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Readers response: What’s your top travel tip for staying comfortable on long journeys?

When it comes to a long travel day, getting comfortable can often be a mammoth task. We asked our readers to share their favourite tips and tricks to stay comfy on a long haul flight, car ride or train journey, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Amy Cardino - Long-haul journeys (to me longer than 8hrs), you need to save up or upgrade your ticket if you have mileage benefits, into business class. Ester Cibasek - My own blowup pillow and blanket (long enough to cover my head), noise reducing ear phones and keep my eyes closed so I dose in and out of sleep all the way. Valerie Keily - A neck pillow is essential and an eye shade. Keep hydrated and remember to move around if possible. Di Richardson - Memory neck pillow. Recovery sleeves on my calves. One departure drink then limit alcohol or coffee. Window seat and sleep when possible. Bliss. Anita Thornton - Go business class. Chrissie Martini - Break the journey by staying overnight in a hotel. Takes longer to get there but you practically eliminate jet lag and the worry of DVTs. On the way to Europe, two overnight stops helps me. Lyn Goodman - Keep warm and wear loose fitting clothes. June Debono - Stretch jeans and socks (as well as other clothes of course). Plus, eye shade and ear plugs. Ingrid Plueckhahn - Take a good book, break up the journey with a fave movie, and just get in the zone and relax. It’s just a day! Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

REVIEW: Feel supported and comfortable through every stride with ASICS

Finding the right sports shoe can be a challenge, whether you’re an avid runner, Sunday afternoon walker, or just want the extra support when going from A to B. Then there’s the added difficulty of your foot shape, and finding what works best for you and your circumstances, and when there are so many sports shoes on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One of those many brands are ASICS, who are a much loved and trusted staple in the world of activewear for both your body and feet. In July, ASICS announced the launch of their new shoe the GEL-KAYANO 31: a classic shoe in the ASICS range with updated and advanced comfort and support to help you move easier. I was lucky enough to try out the GEL-KAYANO 31, and as one of the many people who have long struggled to find the right shoes for me, these shoes were one hell of a treat. While the GEL-KAYANO shoes are marketed as a “running shoe”, the only running I do is when I’m sprinting to the bus, so as a regular park walker, I put my new shoes to the test. From walking 20 minutes to the shops, to going for an hours-long stroll through the park these shoes did not let me down. The new technical engineered upper material (the bit of the shoe that hugs your ankle) sits a lot higher than other sports shoes, making this shoe so supportive, as you truly feel enclosed and in control. The PureGEL technology, which is designed to improve softness and shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints and keep you moving comfortably, is second to none, after all my walks my feet felt comfortable, cool, and ready to walk even further. The GEL-KAYANO 31 also features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam to deliver a softer landing through your movement and energised cushioning to keep you feeling comfortable on harder surfaces. And while I may not fall into the over sixty age as many of you reading this, my dodgy hip and knee would have me feeling very differently, and through my mild mobility issues, these shoes took the pressure off my joints and supported every step. ASICS have also updated the shoe’s outsole with a HYBRID ASICSGRIP rubber material, as the shoe helps provide better traction throughout your movement, to strengthen the shoe’s stability, helping you feel more comfortable for longer. And if that wasn’t enough, ASICS shoes are the only brand of sports footwear to be recommended by Sports Medicine Australia, who are instrumental in working with the brand to address specific biomechanical requirements. Junichiro Tateishi, General Manager of Product Function Research Department, at ASICS said, “We believe the GEL-KAYANO™ 31 shoe not only provides the stability the shoe is famous for, but also delivers a truly impressive level of comfort to help runners go further. We are also proud that GEL-KAYANO™ 31 shoe continues to display its CO2e emissions, printed on its insole as 10.6kg per pair, which shows ASICS’ ongoing commitment to transparency regarding the CO2e emissions, so that runners can feel confident about their choices when purchasing the GEL-KAYANO™ 31 shoe.” “The GEL-KAYANO is a legendary running shoe for a reason, and we’re excited to see how fans of the series enjoy this added comfort when they try the shoe. Our hope is that it helps everyone feel comfortable, confident and uplifted,” said Tateishi. The <a href="https://www.asics.com/nz/en-nz/gel-kayano-31-womens-1012b670-300">GEL-KAYANO 31</a> shoe is available now for men and women from <a href="https://www.asics.com/nz/en-nz/">ASICS</a> retail, online stores and official ASICS stockists for $320 NZD. If you’re in the market for a long-lasting, supportive, stylish and comfortable pair of walking/running shoes, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 will revolutionise the way you move, keeping you supported with every stride. Image credits: Supplied

Beauty & Style

"Embarrassing" travel pillow frequent flyers swear by

When it comes to travelling in economy, looking glamorous usually takes a back seat, with many people prioritising comfort over anything else. Travelling in cattle class presents its own issues with getting comfy on a plane, especially when sitting in the middle seat. However, a committed frequent flyer has discovered the "travel hack of the year" with an unusual looking travel pillow that means you can get comfy anywhere. “When you got the middle seat for a 13-hour plane ride,” wrote adventurer Annie Wright, 23, in the captions of a viral TikTok testimonial dedicated to the strange-looking, yet in-demand inflatable travel pillow. In the video, which has racked in a whopping 26.6 million views, Ms Wright, a law student in the US, shared footage of herself puffing into the plushy prop that’s offered by <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-front-travel-pillow-43238989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>. For Aussies, you can snag the innovative travel pillow from <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-front-travel-pillow-43238989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kmart</a> for a breezy $18. “I wasn’t sure if I’d like it and omg SO worth it!” cheered Ms Wright in the clip’s caption. “Total upgrade.” This new pillow puts the round-the-neck pillows to shame, as the expandable cushion, designed with an ergonomic 45-degree angle, offers support to the head and neck and inflates in just seconds. Once inflated, users are meant to position the pillow — created with a face cutout at its apex and two arm holes on its sides — on their passenger tray tables and lean forward into a relaxed position. The hot commodity’s details also noted that it can “help you stay away from injury and insomnia, make you rest more comfortable during the journey, easier to fall asleep, and sleep longer,” according to Amazon. According to the online Kmart reviews of the product, one traveller said it was “awkward looking” but “really comfortable” and perfect for long-haul flights. Folks under the #InflatableTravelPillow TikTok hashtag have hailed the headrest the “travel hack of the year.” However, haters of the portable bedding have deemed it an “embarrassment.” “My back just hurts watching this,” said one commenter beneath Ms Wright’s post. “Yeah I have social anxiety I would be too embarrassed to use it,” penned another. But in response to the criticisms, Ms Wright wrote, “People keep saying this [pillow] is embarrassing, but what’s more embarrassing is being caught with your mouth open just knocked out.” Image credits: TikTok

