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Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Top 25 most annoying sounds - and one thing sends Brits' stress levels soaring
Banging noises from neighbours and yapping dogs are among the irritating sounds that send our stress levels soaring, according to new research The incessant banging from neighbours and the constant yapping of dogs are among the infuriating sounds that send our stress levels through the roof. New research has shed light on the noises that really get under our skin. Alongside the maddening hammering from next door and whining canines, drilling, loud chewing and buzzing flies also make the list. A staggering 87% of us simply cannot bear certain sounds - causing our heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week. Nearly half (48%) concur that aspects of modern life now just seem too loud and overwhelming, reports the Daily Star. Hammering and banging top the chart, with 46% of the 2,000 Brits surveyed naming it as their primary annoyance alongside the yap of a small dog (46%), and the sound of drilling emanating from next door (45%). Other vexing noises testing the nation's patience include noisy chewing (42%), snoring partners (30%), revving engines (19%), slurping tea or coffee (19%), car horns (17%), and high-pitched children's toys (15%). The study from eco-tech brand Hive revealed that building and renovation noises feature prominently in the list with the screech of an angle grinder being a nuisance to 29% of us, followed by roadworks outside (22%), dripping taps (19%), and squeaky hinges (18%). One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them up the wall, while over a quarter (26%) detest speakerphone conversations in public. An overwhelming 85% of Brits find solace in certain sounds that help them unwind, such as the chirping of birds (42%), the pitter-patter of rain on a tent (38%), the soothing symphony of waves lapping at the shore (37%) and the tranquil sound of a waterfall (36%). Professor Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology shed light on how noise isn't just a mere annoyance but can escalate stress, disrupt concentration, and impair sleep, noting, "Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep." Relationships can sometimes bear the brunt of noise disruptions, with Ward adding, "In some cases, they can also strain relationships." He continued by explaining, "However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others." Ward also pointed out the positive side of acoustics: "Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions." Commenting on the everyday cacophony that irks many, Susan Wells, director of EV and solar at Hive, remarked, "Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction." To highlight the launch of Hive's calming audio track 'Green Noise', featuring the soothing sounds of a heat pump's gentle hum, an electric vehicle's purr, and the soft clicking of a smart thermostat, research delved into the UK's most aggravating noises. Revealing the UK's top list of the least endearing noises, hammering or banging from neighbours and the incessant yap of a small dog both take the lead with a 46% thumbs down, closely followed by the grating sound of drilling from another property at 45% and the loud munching of food reaching 42%. Other irritants include an intrusive fly buzzing at 38%, the jolting noise of a car alarm at night resonating with 37%, and public phone speakers blaring music or videos annoying 31% of those surveyed. The nightly symphony of a partner's snoring irks 30%, while the harsh screech of an angle grinder takes 29%. Someone chatting on a mobile in public via speakerphone – 26%. Folk yelling in the street – 23%. A knife or fork scraping a plate – 22%. A neighbour blasting music loudly – 22%. Roadworks outside your home – 22%. Someone slamming a door – 21%. Someone breathing heavily – 19%. Motorbikes or cars revving their engines – 19%. A dripping tap – 19%. Someone with a cold constantly sniffing – 19%. A person slurping their tea/coffee – 19%. A squeaky hinge on a door – 18%. The slurping sound from a straw when someone gets to the bottom of their drink – 18%. Car horns – 17%. An irritating laugh – 17%. Someone sneezing in an exaggerated manner – 17%.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Sound of a heat pump release as a mindfulness track to ease stress
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info New research reveals the impact that noise has on us, with almost nine in ten saying certain sounds send their stress levels soaring. Stress-triggering sounds cause Brits' heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week, with nearly half saying that parts of modern life feel too loud and overwhelming. Hhammering and banging top the list, closely followed by the yap of a small dog and the sound of drilling coming from next door. Other irritating noises include noisy chewing, snoring partners, revving engines, slurping tea or coffee, car horns, and high-pitched children's toys. The research from Hive, found that building and renovation noises feature heavily in the list. One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them mad, while over a quarter say speakerphone conversations in public spike their stress. Professor. Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology said: 'Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep. In some cases, they can also strain relationships. However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others. 'Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions. Research shows we are biologically inclined to find natural sounds calming, while slowly building crescendos can trigger an intense positive sensation known as 'the chills. With the right balance of tempo and tone, sound can be a powerful tool for wellbeing.' To help the nation tune out and take back control of their environment, Hive has launched a mindfulness track, Green Noise. Designed to soothe stress and promote calm, the track features the gentle hum of a heat pump, the whir of an EV and the soft click of a smart thermostat. Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hivesaid: 'Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction. That's why we created our Green Noise track - a calming soundscape that blends ambient sounds with the gentle, soothing rhythms inspired by Hive's eco-tech. "With many people assuming eco-tech is noisy or disruptive, we wanted to create a track that challenges that misconception and encourages more people to consider making the switch. As well as quiet, Hive eco-tech offers you greater control over your home energy helping you to lower bills and carbon emissions. Smarter, greener living.'
