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Annoying chores with unexpected scientific health benefits

Wash dishes: Reduce anxiety People who cleaned their plates mindfully (they focused on smelling the soap, feeling the water temperature, and touching the dishes) lowered their nervousness levels by 27%, found a recent study of 51 people out of Florida State University’s psychology department. People who didn’t take as thoughtful approach to their dish washing did not experience a similar calming benefit. Clean with a lemon scented cleaner: Be happier A citrusy scent is a potent mood booster, according to a 2014 Japanese study. When participants spent as little as ten minutes inhaling yuzu (a super-tart and citrusy Japanese fruit), they saw a significant decrease in their overall mood disturbance, a measure of tension, anxiety, depression, confusion, fatigue and anger, PureWow recently reported. Make your bed every morning: Boost productivity Your nagging mum was right: starting your day with a freshly made bed is what Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, calls a “keystone habit”; one that has a ripple effect to create other good behaviour. In his book, Duhigg notes that making your bed every morning is linked to better productivity, a greater sense of wellbeing, and stronger skills at sticking to a budget. Bedmakers also report getting a better night’s sleep than those who leave their covers messy in the morning, per a National Sleep Foundation poll reported by WebMD. Clean up your yard: Prevent a heart attack Need motivation to clean up? People who did the most yard work, housecleaning, and DIY projects had a nearly 30% lower risk of a first-time cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke compared with those who were the most sedentary, according to a new Swedish study of 3800 older adults. Banish kitchen clutter: Lose weight A recent study showed that people with super-cluttered homes were 77% more likely to be overweight or obese. The likely reason: it’s harder to make healthy food choices in a chaotic kitchen. Organising guru Peter Walsh, author of Cut the Clutter, Drop the Pounds, has been inside of hundreds of people’s homes. He says once people finally get organised, they tend to experience a number of other unexpected perks, including weight loss, without strict dieting. Mow the lawn: Feel more joyful There’s something to that grassy scent. Australian researchers discovered that a chemical released by freshly cut grass makes people feel more relaxed and more joyful. Grow flowers and vegetables: Lower depression risk In a study out of Norway, people diagnosed with different forms of depression spent six hours a week gardening; after a few months, they experienced a notable improvement in their depression symptoms, and their good moods continued for months after the study ended. Doing a new activity and being outside in nature can certainly help, but some experts believe that dirt itself might be a depression fighter, according to Health.com. Christopher Lowry, PhD, a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, has been injected mice with a common, harmless bacteria found in the soil. He’s found that they experience an increase in the “release and metabolism of serotonin in parts of the brain that control cognitive function and mood, much like serotonin-boosting antidepressant drugs do,” the site reported. Share chores with your spouse: Have a better sex life When men perceived their contribution to household chores as fair, couples have more frequent and satisfying sex, according to a 2015 study from the University of Alberta. “If a partner isn’t pulling their weight in housework, either one will have to pick up the slack, or the chores will remain undone. This will develop tension and bitterness in the relationship, which will transfer into the bedroom,” according to MedicalDaily. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/8-annoying-chores-with-unexpected-scientific-health-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Body

9 habits that secretly annoy your dentist

<h2>The importance of maintaining dental health</h2> Maintaining good dental health does more than just keep your pearly whites bright. Recent research – such as one 2020 study – has found that poor oral hygiene is connected with other physical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. A recent report from the American Heart Association also found a link between poor dental care and declining brain health. But even if you’re brushing, flossing, and up-to-date with professional cleanings, dentists say many of us are guilty of some lifestyle and oral health habits that could be doing our mouths more harm than good. <h2>Your love for citrus</h2> Most people are aware that soft drinks are damaging to teeth, says dentist, Dr Arthur Jeske. “Others may be less obvious,” Dr Jeske says, like your morning smoothie with a squirt of lime juice or the lemon wedge you add to a beer or cocktail. This is because the high acidity levels in many fruits (even grapes and peaches are quite acidic) can cause demineralisation, “which means [they] can literally dissolve your tooth enamel over time.” Dr Jeske’s recommendation: drinking plain water after eating or drinking can help reduce fruits’ impact on your teeth. <h2>That firm toothbrush</h2> “Many people believe brushing with firmer toothbrush bristles and abrasive toothpaste will make their teeth cleaner and whiter,” says dental surgeon, Dr James Galati. But these products (and heavy-handed brushing in general) can actually damage teeth by taking off the protective enamel and traumatising gum tissue around the teeth – leading to receding gums and root exposure. Instead, aim for soft-bristle brushes and toothpastes with fluoride. <h2>Overusing whitening toothpastes</h2> Toothpastes vary widely in their abrasiveness, Dr Jeske explains. A product’s Relative Dentin Abrasion Value (RDA) is categorised by low, medium, and high abrasiveness. If you brush frequently, for instance, you may want to stick with a product on the lower end of the spectrum (this ranges from zero to 250, and Dr Jeske says you can look up the RDA for specific products online). But he points out that most whitening toothpastes tend to be among the more abrasive. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether, but he recommends using them less frequently in your routine and swapping in a gentler toothpaste to avoid excessive wear. <h2>Brushing right after eating</h2> It’s important to wait 15 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth, says dentist, Dr Jacquelyn Schieck. “[This time] allows the pH of the mouth to revert to neutral, which prevents brushing away enamel that’s been softened by acids in foods or beverages.” <h2>Improper flossing</h2> If you floss daily, you’re already ahead of the curve when it comes to your dental health. Population research is limited, but according to the Australian Dental Association only 25 per cent of Australian adults floss their teeth every day. So three quarters of Australian adults don’t floss daily. Still, “while flossing is considered a ‘gold standard’ for cleaning between the teeth and promoting gum health, it may not be as effective if used improperly,” Dr Jeske explains. For example, interdental cleaners – tiny, round brushes with handles – are recommended over string floss for certain people, such as those with more advanced gum disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist can advise you on what type of floss is best for you and how to use it effectively. Flossing technique is important, too: you want to be sure to thread your floss into your gums to make sure you’re effectively loosening food and other debris. <h2>Charcoal toothpaste</h2> Dr Galati says that one of the more potentially harmful internet fads he’s seen is charcoal-based toothpaste, powders, or tabs. These products are often promoted as eco-friendly, ‘natural’ teeth cleaners that can remove surface stains to whiten teeth and absorb bacteria that cause bad breath. But Dr Galati says that most charcoal-based toothpastes are very abrasive and can cause damage that makes your teeth more susceptible to decay and bone loss. Plus, “there are no studies showing they whiten teeth any better than standard toothpastes,” he says. <h2>Your high stress levels</h2> High stress levels and a demanding work or life environment have been linked to increased dental health problems, Dr Galati says. Stress can make you more prone to grinding and clenching your teeth, for example, which leads to excessive wear. Unconscious nervous habits like chewing on fingernails, hairpins, pen caps, or ice can cause similar damage, Dr Shieck adds. <h2>Lying to your dentist</h2> Medical professionals are there to help you, not judge your habits. Accurate information – including your lifestyle habits like smoking, vaping, diet, and alcohol use, dental habits, and medications or supplements you take – is crucial for your dentist to properly identify dental problems and design the optimal treatment plan. “Some misrepresentations are easy to detect,” Dr Jeske says, like if someone says they brush and floss twice a day but their gums bleed during a dental exam. “But others may confuse the diagnosis or delay it, resulting in additional harm,” (and often, financial costs.) <h2>DIY orthodontics</h2> “[This] is one of the most dangerous and concerning fads I’ve seen online,” says Dr Schieck. The movement of teeth is a complex biological process that requires a highly-trained doctor’s oversight to avoid harmful consequences. “It’s amazing what people will try,” she says. “But trying at-home aligner systems in the absence of orthodontic guidance, using elastics or other household items to move teeth, or even attempting to 3D-print appliances yourself is not safe or effective.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/9-habits-that-secretly-annoy-your-dentist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. Images: Getty

