Negative body language can be a breaking point in relationships. Regardless if you’ve just met or have known a person for years, one wrong move — or lack thereof in some cases — can make those around you feel as if you’re no longer interested the conversation they’re giving you. And while things like not looking at someone or turning your body away from them while talking are known to be negative body languages, Lauren Crain — digital marketer at Health Labs— told INSIDER that you may be surprised to realize how many of them have actually been misunderstood.

“All nonverbal signals are ambiguous and open to interpretation,” she said. “Don't believe that just because someone performs one nonverbal signal it means that they automatically think a certain way; there are many meanings to single nonverbal signals, and sometimes, they don't mean anything at all.”

Take a look at these six commonly misunderstood body languages to see if there are any that have made you ruin potential relationships through assumption.

Lacking eye contact.

Just like crossing your arms is usually deemed as a disrespectful, not giving someone eye contact can be, too. According to body language expert and author of "The Human Whisperer: Mastering The Art of Understanding, Connecting With, and Influencing Others"Steven Keyl though, this sign can be misunderstood more than you know.

"No eye contact means someone is lying, right? WRONG,” said Keyl. "If someone is shy, nervous, or just thinking about the question, they may not meet our gaze very often. In some cultural groups, eye contact with an authority figure is viewed as a sign of disrespect. In fact, habitual liars typically engage in more eye contact than normal. They know that looking someone in the eye is perceived as a sign of truthfulness. So if someone makes too much eye contact, that would be a reason to doubt them. In general, however, this cue will mislead more often than not."

Crossing your legs.

If you’ve ever thought someone crossing their legs to be disrespectful, you may have that all wrong.

"Crossed legs can be a confusing signal. Some say it demonstrates open relaxation, others say it shows the person is defensive," Keyl told INSIDER. "The truth is that it depends on the context and positioning. A person standing with their legs cross and weight shifted on one leg is typically projecting an attitude casual relaxation. That same person seated in a "figure-4" crossed leg position, with their arms holding their top leg in place is closed off and no longer fully engaging. As with so many body language cues, context is king."

Swinging your legs.

According to Keyl, this or other fidgety behavior could just be a helpful option to those undergoing stress.

"If someone can’t stop swinging their legs or engaging in other fidgety behavior, it is often associated with guilt or someone who is trying to hide the truth," Keyl said. "In fact, these behaviors are ways of reducing stress and anxiety. Both guilty and innocent alike will engage in these types of behaviors. They are not indicative of deception; rather, they show the person is feeling stressed about the situation or the line of questioning, but it does NOT provide insight as to whether someone is being truthful."

• Costco deals are a great way to save money — but they're not always obvious.
• Business Insider asked 49 Costco employees to share their top tips for saving money and making the most of your experience at the store.
• From learning how to navigate the store to figuring out how to identify clearance items, here's some advice from Costco employees.

Costco's deals are a huge draw for many members.

The retail chain is known for hawking just about everything — and selling it in bulk.

Business Insider reached out to Costco employees to learn more about their top shopping tips, because it pays to shop armed with insider information. Thirty-five ended up sharing their best strategies.

One employee of four years suggested shopping for everything at the chain, which isn't that far-fetched of an idea, considering Costco sells cars, vacations, food kits for the apocalypse, yummy fast food, and even caskets.

"The deals are amazing," a Costco employee of four years told Business Insider. "Always think Costco first. From auto insurance, travel, mortgages, return policy, warranties — if you can get it through Costco, you absolutely should."

Here's what Costco workers had to say about how you can instantly improve your shopping experience.

SEE ALSO: Costco employees reveal the worst, grossest, and most bizarre things they've seen on the job

DON'T MISS: Why Costco food courts have charged $1.50 for hot dogs since 1985, according to employees

READ MORE: Costco employees share the 20 things they wish shoppers would stop doing

Buy Kirkland

Kirkland products are the way to go, according to Costco employees.

Kirkland Signature — named for the chain's former headquarters in Kirkland, Washington — is Costco's private label.

"Buy Kirkland — it's cheaper and the same product as the name brand," a Costco employee who has worked for the store for five years told Business Insider.

An employee who's been with the store for 25 years agreed.

Don't hesitate

See something you like at Costco? Buy it. Don't hesitate.

That's what eight Costco employees told Business Insider. Seasonal items often disappear forever.

"Buy seasonal items when you can," one employee told Business Insider. "When they're gone, they're gone."

If you decide to sit on your hands, you might end up regretting it.

"Too many people come back looking for something we phased out," an employee of 10 years told Business Insider. "Buy it when you see it."

You can always return it later if you decide you don't want it.

Spring for the executive membership

A standard membership at Costco is $60 a year. An executive membership will cost you $120 a year and net you an annual 2% reward of up to $1,000 on your purchases.

Five Costco employees told Business Insider that they advised that customers spring for the executive membership.

"Come on," said one employee who has worked at the chain for six years. "You get 2% back on travel. Go to Hawaii. Make money."