Travel Tips

3 reasons you feel hungrier and crave comfort foods when the weather turns cold

As we move through Autumn, parts of Australia are starting to see cooler weather. For some of us, that can mean increasing feelings of hunger and cravings for “comfort food” such as as pasta, stews and ramen. But what’s happening in our body? <h2>3 things change when it gets cold</h2> 1. Our body conserves heat It sends this energy it conserves to our internal organs so they can maintain their temperature and work properly. The body can also perform heat-generating activities (such as shivering), which uses <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21261804/">energy</a>. The body will then look for additional energy through calories from eating food. 2. Our body warms up when eating When we eat, the body needs to expend energy to digest, absorb, and metabolise the nutrients. This process requires the use of energy, which generates heat in the body, leading to an increase in body temperature termed “<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36012714/">diet-induced thermogenesis</a>”. However, the amount of energy used to keep us warm is quite <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nonshivering-thermogenesis">modest</a>. 3. Some people experience a drop in the neurotransmitter called serotonin This is partly because the rate our body produces serotonin is related to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140673602117375.pdf">sunlight</a>, which is lower in winter. Serotonin helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, among other things. When serotonin levels are low, it can lead to increased hunger and decreased satiety (feeling that you’ve had enough to eat), making us feel hungrier and less satisfied after meals. <h2>Why we love comfort food in winter</h2> Many of us struggle to eat salad in winter and crave mum’s chicken soup or a slow cooked, brothy ramen. Research shows our brain detects the cold weather and looks for warm <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/6/592">food</a>. Warm food can provide a sense of comfort and cosiness, which is particularly appealing during the colder months when we spend more time indoors. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878450X16300786">Comfort food</a> can mean something different for everyone. They are foods we reach for in periods of stress, nostalgia, discomfort (like being cold), or emotional turmoil. For most of us, the foods we often over-indulge in are rich and carbohydrate heavy. A drop in serotonin has also been shown to stimulate an urge to eat more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16340952/">carbohydrate-rich</a> foods such as gnocchi, pasta, ragout, mashed potatoes. <h2>What happens to those extra calories?</h2> If you consume more energy in cooler weather, some of it will be used to keep you warm. Beyond keeping us warm, extra calories we consume are stored. While most humans today have access to a year-round food supply, some research shows our bodies may still have some leftover instincts related to storing energy for the cooler months when food was harder to come by. This behaviour may also be driven by biological factors, such as changes in hormone levels that regulate appetite and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2013.00140/full">metabolism</a>. A fundamental principle of nutrition and metabolism is that the balance between the energy content of food eaten and energy expended to maintain life and to perform physical work affects body <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3302369/">weight</a>. This means any excess energy that we don’t use will be stored – usually as fat. Using mathematical modelling, researchers <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2015.2443">have predicted</a>weight gain is more likely when food is harder to find. Storing fat is an insurance against the risk of failing to find food, which for pre-industrial humans was most likely to happen in winter. <h2>It doesn’t have to be unhealthy</h2> No matter your cravings during cooler months, it’s important to remember your own personal health and wellbeing goals. If you’re worried about excess energy intake, a change in season is a great time to rethink healthy food choices. Including lots of whole fresh vegetables is key: think soups, curries, casseroles, and so on. Including protein (such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes) will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-you-feel-hungrier-and-crave-comfort-foods-when-the-weather-turns-cold-202831" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Food & Wine

Hospice nurse explains the “very comforting” thing that happens just before death

A hospice nurse has shared the “very comforting” thing that happens to a lot of people in the last moments of their life. Julie McFadden, a 39-year-old healthcare professional from the US, supports people who are coming to the end of their lives, going into specialised homes to make sure they remain as comfortable as possible in their final days. Throughout her career, she said more than half of those she has looked after experienced “visioning”, which is when people who are often fully lucid see deceased friends, family and pets in the moments leading up to death. “It happens most of the time at the end of their life, but they aren’t delusional,” the former intensive care nurse said on TikTok. “It’s often very comforting for the person. It’s never scary - if they’re scared, it’s likely they’re experiencing delirium or paranoia, not visioning.” “People don’t talk about it much but it’s really common and more than half of people I have looked after have experienced it.” “It’s so normal to fear death and I’ve had several patients who have expressed their fear - but then a family member came to them and they were no longer scared.” Julie went on to share a further explanation as to why people experience “visioning”, and the other-worldly power behind it. “We have no idea why this (visioning) happens and we are not claiming that they really are seeing these people,” she explained in one video. “We have no idea. But all I can tell you, as a healthcare professional who’s worked in this line of work for a very long time, (is that) it happens all the time.” “It happens so much that we actually have to educate the family and the patient about this topic before it happens so they’re not incredibly alarmed,” she added. “Usually it’s a good indicator that the person’s getting close to death - usually about a month or a few weeks before they die.” “It brings me comfort. I hope it brings you some comfort,” she concluded in her video, which quickly amassed more than 400,000 views. Image credits: TikTok

