New research shows that the world is finding it harder and harder to fall asleep, with searches at its highest ever. With an 809% increase in worldwide searches for ‘how to fall asleep’ – that’s an average of 135,000 searches a month – now’s the time to think about how you can quickly drift off into a peaceful slumber. Working with Comfybedss, Sleep Doctor, Dr Deborah Lee, has the following advice.

Breathe only through one nostril

“If you lie on your side and breathe only through your left nostril, it may help you drift off a little bit faster. By covering your right nostril with your finger, this could help lower your blood pressure. This then calms your body ready for bedtime. It should start making you feel a bit dozier.”

Tell yourself to stay awake

“This is reverse psychology at its finest. By telling yourself to sleep constantly, it’ll drive stress and anger around the fact that you’re not falling asleep. However, by doing the complete opposite, and telling yourself to stay awake, it’ll help you drift off a bit quicker. Just keep repeating the phrase in your head ‘do not fall asleep’. Eventually, your eye muscles will tire out, and you’ll be asleep before you know it!”

Tense your toes

“Another weird one, but something I’ve recommended to clients, is tensing their toes for 10 seconds. Tense, and then relax your toes for another 10 seconds. Keep doing this until you start to feel tired. This will help you draw tension away from the rest of the body.”

The 4-7-8 breathing method

“Put your teeth to the roof of your mouth and exhale out of your mouth. You might find a weird noise comes out, but it’s part of the process. Once you’ve done this, close your mouth and inhale through your nose for four seconds. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Once you’ve gotten the four and seven out of the way, we’re onto eight. Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds and keep repeating this until you’re fast asleep.”

Take yourself through your day

“Take yourself through the day, but not just in any order – in reverse! Keep it detailed, reminding yourself what you had for breakfast, lunch and dinner, what you did at work, and what music you listened to on your commute. Start from what you watched on TV before bed, and go back through the day, taking yourself right back to when you first woke up. This will keep your mind occupied, not letting you think of something that might be the reason that you’re keeping up.”

And off to the land of Nod you go…

The post The weird ways to help you fall asleep – fast appeared first on Checklists.

With longer days, warmer evenings, and holidays in full swing, summer is one of the most enjoyable times of year. But it’s also a period when home security risks increase, as empty properties and more outdoor activity can attract opportunistic criminals. Recent figures highlight the scale of the issue. There were around 180,000+ residential burglaries across England and Wales alone last year. That works out at roughly one every three minutes.  Seasonal trends remain consistent, too. July and August continue to see a spike in break-ins, often linked to homes left unattended during holidays. So what can you do to stay protected without overcomplicating things? Sara Best, Toucan Smart Home’s Sales and Marketing Director, shares her expert advice.

Make your home look occupied

A home that appears empty is far more likely to be targeted. “Simple habits can go a long way. Use timers on lights, leave a radio playing, or ask a neighbour to move bins or collect post.” Smart plugs and lighting systems are a low-effort way to automate this, creating the impression that someone is home even when you’re away.

Don’t overlook the basics

A large proportion of burglaries still involve unlocked entry points, so get in the habit of running through a checklist before heading out. Lock all doors and windows (including upstairs), secure garden gates and side access, and remove keys from visible areas. “Burglars try the easiest option first – a locked door can be enough to make them move on.” Upgrading to anti-snap locks and reinforcing potential entry points with video doorbells and cameras also provide an extra layer of protection.

Build a stronger neighbourhood network

Summer is the perfect time to strengthen local connections, which can play a big role in home security. “Communities that look out for each other tend to be much safer. Whether it’s joining a Neighbourhood Watch group, creating a WhatsApp chat, or simply exchanging numbers, having extra eyes on your street can make a real difference.” Even small actions, such as taking in parcels, or keeping an eye on unusual activity, can help prevent issues before they escalate.

Don’t be a social over-sharer

It’s tempting to post holiday snaps in real time, but doing so can unintentionally signal that your home is empty. Instead share photos after you return, avoid posting travel dates publicly, and check privacy settings on your accounts. “Social media can be an unexpected risk factor. A little caution really does go a long way.”

Secure your outdoor spaces

Gardens, sheds and garages are often overlooked, but can provide easy access to tools and even your home itself. Make sure to lock away bikes, tools and ladders, secure sheds with strong locks, and keep fences and gates in good condition. “Items left outside can sometimes be used to gain entry, so it’s all about reducing opportunities for thieves wherever possible.”