North Wales Live
04-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Sound of a heat pump release as a mindfulness track to ease stress
New research reveals the impact that noise has on us, with almost nine in ten saying certain sounds send their stress levels soaring. Stress-triggering sounds cause Brits' heart rates to spike an average of eight times a week, with nearly half saying that parts of modern life feel too loud and overwhelming. Hhammering and banging top the list, closely followed by the yap of a small dog and the sound of drilling coming from next door. Other irritating noises include noisy chewing, snoring partners, revving engines, slurping tea or coffee, car horns, and high-pitched children's toys. The research from Hive, found that building and renovation noises feature heavily in the list. One in three say people playing music or videos loudly on their phones drives them mad, while over a quarter say speakerphone conversations in public spike their stress. Professor. Jamie Ward from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology said: 'Everyday sounds do more than just annoy us, they can elevate stress levels, interrupt focus, and even interfere with sleep. In some cases, they can also strain relationships. However, different types of sounds may annoy us in different ways and some people have greater sound sensitivity than others. 'Sounds also have the power to stir positive emotions. Research shows we are biologically inclined to find natural sounds calming, while slowly building crescendos can trigger an intense positive sensation known as 'the chills. With the right balance of tempo and tone, sound can be a powerful tool for wellbeing.' To help the nation tune out and take back control of their environment, Hive has launched a mindfulness track, Green Noise. Designed to soothe stress and promote calm, the track features the gentle hum of a heat pump, the whir of an EV and the soft click of a smart thermostat. Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hivesaid: 'Whether it's the neighbour's DIY, a barking dog or the constant hum of modern life, everyday noise is clearly driving many of us to distraction. That's why we created our Green Noise track - a calming soundscape that blends ambient sounds with the gentle, soothing rhythms inspired by Hive's eco-tech. "With many people assuming eco-tech is noisy or disruptive, we wanted to create a track that challenges that misconception and encourages more people to consider making the switch. As well as quiet, Hive eco-tech offers you greater control over your home energy helping you to lower bills and carbon emissions. Smarter, greener living.'
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham transfer target who turned down move admits 'I don't know why I did it'
A former Aston Villa trainee has opened up on how he rejected joining Wrexham in League Two in a move which actually turned out to be beneficial in the long run A former Aston Villa youth player has confessed that he rejected a move to Wrexham, although he can't quite remember why. Jamie Ward rose through the ranks at the Premier League club in the early 2000s before turning pro in 2005. Despite captaining Villa's reserves, the forward never made it onto the pitch for the first team and was loaned out to Stockport County in League Two in March of the following year. After being released by Villa in the summer of 2006, Ward's impressive performances in the fourth tier caught the eye of several clubs. This sparked a tug-of-war between Wrexham, Stockport and Torquay United for his signature. The former Northern Ireland international, who spent most of his career in the Championship with teams like Derby County and Nottingham Forest, took some time to weigh up his options. However, while Wrexham are now an appealing prospect under the stewardship of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, he decided against a move to north Wales at the time, choosing Torquay instead. During a recent appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast, Ward hinted at some regret over his decision, admitting that he had been impressed by Wrexham's home ground. "After the Stockport loan, I was done at Villa," he said. "Getting in that environment and knowing that I was actually capable of playing league football at a young age was the kick up the backside I probably needed. "I had Stockport, Wrexham and Torquay after me, and I decided to go to Torquay. I was worried about Stockport struggling again, so that's why I didn't go there. I actually don't know why I didn't choose Wrexham, because the stadium was nice. "I think the thing that swung it for me at Torquay is that the manager was from Birmingham, so he knew how far I was away from home. He said to me, 'Listen, if you're ever struggling and you want to go home for a few days, all you have to do is tell me.' "That was a nice option to have where you can just get in the car, get up the road free and you're back with your family three hours