Latest news with #mentalwellbeing
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Longevity expert builds world's healthiest home to 'live to 120 years old'
Home is where the health is when it comes to this fitness-focused abode. Dr Paul Saladino, 47, a holistic medicine doctor originally from California, recently opened the doors of his Costa Rican getaway. He claims he has 'built the healthiest house to live to 120' with a range of design features focused on driving away chronic disease and promoting mental wellbeing. The influencer and fitness fanatic purposely went about choosing a location to help foster a positive mindset. He told his nearly 1million subscribers during a YouTube tour of his home: 'As you can see here I've got a pretty amazing view. So we'll look out here, there's an amazing river below my house. This is where I wanted to live in Costa Rica. 'I wanted to be able to see the ocean but I want to be in the jungle. So, I basically have a treehouse.' Jungle environments and sea air have been found to offer numerous health benefits, including cleaner air, climate regulation, and reduced pollutants, as well as potential relief from respiratory conditions. At the heart of Dr Saladino's 'treehouse' is an outdoor gym. He says he hates working out indoors with LED lights, and outdoors, he gets his fix of infrared light from the sun. He tells viewers: 'Infrared light is essential for human health. I think so many of us are deficient in infrared light because we're living in buildings with glass and we're not getting outside. I love working out outdoors in Costa Rica.' While infrared light is not essential for human health in the same way that other life-sustaining necessities like water, air, or food are, experts say it offers numerous health benefits. Some of the healing abilities of infrared light - which works by stimulating cells at a cellular level - include promoting wound healing, stimulating tissue repair, improving circulation and potentially mitigating some side effects of cancer treatments. Meanwhile, while LED and fluorescent lights offer energy efficiency and other benefits, concerns have been raised about potential health impacts, including eye strain, sleep disruption, and even more serious issues like eye damage. From the gym, Dr Saladino takes the viewers into his laundry room. He says he avoids all synthetic laundry products as chemicals such as phosphates, bleach, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances can cause problems like skin rashes, breathing issues, and even more serious health concerns. The fitness experts explains: 'I don't use any detergents. I hate dyes and fragrances. 'I've got a washing machine and I put in vinegar and sometimes baking soda and then I dry my clothes. They don't smell it and works great.' Moving upstairs to his kitchen, Dr Saladino says he tries as much as possible to avoid plastics and all of his countertops are wood, as are his cutting boards. He also has a stainless steel Vitamix, a good knife set and stainless steel pans. Dr Saladino's dislike of plastic products is due to the fact that microplastics have been linked to various health concerns, including heart disease, lung disorders, and issues related to inflammation and hormone disruption. Offering viewers a glimpse inside his fridge, the doctor explains that he 'doesn't eat much' and avoids processed foods. Inside the cooling unit, some of the items include chicken for his dog, along with pots of honey, some beef tallow, a bottle of raw cow's milk, some ground beef, bone broth and some fruit for his own consumption. Summing up his daily diet, he says: 'It's basically meat, a little bit of organs, raw dairy, raw milk, honey and fruit.' Despite Dr Saladino's appetite for raw dairy, it has consistently been proven to be unsafe and hold no additional nutritional benefit over pasteurized products. Off the kitchen is Dr Saladino's living room, which boasts spectacular views over the lush jungle surroundings. He highlights to viewers that the rugs in the space are 'all wool,' along with his couch, to keep things as naturally made as possible. 'There's no polyester in here. Polyester puts microplastics into the atmosphere, so I tried not to get any polyester.' As he goes on to tour his master bedroom and ensuite, he explains that his ideal design aesthetic in a home is 'simple' and 'clean' with no plastics anywhere. In his bedroom, his mattress is made from natural materials with no polyester and it is topped with organic cotton sheets. His bed is fitted with a grounding system, also called an earthing system, which pushes the bed closer to the ground to 'connect the body to the Earth.' Some holistic health experts believe grounding systems allow for a flow of electrons that can help reduce inflammation, pain, and stress, and potentially improve sleep. However, the data is scarce. Grounding sheets or mats are commonly used, containing conductive materials like carbon or silver that are then connected to a grounding port in a wall outlet or directly to the earth. While the weather in Costa Rica is hot - ranging from the low 70s to high 80s Fahrenheit - Dr Saladino says he does not use air conditioning as the units are prone to getting moldy in the humidity, which can breed harmful bacteria, and he uses a ceiling fan instead. Continuing on his drive for simplicity, Dr Saladino says he doesn't really use many toiletries as he enters his bathroom. Detailing some of the bathroom products he uses, he explains: 'I have a silk floss because Oral-B Glide Floss had very high levels of PFAs or forever chemicals so I use a silk floss. 