Final thoughts

Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining simple habits with smart technology – especially tools that don’t lock you into ongoing fees – you can significantly reduce your risk. The goal is to make your home a harder target while giving yourself complete peace of mind. With the right setup, you can leave your home knowing everything is under control.

The post Taking a break? Here’s your home security checklist appeared first on Checklists.

If I keep quiet about a medical condition it won’t cost as much

Wrong: keeping quiet is often the major mistake travellers make when buying travel insurance. It’s really important that all pre-existing medical conditions are declared when you’re purchasing insurance. If you don’t, your entire policy could be invalid or cancelled, any claims rejected, or not paid in full.  Declare or beware!

Buying travel insurance can go at the bottom of my ‘to do’ list

Don’t do this: buy it at the same time as booking your trip. You’ll be covered for things that go wrong before you even board a plane, train or ship. You could get ill and no longer being able to travel. Someone you’re travelling with is ill so you would rather not go alone; or your trip gets cancelled, amongst others. Consider buying an annual multi-trip policy. That way you’re covered for as many trips as you’re planning to take in a year without having to sign up each time. It can sometimes work out cheaper, too.

I’ll just buy the cheapest cover

Don’t just be driven by price. Instead make sure the policy covers what you need. Why? It could end up saving you thousands in the long run! Think about what you’re likely to be doing on your trip and who you’re travelling with, to make sure you’re properly covered. Remember: cutting corners to save a few pounds is never a good option. Medical costs can be extortionate, especially if you’re heading to the US.

Discounted travel insurance means I’ll save money

Discounts aren’t always what they seem. To get the best value, make sure the discount applies to the entire policy. That includes costs to cover pre-existing medical conditions, or add-ons like trip disruption cover – and not just the basic policy. If the discount only applies to the basic and you’re paying full price on the extras you need, chances are the discount shrinks to pretty much none at all. Shop around and read the fine print, to make sure that 20% discount really is a 20% saving on your wallet.

All the gadgets I take are covered by my policy

Packing your phone, iPad, laptop and headphones is second nature to most. But many travel insurance policies don’t include cover for gadgets as standard. If your gadgets aren’t insured elsewhere, you’ll often need to add this as optional cover. Almost all policies limit cover for high value pieces such as engagement rings, usually around the region of £100 to £250 per item, or per insured.

How does the Iran war affect my travel insurance?

“We expect to see the cost of travel insurance rising, especially for travel outside Europe,” says CoverForYou Managing Director Alan Dean. “This is due to a greater risk you’ll need to claim for cancelling your flight, and increased costs when you do, along with an increased likelihood of delayed flights and curtailed trips.

“In the short term, we’re also seeing reduced availability of cover for destinations that rely heavily on flights routing via the Middle East. This could change while talks take place over the next few weeks, and, if an end to the war is agreed, flights to this region could return to normal. It’s very hard to predict at this early stage, so erring on the side of caution is strongly advised.

“Given this, we expect the cost of travel insurance to also increase because of higher cancellation risk (changes in FCDO advice) and cost (we expect to see the cost of holidays increase) and in trip disruption (an increase in delayed flights and trip curtailment costs).”

Reader offer!

CoverForYou are offering an exclusive 20% discount code for Checklist readers on their travel insurance with the code VDM6BLVYZ3. Valid until 31 August 2026, it covers annual multi-trip or single-trip policies. These must be purchased directly from the CoverForYou website and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

The post Top mistakes holidayers make when buying travel insurance appeared first on Checklists.

Hay fever season is a blight for many, with one in four struck down with it every year. But hay fever can also target our beloved pets – but not in the way you might expect.

Working with pet insurance brand Petgevity, Dr Emma Chandley, a vet with over 13 years of experience, reveals the symptoms. “A dog’s hay fever is usually due to an allergic response to environmental triggers like pollen. Unlike people, they don’t tend to show csneezing and watery eyes as their main signs. Instead, symptoms are often skin-related, and can be subtle at first. Because the changes can be gradual and seasonal, it’s easy to miss patterns until the signs become more persistent.”

What are the symptoms?

Look out for increased licking of paws, mild redness between paws, rubbing their face along furniture, and recurrent ear irritation. “Complete prevention is rarely possible because pollen exposure can’t be eliminated entirely. Management usually involves reducing allergen contact and controlling the immune response. Practical steps include wiping paws and underbellies after walks, rinsing off visible pollen during peak seasons, and washing bedding frequently. Avoiding freshly-cut grass and walks during very high pollen counts may also help.”

