5. Sprinkle with pepper to taste.

This story first appeared on Vogue.es

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