Body

Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what’s behind this common (and annoying) driving habit

It’s hot, you’ve had a battle to get the kids in the car, and now you’re going to be late for the family lunch. You turn onto the freeway only to get stuck behind a slow driver in the fast lane. You want them to move over or speed up, so you drive a little closer. Then closer. Then so close it would be difficult to avoid hitting them if they stopped suddenly. When that doesn’t work you honk the horn. Nothing. Finally, frustrated, you dart into the left lane and speed past them. Today was one of those days where many small annoyances have led to you being aggressive on the road. This isn’t how you usually drive. So why was today different? <h2>Aren’t holidays supposed to be relaxing?</h2> Holiday driving may look a lot different to your usual commute. It may involve driving longer distances, or involve more frequent driving with more passengers than usual in the car. Holiday driving comes with <a href="https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/road_deaths_australia_monthly_bulletins">increased risk</a> (road deaths tend to spike during the holidays). That’s why news bulletins often carry the latest “road toll” figures around public holidays. But whether you drive differently to normal comes down to the value you place on your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-4575(03)00037-X">time</a>, rather than when you drive. If you are in a rush, your time becomes more precious because you have less of it. If something, or someone, infringes on that time, you may become frustrated and aggressive. This is basic human psychology. You can get angry when someone gets in the way of what you are trying to achieve. You get angrier when you think they are acting <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.106.1.59">unfairly or inappropriately</a>. Usually before you respond, you evaluate what has happened, asking who is at fault and if they could have done things differently. But when you are driving, you have less time and resources to make detailed evaluations. Instead, you make quick judgements of the situation and how best to deal with it. These judgements can be based on how you are <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.81.1.146">feeling</a> at the time. If you are frustrated before getting in the car, you are likely to be easily frustrated while driving, blame other drivers more for your circumstances, and express this through aggressive driving. Tailgating and speeding <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(01)00063-8">are examples</a> of this aggression. A driver frustrated by the perception that someone is driving too slowly, or in the wrong lane, might speed past the offending driver, and maintain this speed for some time <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2010.551184">after the event</a>. Aggressive tailgating may be seen as reprimanding the driver for their perceived slow speeds, or to encourage them to move out of the way. The problem is, when you are angry, you underestimate the risk of these behaviours, while <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.81.1.146">over-estimating</a> how much control you have of the situation. It’s not worth the risk. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1513271113">study of real-world driving</a> shows both tailgating and speeding increase the odds of being in a crash more than if driving while holding or dialling a mobile phone. Drivers who are tailgating or speeding have a 13 to 14-fold increase in odds of being in a crash, compared to when they are driving more safely. <h2>Here’s what you can do</h2> One way to stay safe on the roads these holidays is to recognise the situations that may lead to your own dangerous behaviours. The Monash University Accident Research Centre has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2022.07.011">developed a program</a> to help drivers reduce their aggressive driving. This helps drivers develop their own strategies to stay calm while driving, recognising that one strategy is unlikely to suit every driver. Almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437522000998?via%3Dihub">developed</a> four types of tips to remain calm while driving: <ol> <li> before driving: tips include better journey planning, allowing enough time for the trip and recognising how you are feeling before you get in the car </li> <li> while driving: this includes travelling in the left lane to avoid slow drivers in the right lane, or pulling over when feeling angry </li> <li> in your vehicle: such as deep breathing or listening to music </li> <li> ‘rethinking’ the situation: acknowledge that in some situations, the only thing you can change is how you think about it. For example, ask yourself is it worth the risk? Or personalise the other driver. What if that was your loved one in the car in front? </li> </ol> Four months after completing the program, drivers reported less anger and aggression while driving than before the program. The strategies that worked best for these drivers were listening to music, focusing on staying calm and rethinking the problem. A favourite rethink was a 5x5x5 strategy. This involved asking yourself whether the cause of your anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days. If it is unlikely to matter after this time, it is best to let go. The holidays are meant to be relaxing and joyous. Let’s not jeopardise that through reactions to other drivers. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-people-tailgate-a-psychologist-explains-whats-behind-this-common-and-annoying-driving-habit-193462" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Travel Tips