“You should also focus on reducing the itchiness and protecting the skin barrier to keep your dog comfortable during a flare up. Regular bathing with a veterinary-recommended shampoo can help remove allergens from the coat and calm skin. Omega-3 supplementation may also help over time. For dogs prone to ear flare-ups, regular checks and early treatment at the first sign of redness can prevent more painful infections from developing.”

What medicine works?

“Antihistamines can be used in dogs, but their effectiveness is variable and generally mild,” continues Emma. “It’s not advised to use over-the-counter products without veterinary guidance, as dosing differs from humans and combination products can be unsafe. For dogs with moderate to severe symptoms, prescription medication may be required. In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy is considered, particularly when symptoms are long-standing.”

Then there’s the surprising long-term after-effects that can arise. “Ongoing allergic inflammation can lead to secondary complications, while repeated scratching and chewing damages skin and increases the risk of bacterial and yeast infections. These infections can then become recurrent and more difficult to control over time. Chronic ear inflammation may also lead to thickening of the ear canals and long-term structural changes, if not treated appropriately. And bear in mind that persistent discomfort also affects a dog’s behaviour and overall quality of life, with them possibly becoming restless or withdrawn.”

What else should be considered?

Think of the impact hay fever has on dogs with pre-existing conditions. “Those with chronic ear disease can suffer more because allergic inflammation often targets the ears. Usually, it is underlying immune sensitivity and skin health that influences how strongly a dog reacts. But don’t automatically think a dog’s change in behaviour or new ailment they develop is hay fever, as it could be a parasitic or infectious causes, which need to be ruled out by a vet.” 

So the next time you complain of itchy eyes or a runny, just remember your dog could be suffering, too.

The post Hay fever in dogs: spot the signs appeared first on Checklists.

If you’re a runner, there’s one thing you’ll of course want to avoid: pain and injuries. According to Deep Heat and Deep Freeze, these injuries are felt all over, with 28% dealing with foot and ankle injuries, 27% experiencing knee injuries, and 24% suffering from a leg injury. “Running is no easy feat and tackling such a long distance if you think you can will really take its toll on your body,” says Physiotherapist, Pilates, and Musculoskeletal specialist Clara Kervyn. “During long-distance running, muscles and joints are under a repetitive load for long periods of time. As muscles become tired, they absorb shock less effectively, which increases stress on joints and tendons. This leads to the aches, stiffness and tight muscles that many runners feel during or after a long run.” Then there’s the training itself, with fatigue (41%), muscle strain (36%), and sore feet (29%) the main issues.

Want to know how you can run injury-free – regardless of whether it’s just a couple of miles or a full blown marathon? Here are some dos and don’t to consider.

DO make sure your training plan allows time for recovery

It’s on rest and recovery days where your body actually adapts to your training, making you fitter and quicker. “When you run or train hard you create small amounts of muscle damage and fatigue,” explains Personal Trainer Elyn Marwick. “Rest days allow tissues to repair and grow stronger. Without them, the risk of overuse injuries and persistent soreness increases hugely.”

DON’T run every day

Although you’re training for a race, running every day is usually best avoided. “Mixing in rest days or lower-impact activities such as Pilates and stretching, gives your muscles, tendons and joints time to recover from repetitive impact. This helps prevent overuse injuries and keeps your training sustainable over the long term,” says Clara.

DO strength train

Incorporating resistance-based training into your trialing routine is one of the best ways to protect your body from the impact of running. “Building strength in the glutes, core and legs improves stability and reduces the strain on joints such as the knees and ankles,” says Physiotherapist Sammy Margo. “Stronger muscles also absorb impact better, so this can lower the risk of injury during longer runs.”

DON’T wear the wrong trainers

The right running shoe can make a huge difference to your comfort and injury risk. “Everyone’s foot shape, gait and biomechanics are slightly different,” says Sammy. “So, shoes that suit one runner might not suit another. It’s best to invest in properly fitted trainers. Do this by visiting a specialist trainer shoe as they can assess your feet and running style.”

DO give yourself a taper period before the race

It’s best not to run right up until race day. Instead, allow time for a taper.  “This is the period in the final week or two before a race when runners gradually reduce their training volume to allow the body to fully recover,” explains Sammy. “You want to arrive at the start line feeling rested, with muscles repaired and energy stores topped up, while still maintaining your fitness.”

