The Science Behind When You’re Too Old To Be A Runner

Posted on 03/01/2026 by Boris Clair

Every New Year, many of us make the resolution to take up exercising more often and what could be more accessible to us than running. Simply throw on some trainers and go, right?

Then the year goes by, the resolution slowly goes down the drain and uh, maybe next year will be the time that we’re running 10k’s and eyeing up the London Marathon ballot.

However, is there an age when we’re simply too old to be trying to take up this sport? Isn’t it going to be rougher on our knees as we age?

Isn’t running bad for the knees?

Writing for The Conversation, Hunter Bennett, a Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia argues that actually, running could help our knees as we age.

One way to think of this is to not think of our body as something that decays over time. Bennett explains: “Your body isn’t simply a pile of bones and cartilage that gets worn down with every step. It is a living dynamic system that grows and adapts in response to the loads that are placed upon it.”

With this in mind, he says that the more we use our knees, the more benefits we’ll experience.

He says: “Your knee joint is incredibly strong and designed to move. The cartilage inside your knee is a strong, flexible, connective tissue that cushions and protects the bones of your knee joint.

“There is good evidence to show when someone’s load is removed – for example, during prolonged bed rest or immobilisation – their bone and cartilage begins to deteriorate.”

This makes perfect sense.

So, when are we too old for running?

Bennett says: “Unfortunately (at least to my knowledge) there is no strong evidence examining what happens when you pick up running later in life. However, other lines of research do suggest it is likely safe and effective.

“A 2020 study demonstrated that older adults (65 years and older) who start high intensity jump training (known as “plyometric” training) not only see improvements in strength and function, but also find it safe and enjoyable.”

He went on to explain that these types of training lead to higher joint loads than running, giving us a fair indication that running later in life is safe.

How to get started with running

Bennett advises: “Like any type of exercise, your muscles and joints need time to adapt to the new load that is being placed upon them.

“With this in mind, it’s best to start with intervals where you walk for a short period, then jog for a short period. Then you can gradually increase your running distance over time, giving your body time to adapt.”

The NHS Couch to 5k plan is ideal for this.

You Might Be ‘Vaguebooking’ Without Even Realising. Here’s What It Says About You.

Posted on 02/01/2026 by Boris Clair

Celebrities always manage to keep us guessing. Remember when Justin Bieber posted about love and forgiveness, even if he didn’t deserve it? More recently, Britney Spears deleted her Instagram account after several concerning yet vague posts.

It’s not only celebrities who make cryptic posts on social media. A friend might share a photo with the caption, “People forget who was there for them”. Social media researchers call this practice vaguebooking.

“It’s when someone posts an intentionally vague message on social media that is designed to elicit questions or attention without fully divulging what’s wrong,” said Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and founder of Comprehend the Mind. “This behaviour is so common, but it’s not the healthiest way of communicating.”

If you come across these posts, you might wonder if you should respond or keep scrolling. Below, experts discuss the signs of vaguebooking, why people engage in this behaviour, and how to address it.

There are a few ways to recognise vaguebooking

People commonly share life updates on social media, from birthday celebrations to job losses. An example of vaguebooking is posting a picture of your dog with the caption “prayers needed”. By omitting information about your dog’s condition, you might be hoping for someone to ask what’s wrong.

Similar to sadfishing, vaguebooking involves attention-seeking, but it’s often low on detail and context. “These posts are highly ambiguous yet personal and often occur after a romantic breakup or friendship fallout,” said Jenny Woo, Harvard-trained emotional intelligence researcher and founder/CEO of Mind Brain Emotion.

The person who is vaguebooking may not be comfortable sharing the entire story. So, they’ll hint at a breakup by posting, “I’m done being taken for granted.” Or they’ll use inspirational language to hide an insult, such as “I’m cutting toxic people out of my life because I deserve better,” Woo said.

Often, these posts leave recipients wondering what happened and how they can help, said Sofie Roos, licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at Passionerad. For example, posting, “I will be away for some time, I need it,” could mean that the person is dealing with an illness or taking time to focus on a new business. You can’t tell unless you ask.

