Lee Jung-jae’s Gi-hun returns in "Squid Game" Season 2

Welcome back to What's Popular Now!

Another week, another edition of What's Popular Now! Get ready for a weekly deep dive into the world of pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle essentials.

TRENDING THIS WEEK

In the Spotlight: Must-Read This Week

Lee Jung-jae’s Gi-hun returns in "Squid Game" Season 2, premiering December 26, 2024, on Netflix. As Player 456, he re-enters the deadly games to dismantle the organization behind them. With new cast members and intense challenges, this season promises high stakes and suspense. [Read More]

Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella star in My Old Ass, a coming-of-age comedy about love, self-discovery, and healing. Directed by Megan Park, the film explores life’s lessons with humor and heart, earning critical acclaim for its fresh take on the female coming-of-age genre. [Read More]

Plan a trip to Stars Hollow or dive into the thrill of Fear Street—this fall has it all. Whether you're craving spooky chills, sporty excitement, or cozy autumn vibes, Netflix has something for you. Check out Entertainment Weekly’s list of 15 must-watch fall shows! [Read More]

POP CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Music

• Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid spotted in NYC.

  

• Chappell Roan lists songs that will go down as classics:

  • Apple by Charli xcx

  • Say So by Doja Cat

  • Good Days by SZA

  • Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter

  • thank u, next by Ariana Grande

  • Savage by Megan Thee Stallion

  • WAP by Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion

Entertainment

• Major TV anniversaries happening today:

  • Lost (20th)

  • Friends (30th)

  • Gotham (10th)

  • Baywatch (35th)

  • Veronica Mars (20th)

  • Family Matters (35th)

  • The West Wing (25th)

• “I am Vengeance, I am the Night, I am Batman!” Happy Batman Day!

  

  Gif by batmanvsuperman on Giphy

• ‘DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’ has become the 5th highest grossing comic book movie ever, passing ‘THE AVENGERS’

  

  Gif by leroypatterson on Giphy

LIFESTYLE

Morning Routine Hacks for a Productive Day

Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day. If you feel like your current routine isn’t helping you achieve your goals, a few simple hacks can make all the difference. Here are some morning routine tips to help boost productivity and get your day started on the right foot:

1. Prep the Night Before
One of the easiest ways to streamline your mornings is to prep the night before. Lay out your clothes, plan your breakfast, and organize your tasks for the day. This small effort saves you time and mental energy in the morning.

2. Start with Hydration
After hours of sleep, your body is dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning wakes up your system, boosts metabolism, and clears the mind, preparing you for the day ahead.

3. Move Your Body
Incorporating a short workout or even a few stretches can help get your blood flowing, improve your mood, and increase focus. Whether it’s a 10-minute yoga session or a quick walk outside, any physical movement can set a positive tone for the day.

4. Prioritize Your Tasks
Instead of diving into your inbox or social media first thing, take a moment to prioritize. Write down 3-5 key tasks you want to achieve. Tackling the most important task early will give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum for the rest of the day.

5. Incorporate Mindfulness
Spend 5-10 minutes in meditation or quiet reflection. This practice helps center your thoughts, reduces stress, and allows you to approach your day with a calm, focused mindset.

6. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast that provides sustained energy. Aim for a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you full and focused throughout the morning.

7. Limit Decision Fatigue
Try to minimize the number of decisions you make in the morning. Whether it’s choosing your outfit or planning your breakfast, reducing small decisions saves mental energy for more important tasks later in the day.

By making these small tweaks to your morning routine, you can set yourself up for a more productive, focused, and successful day!