GOOD NEWS
Thought-provoking culture, insightful science and inspirational snippets to bring you up to date on all things uplifting, hopeful and happy-making
Start slow and grow!
It s that time when we vow to quit chocolate, run twice a week, or cut our screen time. But how about making a resolution not to make New Year s resolutions this year?
In a survey by Duolingo, around a third of us admit that we give them up by 10 January, with only 38 per cent sticking with their vow for the whole of the month.
Setting yourself a big goal after the fun and feasting of Christmas can be pointless if you re not in the right headspace. Instead, focus on feeling positive and listening to your body, so you can set goals at the best time for you.
Healing sounds
Songs that make your heart ache may ease physical pain, scientists now believe.
Music that has an emotional hold over the listener can work as a painkiller, in what is known as the hypoalgesic effect.
A Université de Montréal study saw 63 participants interviewed about their musical tastes before a moderately painful heated patch was applied to their skin.
Those who were hearing their favourite music reported a pain intensity ten points lower on a scale of 0 to 100, on average, than those who were suffering in silence.
The reduction was more noticeable with their preferred calming or moving tunes than energising and happy ones.
Make the move!
Just 22 minutes of brisk walking, jogging or housework can combat the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day.
A study by The Arctic University of Norway monitored nearly 12,000 people aged over 50 with activity trackers, and returned to check on their health five years later.
Those who spent at least 12 hours a day sitting down were more likely to die earlier – but the risk was eliminated by moving.
One in 20 people
have refused to offer someone a lift because they are embarrassed by how dirty their car is, a poll by Webuyanycar reveals.
