Latest news with #qualityOfLife
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
People Are Sharing The Things That Ruined Their Quality Of Life So Much, They Wish They'd Ditched Them Sooner
The popular saying goes, "Hindsight is always 20/20." And this is true no matter what you apply it to — relationships, a job, or pretty much anything else you can think of. Reddit user ibuprofriendd recently asked, "What ruined your quality of life so much that you wish you ditched it sooner?" Here's what people had to say: 1."Staying in a job that drained me mentally for way too long. I wish I had left earlier for my peace of mind." —u/tricon3d 2."Worrying about stuff I can't change." —u/NotABurner2000 3."Long commutes." —u/dekion101 4."Not working out. I used to run track but then stopped running for a year — lost all my stamina, and for two and a half years I've been trying to build it up again. Unfortunately, I'm nowhere near where I was." —u/Deathly-Mr-Fish 5."Anxiety. I'm on the right track now, but I missed some opportunities that would have altered my life and important milestones in my teens and 20s, all because I was scared." —u/xBR0SKIx 6."Not knowing how to set boundaries and what it meant to do so." —u/AstroAve 7."I'm 39 years old and 42 days sober from alcohol. I wish I had never started drinking." —u/Left0fcenterr Related: 15 Times Someone Bravely Took A Photo Of The Very Worst Design This World Has Ever Seen 8."Changing myself to try to fit in with people I wanted to be friends with." —u/Opening_Acadia1843 9."Stress. It caused me so many health problems." —u/Fluid-Interaction-80 10."Not getting at least eight hours of sleep a night." —u/AlwaysOnTheGO88 11."Phone notifications. I turned off everything but phone calls and text messages. My days are filled with less dread and anxiety." —u/cipher1331 Related: Tattoo Artists Are Sharing The Tattoos They Felt REALLY Uncomfortable Doing, And I Have No Words 12."Wallowing in self-pity." —u/jarc23 13."Smoking. I have terrible lungs now." —u/MainEarCode 14."I've realized not trusting my intuition or being polite ends up biting me in the long run." —u/AineMoon 15."Looking for love when I should've found new ways to love and appreciate myself. I'm single now and doing better because I finally chose myself, but I wish I had chosen myself sooner and not the validation of someone else." —u/CancelWaste3214 16."Cheap mattresses and cheap pillows. Sleep affects everything in your life." —u/karmy-guy 17."Codependency and not allowing myself to speak my truth. I'm just now starting to come out of this. It's painful to realize how much time you've spent trying to please others when all that energy could have been bettering yourself instead." —u/This_0neGirl 18."Toxic family members." —u/PopPsychological4129 19."Being too close to guitar amps." —u/XploringTheWorld 20."Credit cards." —u/alld5502 21."Complaining a lot. That negative energy penetrates all aspects of your life. It impacted my mood, my energy, and my relationships. —u/Refrigerated2679 22."Social media." —u/steakvolcano 23."Trauma. It'll never be gone, but I'm learning to recognize its aftermath and redirect myself better." —u/sluggremlin What did you leave behind that improved your quality of life in the long run? Share your thoughts in the comments! Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Also in Internet Finds: 51 Wildly Fascinating Photos Of Disorders, Injuries, And Variations In The Human Body That I Cannot Stop Staring At Also in Internet Finds: 23 People Who Tried Their Best, But Crapped The Bed So Bad Also in Internet Finds: 27 Grown-Ass Adults Who Threw Such Unbelievable Temper Tantrums, Even The Brattiest Toddler Couldn't Compete
Medscape
3 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Fast Five Quiz: Multiple Sclerosis and Depression
Depression is among the most common comorbidities of multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to psychological quality-of-life issues that can further exacerbate a patient's functional capacity. The significant burden of depression in patients with MS is typically associated with neuroinflammatory processes which are directly correlated to depression severity. Understanding the relationship between depression and MS is crucial for healthcare providers, to develop effective treatment strategies that address both the neurologic and psychological aspects of the disease. What do you know about the interplay of MS and depression? Check your knowledge with this quick quiz. The prevalence of depression in the general population is approximately 13%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other data indicate that it falls between 25% and 54% in patients with MS. Depression, along with other disorders such as anxiety and fatigue, are among the most common comorbidities of MS. These comorbidities further degrade quality of life in patients who are already affected by the functional disabilities caused by the diseases. A multidisciplinary approach can help to holistically manage MS to ensure that quality of life is optimized across specific healthcare needs. Learn more about guidelines for MS. A recent systematic review reported that depression symptoms do not significantly improve after smoking cessation in patients with MS, although these patients do see improvements in anxiety. The same review noted that depression is associated with a 1.3- to 2.3-fold increased prevalence in patients with MS who also smoke tobacco. Although smoking cessation is known to cause short-term mood changes, a recent cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES study found that longer duration of cessation is associated with lower risk for depression. However, the persistence of depression in former smokers with MS might be due to depression's strong association with MS, and clinicians should not assume that depression symptoms will improve when a patient quits smoking. Learn more about tobacco product use and depression. Though depression and anxiety can occur in any subtype of MS, an extensive review and meta-analysis found that both were more prevalent in progressive MS (defined by the researchers as PPMS and SPMS) compared with RRMS. In contrast, the same meta-analysis reported that patients with MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of less than 3 had higher rates of depression compared with patients with an EDSS score of greater than 3, while the prevalence of anxiety was higher in patients with an EDSS score greater than 3 compared with an EDSS score below 3. Proinflammatory cytokines in MS have been shown to disrupt the monoaminergic system, which is a component of the pathogenesis of depression. As such, treatments that enhance monoamine neurotransmission (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and dopaminergic psychostimulants) are indicated for use in depression and MS-associated depression. Learn more about the pathophysiology of MS. Although comorbid depression in MS often presents similarly to fatigue, several characteristics can help clinicians distinguish between the two and guide appropriate treatment. According to a recent review, patients with depression typically have better functioning in the evening while those with fatigue typically have better functioning in the morning. Other characteristics of depression tend to include hypersomnia and hopelessness; patients with fatigue usually experience insomnia and strong hopefulness for recovery. Learn more about symptom management of depression and fatigue in MS. