US SCOTS are often known – or stereotyped – by a list of none too complimentary adjectives like dour, argumentative and, perhaps, a little bit chippy…
But contrary to popular belief we’re not chippy, we’re actually (surprisingly) chipper!
This week, the results of the UK’s first ever Happiness Index have been released. David Cameron had the idea of commissioning the study when he was leader of the opposition, presumably not a very happy time. Anyway, so what are the results?
Well, it turns out we’re happy… and we don’t know it!
More than 160,000 people were asked questions about their lifestyle, health and home life before being asked to rate how satisfied they felt on a scale of zero to 10. And despite the recession and this rather dismal summer we’re having, the Scots – and more importantly Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – are some of the most contented people in the UK. Not happy as Larry then… more like, happy as a Don!
But what makes us happy? Being married – so give the missus or mister a kiss. Having a family – so er, give the missus or mister another kiss (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Being retired – apparently life really does begin at 60!
And interestingly, being female is also indicative of generally being happier, although we’re also prone to more bouts of anxiety. Never!
The only slightly disconcerting thing about all this, and why I’m not sure it was a marvellous idea to commission the study in the first place, is that it’s been shown that the pursuit of happiness in itself actually leads to less happiness! It’s called the Happiness Paradox. There’s a quote that I quite like (and not just because it’s a cat-based analogy).
“Happiness is like a cat… you try to coax it or call it, it will avoid you; it will never come. But if you pay no attention to it and go about your business, you’ll find it rubbing against your legs and jumping into your lap.”
Right then, I might be making a giant leap, but taking all this into account, perhaps we’re happier because we don’t realise we are? So people, go forth and be grumpy – we’ll all be the happier for it!
Milk benefits of ‘health drink’
LAST week BBC programme Panorama investigated the truth about sports drinks. It turns out they’re rubbish, well, water and rubbish.
But don’t sweat it. I have a cracking alternative. Farmers are, rightfully, protesting over the price of milk (fair enough – a bottle of water costs more than a pint of the white stuff) but research has shown that often milk sprints ahead as a recovery drink after exercise. Milk it is then – it’s good for our bodies and our farmers!
QB’s corner – 5 things I’m loving this week
1. BERRY GOOD:
Raspberries, strawberries, blaeberries – it might not feel like summer outside so I’m making it in a bowl. With cream.
2. TARTAN DAILY:
I love tartan. In fact I think it should be celebrated 365 days a year. And I secretly do. So, no one was more excited than me to be involved in today’s TARTAN DAY! Come along… say “hi!”
3. MY MILKSHAKE:
Best. Drink. Ever. Banana, milk, ice-cream, wee bit of honey. Sp-blend-ed!
4. SHOE SENSE: In homage to the Olympics this week, I felt it was only right to declare my love of trainers. I like a pair of high heels but they’re no very comfy, are they? So this week I’m lacing up my trainers and revelling in the fact I can get around places MUCH quicker. I could certainly be a contender in the shopping sprints!
5. POSH POUTINE:
Or what the Canadians call chips, cheese and gravy. This week I’ve been making mine with chipped potatoes, gruyere and red onion gravy. Well good, innit!