According to research, the sounds of nature could benefit a person’s mental wellbeing, relieving them from stress and bringing them a sense of calm.

With natural sounds being the most common choice for relieving stress, the experts at HAYPP wanted to find out which soothing sounds people are most drawn to. They also partnered with psychologist Dr Rebekah Wanic to provide extra insight on the effect that different sounds have, and the ideal time to listen to each.

Key Findings

• Four out of the top five soothing sounds are water sounds, which combined generate over one billion YouTube views.

• Research has shown that watching a fire on a screen, accompanied by crackling fire sounds, can actually help reduce blood pressure.

• Rustling leaves rank at the bottom of the list, with 3,026,000 YouTube views (over 405 million less than thunderstorm sounds).

• Psychologist Dr Rebekah Wanic recommends listening to birds singing, city noise, waterfalls or running streams in the morning for best mental health impact.

The world’s most preferred soothing sounds, ranked

1. Thunderstorm

Generating a whopping 409 million YouTube views,thunderstorm takes the first spot for the most popular soothing sound. Thunderstorm sounds are a typical example of what is called ‘white noise’ – a mix of frequencies allowing a person to drown out any noises that might be found disturbing.

Dr Rebekah Wanic comments: “The booming sounds that punctuate the rainfall in thunderstorms are often somewhat predictable in recorded versions and may provide a sense of comfort in that hearing them from a safe place can help you feel protected and secure.”

2. Rainfall

Following closely behind, with 399 million YouTube views (10 million less than thunderstorm), is rainfall. Soft rain sounds are an example of ‘green noise’ – a constant mid-level frequency creating a flat and steady sound.

“Habituation to repetitive noise can reduce arousal because the consistency doesn’t require alertness to respond to change. Rainfall and ocean waves are also very rhythmic and consistent, offering a soothing pattern that is predictable.”

3. Fire crackling

Third place goes to fire crackling sounds, which have accumulated 197 million YouTube views. While not really a white noise, fire sounds provide a similar effect with their continuity, helping people drown out any disturbing noises. Research has proven that watching a fire on a screen, accompanied by crackling fire sounds, can actually help reduce blood pressure.

“Crackling fire and rustling leaves may be less predictable but both offer repetition in sound frequency that can be comforting.”

4. Ocean waves

Ocean waves are fourth, with 151 million YouTube views. Often, ocean sounds can help a person recall  pleasant memories and this in turn can bring that person calm. Due to the difference in wave sizes, the sound of ocean waves contains a mix of frequencies.

5. Running Stream

Rounding off the top five, generating 43 million YouTube views, is the sound of a running stream. Yet another water sound that’s preferred by many people when they need a sense of calm. Another form of white noise, running stream sounds can certainly be helpful when needing to drown out surrounding noises.

“Running streams and waterfalls follow the same type of pattern as rainfall and ocean waves, with regularity but enough change to be both calming and interesting.”

Dr Rebekah Wanic provides additional insight on the best times to listen to different soothing sounds:

“While each person is likely to have their own preferred sounds along with a preference for the best time and place for listening, considering the associations with these different sounds, I would suggest that morning would be ideal for things like birds singing, city noise, waterfalls or running streams as these would be activating to help get one going.

During the day, more steady sounds like ocean waves or thunderstorms might offer a more powerful and impactful noise to create calm that rises over the hustle and bustle. In the evening, crickets, crackling fire or purring cats might be more soothing because listening to them can help activate pleasant memories that are commonly associated with the connection between such sounds and winding down for the day.

For someone who uses background sounds to drown out unwanted ambient noise, white noise or its variations may be appropriate throughout the day or particularly useful when falling or trying to more effectively stay asleep. I would suggest that people experiment with different options to find their optimal solution.”

Images by

Shifaaz Shamoon

Geetanjal Khanna

Jonathan Bowers

Wren Meinberg

Robert Zunikoff

With all the anticipation of Oasis going back on tour after a 15-year-long hiatus, everyone is getting ready for 202, the summer of bucket hats and parkas – but just how much have Oasis shaped the fashion we still see today – and what fashion trends will we see continue to rise over the coming months in preparation?

Sarah Ewens-Smythe, Head of Buying at Jacamocomments;

“Oasis was known for wearing Parka’s bucket hats and ‘football fan fashion’ – all of which we are seeing trending again this year. Jacamo has noted a huge 40% increase in searches for parka jackets this month, as well as a 12% increase in searches for football shirts in the last quarter. 

