Keyword "Health & wellbeing" - List of latest news (1 526 results)

22/04 Teenagers who go to bed early and sleep longer have sharper brains, study finds

Researchers surprised at impact that even small differences in sleep make to adolescents’ cognitive abilities

22/04 How an American businessman lost his job and found himself in an old French vineyard

One day, life as a finance consultant stopped making sense for Peter Hahn, so he took to organic winegrowing in the Loire instead. He talks to Genevieve Fox

21/04 What do we mean when we say women can be ‘too muscular’?

We are conditioned to associate muscles with power, dominance and masculinity, which harms us all

21/04 The promise of diagnosis: how it can open a door to true self-understanding

Too often, a diagnosis is seen as the end of the story, rather than the beginning. But it has the potential to launch us on a curious and profound journey of discovery

21/04 Is it true that … potatoes are bad for you?

Spuds have a reputation for causing spikes in blood sugar, but it all depends on the variety and the way it is prepared

20/04 11 things you should know about using the gym, from ‘Is everyone watching me?’ to ‘How do I use a squat rack?’

More and more of us are spending time among the barbells and the treadmills – and feeling more and more confused. Here’s some advice from an expert

20/04 Walking the Pennine Way put everything into perspective for me, including my right to be here | Anita Sethi

Inspired by the Manchester Ramblers, who campaigned on exclusion and the countryside, I’m also taking a stand

20/04 The end of WeightWatchers? How the dieting club lost out to slimming drugs

As the global enterprise grapples with reported debts of $1.4bn, its calorie-counting formula may have had its day

20/04 Flex appeal: how our muscles makes us human

From karate as a kid to swimming as an adult, Bonnie Tsui has always relished an active life. But when she started investigating muscles, she found this most durable tissue encapsulates who we are

19/04 More Britons live in misery than population of Sheffield

Unhappiness in adolescence is a key warning sign someone is on course for a poorer life as an adult

19/04 ‘It’s less intimidating, less vulnerable’: why cooking in company helps us to talk

The pressure’s off when we’re not staring at each other, we can relax and have a nice chat. By Alim Kheraj

18/04 The truth about stress: from the benefits of the ‘good kind’ to the exercise that only makes it worse

The authors of a new book explain why understanding the science of stress can help us manage it better

18/04 Love My Face review – this presenter is an absolute gift to television

Jono Lancaster is a compassionate, authoritative presence – an absolute natural. It’s just a shame that we don’t get more of him in this show about helping people with facial differences overcome their issues with the way they look

16/04 I thought seasonal affective disorder was a myth. Then I saw the joy that spring can bring | Adrian Chiles

I’ve loved watching people perk up as the weather improves. It lifts the heart as much as any spring flower, writes Adrian Chiles

16/04 Cinderella partying: why young women no longer dance until dawn

In a new survey, just 5% of British women claimed their perfect night involves dancing with friends – and 65% would rather not go out at all

16/04 You too can look as good as Donald Trump in your dotage. Here’s how | Arwa Mahdawi

The 78-year-old president is in great shape, says the official White House physician. Must be all those ‘hamberders’

16/04 A moment that changed me: I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 41 – and had to find a new look

My beloved Converse All Stars had always been part of my identity. But when they became painful and impractical, it transformed my relationship with clothes

16/04 Brisk walking linked to lower risk of heart rhythm problems, study finds

Study of 420,000 Britons suggests speeds of at least 4mph can lower risks by up to 43%

15/04 Shilajit: male influencers claim it boosts testosterone and libido, but what does the science say? | Antiviral

The tar-like mineral substance has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, but the evidence of its efficacy is limited – and some products may contain harmful heavy metals

15/04 The best day ever: have scientists found the secret of happiness?

Six hours of family time, two hours with friends, plus extra socialising, exercise and work ... Does it all add up to a highly satisfying 24 hours – or just a very tiring one?

14/04 Good news at last: just a little exercise can reduce the risk of dementia | Devi Sridhar

A recent study shows the benefit of being a middle-aged ‘weekend warrior’ who only exercises once or twice a week, writes Prof Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh

13/04 Go to town! The surprise feelgood effects of walking in the city

A stroll around historic buildings, cemeteries and winding back streets can lift your spirits just as effectively as communing with nature, according to author Annabel Streets. Let’s put that to the test …

13/04 Put your baby down to nap near a washing machine, expert says

Researcher warns that dark daytime naps can disrupt babies’ sleep when they properly go to bed at night

12/04 ‘It can break you’: Life for parents of autistic children can be exhausting. One podcast is offering hope. Is it real?

A podcast claims to show that autistic children with limited speech may be able to communicate via telepathy. What does the science say about the idea?

12/04 What happens when love tips over into the infatuated state of ‘limerence’?

A neuroscientist decided to study the addiction-like obsession of limerence, while overcoming it himself

12/04 Rogue doctors stole one woman’s eggs to get another patient pregnant. What happened next is an unlikely tale of friendship against the odds

When it emerged that a fertility clinic had made one woman pregnant with another’s baby, Renée Ballou and Carole LieberWilkins were advised to ‘lawyer up’. Instead they did something extraordinary – even as one raised the other’s biological child

10/04 ‘A weakness can become your biggest strength’ – wise words from 26 brilliant disabled women

In this second extract from Frances Ryan’s new book, actors, politicians, athletes and models offer their advice on living with physical and mental health conditions

10/04 Hay fever making your life a misery? Try these 20 tips from doctors and allergy experts

Do nasal sprays work? Which are the best antihistamines? Can honey help? What about a shower? We’ve got all the answers

09/04 The Guardian view on the Pennine Way: a pioneer of long-distance soul therapy | Editorial

Editorial: Sixty years old this month, the famous northern walking route successfully blazed a trail for a national pastime

09/04 A lifesaving midwife in Afghanistan: Noriko Hayashi’s best photograph

‘This woman was nine months pregnant but had never had a checkup. Anisa is listening to the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope. After foreign aid cuts, including Trump’s, she is now out of a job’

09/04 ‘I’m still sick. I’m still disabled. But I’m proud of my body’: Frances Ryan’s manifesto for disabled women

Women with disabilities are the biggest minority group in the world, but are still shut out of society. In an extract from her new book, the writer reveals how that is changing – and what more needs to be done

08/04 Is beef tallow really safe for your health and skin? We asked the experts

Robert F Kennedy Jr and social media influencers are proponents of the ingredient – but is it worth the hype?

