{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Vibe Advice","home_page_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/","feed_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/json","description":"Comment, Opinion pieces, and blogs from lifestyle to entertainment for Vibe 107.6 FM listeners","items":[{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/55\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/3-amazing-christmas-jumpers-to-get-your-hands-on\/","title":"3 Amazing Christmas jumpers to get your hands on","date_published":"2015-12-07T14:55:00+00:00","summary":"Looking for a Christmas jumper that will make you stand out at work, or at home when the relatives visit? Look no further, here are 3 amazing and quirky jumpers that will get the people talking!","content_html":"

We all love a good Christmas jumper. It's become as important (if not more) than Santa himself! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

There's even a National Christmas Jumper Day<\/a>! Created by Save the Children, the charity asks people to \"make the world better with a sweater\" by donning your favourite jumpers, and raising funds or making a donation on Friday 18th December.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Even if it's for a different purpose - winning that coveted \"ugly jumper\" competition - I've scrolled and scrolled through the web to bring you 3 quirky jumpers I think fit the bill.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"3. Stuck Santa Knitted Christmas Jumper<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

How cool is this?! A digital jumper is sure to get some attention.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

With this knitted jumper, you're able to show a chubby Santa struggling down the chimney after scoffing too many cookies (or mince pies if you're a fan).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

To bring Santa to life all you have to do is download a free app to your smartphone and then place the phone in a velcro pouch in the jumper.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

You can also double tap to make the action start or stop, to save that important battery life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

At the price of £35.99, this makes for a high quality jumper only a fingertip away from making you the reigning Christmas jumper champion.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"<\/p>\n\n

2. Brave Soul Rebel Christmas Jumper<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

This one's for the too-cool-for-schoolers. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Make a fashion statement this Christmas with this \"rebel without a claus\" jumper. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It's already proving to be a hit among the ASOS crowd with the jumper in low stocks. So be quick if you want to be the fashionista in your group of friends or co-workers. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Although it's targeted at men, it can be worn by all as Chrimbo jumpers don't discriminate (just find the right size and you're good to go!).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

At the price of £22.00, it's one of the cheapest you'll find out there. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"<\/p>\n\n

1. Light Up Christmas Jumper <\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

If we're being literal about being eye-catchy then shine bright like the star you are with this jumper!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

This beauty is guaranteed to \"dazzle even the most daring ugly Christmas jumper fans\" and you can make sure it lasts longer with the flick of a hidden switch.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The lights are brighter and more colourful, and really pop the tree. It's also unisex so everyone wins!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Costing £49.99, it is a bit on the pricey side. But can you really put a price on Christmas? (Most probably).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>","image":"http:\/\/mm.aiircdn.com\/144\/172055.jpg","author":{"name":"Isaac Ouro-Gnao"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/76\/blogs\/posts\/38315"},{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/53\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/5-best-apps-to-make-christmas-shopping-very-easy\/","title":"5 Best apps to make Christmas shopping very easy","date_published":"2015-11-25T14:50:00+00:00","summary":"Christmas is a few weeks away! Vibe107.6FM brings you 5 tried and tested apps that will make your shopping experience a breeze.","content_html":"

Image | Takashi Hososhima<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Christmas is a few weeks away!<\/a> Meaning many of you are already getting busy shopping or are in the last stages of gifting. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The festive season is always a hectic one, whether you’re trying to find that one perfect gift or having too many options to choose from.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

According to Dyanatrace<\/a>, an American application performance management software company, 42% of Europeans used mobiles or the web for their Christmas shopping in 2014. It’s no wonder why - <\/span><\/span>it’s easier, faster, and less of a hassle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

With that in mind, Vibe107.6FM<\/a> brings you 5 tried and tested apps that will make your shopping experience a walk in the park!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"Amazon<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Amazon’s ‘Wish List’ function is a great tool during the festive period. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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You can shop through departments, compare deals, build your wish list, send it to one another, and even view your loved one’s wish lists without them knowing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n