Caring

Best cold weather workouts you can do from the comfort of home

Although most of us will be tempted to hit snooze on those colder mornings, the chilly season doesn’t mean we have to hibernate our fitness routines. With a vast library of content, <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com.au/home-trial?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=portfolio&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwi8iXBhBeEiwAKbUofZ2cinznTjKrGyrUBTp1P0c5mEGYJTdPZxy1Yq9RiKTabUq6095i1RoCEb4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton</a> provides a digital fitness experience with convenience at its centre – allowing you to work out anywhere, anytime, all while catering to your individual fitness goals and ability. Leading cardiologist and member of the Peloton Health and Wellness Advisory Council, Dr Suzanne Steinbaum says, “Exercising throughout the year can decrease the major risk factors associated with heart disease and help manage cholesterol, blood pressure, sugars, weight and stress levels, which in turn can dilate the arteries and maximise cardiac functioning. Structured workouts, like Peloton’s range of HIIT and low-impact classes, can motivate and help you stay on track, while also being part of a vibrant community that supports and cheers you on, while working out at your own pace”. Peloton has curated the best workouts to overcome the winter woes and develop a regular fitness routine. 1. Strength: Lean muscle mass naturally diminishes as we age. Choose a strength training class, starting with a beginner workout such as <a href="https://members.onepeloton.co.uk/classes/player/dda80a799bf64531ba1e2947a0896df6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 Min Strength Roll Call with Jess Sims</a> to develop stronger bones, manage chronic conditions as well as regulate your weight and improve your heart's strength. The great thing about strength training in winter is you can do it inside with whatever you have available or use the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com.au/guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton Guide</a> if you want to take your workout to the next level. With the Peloton Guide, or by using the Peloton App on your TV, you can turn your living room into a home gym enhanced by a guided workout experience with features including a Movement Tracker to keep you accountable. It’s always important to remember that even when working out from home, ensure that you are exercising safely and are aware of your surroundings in order to prevent injury. 2. Warm-up class: A 15-minute warm-up can be the push you need to get going in the morning. Instead of reading the news or flicking through the TV channels, scroll through the various warm-up classes offered on the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton App</a>. A warm-up class can help you feel more energised and focused for the day ahead and is good for the mind as well as the body. Once you've started, you’ll likely feel exhilarated from the music that you'll want to keep going with a full class. Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part, but once your heart starts beating and blood starts flowing, you will feel energised and motivated particularly on those cold days.. 3. Cardio: If you'd rather just get right into it, a solid HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with classes available on the Peloton App as well as the Bike. The winter air can help improve your endurance for cardio exercises, therefore you might use this indoor time to get into a routine and create a regular exercise program. Plan to take a 20-30 minute class where you get your heart rate up at least 5 days a week for maximum benefit. Choose a HIIT class from the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton App</a> to boost your heart rate to not only keep you warm but improve your cardiovascular health. Dr Suzanne Steinbaum, says: “High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, workouts are popular for a reason: Studies suggest that these types of workouts can deliver the same health benefits of a moderate workout in half the time. It’s true, but only if you strike the right balance and work out on a consistent basis.” 4. Yoga: Although yoga might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a great workout, it actually has a lot of benefits. It helps to improve your flexibility, balance and increase you stamina. A 2016 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728955/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> also found that even bi-weekly yoga sessions can help with recovery, boost performance, strengthen your mental game, help with breathing more efficiently, open up tight hips, quads and hamstrings and build core strength. 5. Meditation: If you’re looking for something to help you stay centred all winter long, try a Peloton Meditation class from the comfort of your warm home. Bring a little more calm, focus and positive energy into your life, with Peloton’s range of meditation classes, many of whom are led by Peloton’s first Australian Instructor,<a href="https://www.onepeloton.com.au/instructors/peloton_l" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kirra Michel</a>. Kirra stresses the importance of incorporating mindfulness and meditation in your exercise routine. “I might have a bias towards yoga and meditation as it's my passion. But, it's special in the fact it incorporates physical activity, breath work, and mindfulness. All of which positively affect cardiovascular risk factors. Modalities we conveniently have on the OnePeloton App!” About Peloton Peloton makes fitness entertaining, approachable, effective, and convenient while fostering social connections that motivate its members to commit to their fitness journeys. Australians can access the Peloton library with thousands of live and on-demand classes at the gym, at home, on the road, or wherever they choose to move, through the Peloton Bike, Peloton Bike+, Peloton Guide, and Peloton App on any iOS or Android device and select smart TVs. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.onepeloton.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.onepeloton.com.au</a>. About Suzanne Steinbaum Dr Suzanne Steinbaum is a leader in preventive cardiology, now in private practice in New York, and she is a paid consultant of the Peloton Health and Wellness Advisory Council. She is the CEO/Founder of Heart-Tech Health, a technology-based prevention model. She published Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum’s Heart Book: Every Woman’s Guide to a Heart-Healthy Life, and has been a national spokesperson for Go Red through the American Heart Association for 18 years. Follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drsteinbaum/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> and<a href="https://twitter.com/drsteinbaum?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>. Image: Supplied

Body

"Peace, comfort and courage": Dame Deborah James farewelled

Dame Deborah James has been farewelled at a private funeral in London after losing her five-year battle with bowel cancer. The cancer campaigner, also known as Bowel Babe, died on June 29th at age 40. A service for the mum-of-two, who raised £7.4 million ($12.8 million) for multiple cancer charities in her final weeks, was a private service for family and friends which took place in West London's St Mary's Church. Local police shared their sorrow at the event taking place, tweeting: "Incredible and inspiring, Dame Deborah James! Your memory will live forever! "Our thoughts are with the family and friends! Wishing you peace, comfort and courage at this time of sorrow," they said. Deborah's husband and two children were among the procession that followed the hearse through the streets of the suburb in a sombre tribute. The 40-year-old's wicker coffin was adorned with roses named in her honour at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year. Among the close friends and family in attendance were a small number of famous faces, including TV presenters Lorraine Kelly and Gaby Roslin. Deborah's husband, Sebastien Bowen, gave the eulogy during the service, while their son Hugo, 14, and daughter Eloise, 12, read poems. Ahead of the day James's brother Benjamin James penned an emotion tribute to his older sister on social media. "Saying bye is never going to be easy, but knowing you achieved more than any of us could ever dream of…and so, so much more…makes it that little bit more bearable," he said. "Take it easy up there. Here's to you x". The family <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/vale-dame-deborah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> Deborah's death on June 29th, saying she "passed away peacefully" at home where she has been receiving hospice care. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Convenience, comfort, cost and carbon: what’s the best way to travel, save money and cut emissions?

