Oliver Jeffers grew up in Belfast hating violence. Now he wants children to see how futile it is

The children’s author, who lived through the Troubles, believes that kids should be taught to seek peace from an early age. By Donna Ferguson

Why the health benefits of laughter yoga will make you smile

We all know that nothing beats a good giggle, and research shows its physical and mental health benefits are huge, too. Dr Madan Kataria reveals how his ‘laughter yoga’ clubs are giving the world something to feel joyful about

‘Everyone seemed at ease’: how art is making hospital visits less painful

Some of life’s hardest moments are spent in hospital, but two organisations are working to ease that with ingenious designs. Mina Holland explains how art has been a lifeline

My in-laws never pay their way and it drives me mad. How can I break this habit?

Ask your husband why he always pays for his family – and ask yourself why you don’t dare discuss this behaviour with them

I really don’t want to get Covid, but the loneliness gets greater every day. How do I keep going?

Think of the precautions you take as marks of consideration, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. It’s easier to stand out for something you stand by

‘It feels like fresh air to my ears’: can brown noise really help you concentrate?

Some people use it to improve their focus while others use it to drop off to sleep. The writer Zadie Smith says she listens to it day and night. But what is brown noise? And does it work?

Early-bird special: could eating your dinner at 5pm help you lose weight?

According to a new study, having your main meal in the early evening can help the pounds drop off – and it might also make you bang on trend

The big idea: do we all experience the world in the same way?

Every human brain is different – it’s time to embrace the diversity of our experiences

Who’s paying for Britain’s disastrous mini-budget? We are, with our health

From stress about homelessness to illnesses caused by food poverty and cold homes, this financial chaos will take a heavy toll, says public health professor Devi Sridhar

Once a year I lose myself in the Hebrides to walk and think – before going back to the life I love

This wild part of Scotland, so central to my beginnings, works like a time machine on me, says Edward Docx