Kiss Kiss Please…
WeekendLife
Has the kissing waned in your relationship? Are you more the ‘’air kiss’’ than ‘’actual kiss’’ type when greeting your friend? Do you cringe when you see your aunt coming in for a big kiss at family functions? It may be time to pucker up. Turns out that kissing- even your family and friends- has loads of mental and physical benefits that make getting your smooch on totally worth it.
According to healthline, kissing boosts your ‘happy hormones’’. Kissing triggers your brain to release a cocktail of chemicals that leave you feeling oh so good by igniting the pleasure centers of the brain. These chemicals include oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, which can make you feel euphoric and encourage feelings of affection and bonding. It lowers your cortisol, or say stress hormone levels.
Oxytocin helps you bond with the other person. The rush of this chemical released when you kiss causes feelings of affection and attachment. Kissing your partner can improve relationship satisfaction and may be especially important in long-term relationships. Healthline stressed that kissing has a tangible impact on your self-esteem. In addition to boosting your happy hormones, kissing can reduce your cortisol levels- potentially improving your feelings of self-worth.
Researchers in one 2016 study found that participants who were unhappy with their physical appearance had higher cortisol levels. Although more research is needed, experiencing a temporary drop in cortisol each time you kiss isn’t a bad way to pass the time. Speaking of cortisol, kissing also lowers cortisol levels and stress. Kissing and other affectionate communication, like hugging and saying ‘’I love you’’ impacts the physiological process related to stress management. Stress management included how well you handle stress and anxiety. There is nothing quite like a kiss and some affection to help calm you. Oxytocin decreases anxiety and increases relaxation and wellness.
It also dictates your blood vessels, which helps reduce your blood pressure. Healthline noted that kissing increases your heart rate in a way that dilates your blood vessels. When your blood vessels dilate, your blood flow increases and causes an immediate decrease in your blood pressure. So this means that kissing is good for the heart, literally. This can also help relieve cramps. The effect of dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow can help relieve cramps- a boost in feel-good chemicals and relief from period cramps. Getting your smooch on when you are in the throes of a bad period might just be worth it.
Kiss the ‘’not tonight dear, I have a headache’’ excuse goodbye. That dilation of blood vessels and lowered blood pressure can also relieve headache. It was said that kissing may also help you prevent headache by lowering stress, which is a known headache trigger. Swapping spit can boost your immunity by exposing you to new germs that strengthen your immune system. One study found that couples that kiss frequently share the same micro biota in their saliva and on their tongues.
Kissing has been shown to provide significant relief from hives and other signs of allergic reaction associated with pollen and household dust mites. Stress also worsens allergic reactions, so kissing’s effect on stress may also reduce allergic response that way. It’s also tied to improvements in total cholesterol. One study found that couples who increased the frequency of romantic kissing experienced improvement in their total serum cholesterol.
Keeping your cholesterol in check lowers your risk of several diseases, including heart disease and stroke. It even helps prevent cavities by increasing saliva production. Kissing stimulates your salivary glands, which increase saliva production. Healthline underlined that saliva lubricates your mouth, aids in swallowing, and helps keep food debris from sticking to your teeth, which can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Kissing is also a solid barometer for physical compatibility with a romantic partner. It helps you assess the suitability of a potential partner. According to women surveyed in one study, a first kiss can basically make it or break it when it comes to her attraction.
And kissing a romantic partner boosts your sex drive. Romantic kissing leads to sexual arousal and is often the driving force behind a woman’s decision to have sex with someone. Saliva contains testosterone- a sex hormone that plays a role in sexual arousal. The longer and more passionately you kiss, the more testosterone gets released. The more you kiss, the more you tighten and tone your facial muscles. Kissing often and using these muscles on the regular acts like a workout for your face- and neck if you are really into it. This may help firm up your facial muscles. Working out your facial muscles can also increase collagen production, which contributes to firmer, younger-looking skin.
It even burns calories. Using those facial muscles also burns calories. You can burn anywhere from 2 to 26 calories per minute depending on how passionately you kiss. This may not be the best workout regime if you’re trying to lose weight, but it sure beats sweating on the elliptical trainer. So the bottom line is, kissing, regardless of whom you’re kissing, can have a positive impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing. Kissing makes both parties feel god about themselves and can help strengthen relationships of all kinds, so kiss and kiss often. It’s good for you.
WeekendLife
BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.