Couch potatoes can box clever...

YES, it's still January, leaving millions of us hunkered down in front of the telly until the typically gloomy month is all over.

- Here JAMES MOORE draws some important life lessons from the most popular shows on the box...

In fact, one study found that we'll typically spend a total of 234 hours on the sofa during winter, bingeing on 169 different TV shows. But can you actually learn something about your health from all that time as a bit of a couch potato?

Stranger Things

The hit Netflix show, which recently reached its climax, was set in the 1980s and even sent Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill back to the top of the charts. But did you know that wallowing in a spot of nostalgia can be beneficial?

A study from the US and Japan found that nostalgic people are better at keeping pals, which can boost health and wellbeing. Other research has found that it can make you feel more youthful, energised and resilient during stressful times.

Chinese researchers have even linked reminiscing to reducing pain, finding that it could cut the soreness of headaches by 10%. It’s a good excuse to go and watch all your favourite shows from yesteryear too!

Match Of The Day