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Comfort is an extremely important factor when it comes to buying products that you wear or sleep with on a daily basis. No matter how stylish or good of a deal it might be, sub-par or non-existent levels comfort can be a complete deal-breaker.

Everybody takes it into consideration when shopping in a store or reading descriptions online, but a true measure of comfort is sometimes only determined through using the product for an extended period of time — and at that point it may be too late to return. 

Luckily, the Insider Picks team is slightly obsessed with the general notion of being comfortable all the time, and we have a rigorous testing process that ensures our picks hold up over time — so we know exactly where to look for all things comfy and cozy. To help you improve the comfort in your life without wasting time and money on things that might turn out to be painful or otherwise annoying to use, we rounded up 18 of our favorite items. 

From clothes, shoes, and fuzzy slippers to custom mattresses, personalized pillows, and premium sheets, these are some of the most comfortable items we own.

Check them out, below:

Adidas Ultra Boost

Adidas Ultra Boost, starting at $180, available in multiple colors and styles

Although I've lost count, it's safe to say that I own close to 100 pairs of sneakers. Out of the many sneakers I have ever worn, the Adidas Ultra Boost is by far the most comfortable pair. They feature a sock-like Primeknit upper and full-length Boost midsole, which absorbs and returns energy, as opposed to creating hard impact. I wear them for running, working out, or long days on my feet. They're so comfortable, I now have three pairs — white, black, and grey. Adding a pair of Ultra Boosts to your collection will effectively retire a majority of your sneakers from wear. — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Snowe Classic Bathrobe

Snowe Classic Bathrobe, $98

I’ve written the review version of a love poem to this robe before (and it was also ranked as the clear winner for the best terry robe in The Wirecutter) because it really is that great. It’s full-length, unisex-sized (slightly oversized on me), and made from 100% long-staple cotton that feels incredibly airy even though it can absorb water even better than some of my towels. As I’ve said in reviews before, there have been more than a few nights where I come home from a long day, shower, put this on, and think I’ll only wear it for a Netflix episode. Eight hours later, I wake up in it. It’s been months now since I got it, but I’m still excited to use it. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

Allbirds Runners

Shop all men's shoes at Allbirds here, $95

Shop all women's shoes at Allbirds here, $95

I'm all about Allbirds. These incredibly comfortable shoes come in two varieties — one is made from merino wool, and the other uses a unique fiber made of pulp from eucalyptus trees. The wool runners are my go-to, all-season travel shoe. Lightweight, comfortable, and supportive, these are perfect for long flights or walking all day exploring a new city. The tree runners are a great summer option, as they're lightweight, breezy, and breathable. Both versions work equally well with or without socks. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter

• "Target Syndrome" is a well-known phenomenon among those who shop there — you go in for one item and leave with a cart full of products you didn't intend to buy.
• Target stores are strategically laid out to encourage impulse buying among customers.
• I recently visited the Brooklyn Target for Tide Pods and came out with eight items I didn't plan on purchasing.

When you go shopping at Target, you're most likely leaving with a few items you didn't plan on purchasing. For me — and I think a lot of people can relate — Target runs have become synonymous with the "treat yourself" mentality. Stressed out? Go to Target. Just got dumped? Go to Target. Don't have any plans for the day? You do now. You're going to Target.

I've purchased everything from a decorative jewelry holder to a plastic succulent at Target. Still, I do wonder why Target has such power over shoppers. Is it the bright red signage, the low prices, the variety of products, or a combination of all of the above?

"Target has a high cool factor: Its aisles are filled with stylish, on-trend items in apparel and home decor that are well displayed. The in-store signing is fun, and so are the commercials designed to get you to the store," retail expert Georgian Bender of Kizer & Bender told Business Insider. "It's an added bonus that Target partners with top designers to offer their goods at affordable prices."

A 2016 study by CreditCards.com found that five in six Americans admit to making an impulse buy, and 77% made one in the past three months. The most common impulse buys are purchased in person rather than online, and millennials are the group most likely to buy an unplanned item for themselves.

At 23 years old, I fall solidly into that group, and sure enough, during a recent Target stop for laundry detergent, I purchased eight additional products. Here's what happened:

SEE ALSO: We compared products at Whole Foods and one of its top competitors to see which store had better prices — and the winner surprised us

My goal was to get Tide Pods.

I figured they'd be cheaper at the Target in Brooklyn than at the drugstore by my Manhattan apartment, but honestly, I missed the experience of shopping at a full-size Target.

As soon as I walked in, I looked for "Bullseye's Playground" (known to some as the Dollar Spot), a front-of-store Target staple that I always make a beeline for when I arrive.

I was both bummed and relieved to discover that there was no Dollar Spot, where I usually end up making the majority of my unnecessary (yet most exciting) purchases.