With the fast track and one-button order option, how much easier can it get?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Download the app for free from iTunes<\/a>, Google Play<\/a>, Windows Phone Store<\/a> and BlackBerry App World<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"HotUkDeals<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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This app does what it says on the tin. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Find amazing deals, compare prices, and voucher codes to ensure you get the best deals available.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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You can even filter your gift search by retail shops, by local region or even trending deals.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Get the app for free on iTunes<\/a>, Google Play<\/a>, and Windows Phone<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"uShop: UK<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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This app makes online shopping incredibly easy. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Instead of opening umpteen million tabs to find the perfect gift, this app brings catalogues from many high street retailers into one neat convenient place.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Reviewed by many as “the best shopping app”, you can search for your loved one’s gifts on Asos, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Harrods, Currys, and Argos to name a few.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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The app is free to download<\/a> and works on Android products.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"Thoughtful Gift Finder<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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If you are struggling for the perfect gift then this app by notonthehighstreet.com is for you. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Thoughtful Gift Finder finds unique gifts for the person you are shopping for through your input of their interests, likes, and loves.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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You can then buy that one-of-a-kind gift directly from the app or favourite it for later.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Download the app for free on iTunes<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"\"Santa’s Bag <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\"This app really makes Christmas planning so much more fun\", said happy customers, making the hectic festive period less of a chore.  <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Santa’s Bag helps you keep on top of your shopping, with budget planning, shopping to-do lists, gift allocations, and a built-in countdown to the big day.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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This app is free to download<\/a> and is available for iOS products.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Happy shopping!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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 <\/p>","image":"http:\/\/mm.aiircdn.com\/144\/465889.jpg","author":{"name":"Isaac Ouro-Gnao"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/76\/blogs\/posts\/38314"},{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/50\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/stoptober-can-28-days-really-help-you-quit-smoking\/","title":"Stoptober \u2013 Can 28 days really help you quit smoking?","date_published":"2015-10-13T23:00:00+00:00","summary":"We\u2019re midway through Stoptober, the month of anti-smoking posters, determined quitters, and plentiful savings. But does a month of going cold turkey really work?","content_html":"

We’re midway through Stoptober, the month of anti-smoking posters, determined quitters, and plentiful savings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"The benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate. Quitters will soon see reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation,\" says Professor Kevin Fenton from Public Health England<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

But does a month of going cold turkey really work?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

10 million adults smoke<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Supporting the Stoptober<\/a> campaign is Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies, who believes quitting smoking is the “best thing a person can do for their health”.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

She says: \"Smoking is still our biggest preventable killer. 80,000 people die a year in England because of smoking, and so stopping smoking is the single best thing a person can do for their health.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"Why not join the thousands of people all across the country who are quitting at the same time during Stoptober, maximising their chances of getting through 28 days smoke free.\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

There are around 10 million adult smokers in the UK<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

According to public health charity Action on Smoking and Health<\/a>, ten million adults currently smoke. That’s around 16 per cent of the UK’s population. Over 100,000 smokers still die from smoking-related causes every year in the UK.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The 28-day campaign promises that those who take part will be 5 times more likely to quit smoking for good.  A person that quits smoking for Stoptober and doesn’t smoke again could gain an extra seven days of life, every 28 days, for the rest of their life.  <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The charity<\/a> also found that about two-thirds of current smokers say they would like to stop smoking, but only about 35 per cent actually attempt to kick the habit in a given year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

“I'm fitter, stronger, and healthier”<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Naz Mood, a Vibe 107.6<\/a> listener, from London, is part of the 35% that try to kick the habit. He says: \"I stopped last October. Prior to that stopping smoking was very difficult. I tried several times but 6 months was the maximum.\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Thousands of smokers try time and time again to quit, however, Naz’s story suggests that those likely to quit smoking or take up the Stoptober challenge are people who have already tried to quit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Naz adds that \"craving, mood swings, irritability and constant gnawing hunger\" were the problems in slowing his progress.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"However, last October, I stopped and have managed to stay off cigs...\" he says, \"I'm fitter, stronger, and healthier! How? I bought myself a good modular electronic cigarette.\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

                                                                         <\/span><\/span>Stopping smoking gives the body more energy, and makes getting fit much easier<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The 28 day trial, however, was a helpful and vital process in getting Naz to quit definitely; and using e-cigarettes, an even stronger deciding factor. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