As New Zealanders plan their summer holiday trips, it’s worth considering different travel options and their respective cost, both to the budget and the environment. I’ve <a href="https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/fms/Research/Transport_article_Conversation_3.pdf">compared several travel modes (with all assumptions made found here)</a> — a small diesel car, electric car, bus, train or plane — for a door-to-door 300km return journey. The process has identified limitations for each mode, which may help policymakers better understand the challenges involved in developing a low-carbon transport system. New Zealand’s annual transport emissions have <a href="https://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Climate%20Change/new-zealands-greenhouse-gas-inventory-1990-2018-vol-1.pdf">nearly doubled</a> since 1990 and account for more than a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from cars, utes and vans have continued to increase even though the <a href="https://www.motu.nz/our-research/environment-and-resources/emission-mitigation/shaping-new-zealands-low-emissions-future/a-timeline-of-the-nz-emissions-trading-scheme/">NZ Emissions Trading Scheme</a> has been in place for 14 years and has added a “carbon levy” of around 10-15 cents per litre to petrol and diesel. The Climate Change Commission has <a href="https://www.climatecommission.govt.nz/our-work/advice-to-government-topic/inaia-tonu-nei-a-low-emissions-future-for-aotearoa/">recommended</a> the government should: <ul> <li> reduce the reliance on cars (or light vehicles) and support people to walk, cycle and use public transport </li> <li> rapidly adopt electric vehicles </li> <li> and enable local government to play an important role in changing how people travel. </li> </ul> But is it realistic to expect governments to change how people travel? Providing information is perhaps the key. <h2>Transport comparisons</h2> A person’s choice of transport mode is based on a mixture of cost, comfort and convenience as well as speed and safety. But most New Zealanders choose their car out of habit rather than from any analytical reasoning. Carbon dioxide emissions are rarely a factor in their choice. Although more people now agree that climate change is a major issue, few have been willing or able to take steps to significantly reduce their transport-related carbon footprint. This analysis is based on my personal experiences travelling between my house on the outskirts of the city of Palmerston North to attend a meeting in the centre of Wellington. It relates to any other similar journey with a choice of transport modes, although the details will vary depending on the specific circumstances. I compared a 1500cc diesel car I owned for ten years with an electric car which has a 220km range and is mainly charged at home, using rooftop solar. The airport is 8km away from the house, the railway station 7km and the bus station 5km. I included “first and last mile” options when comparing total journey time, cost, carbon emissions, comfort and convenience. <iframe id="ph0I4" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ph0I4/8/" height="400px" width="100%" style="border: none;" frameborder="0"></iframe> <h2>Things to consider before a trip</h2> Travelling by car for one person is relatively costly but has good door-to-door convenience and can be quicker than the bus, train or plane, except during times of traffic congestion. Comfort is reasonable but the driver cannot read, work or relax as they can on a train. Car drivers usually consider the cost of fuel when planning a journey, but few consider the costs of depreciation, tyre wear, repairs and maintenance as included here. Should more than one person travel in the car, the costs and carbon emissions will be lower per passenger. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437335/original/file-20211213-17-446b2y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Woman taking picture from small plane" /> A short plane journey, if nearly full, can have lower emissions per passenger than one person going by road in a diesel car. Shutterstock/Peter Gudella Taking a short-haul flight over this distance is relatively costly and the journey is no quicker since there is considerable inconvenience getting to and from the airports. The carbon dioxide emissions per passenger can be lower than for a diesel car (with just the driver), assuming the plane has around 80% occupancy. For one person, taking a bus or train can be significantly cheaper than taking a car and also offers lower emissions. However, the longer overall journey time and the hassles getting to and from the stations are deterrents. Infrequent bus and train services, often at inconvenient times, can also be disincentives to choosing these modes. <h2>Going electric</h2> <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437334/original/file-20211213-25-4k5xtx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="Car park reserved for electric cars to recharge" /> Electric cars offer convenience and low emissions. Shutterstock/Ed Goodacre The electric car has low carbon emissions, especially if charged from a domestic solar system. Coupled with reasonable comfort and convenience and the lowest journey cost per person when carrying two or more passengers, this supports the government’s policy to encourage the deployment of EVs. Travelling by train is perhaps the best option overall for one person making this journey. The total cost is less than half that of taking a car. Emissions are around a third of the diesel car. Comfort is good, with the opportunity to work or relax. Making the whole journey more convenient will help encourage more people to travel by train and help reduce transport emissions. But this will require national and local governments to: <ul> <li> encourage Kiwirail to provide more frequent services </li> <li> electrify all lines </li> <li> provide cheap and efficient “first-and-last-mile” services to railway stations </li> <li> undertake a major education campaign to illustrate the full cost, carbon emissions and convenience benefits resulting from leaving the car at home.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/165526/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ul> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ralph-sims-204224">Ralph Sims</a>, Emeritus Professor, Energy and Climate Mitigation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/massey-university-806">Massey University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/convenience-comfort-cost-and-carbon-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-save-money-and-cut-emissions-165526">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock/Matej Kastelic

Travel Trouble

How much do you need to retire comfortably?

Calculating how much money you’ll need for your retirement can be difficult because you need to take a number of factors into account including how much money you have now, how long it will last you and what your plans are for your future. The other factors you need to take into account include your lifestyle and the number of years you’ll spend retired. Additionally, estimating how much you’ll have when you plan to retire depends on factors such as your current salary, super balance and assets. With so many factors, it’s easy to see why you might need a retirement calculator to get an idea of your retirement savings needs. Companies such as AMP have <a href="https://www.amp.com.au/retirement/calculator/retirement-calculator">retirement calculators</a> on their sites and you can use these to get an indication of whether there’s a shortfall between how much you are estimated to have and how much you’ll need in retirement, and put a plan in place to address the situation. How much is enough for retirement? The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates that Australians aged around 65 who own their own home and are in relatively good health, will need between $535 and $837 per week for one person and between $774 and $1186 per week for a couple. The lower amount will be for a more modest lifestyle but this is still better than living on the <a href="https://www.amp.com.au/retirement/prepare-to-retire/retirement-pension-types">age pension</a>. While the higher amount would be for a more comfortable lifestyle with a broad range of leisure and recreational activities – including domestic and international travel. If you're on above-average incomes, another rule of thumb to estimate how much money you’ll need in retirement is to assume you will require 67% (two-thirds) of your pre-retirement income to maintain the same standard of living. What are your retirement lifestyle expectations? Ultimately, how much money you'll need for your own retirement is very personal, and will depend on your own situation, wants, needs and lifestyle expectations. It may help to factor in your day-to-day spending habits, your recreational activities and hobbies and whether you’ll be entering retirement debt-free. How long will you work for? The age at which you retire can have a significant impact on how much money you have and how much money you need in retirement. It can depend on factors such as your health, debts, super balance, age you can access your super, whether you have dependants and your partner’s retirement plans (if you have one). How long will you be retired? Keep in mind if you're planning to retire at around the age of 65, it’s likely you’ll live for another 20 years or so. Men aged 65 can expect to live to 84.6 years, while women can expect to live to 87.3 years. How much money will you have in retirement? The money you use to fund your life in retirement will likely come from a range of different sources including the following: Superannuation Knowing your super balance is a crucial part of planning for retirement because it's likely to form a substantial part of your retirement savings. The age pension Depending on your circumstances and assets, you could be eligible for a full or part age pension or alternatively, you may not be eligible for government assistance at all. Check up on this by visiting your country's age pension site which has a calculator and you can ascertain your eligibility. Investments, savings and inheritance You may be planning to downsize your house, sell shares or an investment property, or use money you’ve saved in a savings account or term deposit to contribute to your retirement. Or perhaps an inheritance or the proceeds from your family’s estate may help you out in your later years. So these will all need to be taken into account. How retirement calculators can help If you use one of the <a href="https://secure.amp.com.au/ddc/public/ui/retirement-needs/">retirement calculators</a> available online, you can work out how much you’ll need in your retirement. Often when you go through all the steps of using a retirement calculator, it shows you how much you’ll need to fund your entire retirement and sometimes this points to a shortfall. While this news may seem scary, it’s not an uncommon situation. Luckily, finding out about the possible shortfall now means there may still be ways to boost your savings before retirement. What do you do if you won’t have enough to retire? If you find you’re facing a shortfall in retirement, there are several things you can do to get your retirement on track. You could consider boosting your super through additional contributions, delaying your retirement, adjusting your retirement lifestyle expectations, or selling other assets. Simply by having an idea of your current and projected retirement savings, thanks to using retirement calculators, you can work out a plan to improve your situation. The earlier you start, the easier it may be for you to reach your retirement goals. Image: Getty Images

