Latest news with #Maryanne
Metro
6 days ago
- General
- Metro
This ‘top tier' sleep hack will calm your nervous system in seconds
Sleep can sometimes be a complicated beast, as according to the NHS, around one in every three Brits struggles with insomnia. But there is one unique trick doing the rounds on TikTok that's allegedly helping countless people doze off– and it's called the 'cricket feet' or 'cricketing' method. With over 50 million views and 265,000 searches this month alone, it's a self-soothing technique that involves rubbing the feet together gently and repetitively as you're trying to fall asleep. Sometimes, it's even done subconsciously. When @notyouraveragethrpst asked her followers 'who else is laying in bed just 'cricketing' their feet?' many were surprised to hear that it was a common thing. 'Didn't know it had a name,' @ezeee1717 shared, adding that they've 'been doing it [their] whole life.' Another, @lindsaybatista, said they thought they were the 'only one' who did it, while @maureensqueo commented that they 'often' used it as a coping mechanism when when they're 'having a lot of anxiety.' As adult sleep consultant and The Sleep Works founder Maryanne Taylor tells Metro, while there isn't a huge amount of direct research on the links between 'cricket feet' and sleep, it does tap into 'self-soothing behaviours that can help calm the nervous system.' 'Gentle, repetitive movements like this can signal safety to the brain, especially during wind-down time,' she explains. 'They activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your calm setting), which helps the body relax enough to fall asleep.' Maryanne's top tip for ensuring a good night's sleep is a 'calm nervous system, but she says that a peaceful, uninterrupted slumber isn't just shaped by nighttime routines – it also comes down to 'habits, thoughts, and behaviours' throughout the day. And if the brain has been in 'go mode' all day long with little to no opportunity to slow down, it's ultimately 'not surprising that it struggles to wind down at bedtime.' 'Building in micro resets during the day to give the brain a chance to process and decompress, together with a wind-down routine that genuinely soothes the mind, rather than just ticking boxes, can be hugely helpful,' Maryanne says. Neurodivergent people have also long been sharing that they enjoy 'cricketing' as a stimming behaviour – a self-stimulatory repeated movement for either sensory stimulation, or to 'keep calm and express joy,' according to the National Autistic Society. TikToker @_joossiiee included 'cricket feet' in a list of their 'neurodivergent sleep habits that are completely satisfying,' alongside 'aggressive face rubs' and 'the cave,' which involves burrowing under the duvet, burrito-style. Meanwhile, @florishwithvicki described it as a 'top tier stim.' This checks out, too, as Maryanne says that research does support 'cricketing' as a self-soothing behaviour for neurodivergent people. This is because those with ADHD or autism in particular have a 'natural need for repetitive movement or sensory input for emotional comfort,' which in turn helps to 'calm their brain and regulate their nervous system.' But 'cricket feet' aside, Maryanne has another self-soothing sleep system to recommend: the pre-bed 'brain dump.' More Trending 'Before bed, write down three things you don't need to think about until tomorrow,' she explains, noting that this technique helps 'relieve the build-up of mental pressure that impacts as soon as you lie down in bed.' In her view, the brain wants to 'hold onto everything it thinks is important,' so processing it on a piece of paper 'gives you permission to let go for the night.' Likewise, she suggests dimming the lights earlier than you normally would – at least an hour before bed, as softer lighting helps the brain to 'transition' into sleep mode, as well as supports natural melatonin production (AKA, the sleep hormone). View More » Ready to sleep like a baby tonight? Sweet dreams. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: TikTok star Sana Yousef shot dead by man who repeatedly contacted her online MORE: Student spends £129 on a Wowcher mystery holiday – to the city where she lives MORE: Rest easier with Emma Sleep's Summer Sale – shop our top picks with up to 20% off Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Big-hearted' Wexford woman retires from historic pub after 80 years behind the bar
Now 93 years old and with nearly 80 years of experience at the pub in Craanford, Maryanne Doyle has finally decided to take her due leave and retire. "She's very well-known around the countryside for her hospitable welcome. She's heavily involved with all the community activities here and was always known as the place where the kids from GAA would stop off after matches. She's very generous and always made sure there was sweets and drinks there for the kids from Craanford GAA,' said her nephew, Will Doyle. Maryanne's long stint at the pub began when she was a young girl and returned home from boarding school to work at the pub alongside her aunt who ran it at the time. In 1965, she took over the pub from her aunt, making her the fifth generation of her family to manage the pub since the 1780s. Incredibly, this tradition will continue into the next generation of her family, as her grandnephews are now taking over from her after all these years. "She'll still be in the background giving guidance and support as she's very interested in the pub but is happy to let the new generation push ahead with it going forward,' said Will. One of the truly unique elements of the pub is its thatched roof. 'She's very proud of the history of the pub and keeping the heritage and thatch in place so it's as traditional as possible. Up to last year there were only bottles available in the pub and was one of the only bottle pubs left in Ireland. Even Guinness were shocked when we rang to ask about getting the taps because we hadn't had taps before,' said Will. The pub is also known for being a hub for traditional Irish music, with regular sessions held there over the years. Maryanne has always been heavily involved with the local community and was a member of the ICA and Tidy Towns. Furthermore, up until the 1980s, she ran the farm as well as the pub. "She's very big-hearted. She was always a popular stop for the children at Hallowe'en because they always got lots of sweets, drinks and a bit of money too. She loved everything about Hallowe'en. She was a very hospitable landlady and her regulars were very good to her and she was very good to them,' said Will. One of the pub's claims to fame is when James Bolger, the Prime Minister of New Zealand in the 1990s, popped in for a drink with his family. "Randomly, he'd be a descendent of the first owner of the pub, so she was very proud of that when he visited. We're descendants of the Kenny family. Moses Kenny was the original owner of the pub and James Bolger would be a descendant of him on a different side,' said Will. With everything she had going on, Mary Anne still found the time for her loved ones and Will said she is an amazing aunt. 'Her nieces and nephews used to come down to her to have lunch after school time. She was a great hostess and every Christmas time, she had a big party for her family at the pub. She's always been very family focused,' said Will.
