Do you feel lonely? Try watching TV - it will help you feel less isolated, according to four new American studies. Watching the box creates an illusion among viewers that their social needs are being met. The findings also support the social surrogate theory which holds that TV makes people believe they belong somewhere. Viewers’ fictitious ties with characters also reduce their need to forge links with other people. A previous study showed unhappy people watched more TV whereas those who say they’re happy spend more time reading and socialising.
WALK AWAY WEIGHT
It’s inexpensive, easy and you can do it anywhere. Brisk walking burns 800 kilojoules in half an hour. Include hills in your daily route and you’ll burn even more unwanted kilojoules.
SING AWAY YOUR STRESS
Are you having a hard time with stress? Then sing! It brings down your stress levels, which in turn boosts the immune system, Swedish researchers say. And singing in a group is even more beneficial.
MUSHROOMS BEAT FLU
Mushrooms can help you beat flu, scientists claim. Because they combat infections and viruses they boost your immune system, research at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA, shows. A previous Chinese study indicated a daily portion of mushrooms could reduce women’s risk of breast cancer by two-thirds.