07/04 From no-show couriers to food banks: my quest to rehome everything we test on the Filter

This week: what happens to products after we review them; spring gardening gear; and anti-ageing essentials (including sunscreen)

07/04 Life let you down again? Congratulations – you’re growing

Rather than running away from disappointment, we need to face it and learn from it. Otherwise we will never try anything new

06/04 A tub a day: might eating yoghurt help you live longer?

When the world’s oldest woman passed away at 117, much was made of her three yoghurts a day diet. But what role does yoghurt actually play in longevity?

06/04 Realising we’re all made-up characters in a story world helps me understand people

Considering everyone is a protagonist in their own narrative brought clarity for Will Storr

06/04 ‘We’d been through so much’: Jean Hannah Edelstein on breasts – and life without them

All her life Jean Hannah Edelstein had tried to feel comfortable with her breasts, battling unwelcome attention and breastfeeding woes. But then came cancer and a double mastectomy – and she realised she was losing something she loved

04/04 A daily walk in any weather can work wonders on body and mind | Letters

Letters: Readers respond to an article by Kate McCusker about the joy that can be found in daily walks

04/04 Ozempic is hailed as a miracle drug. But how does it affect people with eating disorders?

Doctors worry about semaglutides being used by people with restrictive eating disorders – but research also shows they could help others struggling with binge eating

03/04 Is it OK not to pee for 25 hours?

Cory Booker delivered the longest Senate speech in history. We asked urologists one pressing question about it

03/04 The best walking pads and under-desk treadmills, tried and tested to turn your workday into a workout

Sedentary lifestyles are bad for us, but which under-desk treadmills and walking pads are worth the cost? Our expert stepped up to find out

02/04 I spent four decades not sleeping a wink – until a doctor took my insomnia seriously

Insomnia is not a grievance made by difficult women. It’s a life-threatening condition that often stems from a physical issue many doctors refuse to see

02/04 If you want to understand autistic life, immerse yourself in this rich canvas painted by many hands

There is a great deal of value to be found in any book written by an autistic person. Of course, I would say this – I am an autistic person who writes books, after all. But it is true: the value is in the experience shared.

31/03 The one change that worked: I loathed all forms of exercise – until I moved to a big city and walked miles

I’d tried running, pilates, swimming and barre, and hated the lot. Then I moved to London and, having no money, I had to start walking to places. Shockingly, I enjoyed it

30/03 The death of my friend inspired me to follow my standup dreams

For one writer, tragedy led to comedy, the sudden loss of a colleague giving her the nudge she needed

30/03 Rewind and be kind: what happens if you do one act of kindness every day?

When Bernadette Russell decided to perform one good deed every day for a year, it made a difference to the world around her but also had a big impact on her own life

29/03 ‘He still features in my nightmares’: how a sinister psychiatrist put hundreds of women in deep, drug-induced comas

In the 1960s, William Sargant used a combination of narcosis and ECT to ‘reprogram’ troubled young women. Now his patients, including the actor Celia Imrie and the former model Linda Keith, are trying to piece together what happened

28/03 Inside the luxury Melbourne retreat where women pay $6,500 to get in touch with their vaginas

Eight participants – most of them ‘lesbian first-timers’ – are invited to shed shame and revel in pleasure

28/03 New mums are being ‘strongly encouraged’ to take regular exercise and get more sleep. Don’t make me laugh | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

New guidelines are well intentioned, but as parents of babies know, finding time to look after yourself is impossible, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

27/03 Leave the hurt behind! How to let go of a grudge

Resentment is natural when you’ve been wronged, but over time it can become bitter and self-defeating. Psychologists explain how to move on

27/03 My partner doesn’t know I take Viagra – and I worry that one day it won’t work

I have been struggling with erectile dysfunction ever since a bad breakup. The ‘blue pill’ works for me, but sex is still stressful

27/03 Scientists transplant pig liver into a human for first time, which could buy extra time for patients awaiting donor organ

A pig liver has been successfully transplanted into a human for the first time in a breakthrough that could buy extra time for dying patients as they wait for a donor organ.

27/03 Exercise and screen time advice for new mothers angers parenting groups

Mumsnet says guidance seems ‘wildly optimistic’ and NCT says parents could come to harm following it

25/03 Migraines made life feel unlivable. It took years to find a doctor who believed me

Experts said my headaches and vertigo were just anxiety. Then one neurologist helped me feel hopeful again

25/03 Paging Dr Chimp: the medical secrets we can learn from apes, birds and even butterflies

Primates eat bitter bark to kill parasites, while sparrows use cigarette butts to keep ticks off their chicks. Could the wisdom of wildlife be the next frontier in medicine?

25/03 From sex toy safety to supply chains: why testing vibrators isn’t as fun as you might think

The unsexy truth behind reviewing vibrators; thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts; and last-minute flower delivery

24/03 It’s time to embrace Dugnadsånd – the Norwegian concept we all need right now | Emma Beddington

With its combination of community, cooperation and selflessness, this could offer some small comfort in a terrifying era, writes Emma Beddington

23/03 Is the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress worth the hype? I slept on it for three months to find out

This premium mattress comes with a chunky price tag. Here’s what impressed me – and what could be better

23/03 The truth about cholesterol: 12 things you need to know – from eggs to weight to statins

What is good and bad cholesterol? Should you remove fat from your diet? And what about shellfish? Experts explain it all

23/03 After becoming obsessed with self-help, I had to heal from ‘healing’

How the writer found her ongoing fixation on self-development was actually working against her

23/03 ‘I was taking on a monumental challenge’: racing driver Billy Monger on why being a double amputee hasn’t slowed him down

After a horrifying crash, Billy Monger lost both his legs at 17. But from dancing on Strictly to setting a world record in the Ironman, he’s still powering ahead. Just don’t call him an ‘inspiration’…

23/03 ‘I was sexualised, patronised and ridiculed’: how Charlotte Church survived the tabloids to become an earth mother

Charlotte Church has lived her life in the full glare of publicity, rising from child star to tabloid target. Now, happier and more free than ever, she’s found her feet – and her voice – at her healing retreat in the Welsh valleys

22/03 ‘Wellbeing’ isn’t a joke – it’s a tool for tackling populism

In Britain, the Treasury is taking the idea of social happiness surprisingly seriously – and the chancellor needs to as well

20/03 The best Mother’s Day gifts: 68 thoughtful ideas for £50 and under they’ll love

From a reading light to a gardening knife, a meditation cushion to a birthstone ring, these fun, and often useful, gifts tick every box

20/03 Dining across the divide: ‘She casts meditation as a cult. I don’t think retreats mean harm’

They bonded over studying languages and becoming teachers. Would they see eye to eye on meditating?

