Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts, and who says love should only be celebrated on Valentine’s Day? 

Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day, and is all about showing love to your female friends. It was made popular by the TV show Parks and Recreation, and ever since, women around the world have embraced it as a time to celebrate sisterhood, laughter, and friendship.

Your girlfriends are the ones who cheer you on, wipe your tears, and hype you up when you need it the most. So, why not use this day to remind them how much they mean to you? 

Here are some simple yet meaningful ways to celebrate your girls this Galentine’s Day.

1. Host a cosy girls’ night in

Not in the mood to go out? No problem! Plan a comfy night in with your besties. Get some snacks, drinks, and blankets, and have a movie marathon with classic chick flicks. Or, go for a self-care night with face masks, DIY manicures, and warm cups of tea.

2. Go out for a fun brunch

Galentine’s Day was literally created around brunch. Take your girls to a nice café, order pancakes, sip on mimosas, and toast to your friendship. It’s a great way to catch up, share laughs, and make fun memories together.

3. Give thoughtful gifts

Who doesn’t love gifts? You don’t have to break the bank—it’s the thought that counts. A handwritten note, a personalised keychain, or a friendship bracelet can go a long way in showing appreciation. If you’re feeling creative, make DIY gifts like a memory scrapbook or a custom playlist of your favourite songs together.

ALSO READ: What games can you play at your next house party

4. Plan a group spa day

Treat your squad to a spa experience, either at home or at an actual spa. Book a massage, facial, or mani-pedi session for a day of pure relaxation. If you’re staying in, set up scented candles, soothing music, and essential oils for a DIY spa vibe.

5. Have a game or karaoke night

If you and your friends love games and music, why not make a night out of it? Play board games, card games, or even create your own trivia about your friendship. If you’re feeling bold, do a karaoke session and sing your hearts out to your favourite songs.

Would you try any of these ideas? 

ALSO RAD: 6 activities you can do this weekend without spending a dime

We’ve all experienced it: you get up to grab something from another room, but once you arrive, you stand there puzzled, unable to recall why you went there in the first place. 

This common occurrence can be both amusing and frustrating. But, there’s a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon. It’s known as the “doorway effect,” and understanding it can shed light on how our memory functions in everyday situations.

The doorway effect 

The “doorway effect” refers to the tendency to forget what we intended to do after passing through a doorway into a new room. Researchers have found that moving through doorways serves as an “event boundary” in our minds, separating episodes of activity and thereby compartmentalising them. 

This means that when you move from one room to another, your brain updates its understanding of the current situation, making it more challenging to retrieve memories formed in a different context.

How our memory works

Our memory is organised into distinct events or episodes. When we enter a new environment, our brain takes in new information and sensory inputs, creating a new “episode.” This process helps us manage and organise memories efficiently. However, it can also lead to moments where previously active thoughts or intentions become less accessible after transitioning into a new space.

Factors that influence forgetfulness

Several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing the doorway effect:

• Attention and distraction: If you’re multitasking or preoccupied, you’re more prone to forgetting your initial intention upon entering a new room.

• Complexity of the task: Simple tasks are less likely to be forgotten, whereas more complex intentions may be more susceptible to disruption when moving between spaces.

• Similarity of environments: Entering a room that looks very different from the previous one can enhance the doorway effect, as the stark change in context prompts your brain to update its situational model more drastically.

Coping strategies

While the doorway effect is a natural part of how our memory functions, there are ways to mitigate its impact:

• Pause and recollect: Before moving to a new room, take a moment to reinforce your intention.

• Verbal reminders: Saying your purpose out loud as you move can help solidify the intention in your mind.

Minimise distractions: Focus on the task at hand and try to limit multitasking, especially when transitioning between spaces.

ALSO READ: 50 Questions That Will Make You Think All Of The Thoughts

Throughout history, owning large areas of land meant having control and influence. Today, some individuals and organisations own vast amounts of land across the globe. 

These holdings can be for various purposes, including agriculture, conservation, or business ventures. Here are the top five largest landowners in the world, highlighting who they are and the extent of their land ownership.

1. The Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church is considered the largest non-governmental landowner globally. Estimates suggest that the Church owns around 70 million hectares of land, which is larger than the size of France. 

This vast property includes churches, schools, and other institutions spread across various countries.

2. King Charles III and the British Royal Family

King Charles III, representing the British Crown, holds dominion over approximately 6.6 billion acres of land, making the British Royal Family one of the largest landowners in the world. This includes vast areas in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth realms. The Crown’s lands encompass historic estates like Balmoral Castle and Windsor Great Park. It’s important to note that much of this property is owned in trust for the nation, intertwining the Royal Family’s holdings with the history and identity of the Commonwealth.

3. Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart is Australia’s richest woman and a prominent mining magnate. She owns approximately 12 million hectares of land in Australia and the United States. Her properties are primarily used for cattle farming, including the breeding of Wagyu cattle. 

4. Mudanjiang City Mega Farm

Located in China, the Mudanjiang City Mega Farm is the world’s largest agricultural landowner, covering over 9 million hectares. This massive farm, owned by Russian and Chinese stakeholders, is larger than the entire country of Portugal. The farm houses around 100,000 cows and produces approximately 800 million litres of milk annually.

5. Australian Agricultural Company

The Australian Agricultural Company, established in 1824, is Australia’s oldest agricultural firm. It owns about 7 million hectares of land, primarily dedicated to cattle farming. The company’s significant land holdings underscore its longstanding presence and importance in Australia’s agricultural industry.