People vaguebook to avoid rejection

Sometimes, people vaguebook because they’re hoping to connect but are afraid of being judged or rejected. According to research, vaguebooking is associated with greater loneliness and participation in online gossip. “Those who are lower in emotional stability or higher in introversion may use vaguebooking to test who cares enough to ask, ‘Are you OK?’” Woo said.

People also vaguebook because they’re trying to reach a specific individual and believe they have no choice but to “triangulate an audience,” Hafeez explained. Triangulation involves bringing a third party into a conflict to ease the tension. In this case, they triangulate other social media users either to gain their support or provoke a reaction from the person who upset them.

Thais Gibson, founder of The Personal Development School, agreed, saying that vaguebooking might be a last resort when you or the post’s intended recipient isn’t willing to speak and resolve your disagreement. Although it’s not a healthy approach, vaguebooking allows you to express hurt feelings indirectly. And, as it turns out, your attachment style influences how you handle conflict.

If you've been on social media, you've likely come across a "vaguebooker" — or perhaps you're guilty of doing it yourself. — If you’ve been on social media, you’ve likely come across a “vaguebooker” — or perhaps you’re guilty of doing it yourself.

It also depends on your attachment style

You may have heard that there are four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant (dismissive avoidant), and disorganized (fearful avoidant). “Securely attached individuals are the least likely to vaguebook, because they’re the most equipped to handle conflict directly,” Gibson said. Although they tend to have unhealthy ways of dealing with conflict, people who are fearful avoidant (disorganized) aren’t as likely to turn to social media for support, she said.

Conversely, when anxiously attached individuals don’t receive validation from the person they’re fighting with, they’ll try to get it from other sources, including friends, family, or social media. “They’re looking for closeness and support, but find it difficult to ask for help,” Roos added.

“Surprisingly, dismissive avoidant (avoidant) is the second most likely attachment style to vaguebook,” Gibson said. Since they find it hard to be vulnerable, they often use passive-aggressive communication. For example, they might post a vengeful song about an ex or make philosophical-sounding comments, like “Whoever is meant to be with you will stay in your life.”

There’s another reason celebrities specifically vaguebook

“Some celebrities vaguebook to speak their truth without risking a media backlash,” Woo said. Perhaps, they’re expressing regret over something they’ve done or trying to take back control of a narrative that’s been distorted in their eyes. Since celebrities live under constant scrutiny, social media allows them to share while maintaining some level of privacy, Hafeez said.

Alternatively, they could be speaking to universal themes people can relate to, such as love, forgiveness, loss, and pain. “So, when they post in broad, spiritual, or poetic terms, they can be both vulnerable and seeking connection, without giving up the whole story,” Hafeez said.

“Other times celebrities may use cryptic posts strategically as emotional clickbait or a cliffhanger to sustain fan engagement and curiosity,” Woo said. Roos agreed, saying that celebrities may use vaguebooking to create a buzz and stay relevant.

There are tactful ways to respond to vaguebooking

It’s natural to be curious when you come across a cryptic post from someone in your network. “But resist the urge to respond immediately, at least publicly,” Hafeez said. “The post could be a cry for help or an internal monologue they don’t expect anyone to read, or something in between.”

Her advice concerning family and friends was to send them a private message, such as, “Hey, I saw your post, and I wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.” This is a non-intrusive way to validate them and give them space to share if they wish. People generally feel more supported when others communicate directly as opposed to commenting on a public thread, Gibson added.

“If it’s someone you’re not that close to, it’s OK to just read it and move on,” Hafeez said. “Not every post is an invitation to be involved or invested.” Roos agreed, saying that it’s all right not to respond, but if you suspect the post is about you, it’s best to reach out to them directly.

Approaching conflict head-on creates strong ties in relationships. Gibson suggested saying, “Hey, I get the sense that some of these posts are about me. I could be wrong, but I hope that you would talk to me directly so we can work through it.” Here, you’re setting a boundary that if there’s an issue, you want to address it one-on-one.

“If you’re the one who’s vaguebooking, it’s not that you’re doing something really bad,” Gibson said. “You are trying to feel seen, heard, and cared for. Those are all human needs.” Talking to a trusted individual, like a therapist, can help you find more direct and honest ways of expressing your needs besides airing them on social media.