DON’T run on injury

Pain is often the body’s way of signalling that something needs attention. “Continuing to run through an injury often turns a small problem into a more serious one,” says Elyn. “In fact, 51% of Brits say that not taking enough time has made an injury worse. Take time to rest and address the issue early on, as this can prevent longer setbacks later. If needs be, book in to see a physio who can offer more assistance.”

The post Runner? Here are some tips to avoid exercise-related injuries appeared first on Checklists.

EV chargers are everywhere

“It’s easy to assume chargers are hard to find. In reality, the UK now has almost five times more public EV charging locations than petrol stations – nearly 42,000 sites, compared with around 8,400 fuel stations. Even in rural areas, the maximum distance between chargers is about nine to 10 miles, and in cities like London, the network is incredibly dense, with 25,000 public chargers alone. The growth continues at pace: over 1,000 new public chargers are added every month, helping keep pace with the increasing number of EVs on the road.”

Chargers work when you need them

“Early public chargers could be unreliable, but those days are gone. UK regulations now require rapid chargers to maintain 99% uptime, and most networks exceed this. For example, InstaVolt reports 99.53% availability across its network. Yes, charging takes a bit longer than filling a petrol tank, but the convenience of home, workplace, or retail park charging more than makes up for it.”

Home charging is a game-changer

“A big advantage of EVs is that you can “refuel” overnight at home. Around 680,000 UK homes already have chargers, and roughly two-thirds of homes could support one. Home charging is also cheap: many providers, including Octopus Energy, offer overnight rates as low as 8–11p per kWh. A basic 7kW home charger can give around 140 miles of range overnight, enough for most people’s daily journeys.”

Charging times have plummeted

“Another old worry is that EVs take forever to charge. Modern high-power chargers, 150kW, 300kW, and even higher, can add 100 miles in around 10 minutes. Vestel Mobility is already rolling out 720kW and 1MW chargers in service hubs across the UK. Most EVs accept up to 250kW, which still allows a full charge in minutes, comparable to filling a petrol tank and buying a coffee.”

Modern EVs go the distance

“Battery technology has come a long way. Most mass-market EVs now achieve 250–300 miles per charge, and premium models exceed 350 miles. The UK’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, claims 331–379 miles, with real-world tests confirming these figures. Even in cold weather or with enthusiastic driving, range is more than enough for everyday use. The average EV range in the UK has jumped 43% in three years, from 210 miles in 2020 to 300 miles in 2023, and continues to rise every year.”

Help is always at hand

“Even on the rare occasion of running low, UK drivers aren’t stranded. Major breakdown services have solutions for EVs. The RAC’s EV Boost vans carry onboard chargers that can add 5–10 miles of range, enough to reach the next station, while the AA’s Freewheeling hubs can tow EVs safely, and some vans carry small mobile chargers for quick top-ups.”

The bottom line

“For most UK drivers, daily journeys are under 25 miles. With home charging and a growing public network, EV range is no longer a practical concern. The technology, infrastructure, and driver habits have all moved on. For most people, running out of charge simply isn’t something they’ll experience. The real challenge now is helping drivers see that reality.”

The post Don’t be fooled: electric vehicle myths appeared first on Checklists.

Smart Games Grabbit, £14.99

Kids: don’t forget your veggies! Hungry rabbits are jumping around the vegetable garden, with the different vegetables becoming visible as the rabbits look under leaves. The race is on, will they be the first to collect all four vegetables?

Cuddlebunny Bamboo Soft Hooded Towel, £31.99

The gorgeous bunny design, complete with floppy ears and bunny tail, makes getting out of the bath as much fun as being in – and encourages imaginative play with lots of smiles. The bamboo cotton towelling won’t lose its softness after washing either, and you can even personalise it.

Etta Bunny Kids Chair, £89

The only chair little ones need this season (well we think so!). This super soft, super cute, gorgeously playful and perfectly sized, calming toddler chair blends comfort, character and modern style. It’s the ideal spot for little ones to sit, read and relax. 

Ewan Deluxe Baby Shushing Sleep Sheep, £44.99

The iconic sleep aid, which has helped millions of parents and babies get a peaceful night’s sleep, now features a new and improved removable control pod. This pod recharges fully, includes 10 sleep-inducing sounds, and offers continuous playback.