Perth Now
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
How famous Aussies celebrated Mother's Day
From big bouquets of flowers to messages of praise, this is how some of Australia's most famous faces honoured and celebrated the women in their lives this Mother's Day. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was one of the first to wish all the mums in the country a Happy Mother's Day by posting a treasured photograph of himself with his mum, Maryanne, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In the photo, which was taken just two years before he lost her, it shows the pair smiling with Maryanne waving an Aussie flag and a large crowd in the background. Underneath, the PM wrote a simple message: 'Happy Mother's Day, Australia.' Perth's prince of pop, Troye Sivan, also took to social media to wish his mum, Laurelle Mellet a happy Mother's Day posting pictures of a big bunch of flowers as well as a photo of her with a message underneath which read: 'I love you so much'. Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman marked the day by sharing never before seen photos of her late mum Janelle with her twin daughters Sunday and Faith when they visited Uluru roughly a decade ago. In the Instagram post she wrote: 'My mother and my daughters in Uluru, beautiful memories…always 💕 Happy Mother's Day'. Former political staffer Brittany Higgins, who was recently thrust into the spotlight again after it emerged her former boss, retired Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds, had launched legal action against the Commonwealth over the compensation payment it settled with her, posted a pic of her newborn baby boy, Freddie, while thanking her own mother. 'It's my first Mother's Day as a parent and the past two months has just reaffirmed how lucky I have been to walk through life with such an amazing mum by my side,' she wrote. 'Definitely have a newfound appreciation for her strength, selflessness and the love she's always had on tap to pour into me when required. Thank-you for always showing me the way — I love you lots @kellyh3995! 'P.S. it's only slightly devastating that you are far and away Freddie's favourite person. David and I will try not to take it personally x.' Aussie actress and comedian Rebel Wilson posted a gorgeous photo of her daughter on Instagram while also wishing other mums a wonderful day. 'Being a Mum to this cutie pie is the BEST thing ever! Happy Mother's Day to all the brilliant Mums out there, but especially to @ramonaagruma and my Mum, sister and grandma! Go Mums!!!' WA Liberal Party leader Basil Zempilas posted a picture of himself with his mum, Jessie, while also wishing his wife Amy a Happy Mother's Day. Amy Zempilas also posted pictures of herself with the couple's growing brood, not only wishing other mums out there a special day but also acknowledging their sacrifices. 'Being a Mum. The hardest job you'll ever love,' she wrote. 'For many years, motherhood for me was two little girls and a baby on my hip. Baz would leave home at 4am for radio, get home after 7pm — and every Friday, he flew to Sydney for the weekend for work. 'For two years. I spent more than a few Mother's Days on my own with the kids. It was a beautiful blur — exhausting, full, messy, magic. And somehow, we muddled through.' She then went on to share the five things she learnt over the years of being a mum.
