Nature’s diary

WELCOME

‘And what do you say…?’ Parents and guardians

WELLBEING

‘The garden of the world has no limits,

Forward thinking

A kind act not only benefits someone else, it can be good for you, too – so pass it on

Heal the sole

The ancient practice of reflexology offers the potential for relief from many modern ailments

Thank you for the days

How acknowledging and thanking the people who guide us towards personal fulfilment can create a positive effect all round

Mini-breaks for the mind

In a fast-paced world, it’s helpful to have moments where thoughts can come and go

Hidden gains

Money management might not be the most exciting pastime, and in times of economic crisis it can be especially challenging, but in the long run it can help reduce stress and improve mental health

Small wonders

How to grow a lush winter-vegetable garden in a space no bigger than a margarine tub

LIVING

‘What you do makes a difference, and you

On the menu tonight…

… Confidence for the main course, a side helping of flexibility, and people skills for dessert. Welcome to hospitality, an industry that serves up plenty of gains alongside the hard work

Oh, for olives

The humble olive has been consumed by humans for thousands of years – and across the Mediterranean and further afield, the growing, picking, pressing and eating of this versatile fruit is still a matter of wonder and delight

From tree to table

Green, black, big or small, every olive will bring its own unique flavour to a dish. Here are just a few of the ways Letitia uses them in her cooking

A jar full of joy

The unexpected benefits of repurposing glass containers

Imitation game

Copying someone is often framed as negative, but positive social mimicry can be a healthy and essential part of life

Tickled pink

Pigs might not always have had the best reputation, but these intelligent animals can make loving companions – if you have the space to house them

MINDFULNESS

‘You can’t stop the waves but you can

Through the ages

How understanding the influence of brain development over a person’s lifetime can help with cross-generational communication

In search of closure

It’s easy to feel stuck when ruminating over past events and struggling to find answers as to what happened and why. Here, we explore some of the ways that can help loosen the ties to difficult events, making it easier to move forward

Viewed through a lens

Why characters you meet in your dreams can speak volumes about your waking life

The end in mind

Death is as equally an important chapter of life as any other, and it can be helpful to talk about it ahead of older age, even if it feels uncomfortable to do so

Tame the tide

Strong emotions are a part of life, but they can become overwhelming. Thankfully, self-regulation can help to keep them in balance

CREATIVITY

‘My most important talent – or habit –

Sparkles of delight

Loved for their magical and transient qualities, snowflakes are as unique as every person on the planet

Natural beauty

If you’re stuck for creative inspiration, the colourful and captivating creatures that inhabit the planet are a good place to start

Hive mind

Some of the great artistic movements of the 20th century emerged from creative colonies, where painters, sculptors and writers lived and worked alongside each other

Novel approach

Notebook or laptop? Planner or free-flow? Writing that novel is doable when you get your strategies in place to keep you on track

ESCAPE

‘The world is full of magic things, patiently

In glorious colour

The world is full of wonderfully vibrant places, some more kaleidoscopic than others, but all waiting to be discovered whether that’s in person or from your armchair

When you wish upon a star

Mysterious and magical, meteor showers are some of the most spectacular celestial events visible from Earth, but what lies behind nature’s year-round firework display?

Wondrous world

The diversity and beauty of Britain’s countryside, coast and cities, as seen through the lens of entrants to the 14th annual Landscape Photographer of the Year competition

In the borderlands

Change can be unsettling, but reframing the time we spend moving from one place to the next can give us space to dream