The gift of health
Studies show both giving and receiving presents can boost our mental and physical wellbeing – and what you choose to wrap can bring added bonuses, discovers JAMES MOORE
REAL WINNERS
Traditional board games are a good bet for giving brains a boost. A US study revealed playing them could reduce the chances of getting dementia, while another from the University of Edinburgh found unused “survival genes” in brain cells are activated thanks to stimulation provided by puzzles such as Sudoku.
It has also been shown that the brain activity required for card games such as bridge will spark your grey matter into pepping up levels of T-cells in the blood, which are responsible for boosting your immune system.
And while parents worry about youngsters spending too much time on computers, you can console yourself with the news that some screen time can be good for you.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow linked gaming to improved communication and problemsolving skills. Other studies suggest they can increase creativity and even distract from pain, while Canadian scientists discovered that playing 10 hours of games over a month could actually improve vision in young players.
RECOMMENDED READING
Books not only expand your mind but, say experts at Yale School of Public Health, US, regular readers live two years longer than people who never delve between the covers.
Don’t think the intended recipient is much of a bookworm? Telly can be tops too. A study by the University of California revealed that tuning into something captivating can help relieve stress by taking people away from reality, so perhaps pick a boxset.
Music gifts are great as well. Listening to tunes has been found to make exercise sessions more effective.
ALLURING ATHLEISURE
While gadgets such as fitness trackers could help kick-start a new health regime, even gym clothing itself could be beneficial. A survey of 2,000 gym-goers found nine out of 10 believed simply getting into the right gear was the key to motivation, while 85% said having stylish workout kit improved their confidence when getting a sweat on.
It’s not all in the mind. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology linked wearing the right clothing to improved performance.
HOME COMFORTS
Bath-time smellies come with a bonus, so seek out something sudsy for your loved ones. A study in the journal Heart found a daily warm bath is associated with a 28% lower risk of heart disease and a 26% lower risk of stroke as it is linked to lowering blood pressure.
A German study also found they can lift your mood.
KITCHEN AID
Cooking more from scratch could lead to a healthier body, so pick a gift that will encourage people to get creative in the kitchen.
Researchers from the University of Washington School of Public Health, US, revealed people who regularly make dinner rather than relying on takeout or ready meals are healthier overall.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
According to researchers at the University of Toronto, giving experiences as gifts, rather than “things”, can improve your relationship because it creates a more emotionally-based response.
And if you are still struggling to buy the right present, make one instead. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Marketing suggests something homemade is preferred to mass-produced items and helps create a tighter emotional bond.