What It Says About You If You Hate The New Year

Posted on 01/01/2026 by Boris Clair

I’ve always found “Auld Lang Syne” exceedingly depressing. It’s not meant to be cheery, it’s meant to be contemplative. A musical cue to encourage New Year’s Eve revellers to reflect on the year that’s coming to close before celebrating what’s to come ahead.

But I listen to it and just get sad, not reflective. (Same obviously goes for “Same Old Lang Syne,” Dan Fogelberg’s ballad about meeting his old lover in the grocery store in the frozen food section around the holidays, but that one’s meant to be a moper.)

As an adult, I realised that I found the whole new year – New Year’s Eve, that first week or so of January – a bummer. Maybe it’s feeling like I didn’t get enough done in the last year, or the outsized pressure to set new goals. (And it’s definitely sometimes that gnarly post-New Year’s Eve party hangover.)

Turns out, I’m not alone in not loving New Year’s.

“Lots of my clients express a feeling of low mood, motivation and sadness approaching the new year,” said Akua K. Boateng, a psychotherapist in Philadelphia. “I’d say about a quarter of my caseload feels it, so it’s prevalent.”

We frame the new year as a “fresh start,” but that can feel overwhelming, said Priya Tahim, a psychotherapist in Washington, D.C.

“People are encouraged to evaluate their lives, compare progress, and set big goals, often without acknowledging how exhausting the year may have been,” she explained. “That combination can naturally trigger sadness or self-doubt.”

What else is at play if you’ve got a case of New Year’s angst like me? Below, therapists like Tahim and Boateng unpack a few factors.

It can be a period of unkind self-evaluation

As another year comes to a close, we naturally turn inward and begin to take stock of our lives ― and we’re not always kind in our self-assessments.

“We live in a culture of vision boards, grind and constant comparison. It’s easy to feel like you are surrounded by reminders of what has not happened yet ― goals still out of reach, plans that changed and expectations that went unmet,” Boateng said.

“For high achievers, this time of year can become a tender trigger, inviting waves of self-doubt and harsh self-evaluation,” she added.

Perfectionism often shows up as anxious dread about the future and the pressure to have a clear direction, Boateng explained, especially when life feels uncertain or off-course.

“In those moments, it is common to quietly think, ‘I thought I’d be further along by now,’ and to wonder what to do next,” she said.

“For high achievers, this time of year can become a tender trigger, inviting waves of self-doubt and harsh self-evaluation,” said Akua K. Boateng, a psychotherapist in Philadelphia.

The new year can intensify awareness of time passing

For people with ageing parents, grandparents or other loved ones, the start of a new year can prompt reflection on how little time they may have left with them, said Rebecca Leslie, a psychologist and owner of Best Within You Therapy & Wellness practice in Atlanta, Georgia.

“This awareness can also bring up sadness, grief or even guilt about how the past year was spent,” she said. “It can also result in people thinking about whether enough time or presence was given to important relationships.”

If you love the holiday season, you’re probably sad that it’s coming to a close

Every year, my mom gets upset when the Christmas tree has to come down, and the local oldies station stops playing the Christmas music they’ve had programmed since Nov. 1.

That’s a common feeling, Leslie said.

“People may have taken time off work. The streets are filled with lights, and stores play cheerful songs,” she said. “With New Year’s comes the end of this season. It is back to reality. It is back to the typical routine. This shift can be similar to how some people start to feel sad on the last day of vacation. Even though they are still on vacation, they know the end is near.”

"With New Year’s comes the end of this season. It is back to reality," said Rebecca Leslie, a psychologist and owner of Best Within You Therapy & Wellness practice in Atlanta, Georgia. — “With New Year’s comes the end of this season. It is back to reality,” said Rebecca Leslie, a psychologist and owner of Best Within You Therapy & Wellness practice in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alternatively, you may be burnt out from the holidays

Emotional and physical burnout from the holidays is common come early January, too.

“Expecting big energy, optimism or transformation while still burned out can feel overwhelming rather than inspiring,” Tahim said.

If you’re already feeling alone, you may feel doubly that way around the holidays

We tend to associate New Year’s Eve with parties, closeness and celebration. But when there are no clear pathways to any of that – no invitations, no traditions, no “people” to be with – the night can quietly amplify feelings of disconnection or simply not being in the mood to celebrate at all, Boateng said.