19/03 ‘I’ve had seals nibble my toes!’ How sunkissed Cornwall became a 422-mile surf paradise

Surfing? It’s as Cornish as piracy and pasties. As a thrilling exhibition opens in ‘Britain’s California’, we enter a heady world of coffinboards, hotdogging Aussies – and bans dished out to gangs fighting on the beach

19/03 Five ways to help manage lower back pain

A comprehensive worldwide report has said most treatments are ineffective. Here are some ways to resolve the pain, recommended by Nice and the NHS

17/03 Alive: An Alternative Anatomy by Gabriel Weston review – our bodies in an eye-opening new light

A surgeon (and TV host) encourages us to take a fresh look at our organs in a smart and forceful study

17/03 The thin-obsessed world is growing more vicious by the minute. But fat people aren’t going anywhere | Rebecca Shaw

It’s time to open up your big fat mouths and push back against fatphobia

16/03 On my radar: Georgia Ellery’s cultural highlights

The Black Country, New Road and Jockstrap musician on a YouTube philosopher, the power of Munch and her love of saunas and Japanese onsen

16/03 Maternity Service by Emma Barnett review – a tour of duty in early motherhood

In this valuable, brutally honest guide, the broadcaster argues that a supposedly joyful time is often steeped in drudgery and social isolation

16/03 Have you ever been tired enough to put your shoes in the microwave? This is my world: welcome! | Nell Frizzell

I asked on social media for stories from parents suffering extreme sleep deprivation. It was both hilarious and frightening, says journalist Nell Frizzell

16/03 Many young people find safety in the soothing world of ASMR – imagine if we could give them that in the real world | Emma Beddington

ASMR videos can mimic the feeling of physical touch, which a study has found is popular with young consumers. But how many intimate gestures of love, care and connection are they missing out on, asks Emma Beddington

16/03 Otty Original Hybrid mattress review: the best hybrid mattress you can buy – and also one of the cheapest

This ‘bed-in-a-box’ mattress gave our tester her best sleep in years and it’s hundreds of pounds cheaper than some of its rivals

16/03 Virtual reality goggles helped me on the path to physical recovery

An unexpected bit of tech opened up a whole new world of possibilities for a frustrated, injured writer

16/03 ‘It brings you in and shelters you’: NHS creates ‘recovery gardens’ for staff and patients

Trusts work with the Royal Horticultural Society to create outdoor refuges for staff and patients

15/03 I moved to the sauna capital of the US. Could I take the heat?

A thriving sauna culture is growing in frosty Minnesota as people warm to the health benefits and sense of community

14/03 ‘Talk about it, focus on your values and … stay stoic’: how to cope with rejection

From the workplace to romance to friends, everything you need to know about rejection – and how to move on from it

13/03 I do aqua aerobics with women in their 80s – it’s the most fun I’ve had exercising | Kate Leaver

A joy from start to finish, doing jump-kicks underwater to classic pop hits has taught me never to think of exercise as punishment

12/03 A moment that changed me: Crohn’s left me in constant pain. An operation restored my appetite for life

Eating with my family was a source of joy and pleasure until illness ravaged my digestive system. After my stoma was fitted, everything tasted amazing again

11/03 The ninetysomethings who revolutionized how we think about strength training

One simple exercise proved older adults can build and retain muscle – and caused a paradigm shift in science

11/03 Spreadeagled cats and gladiatorial warfare: everything I learned testing mattresses

This week: why mattress testing isn’t just about naps; chef-approved kitchen gadgets; and simple spring updates

10/03 I was crying, anxious, exhausted – why did no one warn me about the new-pet blues?

After weeks of looking forward to getting a cat, I was shocked at how miserable I was with Leo on the scene. But many cat and dog owners struggle to cope

10/03 The one change that worked: I committed to therapy – and began to chip away at my grief and depression

When my mother died, my mental health fell into decline. I tried everything from CBT to mindfulness, until one day something finally shifted

09/03 Sunshine’s back, the days are getting longer – and doesn’t everything look awful? | Emma Beddington

It’s UGH week, the time when we all notice the many terrible things that have accumulated in our homes under the darkness of winter. But don’t worry! You don’t have to do anything silly like spring clean

09/03 How relearning the tango taught me the steps to recover from trauma

After suffering a violent attack in Buenos Aires, the writer rediscovered her love of dance

09/03 Push-up power! The exercise you need for a healthy, happy life – and eight ways to make it easier

Fast, free and phenomenally effective, push-ups are an unbeatable way to build the muscle you need every day – all the way into old age. Here’s how to master them, even if you’ve previously struggled

09/03 Opening our eyes to the science of sleep, in 1971

Armed with the new EEG machine, investigators were able to look into the familiar yet strange phenomenon more deeply than ever before

09/03 Silence please: how book clubs without the chat help focus the mind

A Silent Book Club is growing in popularity in Melbourne as an antidote to the social pressure of group discussions

08/03 This is how we do it: ‘After mutual cancer diagnoses we didn’t have sex for five years. Then we discovered toys …’

Jill and Bob became more like housemates than lovers during an illness-enforced break, but a delivery of sex toys brought back the fun

08/03 Is apple cider vinegar actually good for you?

People have sworn by the health benefits of apple cider vinegar for millennia. But what does the science say?

07/03 From resistance bands to squat-proof leggings: the pilates kit you need – and what you can do without

Whether you’re practising reformer in a studio or planking in a village hall, here’s the pilates gear that’s actually worth buying, chosen by the experts

07/03 It’s the age of regret: gen Z grew up glued to their screens, and missed the joy of being human | Gaby Hinsliff

A generation who came of age online now feel deprived of real connections. The upside is they are doing something about it, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

06/03 Couples fight about housework. Couples divorce about housework. Surely it would be easier if men just did more housework? | Lucy Clark

Dividing household tasks fairly and upending some gender norms along the way is good for everyone

06/03 Crap jobs, fewer homes, less money, toxic politics. And peak happiness eludes the young: who knew? | Zoe Williams

Given recent history and the state of the world now, perhaps the thing that makes older people happiest is not being under 45, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams

06/03 It’s painful and expensive – but can platelet-rich plasma therapy really cure baldness?

