A must-read book? Go on, make me

Faced with rave reviews of musicals, films, books and plays, why does Oliver Burkeman run a mile?

How physical exercise makes your brain work better

Research shows different activities have quite specific mental effects – here’s how moving your body could sharpen your ideas

Spooky! Messages from the beyond or just coincidence?

We’ve all heard eyebrow-raising tales – so what’s really going on?

Coping with catastrophe: what keeps us going in the face of adversity?

Whether it’s dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis or the loss of a loved one, we are remarkably resilient as a species. We don’t fully understand the science, but we know the support of others is crucial

Wisdom in 140 characters: the triumphant return of the aphorism

Thanks to the internet, proverbs are enjoying a second day in the sun

Are your friends really your friends?

I knew lopsided friendships existed; I’ve got several, and I’m sure you have, too. But I’m not supposed to be the desperate one

The Voices Within by Charles Fernyhough review – why do we talk to ourselves?

We experience some kind of inner speech for at least a quarter of our waking lives. This helps some, while others set out to reduce the chatter. And how does it relate to God?

Metamorphosis: How and Why We Change by Polly Morland – review

Most of us are wary of change, but it can be the making of us, according to this persuasive study

Don’t think you’re lucky? Think again

You probably think you got where you are today through willpower and elbow grease. But what about chance, asks Oliver Burkeman

Lessons from a life coach: three steps to conquering your fears

Sometimes the only way to get past your fear is to recognise it, name it and commit to whatever you need to do to get past it