Retirement Income

Prince Charles “deeply hurt” and seeking comfort in Camilla

Prince Charles is said to be “deeply hurt” by his youngest son and his wife over their sit-down Oprah interview. However not all hope is lost, as reports say the heir is keen on mending his broken relationship with Prince Harry. The world tuned in when Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah to share their experiences in being a part of the royal family. In the two hour interview, Prince Harry revealed his father stopped taking his calls when they decided to step down from their roles as senior royals and also claimed his brother and dad are“trapped” in the institution. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840300/chrle-harry.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e1ca4277b469422e986818818ea85484" /> Image: Getty Despite what was painted as a fractured relationship, reports have stated that Prince Charles has plans to contact his son in the coming weeks to try and smooth things over. “You are looking at a father who is deeply hurt by where he finds his relationship with his son,” a friend told the Daily Mail. “But, after much reflection, he also realises that nothing good will come of prolonging the fight. “He feels it is time to heal. Now is the time to mend a broken relationship.” The prince is reportedly being comforted by his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who "just wants it fixed". Reports stated last week that Prince Charles was “in despair” over the interview where Meghan and Harry said they were cut off financially, Archie’s skin colour was made a concern before his birth, and the pressures and control the couple felt while working for The Firm. Meghan was also candid about her mental health, admitting to Oprah that there were days where she “just wanted to die”.

Relationships

The psychology of comfort food - why we look to carbs for solace

Amid the global spread of COVID-19 we are witnessing an increased focus on gathering food and supplies. We’ve seen images of supermarket shelves emptied of basics such as toilet paper, pasta, and tinned foods. Messages to reassure people there would be continued supply of provisions has done little to ease public anxiety. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200304-coronavirus-covid-19-update-why-people-are-stockpiling">Panic buying and stockpiling</a> are likely responses to heightened anxiety, fear and uncertainty about the future. COVID-19 poses an imminent threat. Being able to exert some control over the situation by gathering goods to store for lockdown is one way individuals seek to manage anxiety and fear, and feel protected. But why do we seek out certain foods, and should we give in to cravings? Retreating into our pantries On the one hand, newly stocked and plentiful pantries, fridges and freezers reassure us that food is readily available and puts supplies within easy reach. At the same time, feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and stress may increase as we retreat and become housebound. So, we may be more vulnerable to what is referred to as “emotional eating” during this challenging time. Reaching out for food to comfort oneself is an attempt to manage or alleviate negative emotions. A person’s tendency to emotionally eat can be measured using questionnaires such as the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019566631200013X">Emotional Eating Scale</a>, which asks about eating in response to anxiety, depression and anger. From an early age, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907771/#B65">infants learn to associate feeding with being soothed</a> and social interaction. In everyday life, food is often used to enhance mood or “treat” ourselves. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30595479">Eating tasty food releases dopamine</a> in our brains, which is strongly associated with desire and wanting for food. Eating sweet and fatty foods <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16546294">may improve mood temporarily</a> by making us feel happier and more energetic while also satisfying our hunger. However, if comfort eating becomes a habit, it often comes with health costs, such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30894189">weight gain</a>. Research by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666318300874">Mantau and colleagues in 2018</a> found emotional eating is most likely to occur in response to stress and in individuals who are trying restrict their food intake (“restrained eaters”). These factors were more important in explaining people’s food choices than biological factors such as hunger. Other studies have also shown that trying to suppress food urges can be futile and have the opposite effect to the desired outcome. For example, dieters have been found to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666312000219">experience strong cravings</a> for the very foods they were trying to restrict. Doing it tough Employment insecurity, financial difficulty and hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting the lives of many people. <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/985DE9F19CEA4165BE1E85A022BEFDFB/S0007125000253737a.pdf/inequality_an_underacknowledged_source_of_mental_illness_and_distress.pdf">Past</a> <a href="https://jech.bmj.com/content/71/4/324">research</a> has shown that poverty is associated with psychological distress, including higher rates of depression and lower mental well-being. Again, people’s ways of coping with this distress could have further ramifications for their health. Research <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.22402">shows</a> those in lower socioeconomic circumstances were more distressed, and more likely to turn to emotional eating as a way of coping. This emotional eating was, in turn, associated with increased body weight. This suggests it is not distress or biological make-up but people’s ways of coping (using food) that may be critical in explaining why some people gain weight in response to stressful life events. <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.psych.031809.130711">People with a history of socioeconomic disadvantage </a> may also find it harder to cope with emotional distress, perhaps due to factors such as lower social support. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to using food as a way of coping. Toasty crusty goodness Baking has become a strong theme on social media. The #BakeCorona hashtag has <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2020/03/23/hashtag-connecting-home-bakers-isolation">taken off</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/quarantinebaking/">#QuarantineBaking</a> has over 65,000 posts. Research suggests there are likely benefits from engaging in cooking. The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29121776">psychosocial benefits of baking</a> have been shown to include boosts in socialisation, self-esteem, quality of life, and mood. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29955728">Cooking with children</a> may also promote healthy diets. By providing and sharing food with other people, baking may <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907771/#B65">strengthen social relationships and make us feel closer to our loved ones</a>. This may explain why it has become so popular in these times. Coping with lockdown During this time of social isolation, it’s tempting to reach for food, but a healthy balance remains important. Creating a “new routine” or “new normal” which includes a variety of activities – exercise, baking, music, reading, online activities, working or studying, relaxing, keeping in touch with friends and family - may help maintain a sense of well-being, and assist in managing meal times and food intake. <a href="https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-how-to-do-it/">Mindfulness meditation practice</a> may be useful in managing emotional eating and weight. Research has shown that Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) are effective in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24854804">managing emotional eating</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29076610">reducing weight and improving obesity-related eating behaviours</a>. Weight management initiatives should encompass psychological factors such as mood and distress. Teaching people to develop positive coping strategies in these challenging times (problem solving, positive help seeking, relaxation techniques) may be particularly effective. Written by Joanne Dickson and Charlotte Hardman. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-psychology-of-comfort-food-why-we-look-to-carbs-for-solace-135432">The Conversation.</a>

