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Top 10 ways to get better sleep
Filed under: Health, November 2009
It's a universal complaint that you hear every day: "I'm tired!" or " I didn't get enough sleep". Check out our top tips for getting the best out of your kip.
Top sleeping aid searches:
Exercise - what better way to ensure you sleep well than to tire yourself out? Although, it's not recommended to exercise within 4 hours of going to sleep. Regular exercise does help to improve sleep patterns.
Alcohol - You'll never guess, but alcohol does not help you sleep well. Yes, it can knock you out, but you won't get a proper night's sleep. Avoid alcohol to improve the quality of your sleep.
Food - Try not to eat too near to bedtime as this will have your digestive system working overtime while you are trying to rest. Spicy and fatty foods are especially likely to give you a poor night's sleep.
Bedroom - Try to make sure your room is dark, quiet and cool. If you're a light sleeper, bright early morning rays of sunshine will rip you from sleep before your alarm clock, so will unexpected noises in the night an excess heat. Consider wearing an eye mask and earplugs if you can't improve your bedroom.
Ban electronics - Watching TV, playing computer games, using telephones and computers will all stimulate your brain far too much to give it a chance to relax into sleep if you use them just before bedtime. Keep these gadgets out of your bedroom and you'll find your quality of sleep will improve.
White noise - Some people find that this helps them to relax and drift off because it recreates the sensation of being in the womb. Also, the frequency of white noise is such that is can drown out other noises such as talking. You can use machines like a fan to create white noise although the effect is not as good as using a white noise CD.
Smoking - You should avoid smoking before sleeping because, despite what many smokers say, nicotine does not relax you: it is a stimulant and it will keep you up. Also, smokers tend to wake up early suffering from withdrawel symptoms.
Coffee - Maybe it's an obvious one but caffeine keeps you awake. Don't drink coffee near bedtime. In fact, don't even drink caffeine-free coffee, just to be on the safe side. Why not have a nice hot malty drink instead? Or a herbal tea? Make it part of your bedtime winding-down routine and you'll be on the road to the land of nod.
Naps - Daytime naps, although they can be nice, will not help you sleep at nighttime. Your body needs to get tired out during the day so that it is ready to sleep long and deeply during the night. So cut out the catnaps and start sleeping properly.
Got any more tips for wannabe sleepyheads? Leave a comment and share them here.
Top sleeping aid searches:
- Sleeping through the night
- Sleeping aids
- Cause of snoring
- Sleep apneoa
- Sleeping pills
- Sleep patterns
- Causes of sleepwalking
- Sleep eye mask
- White noise CD
- Earplugs
Exercise - what better way to ensure you sleep well than to tire yourself out? Although, it's not recommended to exercise within 4 hours of going to sleep. Regular exercise does help to improve sleep patterns.
Alcohol - You'll never guess, but alcohol does not help you sleep well. Yes, it can knock you out, but you won't get a proper night's sleep. Avoid alcohol to improve the quality of your sleep.
Food - Try not to eat too near to bedtime as this will have your digestive system working overtime while you are trying to rest. Spicy and fatty foods are especially likely to give you a poor night's sleep.
Bedroom - Try to make sure your room is dark, quiet and cool. If you're a light sleeper, bright early morning rays of sunshine will rip you from sleep before your alarm clock, so will unexpected noises in the night an excess heat. Consider wearing an eye mask and earplugs if you can't improve your bedroom.
Ban electronics - Watching TV, playing computer games, using telephones and computers will all stimulate your brain far too much to give it a chance to relax into sleep if you use them just before bedtime. Keep these gadgets out of your bedroom and you'll find your quality of sleep will improve.
White noise - Some people find that this helps them to relax and drift off because it recreates the sensation of being in the womb. Also, the frequency of white noise is such that is can drown out other noises such as talking. You can use machines like a fan to create white noise although the effect is not as good as using a white noise CD.
Smoking - You should avoid smoking before sleeping because, despite what many smokers say, nicotine does not relax you: it is a stimulant and it will keep you up. Also, smokers tend to wake up early suffering from withdrawel symptoms.
Coffee - Maybe it's an obvious one but caffeine keeps you awake. Don't drink coffee near bedtime. In fact, don't even drink caffeine-free coffee, just to be on the safe side. Why not have a nice hot malty drink instead? Or a herbal tea? Make it part of your bedtime winding-down routine and you'll be on the road to the land of nod.