6 fixes for the most annoying beauty issues

When beauty blunders pop up – think flat hair, pigmentation issues or yellow teeth – it’s likely that your first instinct is to try to get a handle on the issue immediately. Taking matters into your own hands can be quite effective – but only if you know how to do it correctly. Here we tell you exactly what to do. The issue: Smudged lipstick The fix: The reason for smudged lipstick usually stems from your lips being dry or flakey before you apply your lippie. You need an ideal surface to start with. So, how do you get one? First, grab your toothbrush and lightly rub it over your lips to gently exfoliate any flakes. Then, apply a thin layer of hydrating primer – the one you use on your face will do the trick – to remove moisture and flatten fine lines so the surface of your lips is smooth and ready for colour. Fill in your lips with liner in the same shade as your lipstick, and dab on a couple thin coats of your lipstick. Finally, set your look by blotting lightly with a tissue and using a large make-up brush to lightly dust a thin layer of powder over your lips. The issue: Flat hair The fix: Whether you have thick or thin hair, at one point or another I am sure we can all say we’ve suffered from hair that just doesn’t sit how you want to it too. Furthermore, a do that just looks lifeless. If flat hair is a concern for you, you’ll want to try a root-lifting blow-drying trick. First, work a palm full of mousse from your roots through to the ends, then flip your head over and dry your hair upside down and away from the scalp. Hair should be slightly damp before you flip it back up. Voila, volume! The issue: Hair breakage The fix: Try as you might to care for your hair with the right products and washing it every two days or so, there are some other factors that can wreak havoc to your locks – like hair breakage. To avoid this, there are a few things you can do. For instance, after a shower, gently squeeze and blot the hair (rather than rubbing) with an old cotton T-shirt instead of a towel. It'll still soak up excess moisture, but won't cause breakage. When its time to comb, remember this: Being rough can cause the cuticle of the hair to fray, exposing the fragile inner shaft and making it more likely to snap. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb, working your way up from the end of your hair, using the least amount of strokes as possible. And if you like to tie your hair back, use a gentle tie, like a smooth, all-fabric one. The pressure of a super-tight band around a ponytail can wear away at your hair’s cuticle and cause the strands to break. The issue: Fading hair color The fix: If you splash out and get your hair colour done at the salon, chances are you’ll want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Annoyingly, there are some factors that are out of your control. For instance, the water that comes out of your showerhead often contains minerals like copper and chemicals like chlorine that can alter your hair’s hue. Some people like to have a purifying showerhead filter installed. Failing that, use an at-home glaze or gloss like John Frieda's Colour Refreshing Gloss to add high-wattage shine and boost the hue, like a topcoat does for nail polish. The Issue: Brown spots The fix: Skin pigmentation is an extremely pesky beauty concerns. And getting rid of brown spots entirely is a long-term project that calls for diligent use of brightening products. But if you're looking for quick a fix, artfully applied make-up is your best option. First, dab concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation onto the spot with a concealer brush, then follow with a dot of foundation that exactly matches your skin tone, and blend it well for a seamless look. The issue: Yellow teeth The fix: Luckily, booking in for teeth whitening with your dentist isn’t your only option when it comes to teeth whitening. Brushing with a paste made of baking soda and water a few times a month removes superficial staining and whitens teeth by a shade or two. Just don't do it more frequently than that, as baking soda is too abrasive for your everyday brush. For an immediate fix, lipsticks with blue undertones can also make teeth appear brighter. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

8 things flight attendants hate

Being trapped inside an aircraft cabin really seems to bring out the worst in people. And the cabin crew has to deal with it all day, every day. Here are eight things passengers do that flight attendants hate. 1. Just because they serve your meal and bring you a drink, that doesn’t mean that flight attendants are waiters. Above all, they are there for your safety, not for your snacks so don’t treat them as your personal servers. Respect the job they have to do and listen to their instructions. 2. Flight attendants are very busy right before take off, from getting all passengers seated to performing final safety checks. So don’t sit down as ask for a drink or another blanket straight away. Wait until you’re safely in the air before making any requests. 3. It’s one thing to get up and stretch your legs, but the cabin crew really wants you to stay in your seat as much as possible. Passengers standing in the aisles or congregating around the alley make it very hard for them to do their job – and you’ll probably annoy other passengers to boot. 4. A clean plane makes for a more pleasant flight for everyone, so make an effort to throw your rubbish out when the crew come through the cabin with garbage bags. That said, don’t try to thrust rubbish at an attendant while they are doing something else – simple hygiene rules are in place to keep your waste separate. This is especially true for things like dirty tissues, toothpicks or nappies. 5. Yes, the entertainment options onboard most planes now are great but that’s no excuse for leaving your headphones on when the crew come to ask you for your meal or drink preference. It only takes a moment to slip them off, make eye contact and answer politely. Good manners go a long way. 6. When nature calls, you have to answer – but try to do so considerately. Don’t get up to use the bathroom when the meal or beverage service is in progress or right before you’re about to land. It’s almost impossible to get through the aisle at those times and it means holding everyone up. 7. You might be there for almost 24 hours, but the plane is not your home so don’t make yourself too comfortable. That means no cutting your nails (fingers or toes), walking around barefoot (which is just gross for everyone) or attending to any other personal hygiene matters. The other passengers will thank you as well. 8. And under no circumstances should you whistle, snap your fingers or tug at their uniform to get the attention of an attendant. How would you like it if someone in your office did that to you? A simple “excuse me” works every time. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