E-cigarettes have risen in popularity in 2013, and more and more smokers are using them to help kick the habit.  <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Michelle Ann, an avid Vibe 107.6 listener, from Manchester, is a smoker whom is currently taking on the Stoptober challenge. Just like Naz, she too is using an e-cigarette to help her progress.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"[It’s been] 7 days with patches and an electronic cigarette,\" she says, \"It's hard but I'm determined. I've tried several times before, four and a half months being my longest.\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

How useful are e-cigarettes? <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

There’s no mention of e-cigarettes in the Stoptober campaign. What Stoptober offers as support are a free advice pack, as well as a mobile phone app and text support throughout the month.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

However, the PHE department published a separate report<\/a> in August which suggests that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than normal cigarettes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It even goes to say that smokers who have tried unsuccessful methods of quitting could be \"encouraged to try e-cigarettes (EC)\" to quit, and stop smoking services should \"support smokers using EC to quit by offering them behavioural support\".<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

There is a growing recognition of smokers using e-cigarettes to give up smoking. Due to this, services are producing advice and support on safe uses of e-cigarettes, and other beneficial alternatives to help stop smoking.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Electronic cigarettes could be 100 to 500 times better<\/strong> for your health than smoking tobacco<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"Taking part in Stoptober offers real health benefits,\" says Hertfordshire councillor Teresa Heritage. The Cabinet Member for Public Health, Localism and Libraries at Hertfordshire County Council added: \"People who stop smoking at any age will see reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation almost immediately.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"And as it is now illegal to smoke in a vehicle if there is a child under 18 present<\/a>, there's one more reason to give up.\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It’s also very healthy for the many pockets, wallets and purses out there. On average, most people who quit save around £250 each month. That's nearly £3,000 a year going up in smoke.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Vibe 107.6 listener Naz is “saving over 300 pounds a month”, while Michelle is excited by the prospect of a well deserved trip. “With the money I save,” she says “I'm hoping for a winter holiday!”<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

What can be concluded is that 28 days is not necessarily the only window quitters use, but is a set period that adds motivation and begins the process to kick the habit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

To sign up to Stoptober and reap the benefits, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk\/stoptober<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

To contact your local Stop Smoking Service, text SMOKEFREE to 80818, call 08003893998 or visitwww.hertsdirect.org\/stopsmoking<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>","image":"http:\/\/mm.aiircdn.com\/144\/676329.jpg","author":{"name":"Isaac Ouro-Gnao"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/76\/blogs\/posts\/38311"},{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/51\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/5-ways-to-make-the-best-of-freshers-week\/","title":"5 ways to make the best of fresher\u2019s week","date_published":"2015-09-16T13:07:00+00:00","summary":"Fresher\u2019s Week can be the best week of a student\u2019s life. It can equally be the worst. You\u2019re probably overflowing with advice about what to do and what not to do, but here\u2019s 5 ideas from a uni survivor on different ways to make the best of fresher\u2019s week.","content_html":"

Fresher’s Week can be the best week of a student’s life. It can equally be the worst, filled with shame, regret, hangovers and your bin making do as a vomit bag. You’re probably overflowing with advice about what to do and what not to do at uni, from your parents or siblings who’ve survived the challenge that is university. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It's been one whole year since my university days, so while it's still fresh in my mind, here’s my advice on different ways to make the best of fresher’s week and \"life at uni\".<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Socialise <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Oh how important it is to socialise! One mistake made by many is being a bit too shy<\/a>, becoming a hermit and making your student flat a safe haven to hide in. I did so myself. The environment is new, you most likely have NO family, NO friends around you. You'll feel alone and shut yourself in with a jar of Nutella to pick at watching a TV show. (I never said I was proud of doing this.)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

There are many things to do in fresher’s week, from comedy shows to clubbing events. To avoid being “that guy\/girl”, just say hi to your flatmates. That’s a start. You’re all in the same shoes; coming out of the old comfort of home into the new of uni. Make the best of it and socialise. Sometimes being quiet can come across as coldness. So go for it and talk with randoms. Get to know each other and go from there! (You will get tired of “So what do you study?”, or “How big is your room?” questions but the pain is worth it!)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Don’t go to every event!<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It may seem contradictory, but please DO NOT GO TO EVERY EVENT! Peer pressure will be screaming down your ear to “go hard or go home”, but health is as important as socialising. Going on a 7-day bender isn’t exactly the best way to start university. Wearing yesterday’s vodka or beer as perfume and donning bed hair doesn't sound appealing either. First impressions are very important. You will be spending 3 years with classmates and lecturers, getting to know and becoming great friends with them.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