Naps - Daytime naps, although they can be nice, will not help you sleep at nighttime. Your body needs to get tired out during the day so that it is ready to sleep long and deeply during the night. So cut out the catnaps and start sleeping properly.
Got any more tips for wannabe sleepyheads? Leave a comment and share them here.
Ban bullying at work day
Filed under: Health, November 2009
Ban Bullying At Work Day takes place on the 7th November. It is one day in the year to try to raise awareness about workplace bullying. The day was originally created by the Andrea Adams Trust, a charity set up in the name of a journalist who recognised the severity of bullying in the workplace and wrote a book published in 1992 entitled 'Bullying At Work'.
Top bullying searches:
There are some warning signs to help spot workplace bullies. The first and most evident is an openly aggressive character - shouting and using obscenities. Other signs may be persisent criticism, setting unrealistic deadlines, taking away responsibility, spreading rumours, withholding information, ignoring other people's points of view, ostracising people, and making personal comments or insults.
If you have a bully in your workplace or are being bullied you should keep an account of any incidents, recording the date and time and what occurred. Also save any bullying emails or notes that are received - you may need to refer to these when you speak to a manager above the bully or go to your HR department. If the bully is the top dog then you might want to think about finding a new job. Whatever you do, don't let the bullies win. Never believe their criticisms and put-downs and remember that they are the ones with the problem and no one else.
Have you ever been bullied at work? Do you have any advice for someone who is being bullied? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Top bullying searches:
- How to deal with bullying
- Boss from hell
- Bullying at work
- Work harassment
- Prevent bullying
- Anti bullying policy
- Workplace bullying
- Bullying and stress
- Bullying advice
- Bullying psychological
There are some warning signs to help spot workplace bullies. The first and most evident is an openly aggressive character - shouting and using obscenities. Other signs may be persisent criticism, setting unrealistic deadlines, taking away responsibility, spreading rumours, withholding information, ignoring other people's points of view, ostracising people, and making personal comments or insults.
If you have a bully in your workplace or are being bullied you should keep an account of any incidents, recording the date and time and what occurred. Also save any bullying emails or notes that are received - you may need to refer to these when you speak to a manager above the bully or go to your HR department. If the bully is the top dog then you might want to think about finding a new job. Whatever you do, don't let the bullies win. Never believe their criticisms and put-downs and remember that they are the ones with the problem and no one else.
Have you ever been bullied at work? Do you have any advice for someone who is being bullied? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Weird ways to insure yourself
Filed under: Money, November 2009
Sometimes the worst does happen and that's when you feel glad you got your car or home insurance policy. But what would you do if something, god forbid, happened to your dog's ears, or to your moustache or even your guitar carved from a pumpkin? These people all made sure they were prepared for the unexpected.
Top insurance searches:
Ever insured something unusual? Leave a comment and tell us about it.
Top insurance searches:
Ever insured something unusual? Leave a comment and tell us about it.
Top UK firework displays
Filed under: Seasonal, November 2009
This Guy Fawkes', instead of forking out for fireworks from your local cornershop that will probably be more like damp squibs than fantastic explosions, what better way to celebrate the near destruction of parliament than by attending a public firework display? The displays will be beautifully coordinated, safe and relatively cheap. Read on for our list of some of the best around the UK this year.
Top firework searches:
Fireworks Frenzy Santa Pod Raceway - An unbelievable extravaganza of monster trucks, stunt drivers, motorcycle shows, jet-powered trucks, funfair, family entertainments, fireworks, a bonfire and laser show! The Santa Pod Raceway in Wellingborough , Northants is the place to be this Guy Fawkes'. The event kicks off from 4pm and costs £15 in advance or £20 on the door for a car (max 5 people).
Drayton Manor's Diamond Jubille Fireworks Spectacular - an audio visual feast taking in the history and attraction of the park. With fan-shaped water fountains on the lake, smoke features, laser writers and search lights in the sky and spectacular fireworks launched from the rides. The display starts at 7pm and selected rides are open until 9pm. Tickets are £18 or £12 for seniors.