"Target's Dollar Spot is designed to attract impulse shoppers. It's generally right up front, just past the carts, so you can't miss it. And it's messy so it feels like a treasure hunt. Shoppers rationalize multiple purchases by thinking, 'It's only $2,' but those purchases add up," Bender said.

I picked up items I didn’t intend to.

With no Dollar Spot to browse, I went directly to the section where I thought I'd find laundry detergent. It turned out to be only personal care items, but while I was there I picked up shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, deodorant and Q-tips. It's good to stock up, and I was running low on everything but the deodorant.

I found the Tide Pods — on sale.

"Everyday, basic items are best housed toward the rear of the store. You want shoppers to have to walk through promotional items to get there. The end features house the best deals, and because they are at the end of every aisle, you can't miss them," Bender said.

The Tide Pods were on sale, and sure enough, I found them conveniently placed on the end of the household supplies aisle. I had checked off the one item on my shopping list, but obviously I wasn't going to leave without scanning the other, more "fun" sections.

The standard Nintendo Switch console is pretty fresh unto itself, especially in the red/blue edition seen above. 

But what if there were an even fresher, super limited edition version of the Switch? That's exactly what Nintendo revealed this week.

Behold, the cardboard game console:

It's part of a new contest from Nintendo, tied to the Nintendo Labo line of cardboard-based Switch peripherals. That's right: There's no way to buy this swanky new version of the Switch — it can only be won. 

Check it out:

SEE ALSO: How a Nintendo superfan turned his Switch into the perfect Super Nintendo throwback

Don't be fooled: The Switch isn't actually made of cardboard.

Despite the Labo theme and how the console looks in photos, the special edition Labo Switch isn't actually made of cardboard.

In case you weren't already aware, Nintendo Labo is a product from Nintendo that requires assembling pre-cut sheets of cardboard into elaborate creations. There are corresponding games included for play with the cardboard creations — "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" also supports one of the Labo creations.

The theme isn't very subtle.

Color and logo aside, it's a normal Switch console.

Serial killers are some of the most horrifying figures in history. Though their actions are incredibly heinous, sometimes even their quotes can be disturbing.

These are some of the most chilling quotes from serial killers that may give you nightmares.

Editor's Note: A warning that these accounts can be upsetting to some and describe graphic details of real-life cases.

Ted Bundy: "You feel the last bit of breath leaving their body. You're looking into their eyes. A person in that situation is God!"

Bundy was a serial killer and rapist who allegedly bragged about killing over 100 people, but officially confessed to 36 murders. He escaped from jail two separate times before finally being apprehended for good.

Bundy described what it was like to kill someone and said it felt like being God. He was executed in Florida via electric chair in 1989.  

Peter Kürten: "After my head has been chopped off, will I still be able to hear, at least for a moment, the sound of my own blood gushing from my neck? That would be the best pleasure to end all pleasure."

Peter Kürten was a German serial killer, also known as "The Vampire of Düsseldorf." He confessed to attacking women and children to authorities after he convinced his wife to turn him in so she could get reward money for his capture.

He was convicted of nine counts of murder by a jury. Before placing his head into the guillotine at his execution in 1931, Kürten is said to have asked the prison psychiatrist who was present if he would hear his own blood after being executed.

Richard Ramirez: "I am beyond good and evil. I will be avenged. Lucifer dwells in us all."

Richard Ramirez was known as "the Night Stalker" and spoke those words during his trial in 1989. He was sentenced to death after being convicted of 13 murders, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries throughout California.

Ramirez died of natural causes before his execution at the age of 53.

Perspectives change a lot as you age. For example, you might find yourself all of a sudden actually wanting to eat broccoli or finally understanding that your mom wasn't just nagging when she made you hang up your clothes, she was helping them not get wrinkled. Adulthood is wild.

Another way age changes you is that you have a different take on the movies and TV shows you loved growing up. Some may not hold up at all, and even when they do, you might find yourself taking the side of the character you know is the villain. Seemingly overnight their motivations make sense and you realize the hero was maybe actually wrong.

So brew some tea, cozy up on the couch on a Friday night, and settle in for the 12 villains you may find yourself understanding a little more now that you're an adult.

Harley Quinn was in a toxic relationship.

The "Batman" comics are full of great villains like Bane, Two Face, and of course, The Joker. As the trusty sidekick of the Joker, it's easy to lump Harley Quinn in with the rest, but her story feels a little more tragic. Above all, it feels like Quinn is the victim of a toxic relationship.

She was a psychiatrist treating The Joker when she fell in love with him and left her job to become his loyal accomplice. Throughout their relationship, he proves to be a manipulative partner, and Quinn winds up doing stupid (and illegal) things for the man she loves which, for anyone who's been in one of those relationships, feels all too common and relatable.

Magneto hated humans because he'd seen the worst of them.

Magneto helped found the X-Men before a fallout with Professor X led him to create his own group — the Brotherhood of Mutants. Magneto has some questionable feelings towards humans, but those feelings stem from having seen the absolute worst of mankind as a child in Auschwitz. His parents and sister are killed while there, and once free, his daughter is killed by humans because of Magneto's powers.

