In what may seem like a completely contradictory revelation, a new study has found that people can reduce their risk of depression by up to 40 per cent, just by waking up one hour earlier in the morning. And cue a slew of comments from people who reckon waking up earlier will put them in a worse mood.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard published their findings on May 26 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, which found how your chronotype can have an effect on your risk of suffering from depression. Your chronotype is something that is essentially stamped onto you at birth, with your genetic make up putting you into one of four categories: bear, wolf, lion or dolphin.

Depending on which animal you associate with will determine when you’re likely to wake up, go to sleep and when you are going to be at your most productive during the day. A previous Finnish study found “the odds of underperformance [at work] were twice as high among the night owls as they were among the early birds in both sexes even after taking account of potentially influential factors, such as sleep duration and morning working hours.”

But, while the Finnish study related to work productivity levels, this latest study from the US is being regarded as one of the most conclusive with regards to the effect sleeping patterns can have on our mental health, something that has never been more paramount given the events of the previous 18 months.

The researchers studied genetic data of up to 850,000 individuals, which included data sourced from 85,000 people who wore sleep trackers for a week, and 250,000 who filled out sleep-preference questionnaires. The reason for such a large sample size? Previous studies looking into the effects of sleeping patterns and chronotypes on depression risk have either used small participant groups or have glossed over the influence of mood disorders.

Lead researcher Iyas Daghlas, M.D. therefore used a method called “mendelian randomisation” – which takes into account the confounding factors on the results of an observational study, but is able to still obtain conclusive results because it also takes into account the measured variation in genes of known function – to help obtain his findings.

As ScienceDaily adds, “More than 340 common genetic variants, including variants in the so-called ‘clock gene’ PER2, are known to influence a person’s chronotype, and genetics collectively explains 12-42% of our sleep timing preference.”

Splitting the overall participant group into smaller samples, and after determining how many of the largest sample group identified as either a morning person, night person, or somewhere in the middle, it was found the “average sleep mid-point was 3 a.m., meaning they went to bed at 11 p.m. and got up at 6 a.m.”

Using genetic information, the research team wanted to find out if people who identify as early risers have a lower risk of depression. The result was a coherent yes.

“Each one-hour earlier sleep midpoint (halfway between bedtime and wake time) corresponded with a 23% lower risk of major depressive disorder.”

“This suggests that if someone who normally goes to bed at 1 a.m. goes to bed at midnight instead and sleeps the same duration, they could cut their risk by 23%; if they go to bed at 11 p.m., they could cut it by about 40%.”

What the study wasn’t able to determine is if people who already do wake up early could also benefit from waking up an hour or so earlier.

As for what exactly causes that drop in risk of depression can be pretty logical. As ScienceDaily says, “some research suggests that getting greater light exposure during the day, which early-risers tend to get, results in a cascade of hormonal impacts that can influence mood.”

“Others note that having a biological clock, or circadian rhythm, that trends differently than most peoples’ can in itself be depressing.”

Iyas Daghlas also concluded, “This study definitely shifts the weight of evidence toward supporting a casual effect of sleep timing on depression.”

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The post Risk Of Depression Drops Dramatically With One Simple Change, Study Finds appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Never mind the fact we’re all now addicted to Instagram and cradle our cryptocurrency investments like Tamagotchis: Australian men are still (somehow) known across the globe for being rugged, stoic and confident (thank Chris Hemsworth).Because of this trope, the average Aussie bloke is unlikely to admit he’s scared of much. In fact, perhaps the only acceptable things to publically worry about, if you want to live up to this classic (others might say limiting) stereotype, is running out of beer or failing to secure the winning bid at a Sydney house auction.But actually, stepping outside of your comfort zone can be a very healthy experience. Life’s short and it’s worth shaking things up a little, especially after the last sixteen months where we’ve all been a bit housebound and restrained.And I defy you to find an Aussie man who’s not at least a little bit scared of mountain biking (other than, you know, a mountain biker).Mountain biking is widely regarded as one of the most exciting yet dangerous sports one can partake in. Downhill mountain biking, in particular, can even be just scary to watch – just check out this GoPro footage of Canada’s Rémy Métailler at 2019’s Red Bull Valparaiso Cerro Abajo in Chile.Of course, this is a professional downhill mountain biker tackling one of the most intense urban courses on the planet, but the point still stands: it’s not for the faint-hearted. So when I found out my editor James was crook and I needed to fill in for him on a mountain biking trip, I was more than a little nervous.Swiss watch brand Rado had invited us to Tasmania for the launch of their new Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic, with mountain biking one of the key events – a tough sport to put a tough watch through its paces with. After touching down in Launceston and enjoying a spot of golf and fine dining (much more my speed), we found ourselves on a shuttle bus off to Derby.Derby, about 100km east of Launceston, has become one of Tasmania’s hottest tourist destinations in recent years. Originally the home of one of the world’s largest tin mines, the tiny town has since been rejuvenated thanks to a huge investment by the Tasmanian government in 2015, which redeveloped the old mining precinct into one of the best mountain biking areas in Australia.RELATED: The Best Mountain Bike Brands To Help You Tame The TrailsThe Blue Derby network features 125km of purpose-built mountain bike trails, as well as luxurious experiences like the Blue Derby Pods Ride, where you combine your biking adventures with dinner and accommodation in exclusive architecturally designed ‘pods’ nestled amongst the trails. It’s at one of these pods that lunch was waiting for us – but first, we needed to earn our feed by biking up there. So, as they say, on ya bike…