Another day, another miracle for men desperate to hang on to their hair. What makes this one different from all the others?

05/03 Wooden spoons are making us sick? I thought that was fish slices | Arwa Mahdawi

Another day, another health scare. I’m struggling to know which dangers I should take seriously, writes Arwa Mahdawi

05/03 From crew neck knits to alcohol-free ‘tequila’: what you loved most this month

This week: the March fashion edit, PFAS-free pans and the best vibrators, tested

04/03 Going to the gym gives me so much more than the physique I want, even if body dysmorphia lingers | Bertin Huynh

I feel more focused and energetic than ever before. But as I have changed, so has my algorithm

03/03 The one change that worked: ditching ultra-processed foods made me feel healthier and happier

After being diagnosed with a chronic digestive disorder, I cut out junk food and ready meals. Now, my diet is full of fruit and veg – and I’ve got my mojo back

03/03 Mental health crisis ‘means youth is no longer one of happiest times of life’

UN-commissioned study in UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand finds satisfaction rises with age

03/03 Don’t be afraid to cry – or to interrupt: doctors’ tips for making the most of your medical appointment

Be honest about your symptoms, voice your concerns, take notes, ask follow-up questions if you need to … GPs and surgeons explain how to make every minute count

02/03 Want to avoid forever chemicals? Here are nine of the best PFAS-free frying pans

Reducing forever chemicals in your kitchen is difficult, but possible. To help you start, we’ve rounded up the top non-toxic pans for Pancake Day and beyond

01/03 Wild swimming gave me the courage to write my own rules

Out of his depth and determined to defy stereotypes, one writer discovered his sense of self in a bracing cold dip

01/03 ‘Transforming into a parent is messy and primal: I drew it all’: Becky Barnicoat on turning motherhood into cartoons

The baby books promised so much, but failed to help at all – so I started making cartoons about the sweaty, sweary and often naked truth about new motherhood

28/02 Experience: I donated my uterus to a stranger – now we’re close friends

When her son was born, it felt like another member of our family had arrived

27/02 What I have learned in my filthy, bloody, sisyphean quest to tame my garden | Adrian Chiles

It’s chaos as small jobs become big jobs, tools disappear and distractions lead to furious frustration, writes Adrian Chiles. Then you spot spring’s first flower ...

25/02 Bouldering equipment for beginners: the gear you need to crush it at the climbing wall – and the stuff you don’t

New to bouldering? Here’s what’s actually worth buying, from shoes and finger tape to training aids

23/02 I became absorbed in strangers’ fertility journeys online

What started as curiosity would turn into an emotional investment for Celia Silvani – and eventually, a lifeline

23/02 ‘It could get an orgasm out of a cabbage’: the best vibrators, tested

From bullets to rabbits to wand vibrators, our sexual wellbeing expert demystifies what’s available, and rates her top 16 models (she tested 53)

23/02 ‘It’s not ethical and it’s not medical’: how UK rehab clinics are cashing in on NAD+

They are beloved by A-listers and surging in popularity. But claims that NAD+ infusions are a fix for addiction are unproven, risky – and possibly illegal, an Observer investigation reveals

23/02 ‘Alarming’ data reveals high diabetes risk for pregnant women in English jails

Freedom of information requests show that female prisoners are three times more likely to suffer gestational diabetes

22/02 The pill hasn’t been improved in years. No wonder women are giving up on it | Martha Gill

When contraception has stagnated for decades, it is hardly surprising it’s fallen victim to culture wars and a wellness cult

22/02 ‘The bot asked me four times a day how I was feeling’: is tracking everything actually good for us?

Gathering data used to be a fringe pursuit of Silicon Valley nerds. Now we’re all at it, recording everything from menstrual cycles and mobility to toothbrushing and time spent in daylight. Is this just narcissism redesigned for the big tech age?

21/02 The best anti-allergy and hypoallergenic pillows, tried and tested for every type of sleeper

From feather-free to vegan down, we tested (and tussled with) 17 pillows to reveal the best

21/02 ‘Betrayed by the system’: Chappell Roan sparks debate over pay and healthcare in pop

The singer castigated record labels in her Grammys speech – but, as music industry insiders explain, issues around artist health and support run even deeper

20/02 What is nerve flossing and does it help with nerve pain?

It can help relieve pain and tension, especially for patients recovering from injury or nerve compression conditions

20/02 Cycling to school almost became extinct - until one man revived the bike bus

Sam Balto took the idea from a local school to the White House and beyond, inspiring a global movement in which children feel the benefits of cycling together

19/02 ‘Gaba is the off switch of the brain’: Is it also the answer to better sleep, sobriety and less anxiety?

Products that enhance the uptake of this neurotransmitter are burgeoning - including drinks that mimic the effects of alcohol, without the hangover. Here’s what happened when I tried them

18/02 ‘Grounding’ proponents say it helps us realign with the Earth’s electric charge – but the claims don’t land | Antiviral

Experts say the few scientific papers published about grounding – which can include walking barefoot outdoors or lying on the ground – lack scientific rigour

18/02 What I learned from a lovely woman on a packed ward in hospital | Zoe Williams

Healthy people are being forced to stay in hospital because of a lack of social care – and it’s an indictment of our current system, writes Zoe Williams

17/02 Thrill-seeking made me feel alive – until the day I hurtled down a volcano on a mountain bike | Gary Nunn

My bungee-jumping and skydiving days are over because I can’t shake the visceral memory of learning that I’m not invincible, says freelance journalist and author Gary Nunn

16/02 What would I tell my younger self if I met her for coffee? Mostly that things do get better

The trend of meeting up with your younger self has already been adopted by gen Z on TikTok – because we all need a growth narrative to keep us slogging on

16/02 The one change that worked: I set my phone to ‘do not disturb’ three years ago – and have never looked back

WhatsApp notifications in the middle of the night were the final straw. I switched those off – and every other alert – and it helped my wellbeing, sleep and parenting

15/02 It’s time to rethink boredom, procrastination and regret

That’s the way to fulfil your goals and have fun in life, writes Simon May

15/02 ‘I didn’t want to spend time with my children. I was just going through the motions’: the pain of parental burnout

Most people with small children are worn out – but for some, the pressure of striving to be perfect parents can drive them to the edge

15/02 Wallowing in a soup of despair? Try ‘lemonading’ to buck the gloom

Linda Geddes spends a week with a clown, a comic and some toddlers to test the science behind the uplifting power of play

14/02 ‘I don’t know whether it’s sustainable’: climate crisis and TikTok change face of mountain rescue work in Lake District

There may be less snow but the number of callouts has surged, and often involve ill-prepared novice hikers

13/02 Weight-loss drug Ozempic could also help problem drinkers cut down, study says

Weight-loss jabs can reduce cravings for alcohol and help people cut down on their intake, a new study suggests.

