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Are there any benefits to using a daylight SAD lamp? A GP explains

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during shorter days. Some people find that a light box, called an SAD lamp, can help. These produce a very bright light to simulate sunlight. This is thought to encourage your brain to reduce melatonin (the hormone that makes us sleepy). Light therapy has been associated with a reduction in fatigue on a short-term basis. However in 2019, Cochrane (the global independent research network whose reviews are considered the gold standard for research) published a systematic review of light therapy for SAD , and concluded that the quality of evidence about whether light therapy prevents winter depression is very low. However, some studies have found it’s effective for treatment during a SAD phase, especially first thing in the morning. It’s worth bearing in mind that it can take a...

The best science-backed books to improve your health and happiness in 2023

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Looking to bolster your health? You’re in luck: over the past five years, there have been major new discoveries in the world of sleep , dieting, exercise and more – discoveries that could lead to huge improvements in your wellbeing. However, there’s a problem. This high-speed stream of science has meant many old health adages have been royally debunked, with new research offering incredible unseen insights into how your body works. So, how can you recognise which advice is worth paying attention to? Glad you asked. Below we’ve assembled the best science-backed books that could actually transform your health and happiness in 2023. The best science-backed books to improve your health and happiness in 2023 Life Time: The New Science Of The Body Clock, And How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep And Health Prof Russell Foster It’s ticking right now: your inner clock, the natural circadian rhythm that advises your body on the best time to sleep, eat and think.  Are you in sync with...

How to handle a defensive personality, according to a psychologist

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As flawed beings with fragile egos making our way in a hostile, unpredictable world, psychologists have long recognised that we cope by deploying psychological defences . These often take the form of self-serving cognitive biases. For instance, we’re prone to the ‘better-than-average’ effect, whereby we think we’re better than most others at various skills from driving to maths ; or we’ll tend to attribute other people’s successes to good luck, while seeing our own good results as a sign of innate talent. Getting defensive when we’re criticised, or when we make a mistake, is yet another of these self-protective mechanisms. As the politicians so often say: “mistakes were made, but not by me”. So, when you give someone negative feedback or you criticise them or their beliefs, you are – perhaps unwittingly – threatening their psychological defences. By forcing them to recognise how they’ve erred, you’re likely to trigger extremely uncomfortable social emotions, such as a shame, guilt o...

Best MacBook accessories to buy in 2023

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If your MacBook never leaves your side, or you’re more of a casual user surfing social media and streaming your favourite series, there are plenty of accessories available that can maximise the experience.  We’ve put together some of our favourite picks for 2023, ranging from covers that will protect your Mac on the move to adapters and hard drives that will help you manage your content, as well speakers and headphones that will heighten your next Netflix binge. All the accessories listed are designed to work seamlessly with even the latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, so you can be assured of their suitability and avoid any compatibility concerns. Whether you’re a creative professional who needs to expand your workspace or a student who wants to protect their MacBook while on the go, our list has got you covered. With these accessories, you can elevate your MacBook experience and make the most out of its capabilities. Best MacBook accessories to buy in 2023 USB C Hub Multipor...