From exploding gin to dating app disasters: our Filter writers’ guide to life

Consumer advice and life lessons: here’s everything our Filter writers have learned in the past year. Plus gifts for Diwali; cordless vacuums on test; and the best hair masks, revealed

Is it true that … cutting out carbs helps you lose weight?

Weight loss is about consuming fewer calories than you burn, and reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates can play a part in that

Growing up, Bianca could never predict her father’s moods: the disorientation of an emotionally immature parent echoed into her adulthood

In therapy, we began with acknowledging this was not her fault. From there, we worked to rebuild Bianca’s sense of agency

Going to the gym was too much effort, until I moved into one

What would happen if you removed the obstacle of having to get to the gym? Brigid Delaney spends a week finding out

I thought I found the perfect pillow. Could these three unseat my favorite?

The Original Adjustable Pillow put Coop on the map by suiting sleepers of all kinds. I tested to the Adjustable Orthopedic, Original and Wedge options see if they match up

Emma Hybrid Premium mattress review: comfy, breathable and cheaper than its rivals

Emma’s mattress promises cosy nights at a fair price, but poor customer service reviews kept us from testing it – until now

The best mattresses in 2025: sleep better with our nine rigorously tested picks

From luxury Simba and Otty mattresses to brilliant budget buys, here’s what we recommend – and how to know if you’ve found a good deal

Look out for number one! Selfish self-help books are booming – but will they improve your life?

If you yearn for an Ayn Randian existence of absolute self-reliance, there are plenty of bestsellers that can help. They may not make you happier though

Peter Whybrow obituary

Neuropsychiatrist and writer whose research reshaped the understanding and treatment of mood disorders

‘Stay true to yourself – and fly closer to the sun’: what I’ve learned from 50 years of rejection

As a writer, I have been rejected thousands of times, and it initially led to shock, denial and anger. Then I accepted it. Here’s what you can gain from doing so too