Take on the new year with a motivational reboot … or hibernate. We can help with both

Are you easing into 2026 by resting and restoring? Or hitting it at 100mph? Either way, we have tips, tech and ideas for you. Plus, low- and no-alcohol drinks and cold weather essentials

My local pool feels like a cultural refuge – a small, steamy world where accents mingle and minds reset

There’s a quiet magic in shared spaces where stories drift across cultures and generations – and no one checks their phone

What does sugar do to your body – and how can you avoid a slump?

We evolved to like energy-dense foods such as honey, but modern diets tend to include too much sugar. Here’s how to make sure you eat the right amount, at the right time

How to dress for work without spending a fortune – or sacrificing personal style

Also: advice to reduce screen time, how to maximize your toaster oven, the best gloves and at-home fitness staples

Readers reply: can you really fake it to make it?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions. In this week’s replies, readers ponder whether acting wins success

I had an abortion due to climate anxiety. How can I come to terms with it?

Counselling should help, but it sounds as if you need to slow down and give yourself time to grieve

Do the tiny, boring exercises: how to really look after your hips

From the best exercise moves to how many steps you really need to aim for a day, experts weigh in on how to maintain hip health

My daughter showed me the joy in jigsaw puzzles – now it’s the only way I know how to relax

The simplicity of doing something that existed only to complete was like a meditation. I felt calmer than I had for months

The best lip balms in the US for 2026

From trusty Vaseline to trendy Supergoop, our top balms will help keep even the driest of lips moisturized this winter

The Guardian view on living more creatively: a daily dose of art

Editorial: It can make us healthier, happier and live longer. Engaging in culture should be encouraged like good diet and exercise