Ireland put forward an outstanding performance in the Autumn Internationals to defeat New Zealand and earn a semblance of revenge for their World Cup quarter-final loss. Under Joe Schmidt, the Shamrocks suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of the All Blacks in the last eight in Japan, ending their campaign prematurely.

However, Andy Farrell’s side issued the perfect response to their disappointment with a 29-20 victory at the Aviva Stadium to provide a timely reminder that they are not to be overlooked for the 2022 Six Nations. Ireland have put in excellent performances in isolation since the World Cup and under the tenure of Farrell, but now have the challenge of raising their game over the stretch of five matches. They are backed in the rugby union betting odds at 3/1 to win the tournament, which is behind France and England in the minds of the bookmakers.

Therefore, Farrell and his team have motivation to prove they are still the top heavyweight in the northern hemisphere, especially after their victory over the All Blacks. An element of concern is an injury sustained by Jonny Sexton in the contest. The Ireland skipper was outstanding for 63 minutes before he was forced off after twisting his ankle and knee.

The injuries are expected to sideline the 36-year-old for at least six weeks, which does not leave Ireland’s most important player a lot of time to gear up for the Six Nations. Joey Carbery was solid in relief and nailed all three of his kicks against the All Blacks, but he is not Sexton. It is the primary issue that Ireland must address for their short and long-term future as ailments are beginning to plague the fly-half. When he is on the pitch, Sexton remains electric with ball in hand as well as his tactical command of the backfield. However, these incidents are beginning to become a regular occurrence, and although Farrell will want his key playmaker on the pitch, it might be better for the team in the long run to gamble on the development of Carbery.

Carbery slotted into place for the final match of the Autumn Internationals in Ireland’s hammering of Argentina. He was on the mark all over the pitch, nailing his kicks from range along with controlling the tempo of the game. If the 26-year-old can perform to that standard against the Pumas, it should raise belief that he is ready for greater responsibility. Farrell might not even have to make a massive decision regarding the future of Sexton as the two players could split equally over the course of the Six Nations. With the 2023 World Cup on the horizon, Farrell needs to know who will be starting in the backfield in France. Sexton has been an outstanding servant and remains the better player for now, but how long will it take for the injuries to diminish his ability on the field.

It is not an easy choice and the form of Carbery has made it a tough one. Sexton is still the man you want in a one-off game, but over the course of a gruelling Six Nations campaign, Farrell may want to establish consistency at the position as well as leadership of the team. The 2022 Six Nations could be an illuminating tournament regarding the future of Irish rugby.

Rolling over for more than 53 draws, the Irish lottery has recently achieved the longest streak it’s ever seen. Last won on 5th June, the current state of the lottery is considered extremely statistically unlikely. But according to the Irish National lottery commission, there’s not much that can be done, at least not yet. So, where does the lottery currently sit, how has this happened, and what will it change in the long term?

The Prize on Offer

As of mid-December, 2021, the total prize for the Irish lottery has reached its maximum of €19 million. This cap was achieved in September, and can’t currently be changed due to rules on modifying games in progress. While it might seem like this is an oversight, capping a payout at €19 million more demonstrates statistical probability than anything else.

The odds of winning the Irish Lotto jackpot sit at one in 10.7 million. This illustrates the six-number jackpot, with lower prizes like the five number payout offering the much greater odds of one in 1.8 million. Of course, probability is not definite, as the last six months in the first division have shown. In 2020, the Irish Lottery boasted 1.3 million weekly players. While the numbers aren’t available yet for 2021, the higher jackpot means there are likely more players invested than ever before.

Also contributing to the higher rate of involvement with the Irish Lottery over the last few years is the increasing involvement of smart devices. About 19 out of every 20 Irish people own smartphones, and these systems have significantly opened up access to a wide range of betting systems. With the ability to purchase tickets easily online and not have to make a trip down to the shops, such convenience is undeniable, playing an important part in modern lottery success.

Possible Future Solutions

As stated by insiders in the Irish Lottery, ideas are being passed around to take into account addressing this problem of hitting the prize cap if it occurs again. One such idea could revolve around raising or even eliminating the upper cap on winnings. Though this is unlikely to raise the maximum prize to US records of more than $1.5 billion, it would make the eventual winners even more satisfied with a higher prize.

It could also be possible to take the excess money above the cap and invest it into higher prizes for lower divisions. This would still generate increased engagement, in a way that would appeal to both players and Irish Lotto. Finally, another floated suggestion has been to eliminate higher balls from the lottery when at this cap. This would increase the odds of winning but could come with the caveat of increasing the chances of a shared jackpot.

No matter which way you slice it, it looks like the Irish Lottery is going to experience restructuring of some kind following this event. Though created by an unusual situation, this outcome looks to be a positive one for players, in offering higher possibilities of winning. As for how long the current streak could go for, that much looks to be up to Lady Luck.

The vagus nerve, aka wandering nerve, helps us feel happy and relaxed. It works beyond conscious awareness, carrying messages from vital organs to the gut. Stimulating it will not only help you show grace under pressure. You will also reduce blood pressure, slow down breathing, and trigger the release of digestive juices. This longest cranial nerve can relax all the organs it touches! 

The wandering nerve is the key part of the parasympathetic system, which regulates heartbeat, breathing, and other body functions beyond our conscious control. Aside from bringing sensory information from the organs to the brain, it also moves the muscles we use for speaking, swallowing and digestion. This nerve allows you to enjoy the effects of Delta 9 THC or wine. 

How Does the Vagus Nerve Calm Us?

The calming effect is caused by the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh). It is an anti-anxiety chemical. Aside from contributing to building memories, it makes your heart beat more slowly, dilates arteries, and relaxes the muscles in artery walls.

By stimulating the nerve, you stimulate the release of this chemical indirectly. Originally, this was discovered by psychobiologist Otto Loewi. For example, when you practice meditation, the positive effects it generates are controlled by vagal tone (the level of vagal activity). The higher it is, the better the nerve performs. 

How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

Stimulating the nerve is a natural way to calm down. You can shop now for natural remedies or try this to feel less stressed:

1. Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

Practice this type of breathing for at least 10 minutes per day. Lie down on your back and bend your knees. If you feel uncomfortable, support your head and knees with pillows. Then, put one hand on your belly right below the rib cage. Place the other hand on the upper chest.  

While the normal rate is 18-20 breaths per minute, you should try to lower it to 5-7. Let the air in through your nose and feel it move toward the lower belly. Tighten your abs and breathe out through pursed lips. 

1. Carotid Sinus (Vagus Nerve) Massage

There is a group of nerve endings in your neck next to each of the two carotid arteries, which bring blood to your brain. These sinuses are found where all the arteries fork out, approximately below the angle of the jawbone. By pressing on the nerve bundles in longitudinal strokes, you will reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. 

To find either of your sinuses, lie on your back and turn your head to one side (right for left-sided CMS and vice versa). Palpate the neck with your fingertips until you feel a pulse. Turn your hand slightly to the side until you find the sinus (it feels like cord-like tissue). 

Massage the sinus for 5-10 seconds working your fingers up and down this area. Wait for 10 – 22 seconds before moving on to the other side.