The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora review – the physical basis of mental health
A psychiatrist explains how distressing states are often rooted in bodily dysfunction – and what it means when they aren’t
‘For five years, I could barely speak’: the skin health campaigner who overcame bullying for severe acne
At school, Scott McGlynn suffered so much abuse for his spots that he would hide away in classrooms at lunchtime. Now, he is a successful podcaster and encourages people to talk openly about the condition on social media
Hormetic stress: could Hiit, hot saunas, and cold showers be the anxiety-busters we need in difficult times?
A growing body of research indicates that exposing yourself to short bursts of pressure – or hormetic stress – can you help you when things get tough
There are some nights I just don’t sleep, and that’s OK. Instead I go out for a walk
Perhaps the hardest thing about insomnia is how isolating it is, writes Mark Starmach, but walking Sydney’s empty streets bring a kind of peace
Julia Samuel: ‘The princes turned the dial by talking about grief’
In times of tragedy and despair, Julia Samuel is the person to whom the nation turns. A grief counsellor and pioneer of paediatric psychotherapy, she talks about the effects of the pandemic, her friendship with Princess Diana – and helping families to resolve their conflicts
Watch Strictly, eat sauerkraut, win at Monopoly: expert tips for hacking your happy hormones
Can we really harness our brain chemicals to give ourselves a blast of positivity? Researchers share their shortcuts to boosting oxytocin, serotonin and more
Reasons to be cheerful: optimists live longer, says study
Those with a positive attitude to life may lower their anxiety levels by avoiding arguments or not perceiving traffic jams as stressful
10 enchanted gardens: beautiful and quirky spaces
Our pick of truly unique gardens inspired by everything from black holes and poison to kidnap and cats
How to cultivate wellbeing through gardening
Gardening is proven to help mental health and is prescribed by the NHS. The author of a new book about its appeal to the senses says we get as much out of nurturing plants as we put in
Flower power: why blooms are an essential part of any garden
A homegrown bouquet is great for pollinators, a pleasure for people and a green alternative to buying from the cut-flower industry – so don’t forget to include them on your plot