He makes it his mission to find other mutants, and empower them to attack humans before the humans end up attacking them. His methods are extreme, but it's not hard to understand the mentality given the horrors he's experienced.

Bruce is just a shark looking for a meal.

Sharks are largely misunderstood and don't really want to eat people, but the shark from "Jaws" didn't get that memo. Even still, he's really just after a meal, and you can't fault him for that.

For $4,000, a new "smart desk" can manage your entire work life. 

Made by New York-based technology manufacturing company Cemtrex, the SmartDesk is a sit-to-stand desk that has everything you might need built into the desk itself. 

The SmartDesk has three touch screen monitors, a document scanner, a wireless charging pad, and even its own wireless earbuds for making calls, which are conveniently hidden in a drawer underneath the desk.

Here's what this $4,000 "smart desk" can do:

SEE ALSO: 5 Android phones with futuristic edge-to-edge displays that nobody would ever mistake for an iPhone X

This is the Cemtrex SmartDesk.

The SmartDesk is a Windows PC, and it's powered by the eight-generation Intel Core i7 processor. Cemtrex says it plugs into your outlet using a single wire.

The SmartDesk has three built-in touch screens, which total 72 inches.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Boom Boom Athletica was founded by an ultra-marathon runner to solve the unnecessarily exclusive choice of stylish activewear or high-performance technical wear.
• The resultant line is edgy, memorable, and functional.
• Materials are soft, compressive, and worked well in the high-intensity workouts I wore them in.
• The colors, strategic geometric patterns, and flatlock seaming make their Tricolor Panel Leggings ($115) among the most flattering I own (out of about 20 pairs). 
• Shop Boom Boom Athletica now at Nordstrom.

The earth's history has long ago been categorized into helpful time periods. The Bronze Age is so-called after the prevalence of bronze in human-made tools, and the Iron Age follows suit. 

If today were to be labeled by either a Teen Choice Award poll or the relics of Athleisure left behind, it might find itself resoundingly nicknamed the Nylon Age. 

But no matter how supreme the Athleisure trend reigns, there’s still an unfortunate gap in the market. Past the unoffensive black nylon leggings is a choice you must make: form or function?

If you’ve ever worn an (actually) full-support sports bra to the gym, you’ll know what I mean by this. 

There seems to be an exclusivity to stylish "streetwear workout clothes" and those that are actually created for the gym — with the technical, moisture-wicking, high-performance materials that lend themselves to such an activity. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s easier to sell unoffensive black leggings than something edgier, or because it’s more cost-effective to play to the major concerns of two shoppers: those wearing attractive, figure-flattering leggings to pick up groceries or the seasoned marathon-runner who wants leggings that breathe and — for the love of everything holy — don’t chafe.

But, luckily for those who’d like to have their metaphorical cake and eat it too, ultra-marathon runner Ann Johannson was frustrated enough by the dichotomy to start her own line of edgy, fashion-forward athletic wear made from high-performance materials (the ones she depended on already for those long runs).

Boom Boom Athletica— recently stocked at Nordstrom — is activewear with form and function. The line is made from premium moisture-wicking fabric that dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable, four-way stretch fabric that welcomes motion and has UPF properties, and compressive designs like a heavy-duty sports bra with double bands and adjustable clasps that are still street-friendly. In person, items like the Tricolor Panel Leggings (which I go into detail about below) are incredibly soft.

Design choices are considerate and undeniably fun, with restrained but impactful details that stay tastefully on the cooler side of "edgy" without straying into over-the-top. Mesh tops with slight lace-up inserts, pops of vibrant geometric patterns in figure-flattering placements, color-blocking to break up wide silhouettes like full-support sports bras, and electric to muted colorways. Style and function can be claimed as equal concerns.

The line doesn't come cheap, and there are less expensive alternatives (Girlfriend Collective makes an unbelievably flattering legging I swear by for $58 out of recycled water bottles), but Boom Boom Athletica is one of the best and least-known names really marrying an original design process and high-intensity needs at the moment. 

If you're looking for activewear that will have people asking you "where's that from?"every time you leave the house, or a supportive bra that doesn't look like a hospital bandage made out of neon pink, you might want to take a look at Boom Boom Athletica. Right now, the best place to shop the brand is at Nordstrom with their free shipping and easy returns. While colorways and products are still more limited than bigger brands, the startup has some great options for women in the Nylon Age who would rather not compromise on style or function. 

Shop all Boom Boom Athletica work out clothes here.

Check out the line's standout pieces, plus a few that I've tested below:

BoomBoom Athletica Brushed Tricolor Panel Leggings

$115, available in Navy/Black/Green

These high-waist leggings are incredibly soft to the touch. There's mesh paneling for added breathability, a thick waistband to hold you in, and a figure-flattering pattern. The moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly, smooth flatlock seaming minimizes rubbing and irritation (and only helps streamline silhouette) and the antimicrobial fabric helps inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. They fit true to size. 

