|
Have you ever received a compliment that turned your day around? Or words of encouragement that felt like a big hug? Those kinds of emotional responses aren’t just anecdotal: Research shows affirmations can make a big impact on the recipient — and even give the giver a mood boost, too. “The compliment is one of these really powerful, small actions that brighten your day and brighten someone else’s day,” Xuan Zhao, a behavioral scientist at Stanford University, told Time. “And it costs nothing.” To share the love with those around you, check out the outlet’s list of six compliments that “land every time.”
Health
Want to Relieve Anger? Write and Release, Research Finds
We all know the feeling when it hits: tight jaw, elevated heart rate, tense muscles. While anger is both a normal human emotion and physiological reaction, understanding how to regulate it is essential.
A recent study out of Japan identified a powerful yet simple solution. Researchers found that writing down a reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper and then getting rid of it — shredding or crumpling it into a ball and discarding in a trash can — helps release welling frustration.
The authors believe the results could be connected to the phenomenon of “backward magical contagion,” which is the idea “that actions taken on an object (e.g. hair) associated with an individual can affect the individuals themselves,” per the study.
“We expected that our method would suppress anger to some extent,” lead researcher Nobuyuki Kawai said in a press release. “However, we were amazed that anger was eliminated almost entirely.” He added that the method could be particularly beneficial for employees: “This technique could be applied in the moment by writing down the source of anger as if taking a memo and then throwing it away when one feels angry in a business situation.”
|
Together With Mosh
These Protein Bars Support Brain Health — And Taste Like Dessert
Feeling peckish? MOSH protein bars are a power snack that fuel both your mind and your body. With 12 grams of protein and no added sugar, these bars are packed with clean-label ingredients mindfully recommended by top neuroscientists and functional nutritionists to support your brain health.
And, for perhaps the most important part, they come in some delectable flavors: Lemon White Chocolate Crunch, Cookie Dough Crunch, Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch, Blueberry Almond Crunch, Cookies & Cream Crunch, and Peanut Butter Crunch. Nice News readers can try all six with the Trial Pack and save 20% (plus free shipping) with code NICE20.
Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡
|
Environment
3 Ancient Species of Giant Kangaroos Had Different Hopping Methods: Study
Paleontologists have identified three new species of giant fossil kangaroos that once lived in Australia and New Guinea, with one weighing up to 374 pounds — about double the size of today’s biggest living red kangaroo.
In a new study, scientists described the three extinct species that lived from around 5 million to 40,000 years ago and were “more diverse in shape, range, and hopping method than previously thought,” per a press release. The researchers also analyzed other known species in the Protemnodon genus and determined that they varied widely. “The species adapted to live in differing environments and even hopped in different ways,” the release explains.
After spending five years researching the ancient animals, co-author Isaac Kerr said he hopes his team’s work “helps more studies of Protemnodon happen, so we can find out more of what these kangaroos were doing.” He added: “Living kangaroos are already such remarkable animals, so it’s amazing to think what these peculiar giant kangaroos could have been getting up to.”
See a near-complete fossil skeleton of one of the species.
|
Culture
Loved Before: Sustainable Brand Is Helping Pre-Loved Plushies Find New Homes
When kiddos grow up, it’s common for once-cherished stuffed animals to find their way from bedrooms to donation piles or, unfortunately, landfills. That’s where Loved Before comes in: The “sustainable soft toy adoption agency” is on a mission to get used toys into the homes of new, loving families.
Founder Charlotte Liebling was inspired to create the company when she volunteered at a charity shop and saw how many stuffed animals were being dropped off. “It became evident to me how the love, the vibrant life, and the stories of these eco toys were at risk of being lost and forgotten in an instant,” she writes on the Loved Before website.
Outside of the sustainability aspect, what makes Loved Before stand out is its message that imperfections are part of each toy’s personality, per GoodGoodGood. While the team sterilizes the donated plushies, they aren’t seeking to erase their unique quirks — previous owners are encouraged to share what makes the item special during the donation process.
These details are then reflected in the toys’ online descriptions. For example, there’s Hanz, a white tiger who grew up “around lots of snow and is now looking to try playing in warmer climates.” To make things even sweeter, Loved Before also features listings of “adopted friends,” so former owners can learn if their stuffies found a new home.
|
Something We Love
Lou Rota Mother Nature Dessert Plate at Anthropologie
These stunning, handcrafted dessert plates will automatically elevate whatever you’re serving your dinner party guests (or yourself, on the couch). The designs from artist Lou Rota draw inspiration from the beauty and balance of nature. Get a matching set, or buy one of each for a more eclectic assortment.
Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
|
Inspiring Story
“This tree is a survivor”
At over 400 years old, “Big Tree” in Orlando, Florida, has survived hurricanes, lightning strikes, diseases, and more. Now, arborists with the nonprofit Archangel Ancient Tree Archive are embarking on a mission to clone the resilient southern live oak and plant replicas across the Southeast. “There’s something in that DNA that, in spite of everything it’s been through, it’s still growing, it’s still healthy. That’s the type of tree we need,” said David Milarch, the organization’s co-founder.
|
Photo of the Day
Let the Summer Olympics countdown begin! A flame-lighting ceremony is set to take place today at none other than the birthplace of the Olympic Games: Olympia, Greece. The ritual will feature performers, an iconic background, and a symbolic torch — as seen here during a dress rehearsal for the event.
|
MOSH Protein Bars Have Star Power
Did you know Maria Shriver and her son Patrick Schwarzenegger started a protein bar company? As you can imagine, it lives up to its A-list founders. MOSH bars feature brain-healthy ingredients approved by top neuroscientists and nutritionists, all in an effort to get you thinking more about (and investing in) your brain health.
|
Quote of the Day
“Find what it is you love to do in life and do it! And by the way, only you know what that thing is.”
– MAZ JOBRANI
|
|
|
|
