Would tracing the history of my family’s J Lyons empire be my cup of tea?

I discovered deeds of great bravery – as well as things to be ashamed of. But learning about my ancestors’ remarkable achievements has given my own life more meaning

If you want to get things done, pause

Taking time out is crucial. Don’t fill up your whole day and you can kickstart a new sense of rhythm. By Robert Poyton

Physician, ultrarunner, thriller writer … meet the man who lives life to the full

Professor Hugh Montgomery says mastering new skills helps him relax – and makes life appear to last longer

Do we have a right to know if we could have the Huntington’s disease gene?

Not telling your child that this hereditary condition is in the family can be devastating later on

McMindfulness by Ronald Purser; Mindfulness by Christina Feldman and Willem Kuyken – review

Mindfulness may have become a tool of capitalism, but if it works, does it matter?

Lessons in love from my new teenage foster daughter

As well as joys, challenges and unusual pets she brought fresh insights to our home. By Jill Dawson

Room to grow: how allotment life can be the best therapy

When his wife became ill, Barney Norris found that growing his own food helped him through the trauma

Cleaning up: the truth about living with nannies and cleaners

‘I hid from the truth about the domestic workers who ran my home, but finally I had to tell their story’

Breast milk donations kept my tiny daughters alive

A drop of breast milk – enough to feed a kitten – fed one mother’s twins, but formal support for donations is under-funded

Inspired by 63 Up, author Tim Lott decides it’s time to take stock

Turning 63, the writer looks back over highs and lows and asks, how can I sum it up?