How flight attendants deal with super annoying passengers

A flight attendant has revealed the sneaky way he annoys difficult passengers on his flight that he doesn’t like. Former cabin crew member James revealed that the main thing he would do to avoid talking to irritating passengers is hold a sick bag. He told KIIS FM’s <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/furious-kyle-storms-out-after-onair-fight-with-jackie-o/news-story/511e0ac37bf9aaaf180e39409883d778">Kyle & Jackie O</a>, “Every time I used to go from one end of the plane to the other to eat my lunch, someone would always ask me something.” “So I used to put a can of coke in a sick bag, put a rubber glove on, and walk through the cabin so it looked like I am holding vomit – no one would ask me for anything.” He would also flat out lie to passengers he didn’t like, saying he would be back to help them with a request… and then never return. He said, “If a flight attendant ever says to you, ‘I’ll be right back,’ we don’t like you.” Another former flight attendant, who runs the Passenger Shaming Instagram account, said that she would often put more ice in drinks for people who annoyed her. In an interview with Yahoo, she said that she would “take a cup and scoop in a lot of ice, and when I pour the soda or juice in, there’s, like, two tablespoons.” This watered down cocktail is what she calls “The ‘A***hole Special”, and it’s one that she thinks other flight attendants make as well as a sneaky way to combat difficult passengers. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Readers respond: As you get older, what's something that becomes increasingly annoying?

We asked our readers what is one thing that gets increasingly annoying with age, and the response was overwhelming.From bad manners and respect issues, to general ailments and the state of the world, here's what grinds your gears as you age. Barbara Carroll - Having lunch with friends when families with small children let them run around and others sit smiling while the children scream.What makes them think we want to listen to them? Just take them home until they can behave.Aileen May - People who, when I tell them I am hard of hearing and ask them please to speak slowly and clearly, get annoyed and gabble more quickly, but very loudly. Grrrr.Glenda Crowley - That l am constantly tired so easily when l once had heaps of get up and go.Sue Jaynes - Knocking down our beautiful original bungalows and replacing them with 2 or more soulless, common-looking boxes (houses), with no room for their cars or yards for their kids. Jodie Barras - My lack of energy. I could tackle the world, but get very tired now.Lucy Dix - People who know you are deaf but speak behind your back and then get annoyed because you ask them to repeat themselves!Josephine Johnston - Self serve checkouts!! Hate them!Kath Hughes - Affected and inauthentic speaking voices on TV and radio. It seems that if somebody is unfortunate enough to have poor diction, phoney accent and an unpleasant timbre to their voice, they’ve got a gig as a commentator or reporter.Jennie Rennie - The only thing I can think of that annoys me as I get older is people complaining when they have so many wonderful advantages in their life that younger people don't.Also people who prefer to complain rather than comment on positive things and show gratitude and compassion for others.Vicki Mundy - Celebrates who think they are experts on everything.They should stick to entertainment.Jan Burt - People who only do text messages, what happened to a human voice on the end of the line?Julia Metcalfe - Having to take off my glasses off and on hundred times a day.Christine Bache - Being addressed by my christian name, by people on the phone who have never met me. Especially if they're trying to sell something.David Birkett - People in general. Matthew Welsh - To me the most annoying thing is missing conversations,I know I'm half deaf, frustrating for all.Lesley Jemesen - Bad grammar! I can understand the odd slip up when speaking but not when it is written.Jack Robertson - Walking into the shed too get something & when I get there, not remembering what it was.Garda Cummins Ne Kroes - Not being able to speak directly to people in business any more. Press 1 for this 2 for this etc then put your password and user number in then being put on on hold for ever.Jan Bradley - Everything being online, not all older people either don’t have a computer or if they do are not up with the technology.Lee Blanchard - Grumpy old people who can't see the fun side of things.Les Eather - When the neighbours play music loud and it’s lousy music I can’t dance to.Jennifer Pearen - When I forget to put another bottle of wine in the fridge to chill for 5pm.Image credits: Getty Images