“For many, social isolation is not just an occasional experience but an ongoing reality,” she said. “The ache of feeling alone, hungry for connection or longing for romance can feel especially hard when social media timelines are full of highlight reels that appear to show the abundance of joy, friendship and intimacy.”

January is also just a gloomy season

January is in the dead of winter – it’s cold, dark and gloomy – and that can easily affect your mood.

“Seasonal influences, like seasonal affective disorder, weaken our ability to bounce back from NYE emotional triggers and inner negative dialogue because we may not be going out as much,” Boateng said. “The winter blues are real and create a perfect environmental scenario for New Year’s blues.”

“For many, social isolation is not just an occasional experience but an ongoing reality,” Boateng said. “The ache of feeling alone, hungry for connection or longing for romance can feel especially hard when social media timelines are full of highlight reels that appear to show the abundance of joy, friendship and intimacy.”

How to deal if you get depressed every new year

Remember: January isn’t a diagnostic tool or a moral scorecard. We may trump it, but at the end of the day (or year, as it were), it’s just a month. If New Year’s feels activating, try to get back in your body, Tahim said. Pause the self-judgment and focus on regulation first: sleep, routines and emotional containment.

“Sustainable change comes from realistic, values-based goals, not shame-driven overhauls,” she said. “You don’t need a reinvention; you need nervous-system support and consistency.”

As she put it, we need to regulate before we reinvent.

“Limit comparison, practice self-compassion, and remember: Sustainable change happens with consistency and nervous-system safety, not January pressure,” she said.

It’s worth recognizing that these are hard, challenging times outside of whatever’s going on personally for you.

“During these moments, remind yourself that you are doing your best in an unpredictable and changing world,” Boateng said. “You may not be where you wanted, yet, as you would a dear friend, be gentle, be kind and speak with love.”

Why You Feel So Compelled To Make Resolutions Every Single Year, Even If You Fail

Posted on 01/01/2026 by Boris Clair

A new year. A new school year. A new week. Mental health experts say our brains are naturally drawn to fresh starts, wired to find motivation in new beginnings.

These moments act like a psychological reset button, nudging us toward self-reflection, habit-building and behaviour change. Yet despite making resolutions year after year, many of us struggle to stick with them. Why do we keep coming back for more?

Here’s why we crave resolutions and how to harness them in a way that actually boosts productivity and keeps momentum going, helping you feel more accomplished all year long.

Why Our Brain Is Drawn To Making Resolutions

Though the start of a new year has long been tied to making resolutions, there’s more behind the tradition than just cultural habit.

“For many, fresh starts feel hopeful,” said Jennifer Birdsall, a board-certified, licensed clinical psychologist and chief clinical officer at ComPsych. “Psychologically, they allow people to release the baggage of past experiences, including failures, and set forth on goals with renewed energy and optimism.”

This ties into what psychologists call the fresh start effect. When a clear milestone, like a new year, a birthday or the start of a new semester, gives us the sense of turning the page, it helps us mentally separate our past self from our future self, motivating us to break old habits and approach change with a bit of extra momentum.

Resolutions can also give your brain a boost. There are actually psychological benefits to making goals, even if you don’t follow through on them. Simply setting resolutions can help you feel a greater sense of control.

“This is especially important right now given how much uncertainty people experience in today’s volatile social, political and economic climate,” Birdsall said.

Alivia Hall, a licensed clinical social worker and clinical director at LiteMinded Therapy, noted that just picturing a future version of ourselves, one who feels healthier, more grounded and more intentional, activates the brain’s reward system, triggering a dopamine boost.

“The anticipation alone can create a sense of energy and momentum before we’ve taken a single step,” she explained.

Why Resolutions Often Don’t Stick

Many of us start the year with the best intentions, only to find our goals slipping away a few months in.

One reason, according to Hall, is that we often approach goal-setting with an all-or-nothing mindset, viewing success as binary: either you succeed or fail. So when someone skips a single workout or misses a day of journaling, the brain quickly convinces them they’ve completely blown it.

“That harsh, all-or-nothing lens can make people give up on their goals entirely, instead of seeing it as just a small setback they can recover from,” she explained.

Another common pitfall is relying on willpower. “Early on, motivation runs high because the brain is lit up by novelty and reward anticipation. But once that dopamine surge fades, sheer discipline often isn’t enough to sustain change,” Hall said.