12/02 My Husband, the Cyborg review – the raging narcissism behind rich-man body modification

Susanna Cappellaro’s intimate documentary follows her spouse as he gets a body implant, the process serving to demonstrate the self absorption behind it

11/02 Did RFK Jr really drink fish medicine? He definitely has weird ideas about ‘making America healthy again’ | Arwa Mahdawi

The supplement-loving anti-vaxxer could well be the US’s next health secretary. At least the wellness bros and woo-woo fans will be happy, writes Arwa Mahdawi

11/02 UK shoppers inspired by health food trends on social media ‘lift retail sales’

Year-on-year credit and debit card spending in January is highest upsurge since March 2024, says Barclays

10/02 Prolapse, tearing, pain: a urogynecologist on what you should know before giving birth

Dr Jocelyn Fitzgerald, who specializes in disorders of the pelvic floor, is ‘begging women to learn’ the physical risks and changes that accompany childbirth

10/02 I worked as a triple zero call-taker for six months. It hardened my heart and changed my view of humanity | Bunny Banyai

Having the saddest, harshest elements of humanity nipping at my heels chipped away at my progressive ideals. The line between self-preservation and disassociation began to blur

10/02 I tried the popular 30/30/30 morning routine – and was left sadder, wiser and nauseated | Emma Beddington

That’s 30g of protein within half an hour of waking, then a spot of “low-intensity” cardio. Doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Don’t be fooled

10/02 Is it true that … you should feed a cold and starve a fever?

A professor of medicine weighs in on the old wives tale, and discusses the fastest routes to recovery

09/02 Fun for ever! The simple way to build a fitness habit you’ll actually love

If you can find a workout you always look forward to, you’re far more likely to stick with it and keep fitter for longer. Trainers give their pointers – and pitfalls

09/02 When my daughter’s pregnancy was on the line, it felt like history was repeating itself…

Joanna Moorhead recalls her daughter’s difficult birth as she watchers her go through the same thing 32 years later

08/02 Sorry, Lily Collins, but when people outsource childbirth, their motives really count | Martha Gill

Whether it’s infertility, to save a career or pure altruism, is there ever a reason that can morally justify surrogacy?

08/02 Mushroom magic? M&S introduces ‘shots’ said to bring you up – or down

Retailer’s ‘functional juices’ contain lion’s mane and reishi, supposed to help reduce stress, fatigue and anxiety

08/02 Elon Musk put a chip in this paralysed man’s brain. Now he can move things with his mind. Should we be amazed - or terrified?

An accident left Noland Arbaugh paralysed, but Musk’s Neuralink brain implant allows him to control computers with his thoughts. Is it a life-changing innovation that could help millions – or the start of a dystopia where a billionaire can access our thoughts?

07/02 Fancy a stroll? Across Europe, young people like me are finding friends by walking our cities | Viola Di Grado

We are the post-pandemic flâneurs: stepping out of social media silos to meet people and connect with the world around us

06/02 Oh, no! It takes 162,335 minutes a year to maintain my health and wellbeing

When is anyone supposed to do anything? Bathing, stretching and cooking: the relentless grind of self-care consumes 112 days of my life each year

06/02 How to choose a mattress: the features worth paying for – and the ones that aren’t

Is memory foam the way to go? Will a firm mattress save your back? Do you really need a washable cover? Our expert tells all …

06/02 ‘One person’s luxury is another’s torture rack’: how I tested mattresses for comfort, cost and sustainability

There’s more to testing beds than simply sleeping on them. Here’s how I put top-rated mattresses through their paces to pick the best for a peaceful slumber

06/02 The best mattresses: sleep better with our six rigorously tested picks

From luxury Simba and Otty mattresses to brilliant budget buys, here’s what we recommend

05/02 Scientists find that things really do seem better in the morning

UCL study into mental health and wellbeing finds that people generally feel worse at night and on Sundays

04/02 David Lynch’s death shocks smokers into quitting: ‘It’s just not good for us’

Smoking was having a comeback – until the director’s death after an emphysema diagnosis complicated its allure

03/02 Bridget Jones is a welcome reminder of a much more comfortable era | Zoe Williams

She worried about her drinking, smoking and weight – but there was never any doubt she would have a job and be able to pay her rent. It’s a very different world for gen Z, writes Zoe Williams

03/02 The one change that worked: I took up ballet – and learned to live in the moment

Working long days as a corporate lawyer, I needed an exercise regime to get me out of my head. Reviving a childhood passion helped me reconnect with my body

02/02 Quiet, please! The remarkable power of silence – for our bodies and our minds

Our increasingly noisy world has been linked to cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, as well as hearing loss. But that’s not the only reason we need more peace and quiet in our lives

02/02 Seeking Zen at a silent Buddhist retreat comes with its own challenges

It was supposed to be a quiet and peaceful weekend, but it left one writer lost for words

02/02 Soft spaces out, stick-fighting in: Dutch call for the return of risky play

Encouraging kids to play with fire? Hear us out, says party worried by the Netherlands’ increasingly sedentary ways

01/02 Locals in elite Bowral age over a $25,000 a week luxury rehab clinic, slamming risk of ‘drugged out’ patients in their pricey patch

Residents of an elite neighbourhood in an idyllic rural setting in New South Wales are preparing for war with operators of an exclusive drug, alcohol and mental illness rehabilitation clinic.