Retirement Life

Annoying things movies always get wrong about real life

Meals and how human beings eat them If screenwriters write what they know, then they all must have the luxury of time to eat a full breakfast buffet every morning. Film characters have no problem sitting down to a table of eggs, toast, pancakes and orange juice on a regular Tuesday morning, while real-life moviegoers settle for a muesli bar to-go. But don’t expect them to eat the whole spread. It doesn’t matter if they eat at home or at a restaurant; no one finishes an entire meal in the movies. At best, they get a few bites in before being called away to some emergency. Perhaps industry execs think audiences would be bored watching characters eat a full meal like normal people. But I want to see Ryan Reynolds finishing off a plate of spaghetti, dang it!Normal work lifeIf a scene takes place in someone’s office, work is rarely being done. The characters are planning pranks, planning to quit, planning to take over the company, planning how to get their work done – but they’re never actually doing their jobs. And this trait isn’t just found in movies. How Ross, Rachel, and company could spend so much time at Central Perk without getting fired, I’ll never know.Addressing other peopleHow often do you say someone’s name during a conversation? Possibly once at the beginning when you greet each other and maybe once at the end, right? You may just make eye contact, start talking, and then say, “Alright, see ya.” But if you’re talking to Ashley in a movie, you need to let Ashley know that you’re here for her if she ever needs anything, Ashley, and that she is going to survive this breakup because you know what, Ashley? She is one tough cookie, Ashley is, and her friends love her, Ashley. OK? OK. Bye, Ashley.People reacting to explosionsAh yes, the cinematic staple of every action-packed blockbuster that gets stolen by every action-packed wannabe. Film stars dramatically walk away as an explosion bursts forth behind them, and they carry on without so much as turning around to see what damage has been done. They don’t care whether they’re about to be hit by flying debris. They don’t fall down from the shock waves. It’s not how any normal person would react. But dang, does it look cool.Women's hair in action moviesEvery woman shares the common struggle of trying to keep her hair in place. We use bobby pins, hair clips and hairspray, but even then, there’s always that one strand that pops back up. And that’s all before we leave the house. Yet when Scarlett Johansson or any other female action hero gets caught in an intense combat with the bad guys, she walks away with not only a win, but her perfect, in-place hair. It’s just not fair.Women running in heelsThe same strong female leads can, and do, perform all of their heroic stunts in heels because, well, I’m not really sure. Even in scenes where hordes of people are running away from a disaster, odds are the women are in heels because women wear them exclusively. Of course, the coup de grâce for female viewers is watching a stone-faced woman run away from an explosion in heels without looking behind her as her perfect hair blows in the wind.Air ventsBack in the day, one screenwriter decided that a character needed to make a getaway. The doors and windows weren’t options, so the only available exit was an air vent. And so began the trend of making characters wiggle through air vents as an alternate means of moving between locations, even though real air vent openings are about the size of a toddler. And they would definitely collapse under a grown person’s weight.What people watch on TVWhen film characters watch TV, they are almost always watching the news, because the news anchor is making some revelation about the zombie apocalypse or a murderer on the loose or whatever catastrophe is advancing the plot. Why can’t they just turn on Spongebob Squarepants and unwind for a change?New York CityMany films, including the majority of all rom coms ever made, are set in the Big Apple – but not the real one. Actual New York City apartments are about half the size of the ones you see on screen. Green scaffolding covers most buildings, while the film industry’s alternate NYC has conveniently gotten rid of this eyesore. And real New Yorkers rarely talk or interact with their neighbours, much less turn to them for sage advice or a cleverly written punchline.Ordering drinksIf I walked into a bar and said, “I’ll have a beer,” the bartender would lean forward slightly, raise his eyebrow, and wait for me to specify which of the many beers on tap I want. In the movies, you can order “a beer” and the bartender will give you your brew of choice without asking any follow-up questions, even if you’ve never met. Granted, if film characters were to use actual brands of beer, the studio could get hit with a defamation lawsuit, HuffPost explains, but the least characters could do is order a lager or pale ale instead of “a beer.”SchoolTeachers have an excellent time perception. They meticulously plan out how much material they can fit into one class period and adjust those estimates as necessary. In fact, that’s their job. So it’s unclear why the film industry has the impression that professors are always cut off by the bell right in the middle of their lectures. Then, to make things even more confusing, the profs shout that day’s assignments to their students, who are obviously not paying attention and most likely already out the door. If school were like that in real life, graduation rates would decrease significantly.Image credits: Getty ImagesThis article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/annoying-things-movies-always-get-wrong-about-real-life?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Movies

REVEALED: The most annoying accents in the world

The results you didn’t know you needed are in, with a global survey revealing which accents are considered the most appealing and most annoying to men and women. 300 men and women were asked by The Knowledge Academy to listen to five minutes of the same script recorded by English-speakers. The researchers were able to determine which accents were preferred or disliked based off how long each participant were able to listen to the audio before they turned it off. Whether it comes as a surprise to you or not, American accents were deemed the most annoying by men and women with men turning the recording off after just one minute and 26 seconds and women choosing to switch off after one minute and 17 seconds. Irish accents were interestingly enough voted the most appealing among women, with the female participants choosing to listen for four minutes and 30 seconds. Men however preferred a Scottish accent by choosing to listen for around four minutes and 35 seconds. Women ruled South African accents as the second most annoying, with an average of one minute and 44 seconds listening time. Canadian accents among men came second with a listening time of one minute and 42 seconds. Women seemed to find Kiwi accents annoying as well, landing third with a listening time of two minutes and seven seconds. Wales come in at second place on the most annoying. Unfortunately, it seems the world does not deem Australian accents as appealing as we may have though, coming fourth on the women's list. The results are as follows: Most Annoying Women's English Accents <ol> <li>USA – one minute and 26 seconds</li> <li>South Africa –one minute and 44 seconds</li> <li>New Zealand – two minutes and seven seconds</li> <li>Australia – two minutes and 29 seconds</li> <li>Wales – two minutes and 44 seconds</li> <li>England – two minutes and 56 seconds</li> <li>Canada – three minutes and 12 seconds</li> <li>Scotland – three minutes and 38 seconds</li> <li>Northern Ireland – four minutes and two seconds</li> <li>Ireland – four minutes, 32 seconds</li> </ol> Most Annoying Men's English Accents <ol> <li>USA – one minute and 17 seconds</li> <li>Canada – one minute and 42 seconds</li> <li>Wales – two minutes and 11 seconds</li> <li>South Africa – two minutes and 27 seconds</li> <li>Northern Ireland – two minutes and 43 seconds</li> <li>England – two minutes and 51 seconds</li> <li>New Zealand – three minutes and 15 seconds</li> <li>Australia – three minutes and 34 seconds</li> <li>Ireland – four minutes and 27 seconds</li> <li>Scotland – 4 minutes, 35 seconds</li> </ol>

