Tips

This tip is so simple many of you may already occasionally do this without thinking about it - especially if, like us, you are parents that like to embarrass your children... What is it?

Smell is an incredibly evocative sense. We suspect most of you will know what it feels like to have a sudden rush of emotion and memory when you unexpectedly catch a scent that takes you back...

Beetroot juice is good for you?? Really? Studies show that it can have an impact on how mentally sharp you are and that it can help people train faster for longer. Intrigued?? So were we...

We thought we would bring the science of why chocolate (in moderation) is good for you - and why ‘treating’ yourself to an edible or any other reward actually works as a way to feel good and perform better.

Whether it's an absolute banger, a power ballad, the cheesiest disco pop possible, heavy rock, opera, classical, purely instrumental, hip hop, nature sounds or trance, we want to know what music you use to get yourself into a different zone or place.

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that improving and maintaining our connection with nature, especially by immersing ourselves in it, can calm us down and improve our sense of balance and wellbeing.

When we smile our brains release a cocktail of neurotransmitters that we have already spoken about as having a positive impact on our mood and wellbeing: dopamine and serotonin (also called 5-HT) as well as endorphins - our self-made natural painkillers. These help lower anxiety and increasing feelings of happiness.

So confession time: Back to the Future is probably one of our favourite films of all time. Now this probably says a lot about our age. As science geeks we have been speaking about what if we could time travel - and then it hit us when talking to a colleague and therapist Mark Evans that we already have all the equipment we need(ish) in our own brains.

Two tips in a week! Firstly, try using your non-dominant hand (really!) and secondly, pay attention - we'll explain all.

Each night before you go to bed, get a pint of water and put it by your bedside. This is not to drink during the night (so you might need 2 glasses if you sip during the night). This pint is especially and exclusively to drink first thing in the morning when you wake up.

This idea is so simple, it’s hard to believe it can do so much good. But before we get into the science of why, in this case, simple is sensational, let’s talk about why it’s good to be prepared.

Strength training can give you many of the daily wellbeing and stress protective benefits without all the sweat - literally! So this week we will be talking about a tip that can truly help you get your quick daily exercise hit, with the benefits, with way less of the faff. The plank!

We are finding out that a truly life changing tip is as simple as a quick morning breathing exercise to set us up for the day.