Without structure, environmental cues or a deeper connection to our values, goals can start to feel less like inspired choices and more like chores. “Psychologically, this creates friction between intention and behaviour – which is why so many resolutions quietly start to fizzle by February or March,” she added.

It's not your fault: your brain is hardwired to set goals and then quit. — It’s not your fault: your brain is hardwired to set goals and then quit.

How To Really Accomplish A Resolution, Once And For All

What we need to be mindful of is falling into a cycle of constantly setting new resolutions, enjoying that dopamine boost, and then quickly abandoning those goals. Here are some tips for sticking to a goal long-term when you start to fall off:

Do a self-audit before creating your resolution.

“I’m a big proponent of doing a self-audit prior to making resolutions or setting goals, as it encourages a more structured and intentional approach to personal growth by reflecting on one’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as one’s accomplishments and growth opportunities,” Birdsall said.

Taking time to look back at what you’re most proud of, what may have held you back and how closely you’ve been living your values can help clarify where you want to focus your energy next and which goals will feel most meaningful to pursue.

Anchor your resolutions to your values.

“Attune to the aspect of the goal that taps into your motivation,” said Lorain Moorehead, a licensed clinical social worker and therapy and consultation practice owner.

So if the end result of finishing a marathon doesn’t excite you, maybe what does is the value of improving your physical health. “The motivation that is there when the goal is initially set can wear off, especially as you become tired or the goal becomes challenging or draining,” she said. But when you stay connected to the deeper why behind your goal, it becomes much easier to keep going, even when the momentum dips.

Set micro goals to build self-trust.

“Break goals into the smallest possible steps, so small they almost feel too easy,” said Ellen Ottman, founder and licensed therapist at Stillpoint Therapy Collective.

For example, instead of running 10 miles per week, start with putting on your running shoes and walking outside three times a week, as completing even tiny goals triggers dopamine, which boosts both motivation and confidence.

Form connections with like-minded people.

Form connections with other goal-setters who can offer support, encouragement or feedback along the way.

“Achieving something can be lonely,” Moorehead said. “People can diminish the goal if they don’t understand the process, so it can be helpful to receive support from others who are committed to a goal.”

As a way to foster community, join a group of people practicing the same skill or who have already tackled similar goals.

If you falter, reset your resolution and keep going.

Some 92% of people fail to achieve their goals, so if you’ve fallen off track partway through the year, you’re not alone. The good news is that it’s never too late to reset without feeling like you’ve failed.

“Progress rarely happens in straight lines, so the most powerful thing you can do when you lose momentum is to reset with kindness,” Ottman said. “Shame tends to freeze us, while curiosity and self-compassion help us move forward.”

Instead of trying to catch up or scrapping your goal altogether, try reworking it. If your original goal was to read more, make it smaller and more specific, like reading one page a day. “Small, consistent wins rebuild trust and confidence in your ability to follow through,” Ottman said, “creating the true foundation for lasting change.”

How To Tackle The Holiday Blues And Enter A New Year Calmly

Posted on 31/12/2025 by Boris Clair

Personally, I find the holidays hard. I love Christmas as a concept but with three of my closest family members dying during this season, it just feels a little too tender for me.

One of my favourite Christmas songs is called “It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop” in which the singer describes Christmas as a chance to breathe during difficult times, a moment to forget the heavy weight of our lives. Then he goes on to say “next day life went back to its’ bad self”.

This is how it feels to me, and many of us. Life hits harder after moments of reprieve and celebration.

According to a medically reviewed article by Health Central, 64% of us struggle with post-holidays depression.

How to cope after Christmas

Writing for The Conversation, Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has given her advice for muddling through.

First, she explains, this slump makes perfect sense: “During the festive period, dopamine levels tend to rise. Anticipation of celebration, time spent with others, indulgent food and festive rituals all stimulate this feel-good system.

“Compared with everyday life, the brain experiences a powerful boost. Even thinking about Christmas before it arrives can activate these pathways, creating a surge of sensory excitement.”

I can relate to this. The build-up to Christmas is almost always more fun than the day itself.

Burke adds: “Once Christmas is over, dopamine levels naturally fall back to their usual baseline. This sharp contrast between heightened stimulation and everyday routine can leave people feeling flat, unmotivated or low. This is the familiar post-Christmas slump.”