Cruising

7 annoying habits and the fascinating scientific reasons for them

Why does your co-worker constantly clear her throat? What's behind your best friend's Facebook oversharing? Science has the answers to these annoying habits. 1. Constantly clearing throat Ahem, ahem! Someone who constantly clears his or her throat could have a nose and sinuses problem, called chronic rhinitis, which results in excessive mucus production. It occurs when an irritant (typically allergies) inflames the membrane in the upper respiratory tract. People with year-round allergies, like house dust mites, may have a constant build-up of mucus in their throat, which leads to that non-stop clearing. It can usually be treated with a few weeks of a strong anti-allergy medication. Another potential cause: acid reflux. When acid passes from the stomach upward into the esophagus, the throat swells. Mucus sticks to the swollen tissues, causing hoarseness and a cough. If over-the-counter heartburn medications don't resolve the issue, a doctor may be able to prescribe stronger treatment. 2. Always saying, "you know" or "like" There's always, like, one not-so-brilliant movie character who talks this way, you know? Don't write off their intelligence: Research suggests that those who often say "like" and "you know" may be especially thoughtful. In a study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology, researchers examined more than 260 transcriptions of normal conversations. They discovered people who used these "filler words" tend to be more conscientious than people who don't. Researchers say discourse markers imply a desire to thoughtfully share opinions with others, and may give someone more time to phrase something just right. 3. Oversharing on Facebook A minute into checking social media, you find out your high school lab partner is potty training her 6-week-old Labradoodle puppy ... unsuccessfully. You may roll your eyes when you get too much detail, but these oversharers reap a neurological reward when they spill their TMI news. Harvard researchers used an MRI machine to track 212 participants' brain activity as they answered questions about their own opinions or others' opinions. Researchers found that talking about oneself activates brain regions associated with reward (the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area). Only about 60 percent of real-life conversations typically revolve around an individual's personal thoughts and stories, compared to 80 percent of social media communication. 4. Biting nails Distracted by a pal who just can't sit still? Perfectionism may be an underlying cause of nail biting, skin picking, or eyelash pulling, according to a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. Researchers asked 48 participants questions about how often they experienced certain emotions, including boredom, anger, and anxiety, and put them in situations meant to trigger feelings such as boredom or relaxation. People with fidgety habits reported greater urges to pick at themselves when bored compared to when in relaxing scenarios. Researchers say perfectionists are more likely than others to become bored easily, and that behaviors like picking at nails deliver a form of reward in unsatisfying situations. 5. Complaining about ailments It may be tiresome to comfort a hypochondriac (they have a sore stomach on Monday, a swollen lymph node on Tuesday, an achy back on Wednesday) but your pal could truly believe these abnormalities are serious. This condition may be a sign of what medical experts call illness anxiety disorder (IAD), which involves excessive worry about contracting a serious illness even when no (or only mild) symptoms are present. Even doctors usually cannot calm an affected person's fears. Though it's uncertain what causes IAD, people with major life stress, a history of childhood abuse, or another mental disorder such as depression are at higher risk. The disorder typically appears between the ages of 25 to 35; therapy and certain antidepressant or antianxiety medications may help treat IAD. 6. An ear-shattering sneeze Know someone with a trumpeting sneeze? Blame their anatomy. Irritants, such as bright light or an allergen, stimulate the nasal cavity's trigeminal nerve and trigger a coordinated reflex from the diaphragm to the brain. Many different muscles are involved in building the pressure needed to expel the irritant via a sneeze. Individual differences in anatomy such as abdominal strength, trachea size, and lung volume may cause some sneezers to be especially loud; others may naturally use more muscles in sneezing. Suspect this is you? When you feel a sneeze coming, put your index finger at the base of your nose and slightly push up. This will reduce the severity of a sneeze, or perhaps even completely suppress it. 7. Aggressive driving Road ragers may be prone to making themselves highly visible in other ways, too. In a Colorado State University study, researchers found that drivers of cars with window decals, personalized license plates, and bumper stickers are far more likely that those without personalized cars to use their vehicles to express rage, such as by tailgating or honking. Researchers say both road rage and car markers are signs of territorialism, and that the more markers a car has, the more aggressively someone drives when provoked. The effect remained whether the messages were, for example, "Visualize World Peace," or "My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student." Territorial people see a car as an extension of themselves, and have a difficult time viewing public property differently from private property ("our road" is "my road" in their minds.) Written by Kelsey Kloss. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/think-your-sex-life-over-after-40-hardly">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V"></a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Caring

Hilarious infographic of annoying passenger flying habits

An infographic derived from the answers of 5,000 travellers has revealed what habits make for the most annoying passengers in flight. Of the thousands polled, nearly 60 per cent answered “people that smell,” followed by seat kickers with 54 per cent. See the full infographic below. <img width="500" height="3010" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10492/2de72df400000578-3294767-image-a-1_1446110981272_500x3010.jpg" alt="2DE72DF400000578-3294767-image -a -1_1446110981272" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2015/10/travel-fails/">15 fails we’re all guilty of when travelling</a> <a href="/travel/international-travel/2015/09/best-places-in-world-for-weather/">5 places in the world that have the best weather</a> <a href="/travel/international-travel/2015/10/indonesia-little-know-islands/">Beyond Bali: Indonesia’s other islands</a>