What you should do instead is balance sleep and rest with the things you want to do the most. Go clubbing one night, go out to town during the day for a meal with your flatmates, get to know the area, or relax somewhere. The week is full of things to do but they’re suggestions. Do what YOU want to do, and enjoy it!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Budget<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Your loan or overdraft is NOT free money. At some point you will need to pay it back! Budget your money and keep on top of your weekly spend. Otherwise you will forever live in your overdraft. Use Money Dashboard<\/a> or a simple spreadsheet to keep on top of your spending.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It may seem appealing at first to have over £200 at your fingertips to blow on Jagerbombs, Tequila shots and VK (they will get you with the student deals), but realising this will make you rethink your habits. Also, please THINK ABOUT YOUR STOMACH! Food is just as important! There’s nothing more satisfying than returning with treats (so much Nutella!) AND fruit and vegetables after a £30 shop. Yes I was that guy. Best of both worlds.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Learn to cook<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

This is such an understatement. You will quickly become tired of the 19p Asda noodles, or the Tesco ready meals at your disposal, and you can’t keep going to Wetherspoons for curry night every week. You WILL get showered by your parents with student cookbooks<\/a>, that’s inevitable. So why not use them? There are simple meals to cook that will save time, energy, and money.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Knowing to cook will make your flatmates and friends love you even more. Treating everyone to a nice Sunday roast will always put you in their good books (maybe in the next term, baby steps and all that). Buying fresh ingredients and making pasta sauce is cheaper than mixing jars in the long run, and not to mention much, much healthier.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Join a club or society<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Join a club or society, you won’t regret it. Quite the opposite, you’ll LOVE IT! I cannot stress how much joining the Dance Society was the best decision at my university. Joining a club or society is a great way to settle in and meet people who share your interests. Existing members will be very friendly, and keen to show you around and get you involved.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

You will make some great memories and stories as well. Some of my closest friends are from my society days. The society had socials filled with fun games (you don’t have or need to drink to be part of it) and non-drink related events like going for meals and the theatre. The activities are always fun. Dancing every week after a stressful lecture kept me sane during university, and being able to travel up and down the country to competitions where you can meet even more people was amazing. From Football to the Jedi Fan Club, there is everything for everyone, just look for your interests and sign up!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Keep these 5 things in mind for fresher’s week and you will be fine. It will greatly improve your whole university experience. Be safe and enjoy!<\/span><\/span><\/p>","image":"http:\/\/mm.aiircdn.com\/144\/195122.jpg","author":{"name":"Isaac Ouro-Gnao"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/76\/blogs\/posts\/38312"},{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/52\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/4-different-ways-music-improves-our-health\/","title":"4 Different ways music improves our health","date_published":"2015-09-09T13:10:00+00:00","summary":"Whether you\u2019re sitting at home, exercising, or commuting to work, we all listen to music in one way or another. But music doesn't just help kill time, there are proven scientific studies that show listening to music is healthy!","content_html":"

You might listen to music for different reasons, to distract yourself or pass time. Maybe it was in the background while you were studying or working. Music helps you feel better somehow, but only recently has science started to find out why that is.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So what are different ways music improves our health?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Stress & Anxiety<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Imagine the last time you were really stressed. Maybe your boss was being an unreasonable... boss, or you had a mountain of paperwork to sort through, and Tim a few desks down wasn't helping with his story about his weekend \"bender\". Or maybe your kids were leaving lego death traps around the house for you to clean up. Listening to music (especially slower tunes) can change brain activity, which can lead to reduced stress.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

According to research<\/a> in America by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, classical sounds were able to reduce stress levels in anxious university students during a presentation. It reduced blood pressure, decreased their heart rates to a healthy level, reduced anxiety, and gave them a calm state. Slow tempo music is very therapeutic.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Mozart not your cup of tea? Songs with guitar strums will do the trick – from artists like Ed Sheeran and Passenger to local artists and bands on Raw Vibes<\/a>!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Focus & Productivity<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