These leggings get a special distinction as some of the most flattering that I own, and I own a lot. The thick band at the top cinches the waist, and both its dark color, wide width, and shape (with its central dip and grey accents on the sides) make your figure look even more hourglass. The seams lay flat and smooth, and the patterning elevates the leggings to the point where you can be sure people will ask where they're from most of the time you wear them out of the house. 

Boom Boom Athletica Compression Support Sports Bra

$85, available in one White/Red

This is a snug, compression-fit bra made from quick-drying, four-way stretch fabric for intense, high-energy workouts. It has a thick ribcage band under the bust, another band in back for added support, and double-band straps.

I wore this to a high-impact kickboxing class, and it was the real standout for me in a line that I altogether really liked. Its adjustable clasps help tailor the fit, the double bands improve security for a D+, the compression let me move around unimpeded in class, and — equally worth mentioning — it looks cool even though most functional support-centric sports bras categorically do not. Plus, it has UPF protection. The only con is that $85 is a bit pricey.

Other Boom Boom Athletica: Wide Leg Track Pants

$145, available in White/Red/Black

You don't just feel the heat of global warming, you can see it in action all around.

Some examples of where climate change's effects have been measured:

SEE ALSO: Coral reefs provide crucial protection for coastal cities — without them, flood damage could double, a new study finds

Glaciers are melting

Glaciers across the globe are melting and retreating, with 279 billion tons of ice lost since 2002, according to NASA's GRACE satellite. Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland is flowing faster than any other glacier on Earth. In 2012, it hit a record pace of about 75 inches per hour (1.9 meters). In 2017, it slowed down to 40 inches per hour (1 meter). The Portage Glacier in Alaska has retreated so much it cannot be seen from the visitor center that opened in 1986.

Rocky Mountain wildlife is shifting

In the Rocky Mountains, the first robins of spring are arriving 10.5 days earlier than 30 years ago. The first larkspur wildflower is showing up eight days earlier and the marmots are coming out of hibernation five days earlier, according to data gathered by the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab.

Hurricanes are getting stronger

On average, during the past 30 years there have been more major hurricanes (those with winds of more than 110 mph), they have lasted longer and they produced more energy than the previous 30 years, according to an Associated Press analysis of storm data. Other studies have shown that the first named storm in the Atlantic forms nearly a month earlier than 30 years ago and storms are moving slower, allowing more rain to fall.

With this year’s announcement of their new invitees — a record-breaking 928 — the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made it clear its mission is to diversify its largely white male membership as much as possible.

Of the 928 invited members, 38% are people of color and 49% are women. The actors branch, the largest in the Academy, is especially focused on inclusivity this year, as its invited members include actors of all races, genders, and ages. 

Click through the gallery for 25 actors who could shake up the Oscars as new members of the Academy.

SEE ALSO: The 5 most anticipated new TV shows premiering in July

Doona Bae

The South Korean superstar is best known stateside for her collaborations with the Wachowski siblings. Bae appeared in “Cloud Atlas” and “Jupiter Ascending,” and had a starring role in Lana Wachowski’s Netflix cult series “Sense8.

Sofia Boutella

Dancer-turned-actress Sofia Boutella has appeared in blockbusters such as “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and “Star Trek Beyond.” The actress was at Cannes this year as the star of Gaspar Noé’s “Climax.”

Hannibal Buress

The comedian has been making a name for himself in the film world with appearances in “Neighbors,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and, most recently, the summer buddy comedy “Tag.”

• I'm a news junkie who decided to pay no attention to current events for a week.
• The logistics of unplugging from the news cycle are more complex than you might think.
• I thought it would feel like a vacation, but it turned out to be much more difficult to complete my assignment than I anticipated.
• In the short-term, this experiment may prove useful in reducing stress. But long-term, it can be dangerous to remain ignorant to what’s going on in the world.

As a journalist, I’m a bit of a news junkie. While I don’t cover news on a daily basis, I’ve always prided myself on keeping myself informed, and I’ve thought of my obsession as a healthy, responsible habit.

But after the 2016 presidential election, it started to feel like more of a chore to keep up with everything that was going on in the world. The news cycle began to weigh heavier on my mind, and that feeling only compounded over time.

So I decided to give myself a temporary break from the news to see how it would affect me. It seemed like a simple task, but to accomplish this, I almost had to unplug from the internet completely. Here’s how I avoided the news:

• I stopped logging into my Feedly account, which I use to keep up with about 40 different sources of news. During this time, it racked up thousands of articles.
• I disabled all push notifications on my phone to avoid accidental exposure.
• Many of my non-urgent emails, like newsletters and Google alerts, went unread.
• I still used social media, but only as much as was necessary to do my job and share my work.