Travel Tips

Nice gestures that actually annoy people

Being polite is great, but apparently some people can be a little too nice. A thread on a popular forum Reddit has put together a collection of “nice” gestures that actually annoy people. You’ll be surprised how these gestures are interpreted: 1. “Giving me the right of way when driving if they actually have the right of way.” - OzTheMalefic 2. “Seeing me eating alone and insisting that I need company. No, I don’t need company; not everyone needs company at a meal. Leave me alone.” - Ms_DragonCat 3. “When the worker at Subway spends five minutes making my sandwich and then thanks me. Always makes me feel bad.” - RekNepZ 4. “Holding the door for someone who is not within 3-4 steps of the same door. I feel obligated to rush since they are holding it. Please stop doing this.” - SeeDeeLow69 5. “Please don’t offer me condolences because I have a disability. Though I often get frustrated by it, i’m not sad about it and you don’t have to be either.” - blindjo 6. “Slow down or stop for me to cross the street when I would rather they went ahead. Not nice to have someone waiting on you, and the car goes a heck-of-a-lot faster!” - CrabWoodsman 7. “I hate it when store employees ask a million times if they can help me find anything. Just let me shop in peace!” - tjenks13 8. “Someone 20 years younger than me calling me sweetheart or honey. They mean well, but it’s very condescending.” - kmodisette Have you ever faced any of these gestures?

Relationships

This annoying computer program is about to be scrapped

Adobe is planning to remove its Flash Media Player by the end of 2020, the company announced in a blog post on Tuesday. Adobe Flash Player is still being used by a number of gaming, education, and video sites, but the company is encouraging businesses and people that use Flash to migrate to other platforms. <img src="http://cdn.arn.com.au/media/8340179/flashupdate.jpg?width=500&height=315.4435925520263" alt="undefined" style="width: 354px; height: 223px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Say goodbye to annoying update messages like this. “We will stop updating and distributing the Flash Player at the end of 2020 and encourage content creators to migrate any existing Flash content to these new open formats,” Adobe said in a statement. In the past few years, web browsers Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari have all blocked Flash ad used HTML5 instead. Adobe Flash was crucial in enabling early websites to run videos and online games. But as the web has evolved and improved, there's little need for Flash now. The full migration to HTML5 will likely result in more secure experiences and longer battery life.

Technology

Selfish person takes the crown for most annoying passenger

We all have our fair share of horror travel stories but one plane passenger has experienced quite a gross ordeal. San Francisco woman Jessie Char was excited to discover there were two empty seats next to her on her JetBlue flight. However, her luck quickly took a turn for the worst when two swollen feet appeared from the row behind and rested on the vacant armrests beside Jessie. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today, I flew on the set of a nightmare. <a href="https://t.co/PNI4KmQvTG">pic.twitter.com/PNI4KmQvTG</a> — Jessie Char (@jessiechar) <a href="https://twitter.com/jessiechar/status/887541422336876544">July 19, 2017</a></blockquote> Jessie chronicled the incident on Twitter to share with others the pain she was going through on her flight. The passenger’s thoughtless behaviour got even worse when Jessie claimed the foot reached over to open a window. Jessie tweeted, “The left foot reached over and opened a window.” Have you experienced selfish behaviour by a fellow passenger on a flight? Let us know in the comments below.

International Travel

Most annoying things our fellow travellers do

Whether it’s being constantly late or expecting everyone to speak English, there are some travel habits that bring out travel rage in everyone. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most annoying things our fellow travellers do. To see them, scroll through the gallery above. What do you think of the list? What’s the most annoying behaviour you’ve witnessed from another traveller?

Travel Tips

5 foods you shouldn’t eat on a plane

Airplane food is definitely not the nicest part about travelling. Due to the reputation it has built up over the years, many passengers now prefer to bring their own meals and snacks with them on their flight. A yoghurt, fruit or even a sandwich is great in-flight snack but <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-03-17/5-things-you-should-never-eat-on-a-plane?mbid=social_facebook" target="_blank">Conde Nast Traveler</a> have made a list of the foods that passengers shouldn’t bring on their flight. 1. Cheetos "The crunch is incessant, and it’s like there are a thousand garage doors closing right by my eardrum. And while licking your fingers clean and placing them on our shared armrest is one way to mark your territory, it’s also making me nauseous. Cheetos are for the couch, not Coach." —Sebastian Modak 2. Nicoise salad "This comes from personal experience—I had just boarded a flight when the woman sitting next to me pulled out a Nicoise salad, which she somehow found at LaGuardia. How? No idea. The only options are Auntie Anne's pretzels, Au Bon Pain, and those packaged turkey sandwich fridges. But boy, did she go to town on that salad (before takeoff, mind you), and every smell assaulted my already queasy stomach: tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, and a vinaigrette that made everything extra unctuous and un-delicious. I still feel queasy thinking about it." —Laura Dannen Redman 3. Fast food "If you want to down McDonald's before the flight, no judgment. But once, on a red-eye to London, a guy sat next to me with a bag of burgers and fries, which he held onto for three hours before opening. The smell lingered for the entire flight, both in the air and off of him. Grease sticks; there's not enough hand sanitizer in the world to mask it." —Caitlin Moscatello 4. Chewing gum "I have no problem with gum on planes in theory—ear popping is real, and it’s a scourge. But what I hate is bad gum etiquette. There is nothing more disgusting than opening up your tray table and realizing that you can’t because someone mistook it for a sidewalk and now it’s fused to the back of the chair. Use the barf bags for your gum disposal, people. That’s why they exist. Well, except for that other thing." —Lilit Marcus 5. Peanut butter sandwich "It might be tasty, and it might be convenient, but way too many people have peanut allergies these days, and it's not worth the risk of making someone else feel less-than-stellar. The TSA prohibits any peanut butter more than 3.4 ounces, anyway, which is hardly even worth it. In fact, skip the peanuts altogether." —Katherine LaGrave What foods do you hate eating on flights? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel Tips