If you play music in the background when you’re working, you’re benefiting from <\/span>increased levels of productivity<\/a> – but be careful, certain types of songs are very distracting!<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Research<\/a> analysed by Psychology Today shows music, which consists of free-flowing, harmonious sounds, often used for meditation, allowed students to perform significantly better on a series of IQ tests. Popular music, such as pop and dance, helps boost productivity when they are listened to before<\/strong> starting a task. This is because listening to your favourites releases the feel-good chemical dopamine<\/a> linked to your brain's pleasure centers. However, listening to them during work (especially to songs with lyrics<\/a> you love) is incredibly distracting and hinders your focus and productivity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So you can listen to your favourite songs, just make sure you do it before you the work you’ve been putting off!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Exercise & Fitness<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

To those who enjoy a run or love a good gym session, music can help you! Listening to fast paced “pump-up” music can help <\/span>run faster and longer<\/a> and boost workout motivation. The natural response to fast tempo songs is to match its intensity and the length of a song can determine whether you’ll “keep going till the end of the song” and push your endurance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Want to start jogging faster or increase your endurance in the gym? Load your iPod with high energy, high tempo songs such as hip hop or dance music. And we have plenty of those on Vibe107.6<\/a>! Don’t mind the shameless self-advertising.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Happiness<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Finally, music makes you happy! Well, depending on the types of songs you listen to. A <\/span>2013 study <\/a>found that music helped put people in a better mood and get in touch with their feelings. Music triggers activity in a part of your brain that releases dopamine, as mentioned before. It's the cause of that cheesy grin you have when “this is my song!” is played somewhere. It just makes you happy!<\/span><\/p>\n\n

There are many reasons why being happy is healthy such as having lower risks of developing illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes. An infographic<\/a> by Happify points to many other benefits in a fun way. Check it out!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So relax, play your favourites, get healthy and feel good! Happy listening!<\/span><\/span><\/p>","image":"http:\/\/mm.aiircdn.com\/144\/672831.jpg","author":{"name":"Isaac Ouro-Gnao"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/76\/blogs\/posts\/38313"},{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/22\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/health-tips-for-the-festive-season\/","title":"Health Tips for the Festive Season","date_published":"2014-12-23T21:42:00+00:00","summary":"Paul brings you some great tips to keep healthy for that time of year when overindulging (and its consequences) seem inevitable!","content_html":"

It’s that time of year again, you know the one – it seems to come round quicker and quicker each year, can you believe it is nearly 15 years since the new millennium! (OK now I feel really old!!)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

But hey, we are still here and every day is a blessing so Merry Christmas!!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

…..and even if you don’t celebrate Christmas odds are you are going to get caught up in the festive season and here are a few tips on how to stay healthy over the coming weeks - pay attention because it could save you a lot of time and effort in the New Year as you won’t need to shift any excess weight!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Let the learning begin!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

1) Think about why you really need to indulge in all the cheese, crackers, biscuits and massive tins of chocolate that appear at this time of year. Make this the year that you do not get caught up in the unnecessary sugar, fat and gluten items in the shiny packages with Santa on the front and instead create some amazing buffets with vegetable and fruit trays, lay out some prawn platters, steer away from the salted peanuts nuts in the tins and crack open (literally) nuts that are still in the shell. They are everywhere this time of year so get them while you can! Keep you and your loved ones “Merry and Light”!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

2) If you have been reading my previous blog posts you will know that staying away from processed foods and only eating one ingredient foods is always the order of the day but do your family and friends know that? No? Well let’s give them the gift of health education this year. Host a healthy holiday gathering. Ask each guest to bring a dish – appetizer, entree, side, salad, dessert, drink, etc., to the party. At the same time make sure you tell them exactly what to bring and what kind of foods are acceptable. The rule is they must make it as delicious as possible. See who comes out on top, amazing what a little competition brings out in people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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3) Exercise! Don’t forget it, especially during the holidays!! Do something different and make it a family activity – get outside and go for a walk, head to the playground and put a little family exercise circuit together.  Whatever you do keep active, it will help with not only keeping your appetite in check but you will find it an awesome way to relive stress as well!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

4) Turn out the lights.  Sleep!!  During this high-stress season it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting adequate shuteye.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

5) Stay hydrated – with WATER!!!  Thirst is often confused with hunger. Dehydration might drive you to the box of chocolates and also leave you drowsy.  Choose water instead of eggnog, cider, alcohol, cocoa, soda, and juices.  Save room for the good stuff – the food!!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

