Blood: The Science, Medicine and Mythology of Menstruation by Dr Jen Gunter – why periods are ‘a muddled burden’

The outspoken Canadian gynaecologist’s compelling scientific study cuts through misinformation, myth and worse with clarity and wit in this study of the menstrual cycle

The big idea: is being ‘good enough’ better than perfection?

Before making another new year resolution it’s worth asking if change is what you need

By sleeping when everyone else is awake I cured my insomnia

Turning normal sleeping cycles upside down helped this bestselling writer recover her energy

Don’t flake, don’t dump friends and don’t hold grudges: experts on what not to do in 2024

Guardian writers including Marina Hyde, John Crace (and a few other successful types) reveal what they won’t be doing in the coming year

The big idea: should we go to more parties?

Talking to strangers can be intimidating, but the social whirl has science on its side

The weird world of celebrity training: how Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Madonna get in shape for their shows

It takes incredible stamina to sing and dance for three hours night after night after night. Fitness professionals talk us through the stars’ regimes

‘I was in tears, angry, emotional’: do reality TV shows use sleep deprivation to trigger meltdowns and showdowns?

Exhaustion, vomiting, brains ‘turning to mush’ … from Love Island to The Apprentice to Squid Game: The Challenge, former contestants reveal how their big TV breaks became waking nightmares

Adele says staying in sunny LA staves off seasonal depression

Singer, who reportedly bought $58m property last year, says she also gets left alone in Los Angeles

‘Just strap on the footwear and walk’: a snowshoeing holiday for beginners in Bulgaria

A week conquering a new winter sport across three magical mountain ranges is both challenging and exhilarating – with hot springs and hikes providing the icing on the cake

Best ideas books of 2023

From psychology to AI, pandemics to popular culture, we survey the bigger picture