Happiful February 2020

Going up
Dance fever
According to a
Japanese study,
chimps have it!
Flying high
World’s first
commericial
electric plane
has a successful
flight
Write on time!
Handwriting
thank you notes
can boost
your MH
Seven hours a
year – the time
men apparently
spend hiding
from chores in
bathrooms
Zzz
Research shows
sleeping next to
a snorer impacts
your health
Going down
The
wellbeing
wrap
Make ‘em laugh
A study from Arizona
State University found
99% of science students
appreciate a teacher
with humour. Students
reported that jokes reduce
stress, and help improve
their memory of
lessons. Sounds like the
formula for success.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Raising a dog together could be a great boost to
couples, according to research from rover.com,
where 60% of survey respondents said their romantic
relationships grew ‘stronger and happier’ after
getting their furry friend. The survey also revealed
that 88% of people agreed that teamwork was a key
factor in taking care of their new pet, and almost
50% said their pooch gave them a great excuse to
spend more time together. So it seems raising a pet
together could be the best way to say “I ruff you”...
DID YOU KNOW
SEAWEED COULD
SAVE THE PLANET?
BY FEEDING A
SPECIFIC STRAIN
– ASPARAGOPSIS
TAXIFORMIS – TO
COWS, WE CAN
DRAMATICALLY
REDUCE THE METHANE
PRODUCED BY THEIR
FARTS AND BURPS!
Climate change activism is
boosting the wellbeing of
youngsters, according to
psychologists. While ecoanxiety
may have become
rife in recent years, taking a
stand is helping overcome a
sense of powerlessness,
and in doing so,
benefits people’s
mental health!
INNOVATION EXCELS
The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton
NHS Trust have become the first to introduce
disposable headscarfs. Created by junior doctor
Farah Roslan, the disposable hijabs allow Muslim
staff to respect their faith, while avoiding passing
on germs to patients. A brilliant idea, that’s just
what the doctor ordered.
KINDNESS
OVERLOAD
A six-year-old from Georgia,
USA, might just have won the
most heartwarming moment
of the year already. Blake’s
mum shared a snap of him
wearing a homemade shirt
saying ‘I’ll be your friend’,
and revealed he requested
the top to show all the kids
who need friends that
they’re not alone.
#Give a Ruck
A new campaign,
by Tessa Beecroft from
Holt Rugby Club, is tackling
mental health stigma in rugby.
Signposting support, and
looking to secure a mental
health first aider for every
club, it’s a campaign
well worth a try!
Love don’t
cost a thing
It turns out JLo might have got
that wrong, as a study reveals
relationships cost people an
average of £3,600 a year. New
research from Lloyds Bank
suggests singletons (though not
single households) typically spend
£300 less a month on living costs.
But single or coupled up, being
happy is priceless.
Hot to trot
You may be familiar
with therapy dogs, but
another four-legged
friend has been
supporting people’s
wellbeing in Scotland.
Elaine and John Sangster are
the couple travelling around
the country, taking their eight
miniature Shetland ponies
to care homes, hospitals,
and hospices, to help people
with dementia, brain injuries,
disabilities, or special needs.
And the reactions they’ve seen
are truly moving, as people
who’ve not spoken a word in
years interact with the ponies.
Animal therapy has been
found to reduce anxiety and
stress in people, so the guests
are supporting the mental
health needs of some of the
most vulnerable people. What
a heartwarming tail...