As someone who spends more time on an exercise bike than a real one (and rather infrequently on that score, I might add), I was very nervous about our mountain biking trip. Driving fast cars around the track, cliff-diving or eating bizarre foods doesn’t scare me, but the thought of coming a cropper on a wet downhill trail was weighing heavily on my mind.RELATED: I Tried Sydney’s Classiest Oyster Establishment & It Ruined Me For LifeBut I’m glad I didn’t chicken out. Modern mountain bikes are so exceptionally capable and easy to use that even a complete amateur like me was able to scramble up rocks and shuttle down dips in the trail with ease. Sure, I took a few turns rather clumsily – and almost injured myself in the process – but almost is the operative term. The quality of the Blue Derby trails would make it seriously difficult for someone to really come a cropper.The adrenalin rush was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. You feel so connected to the elements while mountain biking, particularly somewhere as scenic as the Tasmanian wilderness. Sure, biking uphill through muddy switchbacks was intense, but the reward – speeding downhill, almost weightless, darting and drifting through bends and falls – is totally worth it.

It also made the sauna at the end of the trip all the more refreshing…The best part of the experience was knowing that I conquered my fears. Stepping out of my comfort zone and keeping an open mind opened my eyes up to what’s now a favourite sport, and it was definitely a worthy experiment. I can’t wait to head back to Derby for another shot on the trails.Mountain biking, especially somewhere as scenic as Blue Derby, is something every Aussie man (or woman or child) should give a try. Bite the bullet and give it a shot – you won’t be disappointed. More to the point, don’t be afraid of stepping outside of your comfort zone. You don’t know what you might be missing out on.Now that’s something worth writing home about.

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The post Tasmanian ‘Comfort Zone’ Experiment More Australian Men Should Try appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

This feature has been produced in partnership with Kennedy.

Few men have had an impact on Australian rules football in such a short amount of time as Dustin Martin.

During his 12 years with the Richmond Football Club the 29-year-old has scooped up accolade after accolade, including three premierships, one Brownlow Medal, two Jack Dyer Medals and four All-Australian selections among other silverware. He remains the only player to win the Norm Smith Medal award three times, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in AFL history. Brash, mercurial but exceedingly talented, he’s won over the hearts of many footy tragics – and not just Richmond supporters.

In short, he’s an icon. Which makes him the perfect person to collaborate with on some iconic watches.

Luxury retailer Kennedy – another Victorian icon – has teamed up with the legendary athlete to celebrate their shared love of high-end timepieces with an innovative collaborative collection designed to exemplify the different facets of this great player.

Watches are an intensely personal reflection of one’s character. But just as it’s impossible to distil someone’s personality into a single concept or characterisation, it’s impossible for a true watch lover to restrict themselves to just one timepiece.

That’s why the Kennedy + Martin collection encompasses four watches from four different manufacturers that each represent a different part of Martin’s personality, as well as a different aspect of high-end horology.

The Iconoclast

If there’s one thing you can say about Dustin Martin, it’s that he’s built different. From his endless tattoos to his indomitable character, the man’s truly one of a kind. And an unmistakable man needs an unmistakable watch.

In that sense, it’s hard to go past the IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Rodeo Drive”. You normally associate perpetual calendars with more traditional, dressier watches: instead, IWC use their ultra-masculine, utilitarian Big Pilot as the medium for this classic flourish of haute horlogerie.

The contrast between the complication and watch is heightened by its ceramic and titanium construction, as well as its deliberately uncluttered design. A thoroughly modern watch that upends convention, it’s truly iconoclastic, right down to the name that harks back to Los Angeles’ most glamorous street.

