Why it’s better to gift than to receive
Studies show both that getting and handing over the right present will boost our mental and physical well-being – and what you choose to wrap can bring added bonuses this christmas, discovers
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 Edinburgh University 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 Glasgow University linked gaming to improved communication and problem-solving 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 because it challenges the eye muscles to move and focus quickly.
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, while a study in the journal Frontiers in Psychology suggests listening to music can help to reduce pain levels.
Alluring athleisure
While gadgets such as fitness trackers could obviously help kick-start a new health regime, even gym clothing itself could be beneficial.
A survey of 2000 regular gym-goers found that nine out of 10 believed simply getting into the right gear was the key to motivation, while 85 per cent 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 during sporting activities.
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 per cent lower risk of heart disease and a 26 per cent 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 takeaway or ready meals are healthier overall.
They were more likely to stick to recommended dietary targets such as the maximum amounts of salt and fat and getting enough fruit and veg each day.
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 for the recipient.
And if you are still struggling to buy the right present, make one. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Marketing suggests something homemade is preferred to massproduced items and helps create a tighter emotional bond with loved ones.