01/02 Dim the lights, add a flat sheet and turn down the heat : Hoteliers reveal how to get the best night’s sleep…at home

Hospitality experts, sleep consultants and interior designers share their tips for creating dream conditions in your bedroom

01/02 Heavenly stays: 10 of the best monastery breaks in Europe

From frugal retreats to luxury escapes, these convents and monasteries offer peace and spectacular locations for all faiths

31/01 Hit the road with the best bike panniers and handlebar bags

Whether you’re commuting, bike packing or day tripping, our expert recommends smart storage solutions for every journey

31/01 ‘We were inspired, recharged and nourished by nature’: readers’ favourite wellness trips

From mindful waking in the Yorkshire Dales to a Buddhist retreat in Japan, our tipsters have found inner peace and rejuvenation all over the world

31/01 Stick nation! Why do 3 million people – including me and my kids – love stick reviews?

The internet’s go-to gathering place for those who rate and revere sticks is big and growing fast. The appeal is simple ...

30/01 Medicine that crosses the mind/body divide | Letters

Letters: Readers reflect on Aida Edemariam’s piece about what can be a fine line between physical symptoms and conditions dismissed as being ‘all in your head’

30/01 Ditch the soap! Dermatologists on 20 simple ways to love and protect your skin

Do you need a complicated skincare routine, or is a cleanser enough? And what about sugar, sleep, stress and smoking?

29/01 Rise and shine with the seven best sunrise alarm clocks, tried and tested

Our reviewer sheds some light on adding brightness to your mornings with the best dawn simulation alarms, from Lumie and Philips to Hatch

29/01 All in the mind? The surprising truth about brain rot

Is screen use really sapping our ability to focus and lowering our IQs? The scientists who have actually analysed the data give their verdict

29/01 Boy, 11, raped younger boy twice in woods with 'devastating consequences'

WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: Daniel Hancox, now 26, manipulated his young victim and forcibly performed sexual acts upon him

28/01 ‘I couldn’t let this monster get away with it’: how I survived rape - and sent my attacker to prison

Paula Doyle was raped by a man she had known for years. It took five painful years for the case to come to trial, but she was determined to fight for justice

27/01 Heated throws, puffer vests and grippy running shoes: the products you loved most this month

This week: hot sauce, cold weather fashion and Sali Hughes’s winter beauty essentials

26/01 ‘A slice of 1970s Babylon restored’: living the office dream at the Hanging Gardens of Basingstoke

This trailblazing office building by Arup Architects has been treated to a subtle £32m renovation that still has wellness at its heart

26/01 Notions and necessities: From Brigit’s Day events to Ballymaloe dining pop-ups and kids’ meal workshops, it’s all here

NECESSITY

26/01 Roman Kemp: ‘Here’s all my faults. Have ’em. Enjoy’

With famous parents, Roman Kemp always knew people would make certain judgments about him – but he never guessed he’d become an advocate for mental health. Here, he talks about radio, tattoos – and the event that changed his life

26/01 Winter wonder: Jeanette Winterson and others reveal why the cold has them under its spell

Too dark, too cold – winter’s charms aren’t as obvious as summer’s brassy joys. But for Robert Macfarlane, Alice Oswald, Poppy Okotcha and others, this is a rich season. Here, they offer ways to lean into it, with an introduction by Jeanette Winterson

25/01 There’s a word for people who prefer phones to meeting friends: addicts | Martha Gill

Ditching hanging out for isolated scrolling on our sofas is a dangerous habit that warrants help on a par with gambling

25/01 How writing about female cannibals changed my relationship with food

Describing issues of autonomy, femgore, worth and hunger all had ain impact on what I wrote and how I felt about myself, says Lucy Rose

24/01 The best massage guns: tried and tested relief for sore, tired muscles

Add percussive therapy to your post-workout routine with our expert-picked massage guns, from mini and deep-tissue massage guns to budget options

24/01 66 days to become a 5k runner: ‘It was a truly horrendous experience’

A health event prompted Mostafa Rachwani to get fit and start running. Chasing the runner’s high, he found something – and it wasn’t jogging

24/01 The best women’s walking boots to hit the trails in style and comfort, tested by our expert hiker

From waterproof versions to leather designs, we put women’s walking boots to the test to find the best for every adventure

23/01 ‘Be picky’: how to start therapy

Consider what kind of therapist you’d like to work with – and keep searching until you find the right fit

23/01 Smartwatches stressing out owners, survey shows, prompting calls for digital detox

More than half of smartwatch owners say the devices make them feel more stressed about their health, a survey has found.

22/01 The fibre phenomenon: 30 easy ways to get your fill of this life-changing nutrient

It reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer – while boosting the health of our gut microbiome and brain. Yet we all eat far too little fibre. Here is the no-fuss guide to getting your 30g a day

21/01 I clock up to 20,000 steps a night: my life with restless legs syndrome

I spent years desperate for help and exhausted from lack of sleep. But the condition is badly misunderstood – even by doctors

21/01 ‘If you wee yourself, you just rock on’: is incontinence inevitable for women who lift heavy?

One study found athletes were three times as likely to leak as women who did little or no exercise. But why does this happen – and can you prevent it?

20/01 The Big Idea: looking for a better life? Follow your nose

Smell has an outsize effect on our thoughts and moods, so it’s worth paying more attention to it

20/01 Somehow, it is still January. Here are my nine wellness-free survival tips | Emma Beddington

Buy a bargain panettone and a month’s supply of chocolates - and consider developing a historical ailment such as bilious humour. It will all be over soon, writes Emma Beddington

20/01 Chocolate biscuits, cosy bedding and moments of calm: a sideways look at self-care

This week: feel-good January fixes, interior designer-approved bed linen and Grace Dent on the best extra-chocolatey biscuits

20/01 Blue Monday 2025: Where did the term come from, and how can you beat it?

The festivities of Christmas and New Year's Eve have officially come to an end, and Blue Monday has arrived.

19/01 From stiff necks to ‘lazy glutes’: why these unloved muscles could prevent injury – and how to train yours

Never heard of your lower trapezius? Don’t know your rotator cuff from your neck flexor? To alleviate common injuries, it’s time to get to know them

19/01 Would you let AI choose your outfits?

