Page 94 - Women’s Health - Australia (February 2020)

happiness

9

SLIME AWAY STRESS

Touching slime – or watching other people touch slime –
is one way of initiating an autonomous sensory meridian
response (ASMR, for ease). Best described as a pleasant plunge
tingling sensation, it can also be triggered by the
sound of whispering or a cat purring. Pseudoscience? Brave souls who hit the
surf and swimming pools
Perhaps. But a University of Sheffield study found throughout winter are
that subjects’ wellbeing improved after listening to onto something. Beyond
ASMR clips, with their heart rates dropping by about the caffeine-replicating
1
3bpm. Whisper it now: doesn’t that sound nice? benefits of plunging into
freezing water, it’s thought
that repeatedly doing so
could help your body
deal with stress. While
Make your the physiological proof
perfect pitch is pending, the anecdotal
kind is unanimous, with
Life in the urban jungle disrupts the production regulars describing it
of the sleep hormone melatonin – and an off- as an act of mindfulness.
kilter sleep cycle will sink your mood. There Water too balmy in summer
could be a solution in (stay with us) camping. to make a difference?
A study published in Current Biology found Try finishing your shower
that a weekend under canvas can bring your with a cold blast. Either
body clock forward by 90 minutes. That’s enough way, just make sure
to get you out of the woods after a sleepless week. you acclimatise safely.

12 13 14 15 IMAGES GETTY STOCKSY;

DRUM UP START A NEW FOLLOW THE GET PHOTOGRAPHY:
SUPPORT PET PROJECT CROWD HANDSY WRENCH.

Music to the ears of your Our love for dogs runs deep Listening to live music Creative pursuits have a
neighbours. Research for a reason. Interacting with can turn up the volume purpose beyond padding out
conducted by the UK’s Royal animals promotes the release on your self-worth. A study your CV and/or dating profile. SCARLETT
College of Music found that of serotonin, prolactin and by UK concert venue The An Art Therapy study found
a 10-week program of oxytocin, all of which elevate O2 in conjunction with 45 minutes of craft work
group drumming reduced your mood and keep low a behavioural science can reduce levels of the
symptoms of depression by times on a tight leash. We’re researcher from Goldsmiths stress hormone cortisol, while DESSENT-JACKSON;
38 per cent, and anxiety not saying you need to get University found that knitting has been shown to
by 20 per cent. Better still, a pet – though they pay for enjoying music as part of lower heart rates by 11bpm.
participants were reaping the themselves in #content – but a crowd triggered a spike Try woodwork: scientists
mental health rewards three make use of the borrowing in feelings of self-worth have found that the sensation LOUEE
months later. One to share economy. Sign up to walk and closeness to others of touching wood (oh, stop
with Sue next door after someone else’s dog or by 25 per cent. Just it!) stimulates your body’s WORDS:
the first noise complaint. look after someone’s cat. avoid the mosh pit. relaxation response. wh

94 womenshealth.com.au FEBRUARY 2020