The Performer

Dustin is a performer in two senses: not only is he an entertaining player to watch who knows how to thrill a crowd, but he’s also someone who knows how to perform under pressure. When the lights of the MCG bare down on you; thousands of people watching your every move, you need to be made of stern stuff.

The Panerai Submersible BMG-Tech 47mm is also a performer. Not only is it a real show-stopper – its large case size and unmistakable, rugged aesthetic a real head turner – but it’s a tough-as-nails watch that can withstand some of the toughest conditions imaginable.

Its most unique feature is its BMG construction. BMG, or Bulk Metallic Glass, is a next-generation alloy that’s both much harder and lighter than steel. It’s also corrosion-resistant and antimagnetic. Add in a 300m water-resistance and lume bright enough to conquer the depths and you get one capable beast of a watch.

The Enigma

He might play in front of thousands for a living but one of the most striking aspects about Dustin Martin is how he shuns media attention and keeps his cards close to his chest as far as his personality is concerned. He’s enigmatic; happy to have his prowess on the pitch do the talking for him.

The Piaget Polo S Self-Winding is an enigma, too. One of the very first luxury sports watches ever devised, it’s somewhat of a contradiction: ultra-refined and demure, yet tough and performance-focused.. Even within the world of luxury sports watches, the Polo stands out, thanks to its curvaceous shape and minimalist appeal.

Rugged steel construction, an integrated bracelet and 100m water-resistance are just some of its bona fides. Masculine and youthful yet refined, it straddles the line between sporty and elegant like no other watch on the market.

The Individualist

Dustin’s never followed the pack… Or should we say the ruck? Either way, there’s no-one else quite like him in the Australian sporting landscape. Watches, too, are a potent expression of one’s individuality.

Take the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph, one of the most underrated timepieces the “watchmaker’s watchmaker” has in their arsenal. Evocative of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s long history crafting instruments for high-performance luxury cars, the Polaris Chronograph’s anthracite dial treatment and tachymetre rehaut ooze old-world class.

It’s not just a pretty face, either. The ‘1000 Hours Control’ engraved on its caseback refers to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s highly-demanding in-house certification that puts each watch through 1000 hours of testing. So you know the Polaris Chronograph will be able to keep up with you, no matter how individual your tastes or pursuits.

These four fine watches reflect a different aspect of Dustin Martin – but they also reflect how each man, in his own way, contains multitudes.

But the killer question is this: which aspect, and which watch, do you most identify with? We’re afraid that’s a decision even Dustin can’t help you make.

Discover the Kennedy + Martin collaboration at Kennedy’s online boutique here.

The post Kennedy Teams Up With AFL Legend Dustin Martin On Exclusive Watch Collection appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Qantas’ Project Sunrise plans were put on hold last year as chests rattled around the globe. Now talk is once again buzzing around the project (whose ambition is to connect Australia’s east coast with the likes of London, New York, Rio, Capetown and Frankfurt via non-stop flights), once again.

50 million dollars was allegedly offered to Qantas in late April, in return for seven commitments from the airline, including launching Project Sunrise from Sydney, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

“The NSW government secretly offered $50 million in taxpayer funds to Qantas to head off a bidding war with rival states to keep the airline’s global headquarters in Sydney,” the publication wrote on Tuesday.

The deal also allegedly involved the condition of making Project Sunrise a Sydney exclusive endeavour for the first five years.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet emailed the offer to Qantas’ CEO Alan Joyce, the Sydney Morning Herald claims, in which he also sought a commitment to no net job losses and the creation of 2,000 full-time roles over the first five years.

Though this was to be commercial-in-confidence, the Sydney Morning Herald has said it can reveal the contents of the proposal now that the letter has been included, “in a trove of documents tabled to State Parliament.”

A Qantas spokesperson has said the document seen by the Sydney Morning Herald represents only a “draft offer” and that a final, binding deal is still being negotiated.

That said, Qantas’ actions appear to line up. In May Qantas announced that Sydney would be Project Sunrise’s launch city.

Qantas also appears to have decided to keep its HQ in Sydney, despite sparking a bidding war in 2020 between states when it hinted it might move its multiple bases to one central location.

However, As Australian Aviation reports, “in May 2021, Qantas then announced that neither of its major bases in NSW and Victoria would relocate. The business hinted it received incentives to stay put including ‘payroll tax relief, tourism marketing funding, property rebates, training support and direct incentives.'”

