Thought-provoking culture, insightful science and inspirational snippets to bring you up to date on all things uplifting, hopeful and happy-making
Labour of love
Married women lose that loving feeling faster than their husbands do.
Researchers tracked the feelings of couples every 30 minutes for ten days, with participants ranging from two-year engagements to 20-year partnerships.
They identified the amount of love felt for partners over time and discovered that, after three years, women had 55 per cent less.
But the equivalent fall among men was only nine per cent.
The study, in Psychological Science, also found that women in longer relationships spent more time doing chores and cookery, while their partner spent more time relaxing and sleeping. Experts say this could be why female feelings are weaker in long-term couples.
Goodmood food
Chocolate really does provide sweet relief for middle-aged women. ATokyo Medical and Dental University study found that ladies who consumed acocoa drink daily for eight weeks had reduced feelings of negativity, depression, and anxiety, compared to those who did not. Participants also said their friendliness and energy was boosted. It could be down to the antioxidant flavanols in cocoa beans, which may prevent the cell damage that disrupts hormones and brain signals.
Grow, eat, thrive
Having lessons in growing your own leads children to have lasting, healthy attitudes to food years later.
Researchers from George Washington University found that when primary school pupils were taught to grow, harvest, and prepare food, it had a long-term impact on behaviours.
As part of the study, researchers spoke to current and former students of a programme – and found alumni were more open to trying new foods than their peers and showed higher confidence in making good dietary choices.
Set your sleep cycles
Body cloc
