Health & Beauty / Tips & Advice
5 ways reading benefits your brain health for over 65s
As we get older, our cognitive abilities can decline. However, reading has surprising benefits for our brain health. Cognitive thinking abilities, such as planning and organising, remembering, making decisions and more, all affect how well we do everyday tasks, and...
Spring surprises: 11 stunning gardens to explore as spring emerges
In late winter, the garden may not seem as beautiful as its summer successor, yet you can still enjoy water features, woodland walks, frost-covered borders, emerging bulbs and glasshouse wonders in February and beyond. Here are just a few garden walks that are equally...
Finding your flow: Purposeful living for a positive life
Life after 50 is often regarded as a time of reflection, renewal, and rediscovery. With the children grown, careers stabilising or winding down, and more time to focus on oneself, it’s a golden opportunity to embrace a life of purpose and positivity. Finding your...
Wake up to wellbeing: 8 simple morning habits to boost your happiness
Whether you’re naturally an early bird or a night owl, try these energising morning rituals. New research has found that mornings are when people generally feel their best, and report the greatest feelings of wellbeing. Researchers analysed data from more than 49,000...
Seven deadly sins: The home insurance traps that could cost you dearly
Price comparison sites offer the promise of low insurance premiums, but could leave you with cover that turns out to be much more expensive in the long run. Everyone wants a good deal on their home insurance. At a time when Britons are counting the pennies more...
Good mood food: Food to help boost your spirits in January
These six ingredients could help bolster your health and spirits in the new year. January can seem like a tough and endless cold stretch, as we’re thrown back into work and ‘normal’ routines after a fun few weeks of festive celebrations. However, the foods we eat can...
A winter’s trail: Seasonal UK walks from Somerset to Scotland
The stark landscapes of mid-winter are the best time for enjoying the elements on these routes. Our writers tell us the personal stories behind their favourite hikes. Derwent Edge, Peak District You can concertina this walk into a couple of hours, or else pack a...
6 mind sports to exercise your brain and keep you sharp
These brain-boosting activities are great for the whole family. Many of us will be getting family favourites such as Scrabble and Chess out of the cupboard over the Christmas period to enjoy with our loved ones. Lots of these beloved games are referred to as ‘mind...
The best ways to boost your immune system as cold temperatures hit
You can strengthen your immune system by eating nutritious foods, exercising and getting enough sleep. As large parts of the UK brace for heavy snow and freezing rain this weekend, with temperatures dipping as low as minus 5°C overnight, experts are urging people to...
Happy New Year! 8 New Year’s resolutions to make a positive impact
Instead of a New Year’s resolution that rights a wrong in your life, why not resolve to make some positive changes? Here are a few suggestions… New Year’s resolutions are supposed to mark a new start as we say goodbye to the old year. Instead of the standard...
Winter care: How to avoid plant losses, flowering disappointments and container catastrophes
As the colder weather sets in, we offer a 10-point checklist to help your garden survive the worst of winter. As winter begins to make itself known, you may want to hibernate in front of a roaring fire - but there are some jobs that just won’t wait unless you’re...
Tis’ the season to be merry: The 20 best Christmas wines for 2024
Spicy Rhônes for the roast, aromatic Riesling for the leftovers, and excellent value fizzes to bring in the new year. When it comes to choosing the right wines, Christmas dinner is something of a challenge. The classic bird (or plant-based alternative) with all the...