Connect with us

Uncategorized

Gardening Is The Best Medicine For The Mind

Published

10 years ago

on

January is the time of year when, for us gardeners, a small ray of hope breaks through the grey skies. Not long now, I think, until I can start chitting my potatoes. A few early daffodils have bravely poked their necks above the soil. I know the snowdrops will soon be on their way. Especially with the mild, wet winter we have had, spring seems just around the corner. But I know the truth. The inevitable will happen: the cold will return, February always feels long, and winter will hang around like some kind of chronic illness.

For those of us who suffer from mental health problems, winter can be a difficult time. I had my own nervous breakdown last year. This culminated in me unable to do my job – I had to take a month off work and was confined, for long periods of anxious black time, to my house. Anyone who has gone to battle with their own inner demons knows it is a terrifying fight. You feel isolated, confused, angry, and unable to make yourself understood (especially to yourself). With the help of therapy, medication, pages of self-help books, and the desire to feel “normal” again, I started on my long path to recovery. While it has been a difficult journey, nothing has lifted my spirits more, or has made me feel saner, than my garden. Working with my hands in the soil, sowing seeds, or simply cutting my grass has improved my mental health more than I can express. Though it may sound cliched, my garden has been my sanctuary.

Therefore for me, this winter has been particularly rough. As the days have darkened my mental state has also become bleaker. There have been some reports lately about how beneficial gardening is for mental health. Gardening combines some of the best advice given to people with mental health problems: exercise more, interact with nature, engage in activities you find meaningful, be creative, and seek out people who have similar interests. In short, gardening ticks numerous boxes when it comes to improving the outcomes for those of us who struggle psychologically.

I can’t agree more with those studies which suggest that gardening lifts the mood and decreases anxiety. Last year I chose a particularly good time to have a shattered mind (as if there is ever really any right time to lose your mind). It was spring. The air was just beginning to warm up as the days stretched out their long amber arms. I remember sitting on an old and splinted wooden bench in the back garden. The buds on a nearby field maple tree were ready to burst into leaf. That’s when I saw it: the first bumblebee of spring. It wasn’t an epiphany, but it made me smile. And I hadn’t done that in a long time.

While I was off work, I threw myself into my garden. I felt like the world around me was a dangerous sea and my garden was a little green life raft. I cut a new, long bed out of the grass. I worked the soil until I couldn’t find a sliver of weed root. I barrelled tons of compost and poured it all over the garden to improve the structure of the heavy clay. I sowed seeds, bought more herbaceous perennials than I could afford, and scarified the grass like a man possessed. As I worked on the garden the garden worked on me. I could feel myself, for the first time in a long time, start to relax. As the days lengthened I could feel something inside me begin to lift – literally and metaphorically the clouds were breaking and more sun was touching the ground. I remember planting out pots of sweet peas to climb up a homemade wigwam. Nearby, my apple trees were in bloom. I was wearing a short sleeved shirt and my arms were warm in the sun. I knew then why I loved to garden and that, as long as I had access to a small patch of green, I would be okay.

Yes, I am on medication which is meant to control both anxiety and depression. I have also had many sessions of therapy. Both of these things I have found invaluable to my recuperation. And no, I would never suggest that someone replaces a good doctor with a tray full of seedlings. However, there is definitely something in nature that heals the mind. Not only has gardening helped me to get through a difficult period in my life, it is something I can enjoy when life is good. What I find so wonderful about gardening is that it is both beneficial to my health and enjoyable. This seems like rare thing in life. For example, everyone wants an athlete’s body but few people want to spend five days a week in the gym. Gardening, on the other hand, is both salubrious and gratifying.

I can’t wait to properly get back out and into the garden. I can’t for the grass to dry out and the soil to become workable. I can’t wait to get my tools out of the garage and my pruning shears in my pocket. I can’t wait, because I know that the best medicine for what ails me, is right outside my back door.