Food & Wine

4 virtual tours you can do from the comfort of your home

More and more people are cancelling their trips and staying indoors in an effort to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. However, you can still explore other parts of the world from the comfort of your home. Here are some virtual tours you can go on. <ol> <li> Wellington, New Zealand</li> </ol> While the capital of New Zealand remains physically off limits, aspiring visitors can take a stroll around the city through a virtual reality game. In WellTown, which is described as “the world’s first gamified virtual city”, people can try out different Wellingtonian experiences, ranging from an underwater dive in the capital’s harbour to a stargazing session during Matariki. Users can also stand next to the All Blacks at Westpac Stadium as well as tour the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa and learn more about movie production at the Oscar-winning Weta Workshop. Those with VR headsets can access the interactive experiences through Steam and Oculus VR stores. Some of the 360-virtual trips have also been made available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSYQLfOl2OcLb7R5PRLPeczsSy5ohZqgc">Youtube</a>. <ol start="2"> <li> Yosemite National Park, US</li> </ol> While the Californian national park is closed indefinitely in the wake of the growing pandemic in the US, visitors can zip around the cliffs and waterfalls through the <a href="https://www.virtualyosemite.org/">Virtual Yosemite site</a>. Trail across the famous Half Dome, see the majestic view of Washburn Point from the Glacier Point Road and watch the dawn break at the million-year-old Mono Lake. <ol start="3"> <li> Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France</li> </ol> The Paris museum boasts a vast trove of paintings, sculptures, furniture and photography – all of which can be viewed on <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/musee-dorsay-paris?hl=en">Google Arts & Culture</a>. The collection ranges from Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic Self-Portrait to Alexandre Cabanel’s The Birth of Venus. You can also click on the artist to find more of their works on the platform. <ol start="4"> <li> Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, US</li> </ol> Zoos across the world have closed their doors until further notice, but Georgia Aquarium is offering live views of their marine animals through <a href="https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/beluga-whale-webcam/">special webcams</a>. See how African penguins, beluga whales and sea otters spend their day with no human visitors, or learn more fun facts about harbor seals and puffins on the animal guide.

International Travel

Prince William and Duchess Kate comfort fellow parents at mental health event

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with the father of 14-year-old Molly Russell after the teenager took her own life. They spoke to her father Ian Russell, who has been campaigning tirelessly to help raise awareness about mental health ever since his daughter passed due to seeing suicide related posts on Instagram. William has previously put tech giants on blast as he believes they aren’t doing enough to prevent bullying and other problems. He questioned whether they could do better during the Shout messaging helpline event at Troubadour White City Theatre. The second-in-line to the throne wrote to Mr Russell and his family earlier in the year, offering his condolences. Molly, 14, from Harrow in northwest London, committed suicide in November 2017 after viewing graphic material on self-harm and suicide. Today, he asked the young girl’s father: “Do you think companies like Instagram are doing enough?” He then added: “If we can help you in any way please let us know.” Mr Russell has previously accused Instagram of “helping to kill” his daughter after the family discovered she had been “suggested” disturbing posts on Instagram and Pinterest about anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide. “My thoughts on Instagram are, we’re grateful that they’re doing something but I think they’re only really inching along the road, and they need to do a lot more,” he said. Since her passing, the social media app has promised to ban graphic self-harm photos from its site. Scroll through the gallery to see William and Kate at the Shout messaging helpline event.

International Travel

How much do you need to live comfortably in retirement?

When thinking of the golden years, it’s nice to picture ourselves relaxing on a sun lounge on a yearly holiday or living near the grandkids and being able to treat them once in a while. That’s retiring comfortably. But how much do you need to do that? Here are the things you should to consider. How much do you need to live comfortably in retirement? It’s a common question but one that can be quite difficult to answer. How much you will need in retirement depends on many things including the lifestyle you choose, any unexpected costs that crop up, and how long you live. Living longer Due to medical advances, Australia’s population is ageing. And, living longer means there’s more time to be spent in retirement. With more time in retirement, you’ll need to have a plan in place not only to make sure you can do the things you want, but to ensure that your money lasts as long as you do. Did you know... A woman aged 65 years could expect to live another 21.8 years while a man aged 65 years could expect to live another 18.9 years. What lifestyle will you choose? Many people don’t put a retirement plan in place because they think they can rely on the age pension. However, the age pension is unlikely to provide the lifestyle that you’d choose for yourself. For example, the age pension payment is equivalent to $421.40 per week for a single person and $635.30 per week for a couple. What does your retirement dream look like? Do you want to be able to afford and maintain a reasonable car, a wardrobe of nice clothes and the latest electronic equipment? Or what about being able to participate in a range of leisure and recreational activities or treating yourself to domestic, or occasional overseas holidays? How much is enough? The answer depends on what you want to do in your retirement. As a guide, a couple needs around $58,444 a year (assuming they own their own home) for a ‘comfortable’ retirement that allows a broad range of leisure and recreational activities, electronic and home appliance upgrades, occasional dining out and travel. In comparison, the maximum age pension amount for a couple is only $33,717– or just over half. Which amount of income would you prefer to receive? Super strategies to help Because of the concessional tax treatment that superannuation receives, it is one of the most tax-effective ways you can save for your retirement. If you are over age 50 your concessional contributions cap will be $35,000 and for anyone under 50 it will be $30,000. It’s important to maximise your limits each year in the lead up to retirement. There are many super strategies you can use to boost your super. A salary sacrifice strategy, for example, will not only boost your super, but reduce the amount of tax you pay. If you are making money after tax contributions while the annual limit is higher, following the ‘bring forward’ rule can contribute up to three times the annual limit. This article was republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/money/financial-planning/how-much-do-you-need-to-live-comfortably-in-retirement.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Retirement Life

The touching moment Prince Harry comforts grieving 6-year-old boy: "Everything will be fine"