Chloë Hamilton explores the possibilities, with surprising results…

19/01 ‘Expect to see snake-like peeling’: 19 self-care treats for the perfect pick-me-up

From weighted blankets and de-puffing masks to sunrise alarm clocks, our self-care buys are sure to brighten your mood

18/01 ‘The two of us book a karaoke room for an hour. It’s like tiramisu for the soul’ What’s on your dopamine menu?

From a ‘starter’ of dishing out compliments to a ‘dessert’ of smashing laptops in rage rooms, scientists and authors share 15 portion-sized ideas for a positivity boost

17/01 Hot flashes and mood swings: why perimenopausal symptoms get misdiagnosed – and how to treat them

Symptoms like insomnia, bloating and emotional shifts can occur before menopause begins, but they are often improperly addressed by doctors

17/01 Skin is in: as sales of thong bikinis rise, is body confidence also growing?

A Sydney council’s ban on ‘inappropriate’ swimwear stirs a wider debate over complex feelings about women’s bottoms

16/01 ‘Everything we were taught about success is wrong’: how to find true fulfilment in your life and career

Made good life choices yet still feel dissatisfied? A life coach suggests an alternative way to look at our goals and aspirations to find more positive outcomes

16/01 The bedding buying guide: everything you need to know, from Egyptian cotton to thread count and washing rules

Is Egyptian cotton the holy grail? Should you be buying bamboo? Will silk save your hair? We asked the experts

16/01 Wake-up call: six ways to change your attitude to insomnia

Waking up at night is natural and even beneficial, so we should embrace insomnia and learn to enjoy it

15/01 The kindness of strangers: I had a fear of flying – and as the plane shook and plummeted, she held my hand

We gripped each other tightly for 75 minutes, her lost in anguish, me in a state of panic

15/01 As an agony aunt, I know the biggest cause of unhappiness: other people. Here’s the secret to better relationships

Looking back through her post bag, Observer Magazine’s Philippa Perry answers her readers most commonly asked question: why are other people so awful?

15/01 Women in the UK: share your experiences of expressing breast milk in the workplace

We’d like to hear from women about how easy – or difficult – it has been to express milk at work. How supportive has your employer been?

15/01 The best treadmills for your home: up your indoor miles with our runner-approved picks

Whether you’re chasing folding treadmills or gym quality on a budget, our top-rated running machines will accelerate your training

15/01 UK women who suffer miscarriage should get two weeks’ paid leave, MPs say

Government urged to introduce universal right of bereavement leave as ‘time to grieve’ early pregnancy loss

14/01 Stuck in the middle: advice on bringing up babies and caring for your parents

Believe it or not, you know more about babies than you think – and try to have fun with your mum and dad. Advice from the experts for the ‘sandwich generation’

14/01 Winter running gear: our top training essentials to help you conquer the cold

Bundle up and break a sweat with these winter running accessories, from base layers and gloves to waterproof jackets

14/01 66 days to quit Pepsi Max: ‘Of course, there is a lot of misery’

From four cans a day to zero. Can Jackson Ryan last more than nine weeks without his favourite sugar-free cola?

14/01 ‘Resolutionaries’ v gym rats: why fitness fanatics hate the crowded gyms of January

At the start of the year, many people embark on a new workout programme – leaving regular exercisers longing for Quitter’s Day

14/01 Move body and mind: five exercises to improve mental health, from twists to lunges

Combining ideas from therapy with physical activity can bring huge health benefits, say the therapists pioneering a holistic approach

14/01 Music As Medicine by Daniel Levitin review – musician, heal thyself

In this fascinating book, the neuroscientist makes a strong case for the therapeutic force of music, describing ways in which it can be a beneficial part of recovery for patients

13/01 ‘Spit not rinse’: how I tested 20 electric toothbrushes (and became a toothbrushing pro)

This week: what we learned testing toothbrushes, fitness kit worth the investment, and slow cookers for warming winter feasts

13/01 Gastroesophageal reflux: 8 foods and drinks to absolutely avoid!

To effectively manage gastroesophageal reflux, it is essential to follow a balanced diet and avoid certain foods that can aggravate the symptoms. But what are the foods and drinks to eliminate to alleviate this problem? Let's find out together in this article.

13/01 Do you feel hopeless about humanity? Look for the good things – and build a bridge towards them

We all have the capacity for creativity and growth. Hold on to this potential when life seems bleak

13/01 Is it true that … wearing suncream in the winter slows signs of ageing?

We sift through mixed-messaging about sun protection factor creams, UV light, skincare and vitamin D

13/01 Robert F Kennedy Jr claims seed oils are ‘poisoning’ us. Here’s why he’s wrong

Like a host of online influencers, the man likely to be the US’s next health secretary has denounced the vegetable oils used in countless foods. The science is not on their side

12/01 How to optimise the cognitive benefits of dreams and sleep

Dreaming is vital to our mental health – and it is possible to use them for our own good

12/01 The big menopause swizz: do hormone supplements really work?

The global market for menopause products is worth £16.93bn, the majority of that spent on dietary supplements – but is there any evidence they do anything?

12/01 It’s never too late: meet the adults making big changes later in life

Some people never learn to read or swim or even cook as children - but with the right spirit there’s still time to make things right

12/01 At-home ECGs will detect early heart issues and save thousands, say doctors

Colour-coded output from smartwatch device would be easy for public to read

12/01 The 10 rules of friendship: show up, go beyond banter, learn the boring details

Writers, therapists and academics give advice on how to make, and strengthen, meaningful bonds with mates and friends

10/01 66 days to cut down sugar: ‘I find myself enjoying the sweetness of my lip balm’

With a family history of diabetes, Sharlotte Thou knows she has to reduce the amount of sucrose in her diet. Will nine weeks be enough to tame her sweet tooth?

10/01 ‘When a friend is struggling, they need an ally, not an opinion’: 11 surprising habits that can ruin friendships

Think you always know what your mate is thinking? Forever making elaborate plans together? You might be doing your friendships more harm than you realise, say these experts

10/01 From oatzempic to mouth taping: does science back up TikTok health tips?