Tom Smart is a secondary school teacher who found his passion for gardening in the drizzle and mists of Scotland.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Cloudbet maps regional betting trends in August–September 2025

Published

1 week ago

on

September 9, 2025

By

Leading crypto sportsbook and casino Cloudbet has released the first edition of Cloudbet Snapshot: Regional Crypto Betting Trends, a new series designed to track how bettors worldwide engage with their favorite sports. This inaugural snapshot, covering August to September 2025, analyzes betting activity across 12 of the most popular competitions—a curated slice from the thousands of events available on Cloudbet every day. The findings provide one of the clearest looks yet at regional betting behaviors during a peak period spanning the start of European soccer seasons, the US Open tennis championships, and the MLB playoff race.

Set against a global online gambling market valued at $87.69 billion in 2025 and forecast to hit $153.57 billion by 2030 (11.9% CAGR, Grand View Research), the results reveal a telling divide: while soccer remains the backbone of crypto betting worldwide, regional favorites like baseball, UFC, and Argentina’s Liga Profesional are reshaping the landscape.

“We took each region’s top five competitions and built a composite set to show where local favorites overlap or diverge globally,” said John, a Cloudbet spokesperson. “This snapshot gives a clean view of how bettors engage across regions, without drowning in the thousands of markets we host every day.”

Soccer dominates, but rivals (Grand Slams, MLB) break through

Globally, soccer accounted for 57.1% of activity in the sample, led by the Premier League (15.57%), La Liga (12.78%), and UEFA Champions League (10.08%). A London derby between Chelsea and Crystal Palace was among the top draws, underscoring soccer’s ability to anchor engagement across markets.

Tennis also stood tall. The US Open men’s and women’s singles combined for over 20% of activity, with high-profile matches in New York driving late-summer betting volume. MLB contributed 9.73% globally, a figure lifted by pennant-race rivalries such as Yankees v. Red Sox, which pulled bettors well beyond North America.

Regional snapshots:

  • Latin America: Copa Libertadores (8.98%) and Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) (8.53%) underlined local loyalties, with MLB making inroads at 10.89%.
  • North America: MLB towered at 22.78%, supported by college football’s return (10.62%) and UFC (10.21%). The Du Plessis v. Chimaev bout captured enough attention to rival soccer, which managed only 10.42% in the region.
  • Asia & Middle East: Soccer led, with Serie A (9.75%) joining global heavyweights, while UFC climbed to 5.98% — evidence of a growing combat-sports appetite.
  • Europe: Soccer stayed dominant, but bettors also looked to the UEFA Europa Conference League (9.93%) and US Open Women’s Singles (10.03%), showing a taste for variety alongside the main football calendar.

Figure 1 note: The chart reflects a combined set of 12 competitions drawn from each region’s top five by engagement. It is not a global “top 12,” but rather a mix of favorites that surfaced across Latin America, Asia/Middle East, North America, and Europe.

Liga Profesional de Fútbol’s surprising global reach

Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) emerged as a standout. While commanding 8.53% in Latin America, it also posted 3.59% in Europe and 3.07% in Asia/Middle East, both just nominally higher than its 3.06% in North America. Beyond diaspora ties and broadcast reach, analysts believe the LPF benefits from time-zone dynamics: evening kickoffs in South America align with late-night hours in Europe, giving bettors fresh live action after local leagues wrap up. By contrast, Copa Libertadores (8.98% in Latin America, 1.53% in North America) remains a more appointment-driven event, commanding big moments but not the same nightly presence.

“Bettors don’t switch off when the last whistle blows in London or Madrid,” said John, the Cloudbet spokesperson. “They roll straight into Buenos Aires or Montevideo, because those games are still live, the streams are cheap, and the action feels real. It’s the same reason a Yankees–Red Sox series or a UFC title fight can pull people in from outside North America — rivalries and timing matter as much as the sport itself.”

Cloudbet Snapshot methodology and context

  • Scope: 12 most engaged competitions, selected by pooling each region’s top five during August 5 – September 4, 2025.
  • Metric: Share of unique bettors per competition relative to the 12 listed, not sitewide volume.
  • Timing: Coincided with European soccer kickoffs, MLB pennant races, and the US Open.
  • Exclusions: Other competitions available on Cloudbet were not included, meaning sports like NBA, NFL, or niche leagues may be underrepresented, likely due to seasonal variability.

Full Snapshot available here: https://media.cloudbet.com/422608-cloudbet-snapshot-augusts-regional-crypto-betting-trends

For more information, users can visit Cloudbet.com.