As for helping yourself…

Re-establish your routine ASAP

Burke says: “Re-establishing your usual routine as soon as possible can also help. Returning to regular bedtimes and wake times supports your circadian rhythm and helps your body regain a sense of normality.

“Exposure to daylight soon after waking is especially useful, as natural light signals to the brain that the day has begun. A short walk around midday, when light levels peak, can further support energy and mood.”

Make plans for the month ahead

Burke urges: “Scheduling small activities, social connections, or goals gives you something to look forward to and softens the emotional contrast between the festive season and everyday life. Practising presence and finding small moments of enjoyment each day can also help restore balance.”

We’re going to be okay.

Help and support:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

Apparently This Is What Straight Men Wanted More Of In Sex In 2025

Posted on 31/12/2025 by Boris Clair

A lot of us won’t look back so fondly on 2025 but, if dating app Feeld’s latest findings can tell us anything, we’re all still feeling pretty open minded and pretty damn horny.

Ah, the human spirit.

Last week, we reported that the fastest-growing sexuality in 2025 was heteroflexibility and now we can reveal the sex act which has risen by 200% in 2025: pegging.

So, what is pegging?

Pegging was a term coined back in 2002 by sex columnist Dan Savage who was referring to a cisgender woman using a strap-on dildo to penetrate her cisgender male partner.

However, as with all words, language can evolve and now on their website, Ann Summers explains: “Pegging is the act of one partner taking the lead in penetrative anal sex using a strap-on. While it’s often associated with women using a harness on their male partners, that’s far from the only way to enjoy it.

“Whether you’re queer, trans, non-binary or just looking to mix things up, pegging can be a thrilling way to explore power dynamics, penetration and pleasure. For those already dabbling in anal play, pegging can be a natural next step.”

So, why has pegging grown in popularity?

Dr. Luke Brunning, a lecturer in Applied Ethics who specialises in love and relationships at the University of Leeds explains: “Pegging has shifted from taboo to mainstream preference. Feeld data shows cis men are driving the surge — a sign of decreasing stigma around anal pleasure, regardless of gender and sexuality.

“This trend reflects expanding definitions of masculinity and growing curiosity about pleasure beyond traditional scripts.”

Dr Brunning is hopeful that this is part of a bigger picture of deconstructing masculinity and men exploring pleasure beyond heteronormative norms.

He says: “It does point towards a vision of masculinity that is more comfortable talking about the body, pleasure, female agency.”

Here’s hoping.

Excessive Eye Rubbing Could Be A Sign Of This Vision Condition

Posted on 30/12/2025 by Boris Clair

The last time I went to the opticians, I told them that my vision had been worsening a little.

It’s not so much that I can’t see things that are nearby or far away but that I seem to experience a lot of vision blurring without other worrying symptoms like feeling faint or dizzy.

It’s odd because until my mid-twenties, I hadn’t really experienced vision issues but over the past decade, I have noticed that my eyes are really struggling to focus a lot of the time and if I don’t wear my glasses, it’s near impossible for me to even read a book.

Outwith the small text on a book though, everything is still crystal clear. It’s so frustrating.

Turns out, my cornea is cone-shaped

Following some tests and realising that my right eye simply *cannot* read any part of a standard eye test when the left one is covered, my optician said she wanted to get a closer look at the cornea of my right eye.

Following a proper review, she told me that I have developed the degenerative eye disease keratoconus in both eyes but far more pronounced in my right eye and my cornea had morphed into a sort of cone shape.

I mean, what do you even say to that?

On their website, Specsavers explains:

Keratoconus often affects both eyes, and the symptoms can differ from person to person. In its early stages, keratoconus symptoms can include:

Mild blurring or vision
Slightly distorted vision, with some parts clear and some parts blurry
Increased sensitivity to light and glare

In a small number of cases, keratoconus continues to progress. Symptoms include:

Very blurry and distorted vision
Eye pain
Increased near‑sightedness or astigmatism
Not being able to wear contact lenses, as they no longer fit properly

My optician did inform me that she thinks I’ve actually had this for decades without being diagnosed as the technology is quite advanced and wasn’t available in my area until very recently. Spooky.

