NEWS
New studies, books, apps and more to help you stay well in mind and body.
RETAIL THERAPY
A Christmas shopping trip may be good for your health, if not your bank balance, according to new research. A report in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found people who shopped frequently lived around 25 per cent longer than those who didn’t, within a study group of 1,850 older adults. One theory to explain this is that shopping involves physical exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction – all of which improve wellbeing. But it’s the act of scouting around for items that’s beneficial, not the parting with cash. So, you don’t need to break the bank!
THE GIFT OF WELLBEING
Secret Santas are all well and good, but if your employer wants to provide a gift that keeps on giving, they should consider putting on yoga classes at work, according to the World Health Organization. Office yoga or gym classes, as well as other mental health support systems, could help to cut the 12 billion working days lost to mental health each year. Also recommended are mindfulness or cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for workers who are struggling.
14% ...of adults remain motivated to exercise in colder months.*
BATHING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Cold-water swimming has never been more popular, and a review of more than 100 studies helps reveal why. The hobby is shown to cut body fat and burn calories. Plus, it potentially reduces risk of diabetes,