“Oasis perpetuated and cultivated several key trends in fashion during the 1990s. They were central to the Britpop movement, which was characterized by a celebration of British culture and a rejection of American dominance in music and style. The band’s look was quintessentially British, emphasising working-class roots.

1. Mod Revival: They brought back elements of the 1960s mod style, particularly with their use of parkas, desert boots, and mop-top hairstyles. The parka, a key element of Liam Gallagher’s look, continues to be a popular outerwear choice. Liam’s own fashion line, Pretty Green, which heavily draws on mod culture and Oasis’s own style, has kept this influence alive in contemporary menswear.
2. Casual Streetwear: Oasis popularised a more casual, “everyman” approach to fashion, which resonated with their fans. This look was anti-glamour, focusing on comfort and simplicity.
3. Football Terrace Culture: The band’s style was heavily influenced by football fan fashion, particularly in their adoption of brands like Stone Island and Adidas, which were popular on the terraces. The popularity of sportswear in everyday fashion, particularly Adidas trainers and tracksuits, can be traced back to Oasis‘s impact. This look has remained a staple in streetwear and has been revived by newer generations embracing vintage and retro styles.

“The Gallaghers, especially Liam, continue to be style icons, with their influence visible in the ongoing popularity of Britpop-inspired fashion, vintage sportswear, and the general attitude of effortless cool that they championed.”

Looking for a parka jacket for Autumn (or readily manifesting Oasis tickets for next year) – These are Jacamo’s best selling Parka Jackets available right now:

1. Khaki Padded Parka £47.40 

1. Tan Faux Fur Lined Parka £49.20 

1. Khaki Padded Parka with Hood £50.40

Words by Ritchie Clapson CEng MIStructE, propertyCEO

According to a recent survey by finder.com, around half of all UK men make money from side hustles compared to 37% of women, and the average income per hustle is around £900 per month – or just under £11,000 per year. Given that the average wage in the UK is around £35,000, an average side hustle would equate to a pay rise of over 30% – nice work if you can get it.

Now, it’s not a competition, but one group is setting the gold standard for side hustling, and that’s the good (not so) old Gen Z’s. Over two-thirds have a hustle on the go, closely followed by Millennials at 65%. In fact, the older you are, the less likely you are to bring home any extra bacon, with Gen X at 40% and Baby Boomers at just 23%. Part of this is due to the younger generations having lower incomes; therefore, a side hustle’s financial impact is much more significant. But it’s also down to technology; this group makes much greater use of the internet and knows their way around apps such as Vinted, TikTok, and the like. For those of you who think it IS a competition, I can share that the Millennials make the most money from their hustles, racking up an impressive average annual income of almost £15,000. So, if you’re currently aged between 28 and 43, many congrats – you just taught those cheeky whippersnappers a thing or two.

This is all very interesting, but is everything rosy on Side Hustle Island, or are there some nasties lurking in the woodshed? Overall, most things are positive, but there are few things that most side hustlers could be doing a little better. So, if you’re interested in sharpening up your A-game, here are my top ten tips for optimising your hustling:

1. Just Get Started

There’s one thing that every side hustler in the country has in common: they somehow managed to get started. So, if you want to start a side hustle but feel anxious about jumping in, please don’t worry. If nearly half the population have already done it, you’re in good company. The best advice is to realise that almost everyone else had those doubts before they started and that it’s perfectly natural.

One way to build confidence is to connect with communities in the same niche you’re looking to get into. Connecting with others on the same journey as you can be incredibly empowering and may help remove some of those fears. Plus, you may also glean some good advice. Accountability can also help, albeit it’s more stick than carrot. Tell everyone you know you’re going to do it, and you won’t dare back out due to the loss of face. It’s crude but very effective. Either way, take a leaf out of Nike’s book and just do it.

2. Avoid Perfectionism

We all want to do a good job, but the old 80/20 rule usually bites perfectionists on the backside – they spend 80% of their time perfecting the last 20% of their work. This problem can particularly affect those just starting who want to make their product or service as perfect as possible when they launch. The reality is that it’s far better to aim for good rather than great and get your productivity rate up – or even just get the business launched in the first place.

The other problem is that you’ll only truly learn from experience, so you should embrace the Lean Start-up approach, where you learn as you go. Just get started, learn from what happens next and then pivot accordingly. Too many people aim for perfection at the outset and never get out of the blocks. Or, as General Patton famously said, ‘A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week’.