Here are some of the more curious health hacks circulating on the social media platform – and what the evidence says

09/01 Lift, rest, recover: how to start weightlifting

Strength training brings multiple benefits and anyone can do it – just as long as they start by getting their form right

09/01 From turbo trainers to running buggies: the fitness gear that made you fitter

‘The best £12 I ever spent’: real fitness starts with the right kit. Here’s the gear that helped these ordinary people get fit and stay motivated

09/01 How to be a half-arse human: ‘You probably aren’t going to have clean knickers all the time’

Is it better to fail half the time than do nothing at all? Of course! Author and poet Leena Norms explains the fine art of being slapdash and happy

08/01 Is ‘sleep divorce’ the key to marital bliss? | Coco Khan

Some swear that sleeping separately from their partner improves their relationship. Personally, I’m in ‘team same bed’, says freelance journalist Coco Khan

08/01 Breakthrough drugs herald ‘new era’ in battle against dementia, experts predict

Medical advances make pills to treat Alzheimer’s disease viable, though challenges remain in sharing gains globally

07/01 ‘75 hard’: the viral fitness challenge is back – but is it really the best way to spend January?

Do you yearn to do two workouts a day, eat healthily, eschew alcohol and commit to reading self-improvement books? If not, there are softer options ...

07/01 The best blenders to blitz like a pro, tried and tested, from Ninja to Nutribullet

Whizzing up smoothies, soups and purees will be a breeze with our top-rated portable, jug and hand blenders

07/01 The anxiety secret: how the world’s leading life coach stopped living in fear

Famous for her work with Oprah Winfrey, Martha Beck is a bestselling author and self-help superstar. But for 60 years she was anxious and terrified - until she found a simple, uplifting answer

07/01 How I learned to meditate in Herefordshire

At a centre in the Wye Valley our writer puts aside her initial doubts and learns how silence and focusing on the breath can quieten the mind and boost wellbeing

07/01 The man making a business out of China’s burnout generation

Li Jianxiong was a highflying marketing executive in Beijing until a breakdown sent him to the west on a wellness voyage of discovery – just as his peers were losing faith in the Chinese Dream

06/01 Breaking bad habits: what you told us about your new year buying intentions

In this week’s newsletter: how you’re decluttering your cart for 2025, running shoes to hit your PBs and our beginner’s guide to veganism

06/01 I tried ‘intermittent sobriety’. Here’s what I learned jumping on and off the wagon | Arwa Mahdawi

While this is by no means health advice, these are a few things I’ve found helpful in case you’re also feeling sober curious

06/01 Is it true that … breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Fans of the full English will be horrified by the trend for fasting, but does this argument hold sway with our expert?

05/01 We need to liberate sex from shame and fear

By being true to ourselves we can find greater enjoyment and a deeper connection

05/01 Relax, revive, refresh: 30 of the best spa hotels and retreats in Europe

From luxurious urban escapes to holistic getaways and indulgent country breaks, here’s our pick of the very best spas

04/01 Learning to swim as an adult is terrifying, embarrassing and wonderful | Alexandra Hansen

Swimming has become addictive – the euphoria of being in the water, of overcoming something I never expected to overcome

04/01 It’s the pits! Would you pay £35 for one of the new, posh deodorants?

Fashionistas are forking out a fortune as the humble anti-perspirant goes high end

04/01 Quit it! From vaping to doomscrolling, 10 bad habits and how to break them

Procrastinating? Online shopping too much? Always cancelling? These top tips from experts will help you change bad behaviour for the better

04/01 ‘What have we here?’: how asking yourself a simple question can transform the way you think about your life

Forget generic self-help advice and focus instead on the unique set of hang-ups, character traits and personal circumstances that stop you living your best life

03/01 Love your liver! 19 simple ways to look after this incredible organ, chosen by doctors

Should you do Dry January? Is any amount of alcohol good for you? And do detoxes work? Experts reveal the tips they live by

02/01 ‘The only thing you need is your own mind’: how to start meditating

Meditation isn’t about perfectionism or blocking thoughts, experts say – the goal is to develop ‘a balanced awareness’

02/01 ‘The best abs I’ve ever had – but it hurt!’: the punishing rise of extreme pilates

Intense workouts like Solidcore and SLT are booming, one $43 class at a time. Are they making women stronger or feeding Ozempic-era expectations for thin bodies?

02/01 We can tell the truth about pregnancy without scaring women to death – in fact, it’s vital that we do | Emily Oster

Many women have no idea about the potential complications until they happen. Without discussion there is no treatment or prevention, says author Emily Oster

02/01 The best running shoes to take you from trail to road to marathon, tried and tested by runners

Whether you’re a beginner runner, a 5k faithful or a track star, our expert-picked running trainers, from Adidas and Asics to Hoka, will help you beat your PBs

02/01 The natural method that could save your heart: advice from a health expert

Cardiovascular health is essential for overall well-being, and more and more people are looking for natural methods to take care of their heart. Health experts share tips

01/01 Make a much shorter to-do list! 15 quick, simple ways to avoid overwhelm

From weightlifting to woodland walks, Guardian readers and health experts share their tried-and-tested ways to keep burnout at bay

01/01 Happy new you! 10 of the best UK wellbeing retreats for 2025

Get the year off to a positive start by booking a restorative break. We pick the best wellness retreats, with yoga, swimming, walking and more in pretty settings from the Highlands to Essex

01/01 Quitting smoking may be easier with a smartwatch app, researchers say

Motion-sensor software sent alerts to prevent lighting up at most vulnerable moments for those trying to quit

01/01 ‘Biceps curls while you cook!’ 101 ways to get healthier and happier – in just five minutes

Open all your windows! Sing a song! Have a hot chocolate! Guardian writers and readers reveal simple ways to lift your mood in 300 seconds or fewer

31/12 My phone was taken by the sea. I’d love to throw its replacement in there too | Briohny Doyle

As I compulsively check my new device, ping-ponging between real and virtual spaces, I can feel my adolescent self eye-rolling at me across the decades

31/12 ‘You’re made to feel you don’t belong’: the black hikers challenging UK rural stereotypes

Black Girls Hike will explore themes of prejudice and diversity in the countryside at Manchester Museum exhibition

31/12 My new year resolution is to stop using one giant list in my Notes app for literally everything | Patrick Lenton

We all know I’m not going to ‘get into hiking’ or ‘understand superannuation’ – but maybe I can destroy my swollen and lumbering digital memo once and for all

30/12 Take it from me, the queen of sleep – micro-naps will transform your life | Emma Brockes

These little wonders will give you a much-needed boost, and this is the perfect time to practice. Go on, you only need 10 minutes, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes