My wardrobe is bursting with sequins – what does that say about me?

How do our clothes affect our mood? Sharon Walker delves into her wardrobe with fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen and finds a poignant explanation for her love of party dresses

I have culled my friends to just the ones I value

I’ve always had loads of friends but recently decided that many of them had to go. It has simplified and enriched my life

Becoming a grandmother at 47 led me, as a therapist, to rethink my response to change

Facing ageing and a new role was deeply uncomfortable – but robustness and hope helped me adapt

Caring for my brother after his brain injury showed me a world of compassion

Seeing the hidden world of care, after my beloved brother’s devastating accident, taught me about people’s remarkable strength and grace

Why do we cry – and what can we learn from our tears?

Weeping is informed by everything from culture and identity to social standing – and studying it could help us better understand ourselves

Confront your fears … and four other ways to stop procrastinating

Address your perfectionism, make a small starting step and break the cycle that is holding you back

Human hibernation: the restoring effects of hiding away in winter

How do you flourish through the darkest months of the year? Take a lesson from a sleepy dormouse…

What a to-do! How to write the perfect list

Looking for freedom from that familiar nagging feeling? Here’s how to get stuff done without overwhelming yourself

I’m a psychotherapist, but therapy didn’t ease my grief

A sudden bereavement tore my life apart. But even though I’m a trained therapist, I couldn’t find comfort on the couch

It’s time to tune in: why listening is the real key to communication

Whether at work or at home, success depends on how good a listener you are