The results of this experiment were mixed, but mostly negative:

SEE ALSO: 4 reasons I gave up Facebook — and why I'm not going back

1. When I took the news out of my digital diet, what I was left with seemed hollow: retail, guilty pleasures, and entertainment

None of those are bad in themselves — they’re just not something I deem as important as staying informed on current events.

2. When you operate outside of the news cycle, you can get a clearer picture of everything else that’s going on — if you seek it out

I finally had time to read up on the work that organizations like the Marshall Project and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are doing. This was, by far, the best side-effect of going news-free for a week.

3. I experienced significantly lower stress levels from day to day

The weight of the news cycle disappeared on day one, and I was determined to enjoy that throughout my week.

Even so, I wouldn’t consider that to be worth the cost of being uninformed in the long run — especially in a time when it seems so important to be knowledgeable about what’s going on the world.

• Many abandoned islands around the world have fascinating back stories.
• The Antipodes Islands are uninhabitable because of their harsh climate, and have been the site of many shipwrecks and deaths.
• Ōkunoshima Island doesn't have any permanent inhabitants, but is now filled with a large population of wild rabbits that tourists can visit.

Everyone loves the mystery and intrigue behind abandoned places.

But what if those abandoned places happen to be entire islands that are now devoid of humans?

From mysterious murders to volcanic explosions, keep scrolling for the fascinating tales behind 18 abandoned islands around the world.

Hashima Island in Japan had 5,000 inhabitants at its peak, but was left abandoned after its coal deposit ran out in the '70s.

The Mitsubishi Corporation turned coal rich Hashima Island into a highly populated city full of apartment complexes, restaurants and schools to accommodate the island's growing mining community. When the coal deposit under the island ran out, however, Mitsubishi left the once thriving metropolis to decay. 

The island, now uninhabited for more than 40 years, only recently re-opened to tourists who love to explore the ruins that were featured in the 2012 James Bond film, "Skyfall."

Residents of St. Kilda in Scotland were evacuated in 1930 and never returned.

St. Kilda may be an important breeding site for puffins and other seabirds, but day-to-day life for humans on the island was far from ideal.

Inhabited from the Bronze Age onwards, St. Kilda's population steadily decreased in the early 20th century as locals suffered from malnutrition, disease, and isolation — they had next to no contact to the outside world and were thus reliant on the island's meager bounty. Eventually, the few remaining inhabitants were evacuated and resettled on the Scottish mainland in 1930. 

Today, the island is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trust has restored many of the decaying homes, huts, and traditional turf roofs — and there's even a bar on the island called The Puff Inn.

The Suakin Island Ancient Ruins once brought wealth and prosperity to Sudan.

The port of Suakin was originally developed by Ramses III in the 10th century BCE, and for the next 3,000 years, was a crucial trading port for large empires. It brought wealth and prosperity to Sudan, and was a luxurious gated island port with stunning buildings made of coral that featured intricate wood and stone carvings.

In the 19th century, it became a center for East Africa slave trading, but started to shrink when the trade diminished. The only remnants of the thriving civilization left today are the ruins of the coral buildings that once stood on the island. 

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Summer is, unfortunately, not a robust time for new TV. Your favorite shows probably aren't coming back until fall, leaving you to default to the shows you've already watched way too many times (aka "The Office" and "Friends").

Maybe it's time to give some under-the-radar shows a chance. With its own lineup of original TV shows and movies, Amazon is proving to be a surprising powerhouse, scoring major award nominations and wins in the past couple years at the Academy Awards, Emmy's, and Golden Globes. 

If you're a Prime member, you're in luck because you'll already be able to access these great Prime-exclusive shows. Since Prime Video is included in all the perks of a Prime membership, you should take advantage of it this summer as you look for new content to watch. 

If you're not yet a Prime member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here to get your fill of Prime-exclusive TV programming and see how Amazon Studios stacks up to the traditional shows you watch. Who knows, you might even find a new favorite show this summer through Prime Video. 

To help you figure out where to start, we rounded up the best original Amazon shows — from drama and comedy to documentary — that you should start watching now. 

Plot synopses are provided by Amazon. 

"Catastrophe"

Watch it here

Plot synopsis: Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan write and star in this R-rated comedy about a one-week stand between a Boston ad exec and a London schoolteacher that leads to an accidental pregnancy. When Rob moves to the UK to help figure things out, cultures clash and hormones flare as these two realize they don't know the first thing about each other.

Cast: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delaney

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 34,000+ reviews 

IMDb rating: 8.2/10 from 10,000+ reviews 

"The Man In the High Castle"

Watch it here

Plot synopsis: Based on Philip K. Dick's award-winning novel, and executive-produced by Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner"), and Frank Spotnitz ("The X-Files"), "The Man in the High Castle" explores what it would be like if the Allied Powers had lost WWII, and Japan and Germany ruled the United States.

