Health & Beauty / Tips & Advice
The arrival of spring: A natural mood booster
As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, many people experience an undeniable shift in their mood and energy levels. The arrival of spring is more than just a change in season; it’s a time of renewal, warmth, and increased vitality. But why does this...
Why laughter is good for you
From reducing stress to enhancing social connections, the health benefits of laughter are backed by science. People often say that laughter is the best medicine, and it seems that this saying may be more accurate than we realise. Ongoing trials are exploring whether...
Live longer: 5 simple ways to increase your life expectancy – according to longevity doctors
Here are the straightforward lifestyle adjustments that could make all the difference. New research suggests that England’s life expectancy improvements have slowed, lagging well behind other Europeancountries. While life expectancy increased across Europe from 1990...
Castaway in Fife: Exploring Robinson Crusoe country in east Scotland
The Fife coastal path connects the firths of Forth and Tay and takes in some of the country’s finest seaside villages, seascapes and the home of a famous literary castaway. Standing in a Scottish seaside village, I am confronted by two smart red doors and a curious...
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...