5 reasons why NEW-YEAR is good for HEALTH!!

Being a couch potato boosts mental health

After a stressful year of deadlines, child-wrangling and life admin, it's not unusual for many of us to
crash on the lounge on Christmas night -- only to find ourselves still stuck on it four days later. "This is entirely natural and beneficial to your mental health," psychologist Lissa Johnson says. "Our lives are often so powerfully propelled by activity, achievement and forward momentum, we lose perspective on the importance of rest."

 Apart from recharging physically, taking a break protects you from chronic stress which increases
vulnerability to depression and anxiety. Not only does it let you catch up on the last series of The Walking Dead, but it also provides a chance to take stock of your life.

 "In stillness, we can look at the big picture, reconnect with our values, mull over recent events and draw life lessons from them," Johnson adds. In other words, sit back, pop in another DVD and relax -- the health benefits will follow.