How to qualify for two state pensions – and get increases for life
Ireland may be close by, but this doesn’t make the rules around pensions any less complicated. The number of paid Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions you require before being eligible for an Irish pension depends on when you reached pension age. If it was on or after 6 April 2012, you need to have […]
The health benefits of seeds and how to add them to your diet
Few would argue with the oft-repeated health advice to eat more nuts and seeds, and while grabbing a handful of nuts is an easy snack, seeds are often overlooked. Even science is guilty of this. A 2022 review called for more nutritional research to be focused on seeds to understand their unique health benefits, because […]
How to sell an engagement ring
What paperwork will I need? “Take time to gather all available documentation for your ring, such as certificates for any gemstones and diamonds,” says Ms Smith. This documentation can significantly impact the value of your item, especially if it confirms provenance or comes from a renowned gemological or grading laboratory. However, if you don’t have […]
How to beat the big four diseases of ageing
Cancer Cancer can strike at any age, but the older we get, the more likely it becomes. “The two most common cancers of old age are breast and prostate cancers,” says Dr Richard Siow, the director of Ageing Research at King’s College London. “As we age, our cellular mechanisms reduce the clearance of damage within […]
How to spot osteoporosis and ageing bones before you fall foul of a fracture
How often do you think about the strength of your skeleton? In terms of future health, you’re probably more concerned about cancer or heart disease than broken bones. But as we get older, the impact of a fracture can be devastating. It means loss of independence, and gruelling surgery. “The mortality rate one year after […]
How to fall asleep in five minutes
Our circadian rhythm thrives on routine, so aim to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, which makes waking up – and falling asleep – easier. “More research is needed, but anecdotally relaxing oils, such as lavender, also improve sleep and can be a helpful part of a bedtime routine,” […]
How to break up with a narcissist, by a top divorce lawyer
How to negotiate with a narcissist First, don’t expect to settle this amicably. When it comes to negotiating with a narcissist over a divorce, it is imperative to understand that the playing field is not level. You will say something to the effect of, “I only want what’s fair, and I don’t want to fight, […]
How to recover from burnout in six steps
Steps towards burnout recovery So how do we recover from burnout? Maslach says: “I use an analogy of a canary in a coal mine. The canary has a tough time surviving because of the toxic fumes. It’s not about fixing the canary to make it more resilient. There are coping strategies to help you rest, […]
How to reboot your gut health in 30 days
Research from the American Gut Project found the single best thing you can do for your gut health is to eat 30 different plant foods a week. Leading UK gut experts such as Prof Tim Spector and Dr Megan Rossi, support this advice. It might seem a tall order but the term “plant foods” includes […]
How to master great conversation, even if you’re shy
It’s surprising to me that we don’t talk about talking more, how to do it well or how to use it to help ourselves and others, especially as The World Health Organisation have recently declared loneliness as a “global public health concern” and an even greater concern than obesity. The US surgeon general has even […]