According to Australian Aviation, the document obtained on Tuesday by The Sydney Morning Herald, dated 29 April, outlines an offer for $50 million over four years in return for:

• A commitment that Project Sunrise would be based exclusively in Sydney for at least five years, following its commencement
• Qantas’ head officer remaining in the state for 30 years, with no net job losses over the first five years
• Total jobs growth over those first five years of at least 2,000 FTE
• Relocation and centralisation of Qantas Loyalty from Melbourne to Sydney
• Establishment of a simulator centre in NSW and a “centre for service excellence” for pilots and cabin crew
• A commitment to meet Indigenous and gender diversity employment targets

Qantas’ last full-year financial results showed how hard COVID has hit the aviation sector, revealing a loss before tax of $2.7 billion and an underlying profit before tax of $124 million.

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The post World's Longest Non-Stop Flight Is Good News For Sydney Residents appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s practically impossible to count the number of golf courses in Australia, such is the popularity of the sport and the subsequent demand for courses to play on. Golf is without question one of the most popular outdoor sports Down Under and each state and major city is home to a number of world-class clubs and courses that can send even the most hardcore golfers into meltdown.

While it’s likely you’ll gravitate towards Sydney or Melbourne when it comes to discovering some of the best courses in the country, Brisbane does in fact have a number of supreme greens of its own.

And with championship-level courses comes the need for the finest equipment, clothing and accessories money can buy. Fortunately, you’re in good hands in this regard too, as there are plenty of golf shops dotted around the city, all of which stock some of the best brands in golf and everything from clubs to shoes to carts and anything else in between.

So, once you’ve found a golf course or driving range in Brisbane that you’re comfortable playing at, head to any of these golf stores and shops to prove to other members you have all the gear and the idea.

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The post Best Brisbane Golf Shops To Stock Up On The Latest Equipment appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Adam Levine is a pop singer, not a fitness idol. He can still curl metal though.

The lead singer of Maroon 5 yesterday shared a bunch of Instagram Stories showing off some scintillating workouts. Levine is currently on holiday in Maui, Hawaii.

One was a video of himself lifting a kettlebell while doing a forward lunge. “These are harder than they look,” he captioned the clip.

Another showed him twisting around with a medicine ball, working his core. Other videos he has posted (and appeared in) this year show him using ankle weights, looking “fly as f***” and doing cable flys (as well as doing couple workouts in bright orange pants).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Austin Pohlen (@pohlenfitness)

In the most recent videos, the 42-year-old singer, who has 13.2 million followers on Instagram, looked ripped. His tattooed biceps and abs glinted in the sun. He wore a pair of star-printed swim shorts.

He also sported a shaved head and a beard.

Levine’s personal trainer Austin Pohlen told Us Weekly in March that Levine takes his workout routine seriously.

“He walks on the treadmill for, like, an hour-and-a-half to two hours every day and then we train, but he also adds in yoga about three times a week and then a little less than that right now, but yoga has really helped him,” Pohlen said. “And then one day a week we’ve been doing pilates.”

He added: “We strength train four to five times a week. And [he’s] just working on getting leaner while building muscle mass.”

Our take? He looks just as fit – if not fitter – than he did 10 years ago.

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The post 42-Year-Old Adam Levine Proves Age Is Just A Number With Scintillating Full Body Workout appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A very new brand, having only been launched in November 2020, is Amberjack. The Amberjack team has had years of experience though, working with some of the biggest heavyweights in the men’s footwear industry such as Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, and Adidas.

They only have one shoe to offer, ‘The Original’, which is a stylish dress shoe available in four timeless colours. But this shoe is secretly a serious game-changer when it comes to men’s dress shoes. You’d never know by just looking at them, but these are seriously the most comfortable dress shoes available.

The soles of The Original are crafted with new, proprietary materials created by Amberjack, that deliver comfort all day long! The shoes also feature heat-activated arch support made with foam (that’s more durable than memory foam) that when heated by your body warmth will mould to your foot for custom arch support.

Not to mention a dual-density outsole with high-performance athletic technology in the front for flexibility and strong hiking boot material in the back for support. Oh, and the sustainably sourced Italian suede used for the upper is water repellent, meaning you can wear these dress shoes in rain or shine, and the suede will stay protected and fresh.

You’re probably thinking, ‘Wow, these dress shoes sound ridiculously comfortable, so they’ll probably be ridiculously expensive’, right? Wrong! These sophisticated dress shoes that’ll keep your feet cushioned and comfy all day are only US$179! It sounds too good to be true, but somehow it’s not.

