The world’s happiest man? Matthieu Ricard on the secrets of a serene, successful, satisfying life

The Buddhist monk and bestselling author’s latest book tells the story of his spiritual journey. He discusses joy, suffering and how to foster happiness and health

Should I worry about drinking tap water?

How healthy is the stuff that comes out of your kitchen tap? Is it lacking essential minerals, or tainted with microplastics? Here’s what the science says

Why do we bathe children before bed, but wash ourselves in the morning?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

Running marathons helped me write my novel

The sport helped with my tenacity, and my creativity too

‘It takes over your life’: Britain’s world champion strongwomen on the joy of pulling trucks and flipping tyres

Three UK women have won six out of the last seven World’s Strongest Woman contests. They explain how they broke into the world of super strength

Experience: I survived rabies

My parents mentioned the bat bite to a paediatrician and his face went white. They were told this was a near-guaranteed death sentence

‘My ultimate goal? Don’t die’: Bryan Johnson on his controversial plan to live for ever

The tech entrepreneur is waging a one-man war against ageing. But is taking 100 pills a day, finishing your meals by 11am, giving up both alcohol and a social life, really worth it?

If you want to live a life rich in meaning, first you must learn how to do nothing

Our lives are busier and more complex than ever. How can we use mindfulness to get in touch with what truly matters?

Should I worry about sharing a bed with my pet?

We’ve been sleeping next to dogs and cats for thousands of years, but are they doing us more harm than good? Here’s what the science says

I have started HRT. So why am I still in an absolute seething rage?

I’ve only been on hormone replacement therapy for two weeks, but I’m ready for my anger to fade and my concentration to be needle-sharp. Any minute now …