Bad airplane behaviours that annoys travellers most

What's more annoying when you're on a plane: someone kicking your seat, a screaming child or bad smells? From in-flight yoga to armrest hoggers, there are a lot of things that can frustrate us on flights. However, the number one pet peeve among flyers has been revealed: rear-seat kicking. For the third year in a row, persistent seat kickers have been blasted in an annual survey by travel company Expedia. Sixty-four per cent of travellers say that kicking is the biggest annoyance while inconsiderate parents who let their children run wild came in second with 59 per cent. The survey of 1000 US passengers also found that sitting next to smelly people – be it body odour or strong perfume – also ranked high in the list of irritations. Meanwhile, 35 per cent of people grumbled about passengers who recline their seats fully, with 37 per cent of travellers saying they would ban reclining seats if they had the choice. "The Airplane Etiquette study shows that small acts of decorum can go a long way," John Morrey, vice president and general manager for Expedia.com said. "After all, as it relates to flights, we are quite literally all in this together." Onboard etiquette violators 1. The Rear Seat Kicker (cited by 64 per cent of respondents) 2. Inattentive Parents (59 per cent) 3. The Aromatic Passenger (55 per cent) 4. The Audio Insensitive (49 per cent) 5. The Boozer (49 per cent) 6. Chatty Cathy (40 per cent) 7. The Queue Jumper (35 per cent) 8. Seat-Back Guy (35 per cent) 9. The Armrest Hog (34 per cent) 10. Pungent Foodies (30 per cent) 11. The Undresser (28 per cent) 12. The Amorous (28 per cent) 13. The Mad Bladder (22 per cent) 14. The Single and Ready to Mingle (18 per cent) What’s your biggest pet peeve on a plane? Share in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2017/01/passengers-should-be-weighed-for-flights-according-to-fellow-flyers/">Passengers should be weighed for flights, according to fellow flyers</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2017/01/snake-on-a-plane-grounds-emirates-flight/">Snake on a plane grounds Emirates flight</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2017/01/why-passengers-always-board-planes-from-the-left-side/">Why passengers always board planes from the left side</a>

Travel Tips

10 of the most annoying things on a flight

Flying can be stressful at times, particularly if you’re not being mindful of your surroundings. Here are 10 things you might be doing that are annoying everyone else on your flight. Because the last thing you want to be in at 40,000 feet is an argument. 1. Eating pungent food Tuna might be a great sandwich filler, but in a cramped flight cabin it’s the last thing you want to be smelling. Avoid pungent food and your neighbours will be forever grateful. 2. Walking around barefoot The cabin crew might encourage you to feel at home, but the passengers around you mightn’t be so obliging. Also, the floors are covered will all kind of nasty germs! 3. Being too chatting to your neighbour This is a fine line. While it’s nice to be friendly with people around you, it’s generally not a great idea to talk their ear off as people appreciate their own space. 4. Taking up too much overhead There’s roughly enough space for every passenger on a plane to have a bag in the overhead compartment, but some people have a bad habit of taking liberties. 5. Being rude to your flight attendant This just isn’t on, and if it seems like they’re taking a little while to attend to your request it might just be because they have a lot on their plate. Take a deep breath. 6. Not sharing aisle space Not only will this make life harder for the other passengers on your flight, it will also make life infinitely more annoying for the flight attendants. 7. Drinking too much alcohol There’s a fine line between the passenger who’s having a couple of drinks to calm their nerves and the passenger who’s turning the inflight service into a schoolies trip. 8. Hogging the armrests While you shouldn’t back down if someone is encroaching on your space, it’s important to never hog the armrests otherwise you’ll have another passenger scorned. 9. Clicking your fingers to get someone’s attention There’s really no excuse for this, unless it’s your first time out in public. 10. Trying to beat the crowd out of the aircraft And this is perhaps the most annoying one! When the plane lands and the seatbelt sign is off everyone gets up at the one time it’s a recipe for chaos. Instead be patient and wait until it’s your turn to get up from the plane and retrieve your bags. Are you guilty of any of these flight faux pas? What’s the thing that annoys you most when you’re travelling through the air? Let us know in the comments. Related links: <a href="/travel/travel/2016/08/7-tips-to-keep-belongings-safe-on-a-flight/">7 tips to keep belongings safe on a flight</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/healthy-snacks-you-can-actually-take-on-a-plane/">6 healthy snacks you can actually take on a plane</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/ways-to-win-over-your-flight-attendant/">4 clever ways to win over your flight attendant</a>

Travel Tips

Naughty monkey won’t stop annoying cat

In a video that siblings will be all too familiar with, a naughty monkey has been captured on camera “taunting” his cat companion. Climbing over, swinging past and pinching the cat, the cheeky monkey certainly knows how to cause mischief. But in the end it’s the cat who gets the last laugh! Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/do-our-pets-dream/">Do our pets dream?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/05/dr-chris-brown-secrets-to-dealing-with-allergies-to-pets/">The secret to dealing with pet allergies</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/05/reasons-your-dogs-health-is-as-important-as-your-own/">6 reasons your dog’s health is just as important as your own</a>

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