Infantino Lil Nibbles Carrot Teether, £7.80

This teether is easy to hold, perfect to nibble and textured for soothing tender gums. It’s also made from 100% food-grade silicone that’s BPA-free and safe to chew, bite, and explore.

Bling2o Party Pink – Funfetti Swim Goggles, £19

Adding the fun factor in the pool, these goggles are the must-have accessory for those aged 3+. The 100% silicone designs are latex and lead free, with anti-fog resistant lenses that also provide maximum UV protection.

WOW Toys Freddie’s Farm Truck, £26.99

Place the farmer Play Friend into Freddie Farm Truck’s front cab and Freddie’s powerful Push & Go motor sends him off to collect his cow, sheep, pig and donkey. The farmer can also be placed in the back of the lorry to feed and look after his farmyard friends.

CuddleCo Soft Play Small Arch 3 Piece Set, from £79.99

Get toddlers moving, exploring and having fun with the Small Play Arch 3 Piece Set, suitable for children aged 12 months and over. Designed for early climbers and crawlers, this compact soft play set supports coordination, balance and core strength through hands-on, energetic play.

The Little Green Sheep Teepee Play Tent, £85

Play the natural way with The Little Green Sheep’s range of stunning teepee play tents. Beautifully designed using a 5-pole solid wood structure and 100% cotton canvas, it gives your little one the creative space to make their own – and keeps them occupied for hours.

SmarTrike XTend Ride-On, £109

Designed to grow with your child from 12 months to 12 years, this begins as a parent-controlled ride-on, then becomes a foot-powered ride-on, a three-wheel scooter, and finally extends to fit kids up to 12 years old.

The post Toys, gifts and games for the little ones in your life appeared first on Checklists.

Despite the rise of ‘digital detox’ culture and growing conversations around switching off, nearly two-thirds of us have never taken a break from the internet. What’s more, over a third (34%) say they wouldn’t want to, says research from the Global Day of Unplugging (last on 6-7 March).

In fact, only 37% of Brits say they’ve ever taken a digital detox. Just 16% do so regularly, showing that switching off is still the exception rather than the norm. Fear of being offline explains why a true detox is out of reach for many. Almost half say they would struggle to go without internet access beyond 12 hours. And only 12% of 18 to 24-year-olds think they could cope for a full week. What does this mean? A reliance that’s reshaping expectations around connectivity.

Gen Z most online, but also most self-aware

Younger generations are both more digitally immersed and more honest about it. Around three in five Gen Z (59%) and Millennials (63%) say they spend more time online than offline. That’s compared to just a third (33%) of Baby Boomers. Gen Z are also the most likely to admit they waste a lot of time online. Thirty two per cent spend excessive time scrolling social media, versus 16% of Baby Boomers. At the same time, 55% of Gen Z say they have taken a digital detox, compared to just 20% of Baby Boomers. This suggests younger people may be more conscious of their online habits – even if full disconnection remains difficult.

Always connected, but not universally overwhelmed

Despite concerns around constant connectivity, the relationship with the internet is not viewed as wholly negative. Just over one in five Brits (22%) say they never feel overwhelmed by being constantly connected or online, while others describe a more balanced or pragmatic relationship. When asked which statements best describe their internet use today, respondents confirmed it has made daily life admin easier (31%), that they couldn’t live without it (30%), or that they have a healthy balance with use (30%). These stats reflect a nation that relies on being online, even if it occasionally feels conflicted about how connected it has become.

Stephen Warburton from Zen Internet, which commissioned the survey, said: “There’s a lot of talk about digital detoxing, and taking time to switch off can be important for wellbeing. But for most people the internet now plays a central role in everyday life. The findings show that while many recognise the need for balance, switching off entirely isn’t always practical in a world that’s increasingly built around being online. As reliance deepens, expectations around reliability and resilience are rising too.”

What are the benefits of a digital detox?

Here’s our round-up of what you could expect if you put those devices down:

It could improve your mental health and wellbeing
Studies have shown a one week social media detox intervention significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety by 16.1%. In another study, 41% reported significant mood improvements, with decreased feelings of FOMO and increased life satisfaction.

It could have physical benefits
Research revealed prolonged screen time is linked to weight gain and the development of obesity in children. However, recent changes have seen young people want to be more physically active – only 26% sampled said they’d want to be on a screen over taking part in physical activity. 

It can help you sleep
Exposure to blue light from screens disrupts sleep cycles .How? It’s been proven to suppress the body’s release of melatonin, a hormone that makes us feel drowsy. While this promotes wakefulness during the day, it becomes unhelpful at night when we are trying to sleep.

