‘The most stressful TV experience on record’: Alex Honnold and the rise of potential death as live entertainment - The Guardian

The Russian submarine is on the fritz and as such remains at the bottom of the North Sea. Its fancy nuclear missile, meanwhile, has been purloined by the Americans in an operation presumably entitled Let’s Flush Our Alliance With the Brits Down the Bog (and potentially instigate the third word war while we’re at it). The prime minister, Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear), remains oblivious and a berk. The Russians are similarly unaware of the theft, for now at least, but the US ambassador to the UK, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), predicts the eventual discovery will blast the Kremlin’s ushankas skywards. “Russia will come to get their sub,” she warns her unblinking husband – and current US vice president – Hal (Rufus Sewell). “They will lose their shit when they find their apocalypse weapon is gone and they will attack the United Kingdom!” “Hmm,” replies Hal, who has, one suspects, shiftier fish to fry. “Mmm.”This is where we find ourselves as The Diplomat returns for a fourth series of exquisitely fraught geopolitical skulduggery. Which is to say; we’re stuffed.

1Hug it out. RawpixelRecent research has shown that physical touch—that means hugs, handshakes, and massage—can improve well-being and lessen pain, depression, and anxiety. It also lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So give and receive hugs galore—they're good for you!2Drink up, but make it cucumber water. Seva_blsvYour body needs fluids to maintain proper functioning, and you can amp up hydration and give your boring glass of H20 a refreshing hint of flavor by adding thinly sliced cucumbers. Not only is this veggie made up of 95% water and rich in electrolytes, it instantly transforms a glass of water into a spa-like treat. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Count your blessings (literally). Pikusisi-StudioBeing grateful is good for you. Science shows that it can boost happiness and positive emotions, for starters, and people who acknowledge and express gratitude in their daily lives may also sleep better and have lower levels of depression and anxiety. A recent study found that writing down what you’re grateful for can help reduce stress. Gratitude journaling can work wonders.4Phone (or text) a friend.