Cast: Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 110,000+ reviews 

IMDb rating: 8.1/10 from 55,000+ reviews 

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

Watch it here

Plot synopsis: In 1958 New York, Midge Maisel's life is on track — husband, kids, and elegant Yom Kippur dinners in their Upper West Side apartment. But when her life takes a surprise turn, she has to quickly decide what else she's good at — and going from housewife to stand-up comic is a wild choice to everyone but her.

Cast: Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen

Amazon rating: 4.9/5 from 16,000+ reviews 

IMDb rating: 8.7/10 from 19,000+ reviews 

San Francisco is dealing with the harsh reality of a homelessness crisis that's gone from bad to worse. In 2017, more than one in 100 homeless Americans lived on the city's streets.

Tired of feeling helpless, Jacob Savage and Neil Shah created an app called Concrn that lets people send an alert whenever they see a person experiencing a mental health crisis, homelessness, or an issue with substance abuse. The app's dispatcher sends a civilian response team trained in empathy to help get that person back on their feet and connect them with relevant support services.

We recently shadowed a Concrn responder on their shift. Here's what it was like.

SEE ALSO: San Francisco's homeless are getting six-figure jobs in a gritty neighborhood that's been overrun by tech companies

On any day in San Francisco, you may see a person raving incoherently, shooting up drugs, or tumbling into the streets. You might inch past to avoid them or offer your pocket change.

If a bystander takes action, they might call the police, assuming these trained keepers of the law know how to best handle trauma in the streets. But that's not always the case.

Over a recent nine-year period, 58% of the city's police shootings involved mentally ill people.

Created in 2014, Concrn is a "mobile alternative to 911," according to the app's founders.

• An over-the-top property in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles was relisted for $188 million in April.
• It was originally listed for $250 million in January 2017.
• Luxury developer Bruce Makowsky, who calls himself the "spec king," developed the property.

In January 2017, a new home built on speculation in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles appeared on the market, asking an earth-shattering $250 million. According to its website, that made it the most expensive home ever listed in the United States.

Fast forward to April 2018, and that home has returned to the market with a reduced price. It's now listed by Hilton & Hyland for $188 million. It no longer boasts the title of most expensive on the market, but with a price that high, it is certainly up there.

And it really is unlike any other home on the market. The mansion is built in a contemporary style, with stark geometry and huge plate-glass windows.

The home also comes outfitted with furniture, but it's not your standard Restoration Hardware package. It seems it was built with a very specific person in mind: a person who likes decommissioned decorative helicopters, gigantic Leica camera sculptures, velvet-roped lounge areas, and plush decorations that were purchased from Hermès.

As for the living spaces, there are two master suites, 10 "oversized VIP" suites for guests, 21 bathrooms, three separate and fully equipped kitchens, and no fewer than five bars.

It was built by the luxury developer Bruce Makowsky, whom the release refers to as the "spec king." He was also the mastermind behind the $70 million Beverly Hills house sold to Minecraft founder Markus "Notch" Persson in 2014.

Take a look around:

SEE ALSO: Walmart's e-commerce CEO reportedly just dropped $43 million on a penthouse in a 'paparazzi-proof' building filled with celebrities. Take a look inside.

The sheer footprint of the mansion, spread across 38,000 square feet, is a sight to behold. The exterior decks alone are 17,000 square feet. Downstairs is a car park filled with over $30 million worth of collectible automobiles — all of which are included in the purchase.

Situated on a hill, the house has a 270-degree view overlooking the LA area — one of its defining features.

Inside is where things get a little bit funky. The decor is not your typical boilerplate luxe style.

Russian president Vladimir Putin, 65, has tried to keep his personal life almost entirely out of the spotlight.

From his first marriage of 30 years to reports of a girlfriend, Putin and his administration have fought hard to prevent the media and the world from knowing much about him — aside from the carefully curated macho man on horseback, lifting weights and posing in shirtless photos.

He has specifically made a concerted effort to shield his children from any spotlight, prompting many to even question whether he has any kids at all.

Rumors have swirled for years that Putin has two daughters with his ex-wife, and that his reported girlfriend may have had another daughter in 2015.

Here is what we know about the mysterious lives of Putin's secret kids.

SEE ALSO: Vladimir Putin's hard-core daily routine includes hours of swimming, late nights, and no alcohol

DON'T MISS: 9 over-the-top, macho Putin stunts that were nowhere near as impressive as they seemed

Putin had two daughters in his first marriage to former flight attendant Lyudmila Shkrebneva, who he was married to for three decades before their divorce in 2013.

Sources: Vladimir Putin, Reuters, Business Insider

Their daughter's names are Maria and Katerina. While Maria was born in Leningrad in 1985, Katerina was born in Germany in 1986 when the family lived there during her father's time in the KGB.

Sources: Vladimir Putin, Reuters, Newsweek

Both girls are named after their grandmothers. Maria's nickname is Masha and Katerina's nickname is Katya.