Losing a parent is never easy regardless of how old you are, and in Prince Harry’s case, the death of his mother was a public affair. Which is why, when he met a six-year-old boy on Tuesday who also lost his mother, he offered his condolences and told him that “life will be alright”. It started out as a standard royal walkabout. Meeting and greeting fans with eager royalists lined up along the barriers to get a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess. But it was then that Harry met six-year-old schoolboy Otia Nante and his grandmother Te Nante, 52, who then handed a letter to the Duke that her grandson had written himself. She told him: “He really looks up to you because he actually lost his mummy too.” In what can only be described as a moment of heartfelt kindness, Harry proceeded to take the little boy’s arm before he asked how old he was when she passed away. The little boy responded by saying, “Nearly one”. Harry then said, “Don’t worry about having just one parent, where’s your dad?” To which his grandmother revealed that she was responsible for raising the young boy. Harry then looked at Otia in the eyes and said: “Life will always be alright, you know that? “I made it to 34 years old and life is great. I have a beautiful wife and a baby on the way, your life is going to be sorted, don’t you worry about that.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Me too I lost my mother when I was 9 Picture and Story Credit -Daily Mail Prince Harry comforted six-year-old Otia Nante during his walkabout at the viaduct in Auckland on Tuesday after he learned that the schoolboy called Otia had lost his mother before the age of one. <a href="https://t.co/XHeO8nluNT">pic.twitter.com/XHeO8nluNT</a> — Muzvare Betty Makoni (@Betty_Makoni) <a href="https://twitter.com/Betty_Makoni/status/1057383471319015425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">30 October 2018</a></blockquote> After offering his advice, the Prince took a selfie with Otia, who was ecstatic with joy. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/royal-tour-day-15-harry-and-meghan-tour-new-zealand/news-story/3efff298cb3af85d6bbd8cb331b583df" target="_blank">News.com.au</a> reported that Otia’s mother had committed suicide and upon hearing the news, the Duke praised his grandmother for her commitment to raising him. He said to her, “You’re doing a great job, Nan. Nans are so important in our lives.” Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/royal-tour-meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-charm-new-zealand/news-story/e45f0b2705c85d0077a2adf51dc2b5a4?memtype=anonymous" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a>, the grandmother revealed the conversation she had with the royal and said, “Harry just said, ‘Everything will be fine, you will grow up to be strong and positive.'”

Caring

Princess Mary comforts children as they farewell Prince Henrik at funeral

Danish royals and officials on Tuesday attended the private funeral of Denmark’s late prince and Queen Margrethe’s husband, Prince Henrik. Crown Princess Mary was seen comforting her young children as she attended the funeral at Copenhagen chapel with her husband Crown Prince Frederik and their kids Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent. <img width="342" height="535" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/02/20/14/4967758E00000578-5413461-image-m-45_1519138223281.jpg" alt="Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was seen comforting her young children today as they attended her father-in-law Prince Henrik's funeral in Copenhagen today " class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-da98a373da375a89"/> The mother-of-four was seen bending down to give Josephine, seven, a reassuring hug outside the church ahead of the service. Reports say she has been a tower of strength to Margrethe, Prince Frederik, and her children. <img width="378" height="324" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/02/20/14/4967ABC100000578-5413461-image-a-43_1519138210320.jpg" alt="Mary, 46, was seen giving seven-year-old Josephine a kiss on the forehead as they assembled at the church, along with Vincent, seven, Isabella, 10, and Christian, 12 (pictured from L to R)" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-75833cc4dbee47a0"/> After the funeral, hundreds of people lined the streets of Copenhagen to watch officers carry away Prince Henrik’s coffin, draped in a Danish flag with his personal coat of arms. <img width="424" height="318" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/27e9333b0114f43c55102f05f3565b5f" alt="Pallbearers carry the coffin of Prince Henrik during the funeral in Copenhagen, Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018. Picture: AP" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> The royal palace has <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2018/02/prince-henrik-grudge-against-wife-explained/">respected his wish</a> to be cremated rather than be buried next to his wife Margrethe as is tradition. His ashes will be spread over Danish seas and the other half buried in the royal family’s private garden at the Fredensborg Palace where he died. <img width="357" height="238" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/02/20/14/4967B70A00000578-5413461-image-a-53_1519138566880.jpg" alt="Queen Margrethe, 77, led the Danish royal family at her husband's funeral in Copenhagen " class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-6a4292c190fbadb2"/> Henrik, who married Margrethe in 1967, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2018/02/prince-henrik-has-died/">died in his sleep</a> on February 13 at age 83. If his widow, Queen Margrethe II, abdicates the throne following her husband’s death, Crown Prince Frederik, 49, would become king, making Crown Princess Mary, 46, queen consort.

Caring

"Can I give you a hug?" Prince William shows soft side while comforting victims

In recent years, Prince William (along with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge) has made it his mission to raise awareness of mental illness and put an end to bullying. So, when he met up with two victims of cyberbullying – an issue close to his heart – the dad-of-two was understandably emotional. The 35-year-old hosted campaigners Lucy Alexander, who lost her son to suicide due to online abuse, and Chloe Hine, who attempted suicide herself at the age of just 13 as a result of cyberbullying, at Kensington Palace. “It is so brave of you both to speak so honestly about it," the prince told Lucy and Chloe, who shared their heartbreaking stories in the video below. <blockquote class="twitter-video"> You can watch The Duke share his motivation to tackle cyberbullying with Lucy and Chloe here → <a href="https://t.co/FFWwQMy1Tc">pic.twitter.com/FFWwQMy1Tc</a> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/930811035526860800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote> “I know it can’t have been easy, but I can’t thank you enough. I only wish that neither of you had gone through what you’ve gone through.” At the end of the touching clip, William proved he’s certainly inherited his mother Princess Diana’s empathy, asking, “Can I give you both a hug?" Watch the video for yourself and tell us in the comments, what do you think of the young royals’ crusade against bullying? Image credit: @KensingtonRoyal/Twitter.