Eye rubbing can both cause and worsen it

One thing my lovely optician did ask is if I often rub my eyes and, yes, I do. I have hayfever during the sunnier months of the year but I also have Dyspraxia so know that my eye rubbing is very heavy-handed.

Prescription Vision London says on their website: “Research shows that chronic eye rubbing stands out as one of the most important risk factors. Your cornea becomes distorted at the time you keep rubbing your eyes, and this can end up causing permanent vision loss.”

So, what are the treatment options for keratoconus?

In early stages, corrective contact lenses are an option. Otherwise, Eye Clinic London advises that other treatments include:

Corneal cross-linking – this slows the progression of keratoconus by using B2 drops in the eyes and activating them with UV light
Intacs – these are small, crescent-shaped plastic rings that are surgically inserted into the peripheral cornea. Their purpose is to flatten the cone and make the cornea more regular — improving vision and contact lens tolerance
Corneal transplant – “when vision can’t be corrected even with the most advanced lenses — or when the cornea becomes dangerously thin, scarred, or structurally unstable — a corneal transplant may be the only remaining option”

Guess I’ll just have to see what the future holds!

5 Delicious Ways To Use Leftover Selection Box Chocolates

Posted on 29/12/2025 by Boris Clair

Q4 has been immensely profitable for this Bounty lover.

Not only are my household’s selection tubs filled with leftover coconut treats that nobody else wants to touch, but I’ve also snapped up box after box of reduced Bounty-only chocolate trays in my local supermarket (the joys of being one of about three target customers, I suppose).

Still, don’t mistake me for a universal chocolate lover. I despise anything strawberry or orange goop-filled; I will not, and dentally cannot, touch a toffee. There is no place on my rarefied palette for a waxy, solid-chocolate sweet either.

Which begs the question: what to do with all these unwanted sweets?

Here are some of our favourite suggestions:

I do not play about my rocky road recipe, but I also know it’s an adaptable dish:n add honeycomb, fudge, or chopped-up selection box chocolates to your heart’s content.

I also think this could be a fab way to get the most out of any leftover dried fruit (I love cranberries in mine).

In my experience, the best brownies have no melted chocolate in their batter: that makes them a little less fudgy than cocoa-based crumbs.

But I am no monster: I love chocolate chips in them. And, as Jamie Oliver suggests, there’s no reason not to replace those with selection box choccies.

Legendary baking site Jane’s Patisserie recommended turning leftover sweets into deliciously doughy cookie bars (mmm).

Of course, you can make regular cookies with them too: just make sure to use inverted sugars, like Golden Syrup, to achieve bakery-level softness.

I’ve long held that chocolate fudge, which can be made in minutes on the hob or even in the microwave, is a festive hack to both delicious sweets and last-minute, thoughtful-looking gifts.

Fuss Free Flavours points out that this “no mess” recipe can help to use up up to 30 leftover chocolates too, though it’s not ideal for those with gooey centres or those containing whole nuts.

Cheesecake has the perfect effort-to-reward ratio, in my opinion: just mix some mushed-up biscuits with butter, whip some cream cheese and cream with sugar, and whack them in the fridge.

Waitrose points out that you can “use up any leftover chocolate” with their little pots, while I’m half tempted to chop some into my favourite Nutella version.

So THAT’s Why Coat ‘Tails’ Start Off Sewn Up

Posted on 29/12/2025 by Boris Clair

Attending a Christmas market recently, TikToker @_ohhellojo noticed something she thought was linked to people getting new coats over the festive season; many of them still had their back flaps sewn shut.

In the comments, netizens wondered why the thread existed to begin with. “I don’t get why they sew it together if it’s not meant to be together,” one response reads.

“Maybe they need to put a little reminder tag on there. BECAUSE WHY WOULD PPL KNOW THIS!?,” yet another TikTok user wrote.

So, we thought we’d share why coat “tails” – which are actually the garment’s vent – are often sewn shut when new.

Why are coat “tails” sewn shut?

Dr Brett Staniland, a sustainable fashion expert, said in an Instagram Reel that this X-shaped stitch is called a “basting stitch” or “tacking stitch”.

They’re placed at the bottom of the coat’s centre vent, at the back.

These are “temporary stitches left in by the maker before the final sewing is done. But they’re also kept in to prevent the garment being damaged or wrinkled during transportation, or when they’re sat in shops”.

