My rookie era: peer pressure brought me to bouldering, then I found calm in ‘the way of the wall’

My friends were already experienced climbers, while I was starting at zero. My first day brought many hard lessons

‘I’ve never felt such a skin-zinging feeling of being alive’: my year of swimming in Nordic seas

Dipping in the freezing waters of Scandinavia, Greenland and Finland was life-changing – and full of warmth thanks to saunas, hot springs and like-minded people

Five minutes more exercise and 30 minutes less sitting could help millions live longer

Research finds minor changes in physical activity could hugely reduce number of premature deaths

How to make a habit actually stick: the small changes that worked for you

Most resolutions don’t survive past January, so how do you make a change that lasts? Readers share their top tips, from habit stacking to drinking their second coffee outdoors

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