3. Avoid Burnout

Do you have any plans to be the wealthiest person in the graveyard? There’s no point in working all hours on your side hustle if you don’t enjoy the fruit of your labours. Be sure to set limits on how much time you spend on it, and carve out time to spend with family, friends and on good old R&R. Also, make sure that your side hustle doesn’t compromise your day job. You might enjoy it more, but don’t forget which one pays the bills, at least initially.

4. Systemise and Outsource

Brands such as McDonald’s are fundamentally built on systems; if it works for them, it can work for you. Depending on your side hustle, there will be limits to how far you can go here. But always think about whether there’s any part of what you do that can be automated, delegated, or outsourced. Take a detailed look at what you physically do to deliver your product or service and see if you can remove or automate any of the steps.

Outsourcing can seem like a false economy since you’ll presumably have to pay someone else – but the reality is that it can often make good financial sense. Websites such as fiverr.com, upwork.com, and peopleperhour.com allow you to tap into the global gig economy. If there’s a part of what you do that could be done by someone on the other side of the world for a fraction of the cost, it frees up your time and increases your overall productivity. I’ve met several people who have outsourced their entire operation; they simply do the marketing and sell something produced or delivered by people working in the Philippines or India.

5. Know Your Market

A little research can go a long way. Make sure you understand who your competitors are and what they’re offering. How will your offer be different? Also, make sure that there’s a market for your product or services. Depending on your hustle, consider running some dummy ads before you start to check out demand. Also, if you’re going to be working with organisations that will help you earn money, make sure you check them out thoroughly first. There are plenty of rogues out there whose advertised returns can be unbelievable, so see if you can google other customers to find first-hand experience.

6. Don’t Sell Yourself Short

It can be tempting to use low prices to make your service appear more attractive. But this can undervalue your work and mean working long hours before you make a meaningful profit. Instead, price yourself in the mid-range and provide better-than-average service. That way, you’ll be offering good value and can always move to charging premium prices as your experience and testimonials grow.

7. Separate Your Personal and Business Finances

Set up a business bank account and ensure that all the transactions relating to your side hustle go through it – not through your personal bank account. This applies to both your income and expenses. Ultimately, you’ll pay yourself the profits, but make sure the money goes into your business account first. This will make it far easier to manage your business effectively in the long run. Also, make sure you have a rainy-day fund for emergencies, and take advantage of the many online software tools that are available for managing your finances – they will make life a lot easier for you.

8. Pay Your Taxes

Depending on how much money you currently earn, you will likely owe taxes on any side hustle profits. While some may be tempted to ‘forget’ to declare it, the last thing you want is an unexpected tax bill. Automatically set aside some of your profits to pay tax and do your research to understand what tax is payable. Ideally, speak to an accountant to get a professional opinion – it won’t cost a fortune and they may even be able to save you tax.

9. Set Realistic Goals

Set annual and quarterly targets for your business and let these guide your weekly activity and goals. Track your progress and be realistic about your expectations – it can take time to build a sustainable business. Also, celebrate your successes as you go, as this will keep you motivated. You’ll invariably have bumps in the road on your journey but don’t let that put you off, they happen to everyone.

10. Don’t Over-commit

For many, giving up the day job is the ultimate dream, and a side hustle can help make that dream a reality. Just don’t be too quick to hand in your notice. Many people see the money start to roll in and they mistake revenue for profit. They can also be over-optimistic about growth and assume that a few good months will automatically mean every month thereafter will be great too. Instead, ensure that your side hustle is producing 1.5 or 2 times your job income before you leave and that it’s been doing so reliably for a while. After all, you only want to give up your day job once.

The final thing to say is that your side hustle will only ever fail if you give up. Learning from pitfalls and mistakes is part of every successful business’s history; you only need to look at the failed early endeavours of some of today’s billionaires. Not only did they manage to get started, but they also learned from their mistakes and moved onwards and upwards. You may not reach their dizzy heights with your side hustle, but you can learn from their journey. 

For those interested in learning whether small-scale property development could be their perfect side hustle, check out this link: https://webinar.propertyceo.co.uk/s/NtLzYe

Amazon Games is publishing a new triple-A open-world driving game led by former Forza Horizon developers, leaving racing fans in eager anticipation. From zooming through neon-lit streets, evading cops in high-speed chases, to cruising through open-world expanses, sitting behind the virtual wheel has become a thrilling moment in gaming.

But which car models are staples of the gaming world?

Curious, the car enthusiasts at Carlease.co.uk compiled a list of memorable vehicles in the gaming world and entered them into the Internet Game Cars Database to unveil the car models that have made the most appearances in video games.