later." Ward's stint at Torquay turned out to be brief due to an ownership change and the appointment of a new manager shortly after his arrival. He requested a transfer in December 2006 and subsequently moved to Chesterfield the next month. Despite some regrets about not choosing Wrexham, Ward's choice ultimately proved fortuitous. The 2006/07 season saw Wrexham face difficulties, with their form dipping and manager Denis Smith being dismissed in January 2007. Brian Carey, his successor, narrowly kept the club in League Two with a 3-1 home victory over Boston United on the final day of the season. However, their relief was short-lived as Wrexham fell out of the Football League in 2008 and spent 15 years in exile in non-league's top tier. Ward, on the other hand, enjoyed a more positive trajectory after his performances for Chesterfield caught the attention of Championship team Sheffield United. He later had stints with Derby and Forest before playing for several non-league sides in the twilight years of his career. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wrexham wanted to sign me but I turned down transfer – I don't know why I did it
Wrexham wanted to sign me but I turned down transfer – I don't know why I did it An ex-Aston Villa youngster has admitted that he turned down a move to Wrexham, but his decision may have actually been for the best in the long term, given how things panned out Former Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward has admitted he rejected Wrexham (Image: PA Wire ) A former Aston Villa youngster has admitted he turned down a move to Wrexham – but he now can't actually recall the reasons for his decision. Jamie Ward came up through the youth ranks of the Premier League club during the early 2000s before turning professional in 2005. Despite captaining Villa's reserves, the forward did not make a single first-team appearance for his boyhood team and was loaned out to League Two's Stockport County in March of the following year. Ward's performances in the fourth tier were impressive enough to attract the attention of several teams following his release by Villa in the summer of 2006. The decision sparked a battle between Wrexham, Stockport and Torquay United to secure his services. The ex-Northern Ireland international, who spent most of his career in the Championship with the likes of Derby County and Nottingham Forest, took some time to consider his options. However, while Wrexham are now a highly attractive prospect under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, he decided a move to North Wales was not for him at the time, opting for Torquay instead. Ward showed signs of regret over the choice during a recent appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast after admitting he'd been impressed by the Red Dragons' home stadium. "After the Stockport loan, I was done at Villa," he said. "Getting in that environment and knowing that I was actually capable of playing league football at a young age was the kick up the backside I probably needed. Article continues below Jamie Ward discussed his career, including his decision to reject Wrexham, on the Undr The Cosh podcast (Image: Undr The Cosh ) "I had Stockport, Wrexham and Torquay after me, and I decided to go to Torquay. I was worried about Stockport struggling again, so that's why I didn't go there. I actually don't know why I didn't choose Wrexham, because the stadium was nice. "I think the thing that swung it for me at Torquay is that the manager was from Birmingham, so he knew how far I was away from home. He said to me, 'Listen, if you're ever struggling and you want to go home for a few days, all you have to do is tell me.' "That was a nice option to have where you can just get in the car, get up the road free and you're back with your family three hours later." Ward's time at Torquay was short-lived following an ownership change and a new manager being brought in soon after he joined. He later put in a transfer request in December 2006, before moving to Chesterfield the following month. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. Article continues below Despite voicing some remorse at not going to Wrexham, Ward's decision turned out to be for the best. The 2006/07 season was a tumultuous one for the Red Dragons as they struggled for form and manager Denis Smith was sacked in January 2007. His successor Brian Carey kept the club in League Two by the skin of their teeth with a 3-1 home win over Boston United on the final day of the season. However, their relief was only temporary as Wrexham dropped out of the Football League in 2008 and spent 15 years in exodus in non-league's top tier. Ward was to enjoy a more positive trajectory after his impressive performances for Chesterfield caught the eye of Championship outfit Sheffield United. He later spent time with Derby and Nottingham Forest and also had a short spell on loan at Cardiff City in 2018, before turning out for several non-league sides in the twilight of his career.