It can affect how you think

Studies have shown that interruptions from phones can lower productivity by up to 40%, with increased error rates, and an altered brain function when we’re forced into constant task switching. It can even reverse 10 years of brain ageing if leaving devices alone for as little as two weeks.

What are the best ways to have a digital detox?

Start slow – a mini detox such as not grabbing your phone the moment you wake up, or the same when you go to bed. Try reading a book instead – they’re quite good, you know!

Tell friends and family – they may expect you to reply to a WhatsApp or text quickly. Remind them you’re taking a break and will get in touch at certain times of the day instead.

Keep your phone out of the bedroom – we managed fine with a simple alarm clock once! Don’t put it on the dining room table, either, as our recent feature reveals why.

Switch off after work – even when emails are waiting to be read and actioned. Disable notifications – they’ll still be waiting for you the next working day.

The post Ever taken a digital detox? Here’s why you should appeared first on Checklists.

From tail wagging to so-called “guilty looks”, many of the behaviours dog owners think they understand are routinely misread, and those misunderstandings could be quietly affect stress levels, feeding habits and long-term wellbeing. “Dogs communicate constantly through body language and behaviour, but humans often interpret those signals through their own emotions, rather than those of the dog,” says Alyssa. “What looks cute, naughty or attention-seeking is often a dog trying to regulate stress, diffuse a difficult situation, or respond to changes in their environment. Half term can bring later mornings, different walk times, more visitors, increased noise, and children wanting constant interaction, all of which represent routine disruption from a dog’s perspective. And that doesn’t just affect training or behaviour – they can influence appetite, digestion and feeding routines, too. Here are some behaviours owners most commonly misinterpret.

Tail wagging always means happiness

A wagging tail doesn’t automatically signal joy. The height, speed and stiffness of the wag matter. A fast, rigid wag held high can indicate alertness or anxiety rather than excitement — something owners frequently overlook.

Clinginess means neediness or bad habits

Dogs that lean on owners, follow closely, or seek frequent contact are often responding to uncertainty, routine change, or insecurity. This behaviour is linked to emotional regulation, not dominance or spoiling. During school holidays, increased household activity can heighten this response.

The head tilt is just a ‘cute reaction’

That familiar head tilt is a dog actively trying to process sound and facial cues. “Dogs tilt their heads to better understand us and triangulate where sounds are coming from. It’s a sign of engagement, communication, and information-gathering, not confusion.”

Zoomies are random hyperactivity

Sudden bursts of energy — often after baths, walks or periods of restraint — are a recognised stress-release behaviour. They help dogs reset after emotional or sensory overload. During school holidays, overstimulation from constant play or noise can increase the likelihood of these episodes.

A ‘guilty look’ means they know they’ve done wrong

As far as we know, dogs don’t experience guilt in the human sense. What owners interpret as shame is usually appeasement behaviour — a response to tone of voice, posture or perceived tension rather than an understanding of wrongdoing. The look is usually an attempt to diffuse any of that tension.

Why behaviour misunderstandings can affect diet and health

“A dog that’s stressed or overstimulated may eat too quickly, avoid food altogether, or show inconsistent hunger cues,” says Alyssa. “When behaviour is misunderstood, owners often adjust food unnecessarily, rather than addressing the underlying cause. School holidays mean children may offer extra treats, altered mealtimes or more distraction around feeding areas, all of which can disrupt a dog’s normal eating rhythm. Here’s what you can do to help.”

• Look at behaviour patterns over time, not isolated incidents

• Consider recent changes in routine or environment before labelling behaviour as ‘bad’

• Maintain consistent feeding times where possible

• Treat appetite changes as communication signals, not stubbornness

• Seek advice from qualified vets or behaviourists rather than relying on assumptions

“Dogs are incredibly expressive,” adds Alyssa. “When owners learn to read the signs properly, it reduces stress, strengthens trust, and supports better long-term health.”

The post Why dogs get the ‘Zoomies’ and how school holidays can disrupt their behaviour appeared first on Checklists.

This article contains sensitive content surrounding illness and mortality, as well as an image which some readers may find triggering or distressing.

Meningitis. Heard of it, right? Encephalitis? Nope? Neither’s 77% of the world, says Encephalitis International. Neither had I. Until I woke up in hospital after 15 days on life support.