Revealed: Top 10 most popular cars in video games

Carlease.co.uk can reveal that the Nissan Skyline is the number one vehicle in the virtual world, having appeared a staggering 1,416 times in games. Prominently featured in the Gran Turismo series, the Skyline’s iconic boxy silhouette and sleek lines have made it a favourite among racing enthusiasts. Not to mention its much-lauded appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise, its further inclusion in games like Need for Speed and Midnight Club has cemented its legendary status.

The Nissan GT-R, on the other hand, ranks as the sixth most popular car in games with a total of 542 appearances recorded. Known for its high-performance capabilities, the GT-R has been a staple in games such as Forza Motorsportand Asphalt. 

Taking the second spot with a significant 943 appearances is the Ford Crown Victoria. Its sturdy construction makes it a versatile choice, often depicted as police cars in games likeGrand Theft Autoand Driver.

The Chevrolet Camaro is the third most recognisable in the virtual world, popping up in a notable 763 games. Featured in popular titles like the Forza Horizon series and Test Drive Unlimited, the Camaro’s blend of classic muscle and modern design makes it another fan favourite.

The next time you’re struggling to fall asleep, why not try popping on a pair of socks and see if it makes a difference? One of the stranger sleep hacks we’ve come across, that doesn’t make it any less effective. Wearing socks to bed has many bedroom benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.

IS WEARING SOCKS IN BED GOOD FOR YOU?

With the noticeable increase in energy bills, many of us will have turned the thermostat down during the winter. While sleeping in a cooler bedroom is better for you – with the optimum temperature considered to be around 18 degrees Celsius – if we’re too cold and can’t warm up quickly, it can be harder to fall asleep.

Without turning up the heating or piling on the blankets, slipping on a pair of socks with our night clothes can make all the difference in how well we sleep.

WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BODY TEMPERATURE AND SLEEP?

Body temperature plays a big part in controlling our circadian rhythm. As we enter the initial non-REMsleep stage of the sleep cycle, our core temperature lowers. Being too hot or too cold can interfere with this process, making it harder to get to sleep.

IS IT OKAY TO SLEEP WITH SOCKS ON?

You might be wondering if it’s bad to wear socks to bed? Well, wearing socks when you sleep has some surprising benefits, as some studies have shown it can;

– Increase distal vasodilation – also known as sending blood to the feet, lowering the core body temperature

– Help you sleep for longer

– Reduce insomnia

– Reduce the onset of menopausal hot flushes

– Reduce the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome (which restricts the small arteries)

– When paired with a slathering of moisturiser, socks can help soften dry or cracked feet

– Boost your sex life – an interesting study from the University of Groningen showed that cold feet can impede the ability to orgasm. Of the cohort who wore socks, 80% were able to achieve orgasm, versus 50% in the same conditions without socks.

WHO SHOULD AVOID WEARING SOCKS IN BED?

Is it bad to wear socks to bed? Anyone with circulatory issues, those suffering from swollen feet or particularly sweaty feet, should avoid sleeping with socks on.

WHAT KIND OF SOCKS ARE BEST TO SLEEP IN?

You don’t need to rush out and buy new sleeping socks unless your current selection is synthetic. Fluffy socks might feel great – but check the label first. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are synthetic fibres which can be hotter, sweatier, and smellier than their natural counterparts. Natural fibres such as wool, bamboo, and cotton have better thermo-regulating and moisture-wicking properties.

– Bed socks: bed socks tend to have a roomier fit and a thicker material than regular socks.

– Pure cotton socks: this natural fibre allows the heat to build up and disperse without trapping moisture and encouraging bacteria.

– Cashmere and merino socks: the softest types of wool arguably make the cosiest bed socks.

WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES TO WEARING SOCKS IN BED?

The main function of bed socks is to warm the feet which can also be done in the following ways;

– Have a bath, shower, or a foot bath to gently warm the feet (add a drop of aromatherapy oil for extra relaxation)

– Don’t go barefoot – wear slippers around the house to keep your feet feeling toasty

– Place a hot water bottle or a heating pad under the duvet to preheat the bottom of the bed

– Add an extra blanket to cover the end of the bed (the Orbit™ weighted blanket is particularly snuggly and helps with restless legs)

– Ask for a hug – body heat is best when shared, so make the most of having your partner next to you

– A Simba Hybrid Duvet  uses advanced Stratos® technology which is designed to retain heat when you’re cold and release heat when you’re too warm. Simba have all the standard UK sizes (Single Duvets, Double Duvets, King Duvets and Super King Duvets), so everyone can enjoy their signature sleep tech.