Latest news with #boffins
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
From having sex to stroking a pet – the exact length of time you stay happy after enjoyable activities revealed
TIME flies when you're having fun – but positive effects of activities could keep going way after the event ends. Researchers have found the wellbeing gains from going on holiday could last for as long as six weeks after you return. And taking a break is not the only way to reap long-lasting benefits . . . Eating a balanced meal Gains last: 1hr 50mins 8 You should start to notice the benefits of a balanced meal, such as improved mood, in less than two hours. The right ratio of carbs, protein, fibre and fats offers a steady release of energy that will help to keep your mind, body and appetite balanced and your energy stable. It will also minimise the crashes and cravings often felt after scoffing sugary or processed foods. Fill your plate with veggies or fruits, grains, lean protein such as fish or eggs, and good fats from sources like nuts. Having sex Gains last: 48hrs 8 Good nookie provides noticeable benefits lasting for around three to four hours. Getting intimate culminates in the release of feelgood hormones including endorphins and oxytocin, which are instant mood boosters. But even better, post-coital benefits could last as long as two days, according to one study. US boffins pinpointed the exact length of the 'sexual afterglow' to 48 hours for most adults. Good night's sleep 8 The benefits of a night's quality shut-eye should last all day. That's around 15 and a quarter hours for someone rising at 7am and turning in at 10.15pm. Experts say seven to ten hours of slumber is optimal for most adults. This will leave you refreshed, focused and feeling positive. It will also boost your immune system and regulate appetite. Time with friends Gains last: 36hrs 8 Quality time with mates or loved ones has benefits that outlast the time spent in their company. One study found people are happiest when they spend six or seven hours with friends. Doing so can improve our mental health and even our life expectancy. Oxford University research suggests we should see friends at least twice a week as benefits also include fewer illnesses and even a reduced risk of dementia. Immediate effects of socialising, such as better mood and reduced stress, usually last for one or two days. Falling in love Gains last: 730 days 8 Being in love can last a lifetime, but the initial passion pluses linger from six months to two years, according to studies. Benefits include better sleep, improved heart health, and reduced anxiety and blood pressure. You may also experience less pain. Go the distance and you might increase your life expectancy, too. Stroking a pet Gains last: 6hrs 45mins 8 Studies reveal ten minutes stroking a furry friend can significantly lower stress levels for hours. Whether it is a cat, pup, hamster or horse, running your fingers through the fur reduces the stress hormone cortisol while increasing feelgood serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. Being active Gains last: 72hrs 8 Benefits of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, whether it is in the gym or just taking a brisk walk, start the second you finish and can last for up to three days. Short-term gains from any activity that elevates your heart rate include more energy, reduced anxiety and better mood. This is because feelgood endorphins are released. Post-workout, you will also improve your resting metabolic rate for up to 72 hours, meaning you burn more calories even resting. Having a holiday Gains last: 1,032 hours (43 days) 8 The feelgood factor from taking a break could last for six weeks — that's 43 days, or a massive 1,032 hours. Researchers at the University of Georgia found stress levels after a holiday took around six weeks to return to pre-trip levels. Hiking and snorkelling were cited as particularly beneficial.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Top air con hacks to keep your car cool as temperatures soar – including where to point your air vents
MOTORING experts have shared some essential advice on keeping your car cool in the summer heat. Amid record breaking temperatures around the UK this week boffins are revealing top tips about maximising your car's cooling systems. 3 From using your doors and windows to maximising your air vents - a little goes a long way trying to keep the temp in your motor down. Happily, the RAC have released five essential tips to beat the heat. The easiest and most notable of all is pointing your car's air vents in an upward direction - maximising the use of your lower vents. Heat rises - so to make best use of your car's air con, blast cold air downwards into the footwells. This will force the hot air up and out of your car's windows (opening these is also a good idea). To maximise this effect, shut the upper vents on the dashboard, so the full airflow is directed upwards. After a little while, your car will have begun to cool, so slowly wind your windows up to ensure the cool air stays inside the cabin. There's another key trick to cooling your car fast - but you may get some odd looks for doing it. You basically use your car doors to fan out the hot air. You need to open both windows on one side of your car, and then swing a door on the other side back and forth to push the car's stale air out of the open windows. Six items every UK driver should remove from cars this weekend It takes at least three attempts to get rid of the car's heat. Another great way to cool down your motor's interior, is by making the best use of your car's air conditioning. After starting your car's engine, turn your air con to the coolest possible setting, and make sure to use the 'external' air setting. This is because the air outside your car is likely to be cooler than what's inside, so using air recirculation will slow down your car's ability to stay cool. Bare in mind air con can take a few minutes to become effective - so opening your windows for a couple of minutes while it gets going might help. By the time your air con does manage to pump out cool air, then make sure to shut the windows and switch from external air to recirculation. You can also reopen the upper air vents and adjust the airflow from these according to your needs. If your car doesn't have the luxury of air con, then make sure to keep your windows open as much as possible, turn the fan on and keep it at the coolest setting. By contrast, if your car is advanced enough to have a climate control system, then you can keep a constant temperature for the remainder of your journey. The RAC website says: "The summer months are perfect for road trips, holidays and trips to the beach. "Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your car healthy and cool in the warm weather." 3
