WELCOME

Tiresome, unnecessary, time-consuming. Distraction is deemed many things,

WELLBEING

‘Those who live by the sea can hardly

Happy places

How to take the mind on short hops to calm and pleasant locations

The forgotten power of being humble

Far from being a sign of weakness, this often undervalued trait has much to say for itself

Respite for sore eyes

In a world where people are spending increasingly more time looking at screens, it’s wise to press pause and take a break

Welcome to the blue gym

From improved fitness to a wider social circle, there’s nothing quite like being on the open water with a paddle in hand

Centre stage

The role of dramatherapy in personal healing and growth

LIVING

‘I just want to feel as much as

Slice of life

The scent of large, knobbly lemons is a distinctive feature of the Amalfi coast, where pastel houses and secret coves give way to row upon row of citrus groves, carved into the rocky mountainside. Steeped in history, lemons are as integral to the landscape as they are to summer dishes in this idyllic corner of Italy

From field to fork

Why supporting your local farmers’ market could give you a boost, too

Beauty in functionality

Finland is well known for its design classics and modern architectural gems, and a trip to the capital is the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into their history, as well as to discover many other attractions

AGELESS ARTISTRY

A guide to some of Finland’s iconic design brands

Inside out

A greater understanding of the connection between physical pain and mental health is vital if those living with chronic conditions are to feel less alone and have a chance to pursue their chosen path

Write at the heart

If, when and how forgiveness happens is an individual decision. Exploring the process on paper first can offer an insight into what might work best for you

MINDFULNESS

‘The art of life is a constant readjustment

Light work

The benefits of incorporating the age-old practice of candle-gazing into daily life

Beyond belief

Inherited opinions and values that are taken on without question can sometimes be damaging. Here’s how to move beyond them

In a world…

…there are ways to find meaning – even in the most challenging times

When two rivers meet

Understanding the psychological phenomenon known as confluence

Tales of the unexpected

Mystery and suspense are generally welcomed in fiction, but how might it be possible to embrace the same kind of uncertainty in real life?

Fraught with worry?

A habit of always fearing what might go wrong or fretting about what could happen in the future is both exhausting and joy-stealing. Thankfully, there are ways to break the cycle of concern and find more space for enjoyment in the here and now

Swerve from your path

Focus is sometimes overrated. To live a full life, it’s also necessary to step into the pleasure and power of distraction

CREATIVITY

‘Don’t ask where the rest of this book

Life stories

Writing a memoir is often a fulfilling task that brings greater awareness of events as they unfold on the page, but it can also be tricky knowing where to start and what – or who – to include. Here, Breathe gets a masterclass on how to approach this multilayered exercise

Pull of the wild

For as long as human beings have been creating art, nature has been a source of inspiration. Here, we take a look at this long history and explore the work of several artists who have been influenced by flora and fauna

Works in progress

The pleasure to be gained from concurrent reads

Mixed signals

Pause to remember the art of making a mixtape and the messages they so carefully conveyed

ESCAPE

‘Pictures just come to my mind and I

Fantastic blooms – and where to find them

Whether you’re wandering around a garden, strolling through a park or hiking across the countryside, the chances are there’ll be the sight of some sensational flowers to enjoy along the way. Many are easy to identify, others might be trickier to name, but buds, blossom, flower heads and fruit never cease to amaze nature lovers. Travel further afield and there are even more unusual and fascinating native flowers to encounter. Some resemble birds, others monkeys, one even takes its name from its resemblance to a swaddled baby. Here are some of Breathe’s favourites

Shoulders of giants

Since time immemorial, humans have looked up at mountains with a sense of awe and wonder. Breathe explores their significance and symbolism

Up on the roof

Viewed from above, towns and villages present a fresh perspective on everyday life and a heightened sense of the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world

You’re in the right lane

Find peace by navigating life at your own speed