About Cloudbet

Founded in 2013, Cloudbet is the world’s longest-running crypto casino and sportsbook. Over the past decade, players worldwide have placed millions of bets using over 40 different cryptocurrencies. In 2024, Cloudbet introduced the most generous welcome offer and loyalty program online, featuring stacked rewards and guaranteed daily cash drops for frequent bettors.

With a wide selection of slots, live casino games, and sports markets—ranging from esports to Premier League and NFL player props—Cloudbet is the leader in secure crypto betting. Users can visit Cloudbet.com; Instagram (@cloudbetofficial); Twitter/X (@Cloudbet).

Contact

Irene

[email protected]

The post Cloudbet maps regional betting trends in August–September 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

N1 Partners is giving away a trip to a surf camp at SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 4, 2025

By

n1-partners-is-giving-away-a-trip-to-a-surf-camp-at-sbc-summit-2025-in-lisbon

Surf On the Waves to Success: N1 Partners at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025

From September 16 to 18, the N1 Partners team will take part in SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon — one of the largest events in the iGaming industry. Thousands of professionals from around the world will gather at Feira Internacional de Lisboa & MEO Arena to discuss trends, exchange insights, and build new partnerships. N1 Partners is known for preparing something special for every event, and this time the team will bring a vibrant surf-inspired atmosphere to booth F84.

Surfing the Wave of Opportunities with N1 Partners

At every conference, meeting the N1 Partners team is a chance for affiliates to advance in the N1 Puzzle Promo and get closer to the grand prize of the year — the Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter. In Lisbon, this journey takes on a fresh theme — surfing, as a symbol of freedom, energy, and moving forward.

At the N1 Partners booth, the team will recreate the vibe of a real surf camp, giving partners the chance to discuss business opportunities and take part in activities designed to help them “catch the wave” of success.

What Visitors Will Find at Booth F84

  • Surf Bar serving signature bubble teas and retro-surf–style cocktails
  • Surf Balance Board Challenge: test your balance, claim guaranteed prizes, and get the chance to win an all-inclusive surf trip
  • Meeting zones designed for productive negotiations and top-tier deals in a comfortable setting

A Dream Trip for the Winner

N1 Partners will raffle off a certificate for an all-inclusive surf camp trip, which includes flights, villa accommodation, training with a professional coach, and a branded surfboard delivered directly to the winner.

How to participate:

  1. Visit booth F84
  2. Register for the giveaway
  3. Be present at the raffle (stay tuned for the exact time on N1 Partners’ social media)

Full terms and conditions will be available at the booth.

See You in Lisbon

SBC Summit Lisbon is the perfect opportunity to meet the N1 Partners team, explore new projects, learn about the latest brand launches, and discuss exclusive partnership opportunities. At booth F84, visitors will find live business conversations, branded merch, and additional puzzles to bring them closer to the grand prize of the N1 Puzzle Promo.

Why N1 Partners

Working directly with an advertiser, partners of N1 Partners benefit from:

  • 14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
  • top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
  • CPA up to €650, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models 

At booth F84, the N1 Partners team will be focused on real business. Whether you run SEO, PPC, FB, or other traffic sources, you’ll discover how to turn them into even greater profit with N1 Partners’ offers.

Don’t wait: book your meetings with N1 Partners’ affiliate managers now and make your SBC Lisbon experience as productive as possible.

The post N1 Partners is giving away a trip to a surf camp at SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

JURASSIC WORLD Omnichannel Games Thrill U.S. Players as Scientific Games Readies for Linked Game Winners’ Event

Published

3 weeks ago

on

August 27, 2025

By

jurassic-world-omnichannel-games-thrill-us.-players-as-scientific-games-readies-for-linked-game-winners’-event

 

URASSIC WORLD-Inspired Scratch Games Are Roaring this Summer, Digital Games Launching

Scientific Games announces that its exclusive, new JURASSIC WORLD-themed lottery games are roaring with success across the U.S. this summer. Created as part of a multi-year collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, the blockbuster instant scratch games are delivering powerful results, with sales up to 161% higher than other games at the same price point in the market. The company created an omnichannel suite of JURASSIC-themed products to meet players where they play, including scratch, Fast Play, draw-based, Keno, digital second-chance and eInstant games.

