Music as pain relief, Guinness for longevity and three more uplifting stories from this week
As October comes to a close, many parents across the UK will be looking forward to spending quality time with their children during the half-term holidays.
Whether it’s going on holiday or planning activities at home, this weekend will be a busy time to get into the swing of things.
So, to help you get in the right mood for a fun-filled weekend, we’ve brought together five of the most uplifting stories from the past week.
From the secret to a long life, according to a Guinness-loving 105-year-old, to the reason jacket potatoes are making a comeback, here are the stories that will make you feel good.
🍻 How a group of men have stayed friends for 56 years
How do you stay friends forever? By meeting at the same pub for a pint every Thursday at the same time for more than five decades years, according to a group of tight-knit friends.
The friends, who are all aged between 78 and 83, have made sure they have their weekly catch-up at The White Swan in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, since 1968. During the COVID pandemic, they still made sure to have virtual pub catch-ups. Peter Thirlwall, 78, one of the founders of the weekly meet-ups, said he "could not imagine" his life without his friends.
🎂 The secret to living until 105
Kathleen Hennings has raised a pint of Guinness to her 105th birthday earlier this month, revealing that the Irish stout is one of her secrets to longevity.
The other secret? Never marrying, Hennings said. The centenarian, who lives at her care home in Cheltenham, celebrated her milestone with a big birthday bash surrounded by her friends, fellow residents and supportive staff. Her love for Guinness is so well-known that she even received a Guinness hamper as a gift, filled with pint glasses, an apron, chocolates, and cans of the iconic stout.
🎶 Your favourite songs could help speed up recovery from surgery
If you’ve recently had surgery, listening to your favourite songs may help with your recovery, scientists have said.
Researchers found that simply listening to music post-surgery, whether with headphones or through a speaker, can help patients feel less pain and anxiety. They also found that patients used less than half the amount of morphine compared to those who didn’t listen to music. Turn the volume up!
🥔 The lunchtime jacket potato is a hit
Sushis, salads and shop-bought sandwiches are out, jacket potatoes are in as a reliable office lunch option.
Jacket potatoes are making a comeback as a cost-friendly office lunch, as workers eschew more expensive meals, a new survey has found. The top three most popular fillings included cheese, baked beans and cheese, and the old classic, just butter. Close favourites included tuna and cheese, chilli con carne, and cheese and bacon bits.
🐕 Monty Don dedicates his first Chelsea garden to furry friends
Monty Don is designing his first garden for next year’s Chelsea Flower Show, and dogs are the front of his mind.
The Gardener’s World star often shares the screen with his beloved pooches. His late golden retrievers, Nigel and Nell, were fan favourites, and more recently, Don’s companions Patti, a Yorkshire terrier, and his golden retriever Ned accompany him around his garden.
Read more about positivity:
How smiling can positively influence the way we think (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
This “Joyful” Decorating Hack Will Instantly Transform Your Hallway (Apartment Therapy, 2-min read)
Five ways to make your garden more joyful - from colour to furniture and plants (ChronicleLive, 4-min read)
