Is it true that … a cold shower is the best way to cool down on a hot night?

Want to lower your temperature and drift off to sleep quicker? An ice-cold shower might seem the best solution, but the truth is more complicated

‘Am I 68? 69?’ Irvine Welsh on growing old, getting clean, bashing out his new novel – and flirting with guns

Three decades after he channelled his heroin addiction into the cult classic Trainspotting, the Scottish author has discovered the joys of yoga, breathwork and standing desks. But is he quite as ‘Zen’ as he claims?

Struggling to get through summer? Treat yourself like a beloved dog – and six other survival tips

August usually sends me into an anxious funk, but I think I’ve worked out how to handle 2026’s terrifying heat and apocalyptic images, writes Emma Beddington

Readers reply: What is the true Breakfast of Champions?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions chews on how best to start the day – from porridge to champagne, beer and cheesecake …

The brief life and sudden death of Zyzz: why did the bodybuilding influencer die at just 22?

Long before looksmaxxers, Aziz ‘Zyzz’ Shavershian was famous online for posting workouts and rage-bait – until he died in Thailand in 2011. A new documentary reveals what really happened

‘Smells like vacation’: the 21 best nontoxic sunscreens in the US that dermatologists use and recommend

The best sunscreen is the one that you’ll use everyday. We asked doctors for the best SPFs for every face, from acne-prone skin to babies and everything in between

Digested week: As wildfires rage, should I buy a helicopter or marry a guy with a bunker?

Plus, train toilet roulette, an astonishingly stoic hiker and the tradwife paradox

Traveling or standing all day? Compression socks will help your feet. Doctors recommend these five pairs

Compression socks provide relief during long flights, hours on your feet or after surgery. Doctors say the best pairs are from Bombas, Physix and Sockwell

The 10 best running vests and hydration packs in the UK for men and women, tested by an ultra runner

Here are our expert’s favourite running packs for everyday plods, all-out races and trail adventures

Repeated use of saunas could help people cope better in heatwaves, scientists say

Growing number of studies assessing whether heat training can help people prepare for scorching temperatures