6) If you are going to indulge then make sure you enjoy your FAVORITE seasonal treats in moderation. (A whole tub of ice cream is NOT moderation!!)  Be careful though, once the brain gets the stimulation of sugar and or refined carbohydrates it craves more of it, sometimes uncontrollably and what was going to be just once chocolate turns into a whole box before you know it. Enjoy yourself but be mindful, greed is not good!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

7) Try thinking a bit more about the Christmas Dinner. What is it really? Well, if you are careful then it can be an amazing meal of lean protein and loads of wonderful vegetables. It is only when we start trying to make it elaborate that we make a mess of things so stay away from the gluten laden gravy and make your own, be careful of the high sugar sauces and use only the best grass fed goose fat to roast your potatoes!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

8) Been invited out? Got a Christmas work party to go too? Then make sure you are well prepared in advance. Find out where you are going and know what is going to be there food wise, that way you know what to avoid and what to choose when you get there. By being prepared in advance there will be no hasty decisions to be made when the time comes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

.<\/span><\/span>\"\"<\/p>\n\n

9) Keep in mind the true meaning of the holidays.  It’s not about food, presents, decorations, and parties.  It’s about being with the people that we care about most.  As long as you remember that; you are sure to maintain your health, sanity, and waist size this season.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

10) New Year’s Eve let the party get started!! So it’s New Years and the drinks are flowing, everyone is in the party mood, you have a whole New Year to look forward too, new goals to achieve and New Year’s resolutions everywhere you look. Same as last year? Same as every year? Do it differently this year, if you have a drink on New Year’s Eve, make it one at midnight and make it a really good one! Have the finest champagne or other tipple of choice and here is why. Like food, the better quality the product the more pure and less toxic it will be. If you’re choosing a spirit have one that is triple distilled, the best red wines will have the most resveratrol (an amazing antioxidant) and if you are going for beer, make it gluten free and organic (yes, you can buy them). Your body will thank you the next day and you will be clear headed and able to face the New Year with excitement and enthusiasm instead of a headache and a fry up!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Whatever you decide to do have an amazing time, I wish you and your family and wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Paul Burgess SAC dip. (cn) SAC Dip. (pt) SAC Dip. (AnAg)<\/sub><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n

Have you ever felt as though your health is just not where it should be? Feel tired all the time? Had health issues that just do not go away? Suffer from IBS or any kind of digestive complaint? Need to lose some weight? Whatever your needs why not speak to Paul Burgess. He is the Clinical Nutritionist who writes all our Blogs. Not only is he a highly respected nutritionist in his field but also an ambassador for nutritional supplement companies and was awarded ‘Over 40’s Bodybuilder’ by the prestigious Bodybuilding.com website so he really knows his stuff!<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n

His mission in the industry is, ‘To help as many people as possible realise the full potential of a healthy body using real food and applying the latest knowledge available’<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n

If you are looking for the best advice in the industry, contact Paul at paul@athleticnutrition.tv<\/a> or check out his website www.athleticnutrition.tv<\/a> <\/em> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n","author":{"name":"Lisa Pearson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/76\/blogs\/posts\/38310"},{"id":"http:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice-827099\/entry\/18\/","url":"https:\/\/www.vibe1076.co.uk\/radio\/blogs\/vibe-advice\/post\/need-a-little-energy-boost\/","title":"Need a little energy boost?","date_published":"2014-11-12T12:11:00+00:00","summary":"Who doesn\u2019t? I mean it\u2019s only normal to feel tired in the afternoon, or to get up feeling like you have not slept right? Err no, WRONG!","content_html":"

But it happens, often, to a lot of people and it does not matter what age they are, there is somehow this lack of energy that hits us all at some point. Many times it creeps up on us as we neglect our health with a poor diet and lack of quality sleep. At first, it is not too bad but then the rut gets deeper and deeper and soon you are living off of coffee and Red Bull just to make it through another day so that you can make it home and crawl into your bed for another night of restless sleep, sound familiar? If it does then maybe reading this blog may help you to break out of the cycle and restore some of that bounce you once had!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