2025_Cision_500x418px_JurassicWorld.png

The successful launches are setting the stage for the company’s JURASSIC WORLD-themed Linked Game winners’ event next year. The event will bring together lottery winners from across the U.S. for a once-in-a-lifetime, brand-immersive experience in Hawaii—where the original JURASSIC PARK was filmed—complete with white-glove services and opportunities to win additional cash prizes. Linked Game entry is through Scientific Games’ digital second-chance drawing program.

Sixteen of 20 state lotteries participating in the Linked Game have already launched JURASSIC PARK and JURASSIC WORLD scratch and Fast Play games at the $5 or $10 price points, with four more launches coming soon. JURASSIC-themed eInstant games have recently launched.

Scott Warner, Product Manager for the South Carolina Education Lottery, said: “The JURASSIC PARK franchise is one of the most recognizable and beloved brands in the world. It has had a special place in pop culture for decades. There is a great blend of adventure and nostalgia, plus the excitement of the $1,000,000 JACKPOT CHALLENGE. The fact that the promotion aligned with the release of the newest movie was perfect and made JURASSIC PARK an ideal fit for our scratch-off portfolio. The launch has been very strong, with six-week sales the second highest of any game over the past year. We’re really excited to send players to Hawaii! The trip experience will be incredible and the extra opportunities to win up to $1,000,000 will be thrilling for players.”

In July, JURASSIC WORLD Rebirth opened in movie theatres nationwide. From Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the JURASSIC WORLD franchise immerses audiences of all ages in a new era of wonder and thrills where dinosaurs and humankind must learn to coexist.

Joshua Johnston, Director of Washington’s Lottery, said, “The JURASSIC franchise has thrilled generations, and bringing that excitement to our players through a themed scratch ticket felt like a perfect fit. From the recognizable artwork to the thrill of uncovering big prizes, our players embraced the game right away. It’s always exciting to tap into fan-favorites that fuel a sense of fun and nostalgia. We’re always looking for new ways to create memorable experiences for our players, and the JURASSIC-themed game delivers just that. With the chance to win up to $1 million – plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii up for grabs, where the original film was shot – the game offers an incredible layer of excitement to an already engaging experience.”

In addition to appealing heavily to core instant game lottery players, a recent study showed that three of the five non-core instant game player segments placed JURASSIC PARK in the “Keeper” brand quadrant based on the brands breadth of appeal and intensity of liking. Overall, licensed brands have been shown to successfully attract new, non-core players. Recent Scientific Games loyalty program data showed that licensed branded games are 63% more likely to lead to loyalty club registrations than non-licensed branded games.

Robert Tharp, Senior Director of Products and Analytics, Brightstar Indiana on behalf of the Hoosier Lottery, said, “JURASSIC PARK is a new licensed property in the lottery world, so we saw it as a chance to bring a game to players with a theme they had not seen before. We have had success with nostalgic properties in the past and saw the opportunity to once again bring that feeling of nostalgia to players with JURASSIC PARK. The ticket art is very unique and eye-catching. We also felt the Linked Game event in Hawaii was something that would be attractive to players as a second chance…who doesn’t want to win a trip to Hawaii!”

Scientific Games created the first instant Linked Game in 2007 and has continued to lead the industry, working with the most recognizable brands in the world to innovate omnichannel lottery experiences and large-scale, once-in-a-lifetime winners’ experiences.

Tina Hoover, VP Licensing for Scientific Games, said, “We could not be more excited that the JURASSIC WORLD-themed games are delivering thrilling experiences for players across the U.S. and that the larger-than-life sales performance of these iconic games is generating more funding for lottery beneficiary programs.”

Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technologies, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries. The company offers the largest portfolio of licensed brands in the lottery industry with more than 100 properties for retail and digital games. In fiscal year 2025, licensed branded games created by Scientific Games for U.S. lotteries represented over USD $3.5B in retail and digital sales.

© Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Universal is not a sponsor or administrator of this Promotion.

© 2025 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

The post JURASSIC WORLD Omnichannel Games Thrill U.S. Players as Scientific Games Readies for Linked Game Winners’ Event appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Trending