Sandown Illuminated Carnival & Fireworks - A great big carnival on the Isle of Wight including floats, judging of the best floats, live music, a parade, a fire show on the beach, samba music, a fire and pyrotechnics show and and a grand finale of fireworks off Sandown Pier. Events start from 5pm and entry is free.
Glasgow Green - This spectacular show taking place on the 5th is completely free and includes fireworks set to music, lasers, live bands and a funfair. It all takes place with the city's famous Winter Gardens as the backdrop.
Bristol Zoo's Bangless Bonfire Nights - 5th and 6th November from 5.30pm at Bristol Zoo you can enjoy the beauty of sparkling fireworks without any of the scary bang - good for kids and the animals. Adult tickets are £4.75 kids are £3.50. book in advance as there are limited tickets.
LEGO Indiana Jones Fireworks - Taking place on 24, 25, 30 & 31 October, 1 & 7 November, LEGOLAND Windsor will be open from 10:00 with the show starting at dusk. This is all included in the normal LEGOLAND ticket price, which is £33.30 for adults and £25.20 for kids.The rides will close one hour before the fireworks begin.
Plymouth - On the 5th November, Smeaton's Tower, The Citadel and the Hoe's formal gardens will be awash with colourful floodlights and red poppies will be projected on the Royal Naval War Memorial for Poppy Appeal. There will be entertainments, music, fairground rides and refreshments and at 7.30pm the bonfire will be lit followed by the firework display accompanied by music from the Citadel ramparts at 8pm.
Roundhay Park - Leeds' biggest bonfire and fireworks event takes place on the 5th November. The fire will be lit at 7.30 pm and the display begins at 8pm. Admission is free.
Hartlepool Fireworks & Music Spectacular - On Saturday the 7th November, the most popular firework display in the area takes place. There will be children's funfair rides and stalls from 4pm, entertainment from 5pm and the display kicks off at 6.30pm. It's free to get in.
Top firework searches:
- Guy Fawkes Day
- Sparklers fireworks
- Professional firework displays
- Bonfire displays
- Roman candles
- Gunpowder plot
- Buy fireworks
- Big fireworks
- Guy Fawkes
- Fireworks shops
Fireworks Frenzy Santa Pod Raceway - An unbelievable extravaganza of monster trucks, stunt drivers, motorcycle shows, jet-powered trucks, funfair, family entertainments, fireworks, a bonfire and laser show! The Santa Pod Raceway in Wellingborough , Northants is the place to be this Guy Fawkes'. The event kicks off from 4pm and costs £15 in advance or £20 on the door for a car (max 5 people).
Drayton Manor's Diamond Jubille Fireworks Spectacular - an audio visual feast taking in the history and attraction of the park. With fan-shaped water fountains on the lake, smoke features, laser writers and search lights in the sky and spectacular fireworks launched from the rides. The display starts at 7pm and selected rides are open until 9pm. Tickets are £18 or £12 for seniors.
Sandown Illuminated Carnival & Fireworks - A great big carnival on the Isle of Wight including floats, judging of the best floats, live music, a parade, a fire show on the beach, samba music, a fire and pyrotechnics show and and a grand finale of fireworks off Sandown Pier. Events start from 5pm and entry is free.
Glasgow Green - This spectacular show taking place on the 5th is completely free and includes fireworks set to music, lasers, live bands and a funfair. It all takes place with the city's famous Winter Gardens as the backdrop.
Bristol Zoo's Bangless Bonfire Nights - 5th and 6th November from 5.30pm at Bristol Zoo you can enjoy the beauty of sparkling fireworks without any of the scary bang - good for kids and the animals. Adult tickets are £4.75 kids are £3.50. book in advance as there are limited tickets.
LEGO Indiana Jones Fireworks - Taking place on 24, 25, 30 & 31 October, 1 & 7 November, LEGOLAND Windsor will be open from 10:00 with the show starting at dusk. This is all included in the normal LEGOLAND ticket price, which is £33.30 for adults and £25.20 for kids.The rides will close one hour before the fireworks begin.
Plymouth - On the 5th November, Smeaton's Tower, The Citadel and the Hoe's formal gardens will be awash with colourful floodlights and red poppies will be projected on the Royal Naval War Memorial for Poppy Appeal. There will be entertainments, music, fairground rides and refreshments and at 7.30pm the bonfire will be lit followed by the firework display accompanied by music from the Citadel ramparts at 8pm.