West Australian
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
How some of Australia's most notable honoured and celebrated the women in their lives on Mother's Day
From big bouquets of flowers to messages of praise, this is how some of Australia's most famous faces honoured and celebrated the women in their lives this Mother's Day. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was one of the first to wish all the mums in the country a Happy Mother's Day by posting a treasured photograph of himself with his mum, Maryanne, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In the photo, which was taken just two years before he lost her, it shows the pair smiling with Maryanne waving an Aussie flag and a large crowd in the background. Underneath, the PM wrote a simple message: 'Happy Mother's Day, Australia.' Perth's prince of pop, Troye Sivan, also took to social media to wish his mum, Laurelle Mellet a happy Mother's Day posting pictures of a big bunch of flowers as well as a photo of her with a message underneath which read: 'I love you so much'. Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman marked the day by sharing never before seen photos of her late mum Janelle with her twin daughters Sunday and Faith when they visited Uluru roughly a decade ago. In the Instagram post she wrote: 'My mother and my daughters in Uluru, beautiful memories…always 💕 Happy Mother's Day'. Former political staffer Brittany Higgins, who was recently thrust into the spotlight again after it emerged her former boss, retired Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds, had launched legal action against the Commonwealth over the compensation payment it settled with her, posted a pic of her newborn baby boy, Freddie, while thanking her own mother. 'It's my first Mother's Day as a parent and the past two months has just reaffirmed how lucky I have been to walk through life with such an amazing mum by my side,' she wrote. 'Definitely have a newfound appreciation for her strength, selflessness and the love she's always had on tap to pour into me when required. Thank-you for always showing me the way — I love you lots @kellyh3995! 'P.S. it's only slightly devastating that you are far and away Freddie's favourite person. David and I will try not to take it personally x.' Aussie actress and comedian Rebel Wilson posted a gorgeous photo of her daughter on Instagram while also wishing other mums a wonderful day. 'Being a Mum to this cutie pie is the BEST thing ever! Happy Mother's Day to all the brilliant Mums out there, but especially to @ramonaagruma and my Mum, sister and grandma! Go Mums!!!' WA Liberal Party leader Basil Zempilas posted a picture of himself with his mum, Jessie, while also wishing his wife Amy a Happy Mother's Day. Amy Zempilas also posted pictures of herself with the couple's growing brood, not only wishing other mums out there a special day but also acknowledging their sacrifices. 'Being a Mum. The hardest job you'll ever love,' she wrote. 'For many years, motherhood for me was two little girls and a baby on my hip. Baz would leave home at 4am for radio, get home after 7pm — and every Friday, he flew to Sydney for the weekend for work. 'For two years. I spent more than a few Mother's Days on my own with the kids. It was a beautiful blur — exhausting, full, messy, magic. And somehow, we muddled through.' She then went on to share the five things she learnt over the years of being a mum.
The Star
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'The Bondsman' review: The Apocalypse is better with Bacon
Everything is better with (Kevin) Bacon, from arty-cheesy slashers like MaXXXine to Marvel holiday specials and now... even the Apocalypse. In The Bondsman, a new brisk and brutal action-horror series created by shorts/commercials director Grainger David, the "Six Degrees of..." man plays reprehensible bail bondsman Hub Halloran. He is such a "selfish @$$h**e", as one character observes late in the season, that we meet him in the first episode just as he is about to get his throat sliced open from ear to ear. We won't have to settle for a Bacon substitute for the next 7.9 episodes, though – faster than you can say R.I.P.D., Hub is brought back from the dead by no less than (a thus-far-unseen) Lucifer. Why? Well, because demons have recently started escaping from aitch-ee-double-hockeysticks and Hub's skills as a skip-tracer are needed to send them back (in fact, Hub himself was sent "downstairs" briefly after being murdered). 'You are done! No more diving board. Where you going, pal? Sorry ... I just can't resist quoting Die Hard.' Sounds simple, but Hub's baggage complicates things. He can't get over ex-wife Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles, of the country & western duo Sugarland and recently seen in The Exorcist: Believer), who is being wooed by "reformed" criminal Lucky Callahan (Damon Herriman, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood's Charles Manson), who in turn (not exactly a spoiler) is the one behind his murder. Plus, there's the big question of why Hub was damned to begin with, something his mother and "business partner" Kitty (Beth Grant, Pushing Daisies, Donnie Darko) wants to know but claims she doesn't. Each episode of The Bondsman clocks in at just about a half-hour, making this a breeze to binge. There is a rough "demon of the week" structure, with an underlying pattern to the escapes. These escapees are tough customers, but conveniently dispatched by a means usually reserved for a different breed of screen monster. So between jobs, we get Hub trying to win Maryanne and their son Cade (Maxwell Jenkins, Lost In Space) back, Lucky trying to finish him off, Kitty bending the law to help her son, and Midge baking pastries. Wait, who? That would be Midge Kusatsu (Jolene Purdy, neighbour Beverly from WandaVision and another Donnie Darko alumnus), a home baker turned recruiter for supernatural bounty hunters like Hub. She also gets her little heart-tugging back story, featuring the seemingly ubiquitous Jay Ali (Daredevil S3, NCIS: Hawaii, Magnum P.I., Carnival Row, among many others) in an off-the-wall departure from his usual roles. They forgot to tell Maryanne that no one is ever safe on Apocalypse Idol. The Bondsman works because of the terrific dynamic among all its major characters. Bacon gives us a winningly complex lead who consistently fails because of his conviction that he is trying to do the right thing (even when blind drunk and homicidal). It's an interesting counterpoint with his rival/nemesis Lucky, who shares that same drive, although the character grates on the nerves after a while. Grant is the show's emotional anchor, as a mother willing to go to great lengths to protect her son; though from a moral standpoint, there's a point where her love doesn't extend. The thread running through most character arcs and situations in the show is that the road to THAT place is paved with good intentions, though there is little time for preachiness. This shortness of time (half-hour episodes, remember?) is most sorely felt when it comes to the show's assortment of demons, which end up as mostly underdeveloped ciphers. Sure, the season's Big Bad is a pretty big deal, but before you can say "primordial she-demon", it's cliffhanger time – and one heck of a note on which to end a season. Dang it, Hub, you'd better come back, and not just from the dead. The realm of incomplete TV shows is a nasty kind of damnation for faithful viewers. All eight episodes of The Bondsman Season One are available to stream on Prime Video.