'I use a boar's hair toothbrush because I don't want microplastics from toothbrush bristles going into my mouth [and] I don't use toothpaste, I just brush my teeth with water... toothpaste is a scam. I definitely don't want extra fluoride.' Fluoride is a mineral in toothpaste and much of America's drinking water meant to strengthen teeth. While emerging research has linked the mineral to bone loss, IQ loss and autism, research on the potential health effects is mixed, and many experts have claimed the evidence is unclear and the dental benefits of fluoride outweigh potential risks. Skipping toothpaste entirely can lead to dental decay and foul breath. Moving over to his shower, Dr Saladino says his water comes from a fresh spring. However, he instructs people who have a main water supply to use a filter to avoid absorbing commonly used chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine. His pool, for example, does not have any chlorine and he uses an alternative sanitizing system instead. To date, Dr Saladino's home tour has been viewed more than 1 million times with many viewers applauding his design. One fan wrote: 'Man you can only hear nature sounds, no traffic, no people screaming drunk on the streets and breaking beers, this is the dream...'
Entrepreneur
27-05-2025
- Health
- Entrepreneur
Professional Wellness Month: Reclaiming Your Work-Life Harmony for Lasting Success
Professional Wellness Month is a timely reminder as June rolls around: your well-being doesn't end after clocking out. In fact, for long-term success and happiness in the workplace, it is... This story originally appeared on Calendar Professional Wellness Month is a timely reminder as June rolls around: your well-being doesn't end after clocking out. In fact, for long-term success and happiness in the workplace, it is crucial to nurture your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Let's be honest, though. There are still many workplaces where the grind culture is alive and well. Emails don't stop at 5 p.m., breaks aren't a luxury, and stress is accepted as a badge of honor. During Professional Wellness Month, employers and employees are encouraged to prioritize healthy habits, strong communication, supportive leadership, and sustainable workloads. Throughout this post, we'll explore what professional wellness means, why it matters, and how you can take action to feel better, work smarter, and live more fully. What Exactly Is Professional Wellness? It's More Than Just Avoiding Burnout. Basically, professional wellness is the overall quality of your work experience. I'm talking about how your job affects your health in every way, not just financially. So, let's break it down into key components; Physical wellness. This dimension concerns how your work environment and schedule support your physical well-being. It's about ergonomics, movement, healthy food, and, most importantly, reasonable work hours that allow for adequate rest and recovery. This dimension concerns how your work environment and schedule support your physical well-being. It's about ergonomics, movement, healthy food, and, most importantly, reasonable work hours that allow for adequate rest and recovery. Mental and emotional wellness. This pillar focuses on psychological well-being at work. It involves effectively managing stress, cultivating positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, finding a sense of purpose in daily responsibilities, and retaining emotional resilience. Overall, it's about keeping a positive attitude and balancing your professional obligations. This pillar focuses on psychological well-being at work. It involves effectively managing stress, cultivating positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, finding a sense of purpose in daily responsibilities, and retaining emotional resilience. Overall, it's about keeping a positive attitude and balancing your professional obligations. Work-life balance (or integration). This is perhaps the most discussed aspect. In other words, it is about finding a healthy balance between work and personal life. It's all about having time, energy, and mental space to pursue hobbies, nurture relationships, get involved in the community, and just recharge. Professional wellness is about more than escaping burnout; it's about creating an environment in which you can thrive. Why Professional Wellness Matters More Than Ever Before It has never been more important to talk about professional wellness. Over the past few years, global upheavals and dramatic shifts in working models have fundamentally changed how and where we work, leaving countless professionals struggling to adjust and keep up. Burnout is skyrocketing. The statistics are stark and alarming. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 23% of employees feel burnt out at work very often or always, while 44% feel burnt out sometimes. This isn't just an individual issue; it's a widespread epidemic impacting productivity, morale, and retention across industries. The nuances of remote and hybrid work. They have introduced new complexities despite the flexibility of remote and hybrid work models. Increasingly, the lines between professional and personal life have blurred, making it difficult to truly 'switch off' and recharge. Disconnection can be a real challenge when working from home. Evolving employee expectations. In today's workplace, particularly among Gen Z, well-being, autonomy, and feeling purpose are increasingly valued. People are no longer willing to accept jobs that compromise their mental or physical health. Because of this shift in values, employees are more likely than ever to seek out and transition to jobs that align with their holistic well-being. Prioritize holistic well-being. As reported by Gallup, employers who take care of their employees' health and well-being see measurable benefits, including higher productivity and profitability. Employees who strongly agree that their employer cares about their overall well-being include; 69% less likely to seek a new job 71% less likely to experience burnout 36% more likely to thrive 3x more likely to be engaged at work 5x more likely to strongly recommend their company as a place to work Additionally, many workers place work-life balance and personal well-being at the top of their priority list when choosing to stay or leave an organization. So, ensure you're embracing Employee Wellness Month by appreciating the whole employee, 24/7/365. A strategic business imperative. An effective wellness culture extends far beyond individual health. In addition to improving overall productivity and employee engagement, professional wellness promotes positive employer branding and lower turnover rates. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The 7 Pillars of Professional Wellness: Your Actionable Roadmap Let's break down professional wellness into seven distinct yet interconnected pillars. Focusing on these areas this month will set you up for sustained happiness. 1. Workplace health: Your body is your instrument. Your physical well-being is the foundation of your professional performance. In the workplace, how you treat your body directly impacts your energy levels, focus levels, and overall capacity. Tips for action: Make stretching a habit, even if you only stretch for a minute or two every hour. To integrate physical activity into meetings, opt for walking meetings whenever possible. Also, be sure to keep healthy snacks at your desk to avoid energy crashes. Invest in or advocate for ergonomic furniture and tools to support good posture and reduce strain. 2. Managing mental health and stress: Fortifying your mind. Despite its silent nature, chronic stress harms productivity and well-being. It can cause energy loss, clouded judgment, and serious health problems. So, an effective stress management program is a must. Tips for action: Try to incorporate mindfulness or deep breathing exercises into your day, perhaps for 2-3 minutes between tasks. You should also be assertive in setting clear boundaries regarding your working hours, which you should adhere to. If you need a genuine break, don't be afraid to use mental health days without guilt. Establish a culture of support by encouraging open discussion about stress with colleagues and supervisors. 3. Work-life integration: Creating a harmonious rhythm. Instead of seeing work and life as opposing forces, strive for a harmonious integration. You don't have to blend everything into one chaotic mess. However, you need to maintain a healthy rhythm in which effort in one area is balanced by rest and fulfillment in another. Tips for action. Don't look at vacation time as a bonus but as an opportunity for rejuvenation. Make a point of scheduling non-work activities that genuinely bring you joy, whenever you can, and unplug after hours. For example, set your phone to 'Do Not Disturb,' avoid checking email, and create a clear mental divide between work and home. 4. Growth and purpose: Fueling your professional soul. Professional wellness begins when you feel connected to something meaningful and like you're growing. When motivation and morale are undermined, productivity can suffer. Tips for action. You should set short- and long-term goals for your professional development. Also, engage in projects that align with your core interests or take advantage of your strengths. And, whether taking courses, mentoring, or taking on new challenges, never be afraid to ask for and seek constructive feedback. 5. Establishing a supportive workplace relationship. A supportive and positive work environment is the opposite of a toxic one, which acts as a powerful buffer against stress and fuels resilience. Tips for action. Honesty is the best policy when showing appreciation to your team members. Rather than letting conflicts fester, address them directly and respectfully. Whether big or small, celebrate victories together to foster a sense of achievement. To build camaraderie and informal relationships, participate in team-building or social events. 6. Environmental wellness: Optimizing your physical space. Despite often being overlooked, your immediate environment significantly affects your well-being and productivity. Tips for action: Don't be afraid to personalize your desk in a way that brings you comfort or inspiration, and stay committed to keeping it clean and organized. Adjust the lighting to reduce eye strain and improve alertness. You can also create a more focused environment at your workplace by using noise-canceling headphones. 