Sources:Vladimir Putin, Reuters, Newsweek

Ready for another summer in paradise? On Tuesday, ABC announced "Bachelor in Paradise" cast for Season 5, and not only are contestants from Becca Kufrin’s season of "The Bachelorette" set to return, but ABC has also tapped contestants from Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Nick Viall’s season of "The Bachelor" as well.

Here’s who you’ll see on the beach this summer when "Bachelor In Paradise" premieres August 7 p.m. ET on ABC.

Angela Amezcua

You might remember Amezcua from Nick Viall’s season of "The Bachelor," but then again, you might not — she got sent home on night one. Maybe she’ll have better luck in paradise?

Annaliese Puccini

Puccini went through the ringer on Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s season — first with her massive fear of bumper cars, and then how scared she was of dogs. Despite the fact that Luyendyk tried to comfort her, it turned out that she just wasn’t for him (and judging by the way things played out on his season, it might have been for the best).

Astrid Loch

Loch is also from Viall’s season, and even though she didn’t last long on the show, she’s always hanging out with her "Bachelor" friends, so she’ll probably be a pretty welcome face in paradise.

When it comes to the leafy greens you put in your salads, not all are created equal.

So which leaves and lettuces should you use in your salad to justify the croutons, bacon, and tasty dressing you add?

We're here to help you find the most nutritious ones.

In similar rankings published in the past, we've relied on  the CDC's 2014 list of "powerhouse foods". But this time, we factored in how many nutrients (specifically potassium, fiber, protein, riboflavin, niacin, folate, B6, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and B6) the greens pack per calorie. 

Of course, none of the veggies on this list are bad for you, and you won't necessarily be worse off for picking one over another. 

This article was initially posted in June 2017. 

SEE ALSO: RANKED: The healthiest milk and milk alternatives for you

DON'T MISS: Not all condiments are created equal — here are the best and worst ones for you

12. Arugula (sometimes called rocket)

Arugula's distinct peppery taste doesn't quite correlate with a high nutritional content. While it does have some vitamins, it lacks other nutrients that other greens boast.

Calories per cup: 6

11. Iceberg lettuce

It's no surprise that iceberg lettuce is among the least nutritious greens to put in a salad. In fact, Chick-fil-A has even banned the veggie from its stores, allegedly because of its low nutritional value. Iceberg lettuce has about only 7% of your daily vitamin A per cup, and only 3% of daily vitamin C — among the lowest on this list.

Calories per cup: 10

10. Radicchio

Radicchio is a member of the chicory family. It's packed with vitamin K, containing more than 100% of your daily value.

Calories per cup: 9

Physical health is important, but it can also be intimidating. 

"I'm not a huge fan of [jumping head-first into fitness] because most people aren't built to do this," personal trainer Noam Tamir told INSIDER. "This is where you do a complete overhaul of your lifestyle. If you can, it can be very effective. However, you can also have a rebound effect in which you fall off the wagon and end up becoming more unhealthy than before because you feel you have failed."

Making the simple decision to be more active on a daily basis is an admirable step in the right direction — and there are manageable, realistic ways to make the process much smoother.

"Being fit is not a destination, it's a lifestyle," Tamir said. "I have had the best changes with myself and clients by addressing one to two things first and focusing on fixing those before moving onto making more changes."

INSIDER asked Tamir and celebrity trainer Justin Gelband— who has worked with numerous Victoria's Secret Angels, including Miranda Kerr and Candice Swanepoel — to offer their top tips for improving fitness (without sweating it out for hours at the gym).

1. Use a standing desk.

If you work in an office, you may notice that you feel stiff and sluggish at the end of the day. A standing desk could help change that.

"Being able to stand, you use so many more muscles than sitting," Tamir told INSIDER. 

Indeed, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the longer you sit, the greater your risk of dying from associated complications and diagnoses. Being able to stand — or at least get up every 30 minutes or so to stretch and walk around — may lower your risk of early death.

Tamir also noted that standing promotes good posture, which can help reduce stress and tiredness, as well as encourage productivity and steady breathing, according to the HuffPost.

At the very least, Tamir said you should be "more aware of moving around during work. Don't stay seated the whole time."

2. Take the stairs.

Just as standing is better than sitting, walking is better than standing — and walking with an incline is even better. Tamir told INSIDER that he recommends skipping the elevator in favor of the stairs as much as possible.

Researchers at McMaster University found that just climbing the stairs for a mini-workout three times a week led to an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.

More simply, taking the stairs is an easy way to burn more calories and help tone leg muscles.

3. Engage your muscles in subtle ways throughout the day.

There are plenty of small, easy ways to engage your muscles that you can perform anywhere and anytime. 

"You can get creative and do squats from your chair," Tamir told INSIDER. "Dips on your chair is another one that doesn't require you to move from your desk."

This tip isn't exclusive to office dwellers. You can do modified push-ups on the kitchen counter while you wait for your food to cook, for example. Even something as simple as standing on one leg while you brush your teeth will improve balance, which is essential to your overall health.