Roundhay Park - Leeds' biggest bonfire and fireworks event takes place on the 5th November. The fire will be lit at 7.30 pm and the display begins at 8pm. Admission is free.
Hartlepool Fireworks & Music Spectacular - On Saturday the 7th November, the most popular firework display in the area takes place. There will be children's funfair rides and stalls from 4pm, entertainment from 5pm and the display kicks off at 6.30pm. It's free to get in.
Do you know any spectacular firework displays? Tell us where they are by leaving a comment so we can enjoy them too.
What's your favourite scary movie?
Filed under: Movies, October 2009
With Halloween lurking just around the corner, ready to jump out and scare the wits out of you, what better way to get in the mood than to watch one of your favourite scary movies? Horror is a very popular genre with many dodgy B-movies and also some real gems littering the shelves of DVD stores. The brilliant ones are often so good that they have you hiding behind the sofa even during the 10th viewing. Here are some of the most searched horror movies.
Top searched horror movies:
The Shining Jack Nicholson makes an exceptional performance as the caretaker of the empty Overlook Hotel where ghosts and cabin fever ensure that Jack is never a dull boy.
Aliens The second installment of Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror saga about one woman's continuing battle against a fearsome and brutal alien enemy is regarded by many as even better than the original movie.
Night of the Living Dead The 1968 zombie movie from director George A Romero is a horror classic and spawned the Living Dead sequels and remakes that are still hugely popular today.
Jaws The film that had us fearing to dangle our legs over the sofa's edge - let alone the water's edge, depicts the battle between Brody, Hooper and a monstrous man-eating shark .
The Exorcist The story of a young girl being possessed by the devil and subsequently exorcised terrified audiences during its theatrical release so much that at many cinemas, paramedics were called to treat people who had fainted or were in hysterics.
Ringu This recent Japanese movie features the horrifying Sadako, a vengeful spirit who kills anyone that watches a certain mysterious video. It's popularity caused it to be remade in America.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre This film was banned 3 times in the UK due to its almost unprecedented goriness and perhaps this has contributed to its popularity. There have since been several sequels and a remake.
Don't Look Now Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie star in this creepy film about a young couple who move to Venice after the tragic death of the little girl. After meeting a woman claiming to be a psychic, strange things start happening to them, including seeing their daughter running about the waterways of Venice.
Poltergeist This film is still nearly terrifying nearly 30 years on from its original release. The film is about a family terrorised by ghosts that steal their young daughter away to another dimension.
What are your favourite horror movies? Leave a comment and let us know.
Top searched horror movies:
- Psycho
- The Shining
- Aliens
- Night of the Living Dead
- Jaws
- The Exorcist
- Ringu
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- Don't Look Now
- Poltergeist
The Shining Jack Nicholson makes an exceptional performance as the caretaker of the empty Overlook Hotel where ghosts and cabin fever ensure that Jack is never a dull boy.
Aliens The second installment of Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror saga about one woman's continuing battle against a fearsome and brutal alien enemy is regarded by many as even better than the original movie.
Night of the Living Dead The 1968 zombie movie from director George A Romero is a horror classic and spawned the Living Dead sequels and remakes that are still hugely popular today.
Jaws The film that had us fearing to dangle our legs over the sofa's edge - let alone the water's edge, depicts the battle between Brody, Hooper and a monstrous man-eating shark .
The Exorcist The story of a young girl being possessed by the devil and subsequently exorcised terrified audiences during its theatrical release so much that at many cinemas, paramedics were called to treat people who had fainted or were in hysterics.
Ringu This recent Japanese movie features the horrifying Sadako, a vengeful spirit who kills anyone that watches a certain mysterious video. It's popularity caused it to be remade in America.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre This film was banned 3 times in the UK due to its almost unprecedented goriness and perhaps this has contributed to its popularity. There have since been several sequels and a remake.
Don't Look Now Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie star in this creepy film about a young couple who move to Venice after the tragic death of the little girl. After meeting a woman claiming to be a psychic, strange things start happening to them, including seeing their daughter running about the waterways of Venice.
Poltergeist This film is still nearly terrifying nearly 30 years on from its original release. The film is about a family terrorised by ghosts that steal their young daughter away to another dimension.
What are your favourite horror movies? Leave a comment and let us know.