7. Leadership and organizational culture: The systemic impact. Even though individual habits are crucial to professional wellness, it is not solely the individual's responsibility. In large part, it is determined by the organization's culture and its leaders' behavior. Tips for leaders. Be an example of healthy behavior. For example, you can leave on time, take breaks, and take your own vacation days. Also, promote open communication about workloads, stress levels, and overall health. Further, offer wellness programs or stipends for fitness, mental health support, or personal development. In addition, ensure that work-life boundaries, flexible schedules, and remote work options are implemented and adhered to. How to Celebrate Professional Wellness Month — and Make It Count As part of Professional Wellness Month in June, you can upgrade your workplace culture and habits. As such, individuals and organizations can act in the following ways: For individuals; Take a break (seriously). Permit yourself to rest this month. Spend a few days relaxing, running errands, revisiting hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Remember, rest shouldn't be a luxury but a tool for productivity. to rest this month. Spend a few days relaxing, running errands, revisiting hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Remember, rest shouldn't be a luxury but a tool for productivity. Start a 30-day wellness challenge. Invite your colleagues to join you in daily wellness habits, such as walking breaks, staying hydrated, or committing to screen-free evenings. Invite your colleagues to join you in daily wellness habits, such as walking breaks, staying hydrated, or committing to screen-free evenings. Schedule a mid-year career check-in. Discuss your professional development with a mentor, manager, or career coach. Take advantage of this time to assess your direction, goals, and overall well-being. Discuss your professional development with a mentor, manager, or career coach. Take advantage of this time to assess your direction, goals, and overall well-being. Audit your calendar. Review your weekly schedule. Which meetings drain you? Which tasks energize you? Using these insights, you can make more informed time-management decisions. Review your weekly schedule. Which meetings drain you? Which tasks energize you? Using these insights, you can make more informed time-management decisions. Declutter your workspace. A clean, organized environment increases focus, saves time, and reduces stress. A clean, organized environment increases focus, saves time, and reduces stress. Try something new. Explore fresh habits like lunchtime yoga, a weekend digital detox, batching tasks, or testing a '4-day workweek.' Host wellness workshops. Invite experts to speak on topics such as stress reduction, mindful eating, ergonomics, and resilience building. Invite experts to speak on topics such as stress reduction, mindful eating, ergonomics, and resilience building. Offer wellness incentives. Offer perks like gift cards, fitness class reimbursements, mental health support, or a bonus PTO. Offer perks like gift cards, fitness class reimbursements, mental health support, or a bonus PTO. Encourage walking meetings. Swap conference tables for movement. Walking stimulates creativity, improves health, and strengthens team connections. Swap conference tables for movement. Walking stimulates creativity, improves health, and strengthens team connections. Run anonymous wellness surveys. Gather honest feedback on employee well-being, workload, and company culture. Insights can guide meaningful improvements. Gather honest feedback on employee well-being, workload, and company culture. Insights can guide meaningful improvements. Introduce no-meeting day s or quiet hours. Block off time for deep, uninterrupted work. By reducing meeting overload, employees are more likely to focus and thrive. Block off time for deep, uninterrupted work. By reducing meeting overload, employees are more likely to focus and thrive. Promote volunteering. Encourage employees to give back. It has been shown that volunteering contributes to a more positive workplace environment, higher job satisfaction, and stronger engagement. Professional Wellness Month is more than a calendar event—it's an opportunity to invest in your team, your culture, and yourself. In the long run, even small changes can have a profound impact, so take the time to make it count. Wellness Beyond June: Cultivating Lasting Change Even though Professional Wellness Month serves as a powerful catalyst for change, the ultimate goal is to cultivate lasting habits and foster a well-being culture far beyond June. Don't let these resolutions disappear like a forgotten New Year's resolution. Make it a regular check-in. Keep track of your wellness goals by scheduling quarterly personal check-ins to assess your progress. Keep track of your wellness goals by scheduling quarterly personal check-ins to assess your progress. Be an advocate. Whenever you see opportunities for systemic change, you can respectfully advocate for policies and practices that will support well-being within your team or company. Whenever you see opportunities for systemic change, you can respectfully advocate for policies and practices that will support well-being within your team or company. Embed wellness into your identity. Don't look at wellness as an additional perk, but as something integral to your professional identity. Keep it at the top of my mind as a daily priority. Final Thoughts: Your Wellness is Your Wealth You are more than a job title or a to-do list. As a person with real needs, your health at work is important — both for your success and mental health. In addition to a campaign, Professional Wellness Month represents a call to action. During this month, reflect on how you work and wish you worked. Can you do anything today to protect your energy, boost your performance, and enjoy your career more? In the end, your health is your wealth. And June is the perfect time to invest. FAQs When is Professional Wellness Month observed? Every June, Professional Wellness Month is celebrated. This time is dedicated to highlighting and emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health within the work environment. Although it is an annual observance, its principles and practices are designed to be incorporated into daily work lives. What exactly is 'professional wellness'? The concept of professional wellness goes beyond just being healthy. The concept encompasses many interconnected aspects of a person's well-being in their work environment. Included in it are; Physical wellness. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care are essential for maintaining a healthy body. As a result, you will have more energy and stamina for work. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care are essential for maintaining a healthy body. As a result, you will have more energy and stamina for work. Mental/emotional wellness. A positive mindset, stress management, resilience building, and mental health support are all important. Without them, we are less able to concentrate, create, and regulate our emotions. A positive mindset, stress management, resilience building, and mental health support are all important. Without them, we are less able to concentrate, create, and regulate our emotions. Social wellness : The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. By reducing feelings of isolation, a positive work environment is created. The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. By reducing feelings of isolation, a positive work environment is created. Financial wellness. It is essential to feel secure about your financial situation. You should manage debt, plan for the future, and have access to resources that reduce financial stress. At work, financial worries can significantly impact productivity and focus. It is essential to feel secure about your financial situation. You should manage debt, plan for the future, and have access to resources that reduce financial stress. At work, financial worries can significantly impact productivity and focus. Purpose/occupational wellness. Having the opportunity for growth and skill development in your work, feeling aligned with your organization's mission, and finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. Job satisfaction depends on overall fulfillment. Having the opportunity for growth and skill development in your work, feeling aligned with your organization's mission, and finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. Job satisfaction depends on overall fulfillment. Environmental wellness. The physical environment should be safe, comfortable, and conducive (e.g., proper ergonomics, good lighting, and reasonable noise levels). Professional wellness is about creating an environment where individuals can flourish individually and professionally. Why is professional wellness so important for individuals? Professional wellness isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for long-term health, career fulfillment, and overall quality of life. Combats burnout. Burnout is a pervasive issue in today's work culture. By focusing on wellness, individuals can recognize and address stressors, set boundaries, and integrate recovery into their routines, preventing exhaustion's debilitating effects. Burnout is a pervasive issue in today's work culture. By focusing on wellness, individuals can recognize and address stressors, set boundaries, and integrate recovery into their routines, preventing exhaustion's debilitating effects. Enhances productivity and focus. Being more efficient, productive, and focused is natural when you're well-rested, less stressed, and mentally clear. When you are healthy, you can perform at your best. Being more efficient, productive, and focused is natural when you're well-rested, less stressed, and mentally clear. When you are healthy, you can perform at your best. Improves mental and physical health. In addition to reducing chronic health conditions, proactive wellness practices can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. In addition to reducing chronic health conditions, proactive wellness practices can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. Boosts job satisfaction. You are more likely to feel valued and engaged if you feel supported by your employer and have the opportunity to care for your well-being in your role. You are more likely to feel valued and engaged if you feel supported by your employer and have the opportunity to care for your well-being in your role. Increases resilience. By focusing on wellness, individuals can more effectively bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and tackle challenges with greater equanimity. By focusing on wellness, individuals can more effectively bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and tackle challenges with greater equanimity. Supports work-life balance. Professional wellness promotes a healthy separation between work and personal lives, resulting in a more balanced and fulfilling existence. What are some common activities and initiatives during Professional Wellness Month? During Professional Wellness Month, organizations can launch or amplify wellness programs. Wellness has many dimensions, which are often explored through activities. Physical wellness. Step challenges. Organize company-wide competitions to encourage employees to increase their daily step count. Organize company-wide competitions to encourage employees to increase their daily step count. Fitness classes. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and meditation sessions can be conducted on-site or virtually. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and meditation sessions can be conducted on-site or virtually. Healthy eating initiatives. You can offer nutrition-rich snacks, show how to cook healthy, or share healthy recipes. You can offer nutrition-rich snacks, show how to cook healthy, or share healthy recipes. Ergonomic assessments. Advice on optimizing workstations to prevent discomfort and injury. Advice on optimizing workstations to prevent discomfort and injury. Walking meetings. Encourage teams to conduct meetings outdoors while walking for fresh air and movement. Mental & emotional wellness. Mindfulness & meditation sessions. Providing employees with guided practices to reduce stress and improve focus. Providing employees with guided practices to reduce stress and improve focus. Stress management workshops. Identifying coping mechanisms, managing time, and building resilience. Identifying coping mechanisms, managing time, and building resilience. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Raising awareness of and providing access to confidential counseling and support services. Raising awareness of and providing access to confidential counseling and support services. Mental health first aid training. Providing managers and employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Providing managers and employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Gratitude practices. Encourage journaling or gratitude exercises. Social wellness. Team-building activities. Create events encouraging teamwork and connection (e.g., scavenger hunts, virtual game nights). Create events encouraging teamwork and connection (e.g., scavenger hunts, virtual game nights). Volunteer opportunities. Organize company-sponsored days for employees to volunteer in the community. Organize company-sponsored days for employees to volunteer in the community. Book clubs or discussion groups. Focused on wellness topics or for general social connection. Financial wellness. Financial literacy workshops. There could be budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, or investing sessions. There could be budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, or investing sessions. Access to financial counseling. By connecting employees with financial advisors, they can receive personalized guidance. By connecting employees with financial advisors, they can receive personalized guidance. Emergency fund challenges. Providing employees with encouragement and support to save. Overall & environmental wellness. Flexible work arrangements. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to promote work-life balance. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to promote work-life balance. 'No meeting' or 'focus' blocks. Setting aside specific times for uninterrupted deep work. Setting aside specific times for uninterrupted deep work. Wellness newsletters/resources. Sharing tips, articles, and success stories. Sharing tips, articles, and success stories. 'Desk plants' initiative. Encourage greenery in workplaces to improve air quality and mood. Encourage greenery in workplaces to improve air quality and mood. Recognizing and rewarding wellness efforts. Recognizing employees who participate in wellness programs or demonstrate healthy habits. Featured Image Credit: Photo by Daniil Kondrashin; Pexels The post Professional Wellness Month: Reclaiming Your Work-Life Harmony for Lasting Success appeared first on Calendar.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Win a Rowlinson bench and bird table bundle from Robert Dyas worth £220
BIRD watching in your outside space boosts your mental well being, reduces anxiety and promotes a deeper connection with nature. Plus birds are natural predators - so they'll eat pests and bugs like aphids and caterpillars - which in turn will keep your garden healthy. 2 2 And some consume weed seeds - and help with pollination. So sit back, relax on a fabulous £143.99 Rowlinson Willington Bench - made of eucalyptus - a hardwood known for its strength and durability. And watch the birds eat from a £76.99 Rowlinson Windrush Bird Table. Both come from Robert Dyas. To enter, fill in the form below. Or write to Sun Rowlinson Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. T&Cs apply.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Nearly 7 in 10 dog owners say their pet is their top reason to leave home