Shop Amberjack The Original US$179

The post These $179 'Heat-Activated' Work Shoes Are The Most Comfortable You'll Ever Wear appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s hard to think that less than fifteen years ago, Ed Sheeran was effectively homeless, eking out a living busking and playing small gigs in London, sleeping on Circle Line trains between shows.These days, he’s one of the most successful musicians of the modern era, having sold over 150 million records, boasting the record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time and a trophy cabinet with accolades including four Grammys, five BRIT Awards and six Billboard Music Awards.He hasn’t let this success go to his head, however: he’s a rather humble and understated bloke, who’s really all about the music. Except when it comes to watches. Turns out he’s a rather passionate watch collector with a real taste for the finer things – we guess everyone’s allowed their vice.During a rare flurry of activity on social media, promoting his upcoming single, the 30-year-old shared a photo of himself rocking a white gold Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (ref. 5270G-019) worth around 170,000 USD (~220,000 AUD).

First released in 2015, the ref. 5270G-019 is pure Patek. Perpetual calendar chronographs are a true speciality of the ‘Holy Trinity’ watchmaker, and this one is a particularly handsome one: the rich blue sunray dial and clean 18ct white gold is a winning combination. The large day-month window at 12 o’clock and the way the moonphase display is elegantly incorporated into the date subdial are particular highlights.RELATED: Andy Warhol’s Patek Philippe Could Be A Bargain Waiting To Be Snapped UpThe blue of the watch’s dial dramatically contrasts Sheeran’s bright red Nike Air Jordan Is… As well as his bright red hair. Nothing like a bit of contrast to break up an outfit.It’s not the only Patek Sheeran owns, either. His expansive collection includes underrated gems like the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time (ref. 5524G-001) and World Time (ref. 5130R-001).He also owns a number of rarities from other manufacturers, including a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ (ref. 6241), an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak GMT Tourbillon Concept (ref. 26589IO.OO.D002CA.01) as well as multiple Hublots and Richard Milles. Phew!

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A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

It’s not just a single we can expect from the talented Mr. Sheeran: his fifth studio album is also set to drop this year. It’ll be his first full-length album since 2019’s No.6 Collaborations Project, which featured artists like Bruno Mars, Travis Scott, Eminem, 50 Cent and Justin Bieber, among others.

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The post Ed Sheeran’s Subtle Patek Philippe Flex Sends Watch Nuts Into A Spin appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’re often guilty of describing cars as ‘tasty’ here at DMARGE, but it seems that label is particularly appropriate for this unfortunate vehicle.

After spending a night away in the Hunter Valley, this Newcastle family made the unfortunate discovery that their Land Rover Discovery 5 – a car that would have set them back at least $100,000 new – had become the new home for a rat, who’d completely rubbished the interior of their expensive SUV.

“Gradually our car was just getting nibbled away… We took it to the dealership and they said that, even to look into the car and take it apart to that level, [would be] about $10,000,” owner Luke Tilse told ABC News.

“I think at last count [the total cost] was $19,600. There was heaps of damage under the dashboard. We were worried about airbags blowing up in our faces just from the electrics being so tampered with. All up, l think it’s going to be two months without the car while they get all the different specialist parts they need to replace.”

Gerry van Dijk, auto mechanic and manager of Gerry Wubbels Automatics, who repaired Tilse’s ‘Disco’, relates that “we had to strip the whole car apart, basically, so the whole interior is out of the vehicle — the seats, the dashboard, the air-conditioning unit, everything is apart on that car.”

“You would think that there was more than one [rat]… It’s taken stuff underneath the carpet, chewed the door trims, the seats, armrests, the consoles… It’s chewed through everything, dragged wet wipes into the dashboard to make nests and in the vents… What’s not damaged, we’ll put back in, but that will all have to be sterilised and cleaned of course.”

We think of cars as being just metal, plastic and carpet, but the reality is that auto makers use a wide range of different materials when constructing modern luxury cars… Many of which are tasty treats for hungry vermin.

For example, a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class contains up to 20kg of hemp, as hemp is used in many bioplastics that make up interior body panels. Cardboard parcel shelves; foam insulation and sound deadening… Hell, Bentley has been experimenting with mushroom and grape-based leather. It’s like they’re just asking for their cars to be eaten.

RELATED: Australia’s ‘Tuscany’ Alternative Might Be Your Perfect Winter Getaway

It’s hard to believe that this Land Rover was so totally rubbished by only a single rat – truly a nightmare situation. But it might be something more Aussie motorists need to be concerned about: regional New South Wales is currently experiencing an unprecedented rodent plague, with some experts warning the rats might reach Sydney as well as other Australian states as winter gets cooler, 7 News reports.

Better start rat-proofing your Porsches, people.

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The post Devastated Land Rover Owner’s Warning For Australia’s Luxury SUV Drivers appeared first on DMARGE Australia.