What is encephalitis? While meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain, encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain itself. It’s caused either by an infection, or through the immune system attacking it in error. In the UK each year there are up to 6,000 cases, with a mortality rate up to 40%. Death is usually caused by severe brain swelling, resulting in pressure on the brainstem. That’s the part that controls breathing and circulation – with it then ceasing to function. Cheery stuff, no? But it’s the stuff you need to know about. And I’m determined each year – as I have in magazines and on TV – to share my experience to help people know the early signs and how things can progress so quickly.

What are the symptoms? It depends on the type. It’s usually a flu-like illness or headache and high temperature. Then there’s uncharacteristic behaviour, seizures, and loss of consciousness. But symptoms alone are not enough of a diagnosis. Hospitals perform a variety of tests, such as brain scans, a spinal tap and EEG monitoring. Now, let’s talk about me, shall we?

I was all fine and dandy one minute back in June 2021 – then not so great the next. I caught a cold and kept complaining how tired I was. I’d sleep for hours. My husband, Scott – thinking I was in the midst of a nasty cold – packed me off to bed one night when I couldn’t even keep my eyes open to eat a bowl of soup. I fell asleep, and didn’t wake up.

Panic set in the next morning when Scott couldn’t rouse me. An ambulance was called, with my dad scooping my boys off to my parents. By this time I was semi awake, with our security cameras catching me stumbling into the back of the ambulance. When we arrived at our local hospital I sat in the A&E waiting room next to Scott, who’d arrived separately due to Covid restrictions. I then started having seizures, rendering me unconscious to the point I was put on a ventilator. The doctors no longer knew what to do, so I was transferred to The Royal London Hospital for specialist help. It was there that my diagnosis was confirmed. With my parents and Scott being told I may never wake again.

Obviously I did – how else would I tell this tale? – after 15 nights on life support. And while my family breathed a sigh of relief that I was conscious, it was clear things weren’t right. “How are the cats?” I asked. They’d passed away a few years earlier. “When can I speak to Auntie Karen and Uncle Peter?” My uncle died of a heart attack 10 years before. Encephalitis had damaged the part of my brain that ‘stored’ memories. There was little hope of it returning (very much the case). I have no recollection of getting married, giving birth to my sons, 9/11 – everything from the last 25 years.

My family were also alarmed with the way I acted. “There’s flies in my ears and wasps in the ceiling,” I said to Scott one night. Another time he listened as I told him my father-in-law was sitting next to me laughing. He was at home 40 miles away. My mum brought in a picture of my boys, and the doctors kept asking what their names were and where they lived. I refused, because I was adamant they were going to be kidnapped at any moment. One thing I do recall is a nurse trying to give me my medication. Refusing, I spat in her face: I’ll never forget the look in her eyes. I was experiencing a type of Intensive Care Delirium – confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, and agitation, which eventually resided. And, after a further three weeks in hospital, I was well enough to be discharged.

That’s the end of my story, surely? Nope. I’m now short-tempered. I’m now epileptic due to the seizures so can’t drive. I scream when my phone rings. No one can go near my right ankle as for no reason whatsoever it’s agonising to touch. I’ll often look in the mirror and see a woman with a bright red nose staring back – another attractive side effect, which my boys now refer to ‘Mum having a Rudolph moment’. Last year I had to stay at The Royal London for a week of brain monitoring. Not stylish, as you see below. I’m back this month for another week to see whether different meds could manage my seizures entirely. That means I could get my driving licence back. The question is, will I need lessons? I reckon so, especially when I recently told my husband at a roundabout to give way to the left. Oops.

I’m aware I’m making this sound light-hearted, but of course a brain injury isn’t. I’m one of the lucky ones. But it would be lovely to hop in the car to see friends. To not to have to write notes so I don’t forget what I’m doing. I’d like to open a web browser and not forget why I’ve opened it. And for Scott to not have to repeat the same answer I’d asked him about yesterday. Or the day before – and the day before that. I might look the same on the outside, but what people need to be aware of is that those who’ve suffered a brain injury are very much not the same on the inside. Because even though I’m trying to make it sound like a laughing matter, living with a brain injury is no laughing matter.

The information I am sharing is regarding my own experience with a brain injury. Specific, professional, or medical advice should always be sought from qualified specialists.

If you know someone who has recently sustained a brain injury, who is living with the long-term effects, or is experiencing grief following a brain injury click here to see the support available. For further emotional support call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123.

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