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing exercise best practices for depression in MS, programs implementing ergometer training protocols had the largest effect size. The data reviewed indicated immediate improvements in depression scores with exercise, and depression symptoms were found to improve regardless of exercise frequency, duration, or activity. This is consistent with another review that cited a range of nonpharmacologic interventions for improving depression in MS, including exercise as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, yoga, dietary habits, and sleep hygiene. Further, data on Hatha yoga, circuit training at moderate intensity, and resistance training with active rest periods in patients with MS and depression are limited. Learn more about exercise for depression. Editor's Note: This article was created using several editorial tools, including generative AI models, as part of the process. Human review and editing of this content were performed prior to publication.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Explore The Happiest Cities For Living And Travel, Per New Study
Berlin is one of the happiest cities in the world, as per the Happy City Index 2025 What makes a city truly happy? The world's happiest cities excel in creating environments where residents thrive and visitors are enchanted. A good city undoubtedly offers an affordable lifestyle for its residents, in terms of accessible housing and good jobs, but it's also a lot more. A city that makes its residents happy provides for its citizens in terms of its services and protects its people in environmental, economic, and social senses. A good city for a five-year-old with great playgrounds is different for a working adult who may want accessible and efficient public transport to get home from work and, yet again, for a retiree. The world's happiest cities can do all this and more. Plus, with excellent services and happy residents, they're great places to visit as travelers. The Institute for Quality of Life measures the world's happiest cities under a project organised by the Happy City Hub. The project researches various aspects of quality of life, centered around six major themes—citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility. Its tagline is from Plato, 'This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.' Within these themes, the project studies many health indicators, such as nutrition and mental health. In the economy, it looks at factors such as unemployment, cost of living, earnings, GDP, and maternity and paternity leave allowances. It studies indicators such as pollution, recycling, and green spaces in the environment. In governance, data such as voting participation and accessibility of e-payments and e-services are analyzed. For mobility, it looks at public transport networks and road traffic accidents. And for citizens, it assesses educational factors, access to affordable housing, access to culture, and inclusive services such as support for older people or people with disabilities. Indeed, all the things about a city that, when combined, make its residents very happy. As the project says, "There is no single perfect place to live that guarantees happiness for all its residents," but there are factors that make a difference. The project has identified three different levels of cities globally. There are 31 gold standard cities, where cities track their progress against clear benchmarks. These cities have measurable indicators, and the figures allow meaningful comparisons with other places around the world, and the impact of their social policies is undeniably visible. Many of these 31 gold cities are some of the most visited cities in the world. Think Paris, Berlin, New York, Barcelona, Dublin, and London. These cities were recently featured as some of the smartest cities in the world on the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025, and cities with the best work-life balance, like Dublin, Brussels, and Copenhagen. However, many of these 31 countries are in Northern Europe and regularly appear on indexes of countries with a high self-reported happiness level by their residents. The UN's World's Happiest Countries in 2025 appear on this list in some of its cities. Finland is first on that list, and Helsinki is in 14th place. Denmark is the second-highest happiest country, and Copenhagen topped the world's happiest cities. Aarhus in Denmark is in 4th place, Reykjavik in Iceland is in 27th place, Stockholm in Sweden is in 7th place, and Rotterdam in the Netherlands is in 10th place. These places feature in many of the best places to visit in 2024 or 2025. Zurich, the second happiest city on the list, is loved for its progressive culture, with a dynamic music and art scene and architectural landmarks by Le Corbusier and Santiago Calatrava. Antwerp, at number four, is rapidly becoming what industry insiders call a 'destination dupe' for Paris; places that travelers head to to avoid the overcrowding of summer crowds and because it offers many of Paris' charms—although Paris is also 13th on the list. France remains the most visited country in the world. Berlin, number 16 on the happiest cities in the world, was named by Time Out as one of the 50 Best Cities for its famed nightlife, plethora of positive liveability aspects, and thriving organic wine and restaurant scene. The world's happiest cities are more than just places to live—they're destinations that inspire and delight travelers. With their focus on well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity, these cities set the standard for urban happiness and make them unforgettable travel destinations. This is the 6th edition of the Happy City Index, with these cities ranked as the 200 happiest cities in the world:
Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Does living and working in London give you a wealthier lifestyle?