Caring

7 tips for a more comfortable hospital stay

No one likes staying in hospital, but as we age, it becomes more likely that we’ll need to spend at least some time there, whether it is for observation or an operation. Here are our best tips to help make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible. 1. Ask questions Many people are intimidated into silence when being spoken to by medical professionals. But knowing that it’s perfectly okay to ask questions is important – ask them until you better understand your own condition and why you’re receiving the treatment you are. 2. Comfort helps If you hate the thought of hospital blankets and pillows – then bring your own. Make sure you wash them before and after your stay, and enjoy the home comforts they bring. 3. Eat all of your food During illness, and after medical procedures, your body uses more energy than usual to fight off infection. Help yourself out by increasing the amount of food you’re eating, or at least not letting yourself succumb to a lack of appetite. 4. This isn’t a hotel Unlike when staying at a nice hotel, the toiletries provided in hospitals aren’t always as gentle on your skin as perhaps you’re used to. Be kind to your skin by remembering to pack your own toiletries – soap, body lotions, face wash, hand cream. You’ll be in recycled air for a number of days, so looking after your skin is important. 5. Walk around With your doctor’s blessing, you should get out of bed and walk around as much as possible. Not only will this keep you occupied in between visitors, it helps to prevent blood clots, and can reduce the length of your stay. 6. Take notes If you find it difficult to keep straight the different doctors who speak to you throughout your stay, it can be a good idea to keep a notebook handy so you can jot things down. As patients, we are sometimes taking medication that can make memory fuzzy and comprehension a struggle – write things down as you hear them so you can go over them when you’re more lucid. 7. Bring entertainment Bring a book or eReader, as well as other things that will keep you occupied during the day, or when nights drag on. Colouring in books are a fun way to pass the time, as are mind games like crosswords and Sudoku. Tablet computers can hold many games, as well as browse the internet and stream TV and movies, which is often a better option than the tiny hospital room TV. What’s your best tip for people staying in hospital? Let us know in the comments below.

Caring

Don’t comfort crying kids with food

It's so easy to turn a young child's tears into a smile by giving them a lolly. But that smile could come at a big long-term cost to them, a new study reveals. It found that giving sweets to comfort small children could lead to emotional eating when they were older. That in turn could can lead to obesity. Even longer term, it could lead to them recreating the same vicious cycle with their own children. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, King's College London and the University of Leeds looked at a group of 801 Norwegian children at 4-years-old, then again at ages 6, 8, and 10. They found that young children whose parents offered food for comfort at ages 4 and 6 had more emotional eating indications at ages 8 and 10. They also found that parents whose children were more easily comforted with food, were more likely to offer them food to soothe them. The results suggested that emotional feeding increased emotional eating, and emotional eating increased emotional feeding. The authors suggested parents should use hugs or other ways to soothe children when they were sad or upset - not food. "Food may work to calm a child, but the downside is teaching children to rely on food to deal with negative emotions," said the study's lead author, Silje Steinsbekk, a Norwegian University associate professor of psychology. He said it was important to understand where emotional eating in later life came from because people who had it faced more risk of being overweight and developing eating disorders. The study's findings were published in the journal Child Development. Written by Ewan Sargent. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Family & Pets

Why you should push your comfort zone (and take risks in life)

We all have a comfort zone and we're told, at least occasionally, we need to break out of it if we are to achieve our potential. Whether that's mountain climbing, moving to a new country or walking over hot fiery coals – or, for that matter, stand-up comedy, performance art or skydiving – getting out of the safety of everyday life and using elevated stress levels to attain success is a formula that those who do it for a living swear by. A comfort zone is succinctly defined by American writer Judith M. Bardwick in her book Danger in the Comfort Zone as "a behavioural state where a person operates in an anxiety-neutral position", and academic Andrew Jarden says breaking out of that state can be a good thing. Jarden, head of research at the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; and former senior lecturer in psychology at the Auckland University of Technology, says: "There is a link between failure and wellbeing known as 'positive failure' - essentially, [considering] the good things that can come from failure. Does it give you strength or build character? It can give you purpose, it's about personal growth and development. "[Positive failure is] good for you because it means you're pushing boundaries. If you're not failing [or at risk of failing], you're not really out of your comfort zone. "Also, most people don't like boredom. It's good to push ourselves." Performer Eli Joseph (stage name Victor Victorious) has been on the circuit for six years, displaying a range of artistic talents including burlesque, stilt walking and aerial acrobatics. Currently studying circus full time, he's called on to try new things like ventriloquism, regularly pushing himself out of his comfort zone and throughout his career he's used failure as a tool. "Without failure, there's no satisfaction in our successes. The harder I've had to work at learning movements or choreography, the more I enjoy being able to complete them, particularly when I'm upside down or dangling at heights. I take no pleasure or satisfaction in failure, it can hurt, it can be embarrassing, but every time I fail in a task, I'm one step closer to succeeding." As well as the ability to conceptualise failure, motivation is also a key aspect. For comedian, environmental scientist and early childhood educator, Lee Ray, it's the feeling of triumph that keeps her going. "Stand-up comedy is the most terrifying thing I do [...] I always spend the time leading into being on stage wondering how the hell I got myself into this situation and trying to think of legit ways that I can possibly get out of it "When you get off stage after a good show, the payoff for all of the nerves and terror is the euphoric release of all of those feel-good chemicals in your brain. 'Oh yeah, I remember why, that feels great'. I'm sure it is addictive." Riki Kees Jongenburger, a skydiving cameraman based in Nelson's Abel Tasman area, bikes, surfs, snowboards and rock climbs. He previously spent seven years as a nomad, visiting 19 countries and 32 cities and is building a residence off the grid with his partner of 10 years. "I think living off grid is great. It's a challenge, but I have learnt a lot of new skills [...] We have awesome friends and family who have helped us a lot. "I guess my competitive drive pushes me to better myself [...] I come from a family of three boys so I am pretty competitive." While our environment, such as growing up with ambitious siblings, does shape us, Jarden suggests that it's only a fraction of our being and that we have a greater power over who we are than we realise. "Everyone has a different recipe, but we can speculate 50 per cent of 'wellbeing' is down to genetics and the lottery of having parents who are happy and/or more likely to do things that push themselves. Forty per cent is up to the choices you make. Ten per cent is external factors, such as wealth or the country you were born in. So, most of it is actually in your control." Exploring your personal limits leads to new skills and a sense of accomplishment - but is everyone capable of doing so? Jongenburger, Joseph and Ray all agree, to varying degrees, that they are extroverts and Jarden confirms that this trait, as well as being open to new things, is prevalent in those who push themselves. Ray herself says while she loves what her profession has taught her, "it's not for everyone though, you do need to be quite robust". However, given that roughly half of our social-genetic make-up is made up of free will, such as choosing loyal friends and supportive partners, Jarden additionally says people can, and should, develop themselves to take more risks. "[It gets harder as we get older] because as we age we gain greater insight into our strengths and our values (what is important to us), and we basically get better at knowing and getting what we want and is important to us. "[People should] become their own experiment. Take a scientific approach to experimentation on the self. Develop the trait of curiosity in particular. "However, you need to factor in the risks and these need to be managed – and these need to be non-life threatening to yourself and/or others." Written by Janan Jay. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

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