NEARLY seven in 10 dog owners claim their furry friend is their top incentive to get out of the house. A poll of 1,000 canine guardians found they are more motivational than family members (42 per cent), celebrities (seven per cent), or even personal trainers (13 per cent). 1 Researchers also polled 1,000 people without a dog and found they are less likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines. They average just 180 minutes of activity per week compared to 240 minutes for dog owners. It also emerged dog walking has positive mental, as well as physical, effects – with eight in 10 feeling less stressed, and 84 per cent feeling happier after going on a stroll with their pooch. Canine companions also helped their owners score an average of 20 per cent higher on overall mental wellbeing indicators than those without one. ASICS commissioned the research after naming a dog called Felix as its new ambassador – who will act as the brand's key 'spokesperson' to champion his love of walks, runs, and even zoomies. Gary Raucher from the sports brand said: 'No one motivates us to move for body and mind more than our canine friends. 'Every day around the world, dogs motivate us to lace up, get out and move. 'Our mission is to encourage as many people as possible to feel the uplifting power of movement. 'We are delighted to have signed Felix as our official Mind's Best Friend and share dogs' infectious love for movement with the world and motivate us all to get out and move for our minds.' The survey also revealed just how powerful dogs are when it comes to motivation – with 89 per cent of owners admitting their dog makes them move more. Best and Worst Dogs for Apartment Living: Expert Insights With 65 per cent claiming their four-legged friend is the main reason they get out for walks, jogs or runs in the first place. Half of owners can't resist when their dog stands ready by the door, and 42 per cent cave in the moment the lead gets fetched. While 38 per cent even admit it's not them walking the dog – it's the dog taking them. The social impact of owning a dog is clear too – with 72 per cent saying they're more likely to chat to others during a walk. And 78 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, believe this lifts their mood. Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity at Mind, added: 'We have seen how regular physical activity can help support better mental health. 'However, finding the motivation to move can sometimes be challenging when you're struggling with your mental health. 'Who better to help motivate people to move than our canine friends? 'Our belief in the power of physical activity and celebrating our doggy pals aligns perfectly with ASICS' commitment. 'We're proud to support this campaign and look forward to inspiring people to stay active and move for their mental wellbeing.' Should I get a professional dog trainer and how much does it cost? IF you're wondering whether to get a professional dog trainer, here's all you need to know... Benefits of Hiring a Professional Dog Trainer: Expertise: Professional trainers have specialised knowledge and experience in handling various breeds and behavioural issues. Personalised Training Plans: Trainers can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs and temperament of your dog. Efficiency: A professional can often achieve results more quickly than an inexperienced owner might. Behavioural Improvement: Addressing issues such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking can lead to a more harmonious household. Socialisation: Trainers can help your dog learn to interact well with other dogs and people. Cost of Professional Dog Training: Private Sessions: Typically range from £30 to £100 per hour, depending on the trainer's experience and location. Group Classes: Usually cost between £10 and £30 per session, often running as a course over several weeks. Board and Train Programmes: These intensive programmes, where your dog stays with the trainer, can cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500 per week. Online Courses: More budget-friendly options, ranging from £50 to £200 for a complete course, though less personalised. When considering a professional dog trainer, weigh the benefits against the costs to determine what works best for you and your furry friend.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince William and Kate Middleton Announce Exciting News: 'This Is So Beautiful'
On Friday, May 9, Prince William and Kate Middleton made an announcement via their official Instagram account letting everyone know about a lovely honor Kate just received! The Princess of Wales now has a special rose named after her, and it couldn't be more fitting. The couple captioned the post with: "Spending time in nature has always been a source of comfort and strength. Gardens and green spaces provide not only beauty and joy, but also vital support for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing." The caption continues: "Today the Royal Horticultural Society are announcing a new Rose, 'Catherine's Rose,' grown by Harkness Roses. The proceeds from this rose will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping patients across the country live well with, and beyond, cancer 🌹" The rose is just gorgeous, and royal fans are over-the-moon about the news. Harkness Roses immediately chimed in with, "We are proud to be the growers of this beautiful rose and to have named it for the Princess of Wales 🌹" Another person declared, "It's stunning. Just like the Princess of Wales. 🌹❤️"More accolades included, "I couldn't have come up with a better way of celebrating Princess Catherine's relentless work to support and highlight great charitable causes 👏❤️" "This is so beautiful! We're so proud of you, Catherine 💐💖" "A symbol of hope & strength... Grown in honour of a princess whose grace continues to inspire... Carries a message of comfort in every petal... A reminder that love can bloom even in the hardest times✨️" This is such a wonderful way to honor someone who's a symbol of hope, strength, and beauty for her country, and for the entire world for that matter. Congrats to the future queen on "Catherine's Rose!" 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