Many of us would assume that the 'London premium' — those generous wages that the capital offers — somehow offsets the pain of expensive housing, long commutes and £7 pints. Otherwise, why would anyone live there? When we debate the benefits of living in a certain area, we nearly always talk about income and wealth — how much you earn and how must your home costs — but increasingly economists think we should be looking at consumption instead. Consumption, or how much stuff you actually buy, is a better indicator of the quality of your life. It captures whether you're living like a prince or a pauper. It reflects how much credit you can get and whether you're tightening your belt. Consumption also explains why
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Brits are shocked I've chosen Norwich over New Zealand – but there are reasons so many Kiwis are leaving
Whenever a Brit learns that I'm a New Zealander – grew up there, got the passport, only moved to the UK in 2017 – often their faces scrunch up with confusion: 'Why would you live here when you could be living there?' It doesn't seem to matter if they've been to New Zealand themselves or not. The implication is that I have known the Garden of Eden, even been granted a key, and responded by saying: 'Actually, you know what? I'll take Norwich instead.' Whether it better reflects contemptuous familiarity with the UK, or an idealised view of New Zealand, I'm not sure. But very few people seem to believe me that, in many meaningful ways, the quality of life is much better in Britain. So I was not surprised by the interest in a recent report about New Zealand 'hollowing out', with record numbers leaving through 2023 into 2024. Over the past two years, so many people have left the country – often for Australia, Canada or the UK – there are fears some small towns and rural communities will collapse. There's a long tradition of Kiwis heading overseas. What makes this recent rise in departures different is the apparent sweep of it. It's not just young people off on their 'big OE' (overseas experience). It's those who are further along in life who have come to believe the grass may be greener elsewhere. And it's not just small towns that are failing to give them reasons to stay. Auckland – the largest, most 'international' city, with a population of about 1.7 million people (of a total of 5.2 million) – has the most jobs and the highest salaries, but even one of those won't necessarily give you a shot at property. As of this February, the average home in the city costs about NZ$1.25m – that's roughly £555,000, about the same as in London despite a significantly lower average wage. It's a similar situation in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, and recent public sector cuts haven't helped the economic picture either. I felt the impact of this when I was back in Wellington this February, visiting friends and family. When I moved there aged 17 to study, it felt deserving of its reputation as the 'artsy' city. Even allowing for a more world-weary view 15 years on, I was struck by how much was exactly the same as in my student days (down to cafe menu items, and the monthly Britpop club night), while the new additions were generic or without charm. It was like time had stood still. I don't mean to be a seagull, flying in and dumping 'all over everything' (to borrow a phrase from writer and fellow antipodean abroad Sarah Wilson, in her recent report on her trip back to Australia). There's so much that's special and unique about New Zealand, starting with the indigenous Māori culture and language – rightly and increasingly integrated in the national identity, despite attacks by the National-led government. There are advantages over Britain. The food and drink is actually flavoursome, while the typical approach to hospitality makes you feel the meaning of the word. Work is rarely expected to come before life, and the beaches and scenery really are as staggeringly beautiful as you'd imagine. Still, I've noticed the reported shift in Kiwis' migratory patterns playing out in my network. For example, it used to be assumed you'd return home to start a family – but a striking number of friends have chosen to stay put in their overseas homes to have their first child, even at the cost of losing family support. The patchy public transport, even in cities, and car-centric culture have also been cited as barriers by people I've spoken to. Access to culture and entertainment is also limited. Aucklanders were recently named the earliest diners in the world; I've heard of people being kicked out of restaurants at 9:30pm. 'It's kind of like, what are you meant to do after dark?' says my sister, who is now based in Amsterdam. All this is compounded by the isolation, unimaginable for people in Europe. 'I don't think Brits understand what it is like to live at the bottom of the world,' a Kiwi friend who has lived in London for a couple years told me the other day. Equally, she pointed out, our ambivalence about returning reflects our privilege, of knowing we would be able to opt out of Britain should it start to feel too broken. Of course there's no single best place in which to live, not least because 'quality of life' is a personal – and variable – equation. I feel very lucky to call New Zealand one of my homes, and every time I visit, I wonder if this will be the trip that makes me want to move back. So far, however, after a decade away, I'm more struck by the drawbacks than its many delights. Brits may think the grass is greener in New Zealand, but it's Kiwis who are making the move. Elle Hunt is a freelance journalist