People will tell you that they are tired because they have such a hectic life, the kids take all their energy, keeping up at work is just too stressful as well as a million other reasons why they just feel and look exhausted. The problem is it is not the odd day here and there, this is something that many people feel on an ongoing daily basis, for many years. Life is not meant to be endured, life is meant to be enjoyed and having a zest for life everyday is one of the best ways to live life to the full!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So, let’s look at some ways to up that energy and get that spark back!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Firstly the obvious one is to try to get more sleep. The more quality sleep you get the better and the key here is QUALITY sleep. It is no good going to bed after having a day full of coffee and other so called ‘energy’ drinks. Although you may have not had any stimulants since the afternoon, the central nervous system is still being stimulated as much as 6-8 hours later. You may get to sleep but the sleep will be disturbed and restless which is why so many people wake up after being ‘in bed’ for 7 or 8 hours but feel so exhausted. They may have been in bed but they were not really sleeping. Getting a good night of deep, restorative sleep is crucial to increasing energy and feeling refreshed when you wake up.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Help your sleep quality by making sure that your room is pitch black, you really should not be able to see your hand in front of your face. Do not watch TV or look at a computer screen within an hour of going to bed. The light will stimulate parts of the brain and keep you from a restful sleep. Try reading a book (not a tablet device unless it has a specific setting for pre-bed reading) for 30 minutes before bed as it will help to relax the mind and send you off into a deep sleep.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Exercising regularly is another great way to increase energy levels. Sounds kind of counter intuitive, trying to exercise when you have no energy, but try it. Start of slowly by walking a little more than you normally would, perhaps walk to the station in the morning instead of getting the bus, you know the kind of thing. You’ll be surprised at how energized you feel after. Physical activity brings oxygen to the brain and reduces stress. Once you feel your energy getting better then you can start to add in a bit more strenuous exercise by lifting some weights or following a workout video. There are literally hundreds of thousands to find on YouTube, just pick on you like the look of and away you go. One of the best ways to exercise has been around since the beginning of time, yes you guessed it, sex! It releases a cascade of hormones that will not only help your body but it’s a great way to get to relax before bed and get a great night’s sleep. Do it often, its free, it doesn’t make you fat and it improves your energy, what more could you ask for!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

While you exercise make sure you are taking in lots of fluids, in fact another great way to increase your energy levels is simply by drinking more water. Now I know what you are saying, ‘I hate the taste of water, I just can’t drink it,’ Sorry but that’s a load of BS. Water is the fluid nature intended you to drink, you are made up of 75% for goodness sake, do you really think Mother Nature would have made you dislike water? Err, no, all that has happened is that you have become so accustomed to drinking sugary drinks that real, clean, fresh water has become bland to your taste buds. Probably started when you were given juice as a child. Well now is the time to grow up kids, start drinking your water, your body and your energy will thank you for it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

One of the major causes of low energy is stress. Emotional stress is a particularly energy sapping activity and it can come in all sorts of guises from all sorts of people. Try to look at the people you spend most of you time with, are they draining you of your energy, are their problems becoming your problems?  If you are feeling that some of that energy should be yours and not given to them then find a way of correcting the balance. Now, I’m not saying that you should ignore your friends and leave your kids with the neighbours every day but just make sure that you factor in some time for yourself so that you can restore your energy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Schedule in regular relaxation time, meditate or just spend some time outdoors in nature, all of these will help you get a real sense of energy back in your life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

By far and away the best way to improve your energy is with your daily nutrition. What you eat will have a direct impact on your energy levels. Give your body highly processed, poor quality convenience foods washed down with ‘energy’ drinks and coffee and all you will get is fat and tired. Start to give your body a nutrient dense diet of fresh foods with plenty of water and you will see a marked improvement within days. Not only will your energy rise but your waistline will shrink, kind of a win win in my book.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Focus on eating a wide variety of lean proteins; fish, beef, eggs, chicken, turkey as well as all the exotic meats you can now get (personally I do like an ostrich steak now and then), good fats; coconut, avocado, nuts and seeds as well as fresh fruits and vegetables each day.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

With this in mind, below are a few energy boosting recipes to get you started:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/h2>\n\n

Crispy Coconut Chicken With Coconut Rice<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\n

A tropical sweet delight, Crispy Coconut Chicken is the perfect healthy dinner dish. Indulgent yet lean and energy boosting to boot!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Ingredients<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Serves four.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Chicken:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n