Esquire agreed that it helps the garment to keep its shape before wear.

The publication added that removing this stitch should be the first thing you do when you get a new coat.

Cut them with some scissors “to prevent the rest of the fabric from being damaged” rather than ripping the threads apart with your hands, Dr Stanilard said, and you should be good to go.

Why do some coats have “vents” to begin with?

The back slit on some coats and jackets is called a “vent”. It was originally created so gentlemen could sit more comfortably on the back of a horse – it split over the saddle rather than bunching around the riders’ hips.

Some coats and suit jackets also have side vents.

Though wearers aren’t as likely to hop on a steed these days, the addition still allows for a greater range of movement than no-vent options.

That’s why cutting the stitch in your coat’s centre vent (at the back) will offer “better movement as you go about your day”.

I Tried 10 Walking Trends In 2025 – Only 3 Are Staying In 2026

Posted on 28/12/2025 by Boris Clair

2025 was a busy year for my step tracker. I tried “Japanese walking,” “retro walking,” “meditative walking,” “rucking,” walking earlier in the mornings, “6-6-6 walking,” “mindful walking,” strolling like a Jane Austen heroine, and “colour walking” this year (phew).

And while I only outright disliked one – “plogging,” I’m afraid, is not my cup of tea – it’d be pretty unreasonable to have expected all of these to stick.

Predictably, most have not. “6-6-6” walking, for instance, was based on great theory, but I found it a little too prescriptive in practice.

“Rucking” probably did help my posture a bit. But if I don’t need a bag, I don’t need a bag; and after a couple of weeks of trying the trend, I slowly stopped looking for an excuse to fill one up (and did not buy a weighted vest).

So, I thought I’d share the three I still regularly engage in, and why I find them so beneficial.

I’ll be honest: I was a little sceptical of this walking method at first, though it’s based on research that links the method to improved blood pressure, stronger thigh muscles, and better aerobic capacity than those who walked 8,000 steps a day at a regular pace.

The idea is to walk quickly in intervals (a slower cousin of running’s “Jeffing,” AKA the “run-walk-run” method).

I walked fast for three minutes, then slower for another three, five times. That cut my daily walking time to just half an hour.

GP Dr Suzanne Wylie said at the time, “From a clinical perspective, any form of consistent, moderate-intensity walking, especially if it incorporates posture, breathing, or mindfulness as Japanese walking sometimes does, can further enhance cardiovascular and mental health”.

While that’s true, I’ve stayed “Japanese walking” for other, more selfish reasons: it’s fast, it feels more satisfying than a regular walk, and I think it’s made my quads stronger.

A more recent addition to my routine, this method has proven surprisingly addictive.

It’s simple: you walk backwards. While I did this in a park at first, which was indeed mortifying, I’ve since stuck to treadmills.

Another reason to get over the initial embarrassment? “Retro walking” has been linked to better arthritis results when paired with conventional treatment, lessened back pain for athletes, more balance, gait speed, and lower body benefits for older people than “regular” walking, and even brain boosts.

“When you walk backwards, your movement pattern changes completely: you use different muscle groups and place different loads through your joints,” Dr Wylie said.

“In particular, it tends to activate the quadriceps more and places less compressive stress on the kneecap compared to forward walking, which may explain why some people notice improvements in knee discomfort.”

That explains my real reason for sticking to the trend: it’s proven great for my worn knees.

Can you tell I love a walking trend – something quantitative, research-backed, and trackable?

That’s all well and good, but when I got injured earlier this year, I learned the importance of “meditative” walking.

Yes, it seems I needed expert advice to tell me to chill out and enjoy my walk.

“We can discuss the physical benefits of running and walking all day long, but it is perhaps the mental benefits that are most important.

“Walking… has been associated with breath regulation, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, and increased overall sense of well-being,” said Joy Puleo, pilates expert, avid runner, and director of education at Balanced Body.

“Take the pressure off doing it right, doing it too fast or too slow. Just commit to the walk, enjoy your time outside, ask a friend to join.”

This is perfect when I don’t feel up for a longer walk; in the past, I’d have given up on going outside due to worries my stroll “wouldn’t count”.

I could not have been more wrong about that, I now realise.