On body and soul

WELCOME

‘The past is a foreign country: they do

WELLBEING

‘To free us from the expectations of others,

The joy of inconvenience

For all the benefits gained by time-saving inventions, there’s much to be said for going back to basics

INJECT SOME DIFFICULT Y

ILLUSTRATIONS: CAROLINA ALTAVILLA Read a complex novel. ‘We

In your own time

Boring, mundane tasks with no deadline are often the greatest obstacles to productivity and completing bigger, more important jobs. But what if there was a way to keep on top of these small nuisances without giving them too much precious brain space? Introducing, the power hour method…

Get into the groove

Exploring the ancient Vedic philosophy of samskaras and how its power can be harnessed for growth in the modern day

Start slow

Go hard or go home. No pain, no gain. Just do it. The all-or-nothing approach to success is so dominant that it’s easy to forget there are other ways to prosper

Digita l chat

Email can be fun, useful or annoying in equal parts, so it’s wise to stop and think before clicking send on messages – including the well-intentioned ones

Past for ward

Looking back, it’s easy to imagine that at times you should, in the sentiment of that well-worn phrase, ‘have known better’. But life is imperfect and, despite what your inner-critic might suggest, no one at any time has access to a crystal ball

LIVING

‘Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory,

My Family and other narratives

They’re as complex as the individuals that make them up, yet the view of these inherited groups is often singular, that they’re identikit units and the be-all and end-all of everything. Is there room for a more nuanced story?

Fabulously fungal

There’s so much more to mushrooms than simply being a delicious kitchen staple – here we explore some of their wide-ranging uses as well as their incredible potential for the future

Room for shrooms?

Delicious? Check. Naturally plant-based? Check. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals? Check, check

Specia l perks

Italy is synonymous with delicious coffee, from creamy cappuccinos to gorgeous granitas. But what do rituals and timing have to do with its role as a coffee-culture world leader?

A round the block

Why forcing yourself to keep going when the creative spark just won’t come can lead to hurt and burnout

Wet and wild

Wetlands aren’t just home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife, they’re also vital sanctuaries for the soul

MINDFULNESS

‘You have to go the way your blood

Curb the chaos

Chaotic thinking can bring inspired ideas but also lead to confusion and a strong sense of being overwhelmed. There are, however, ways that can help to moderate the negatives of a mind under stress

Happiness hazard

Why telling a loved one you ‘only want them to be happy’ isn’t always the best policy

Beneath the hurt

At the darkest of times, forgiveness has the power to let in a glimmer of light

Matters of choice

Some make them breezily in seconds, others agonise for days, but bringing conscious awareness to the decisions you make can help you to plan and build a fulfilling future

Moments of trust

It can take years to build and be shattered in an instant, but having faith in others, as well as yourself, could save heartache and disappointment

CREATIVITY

‘Books are meat and medicine and flame and

Show time

For many, the experience of watching a musical live on stage is joyful and empowering, even though its story might have sombre undertones. So, what’s behind it?

Could you be a book blogger?

No longer the preserve of paid critics, becoming a book reviewer has never been so accessible – and who knows, your passion might even turn into something more lucrative…

Imagine that!

Adults are prone to visualising things through a negative lens, but what happens when you tap into the power of your inner child’s imagination?

Floral fancies

Dallas-based Alli Koch is a custom artist and designer who’s turned her hobby of doodling blooms into a successful full-time business. Here, the Texan tells Breathe what makes her tick and shares her simple tips for drawing modern florals

BEGIN TO BLOOM

Pencils at the ready? Alli takes us through the anatomy of a flower before outlining three easy-to-follow drawing exercises

Listen, hear

People and places convey much more than words, and paying attention to everything they’re saying can boost creativity as well as personal development

ESCAPE

‘Live in each season as it passes; breathe

Green shoots of discovery

Growing a tree is not just wonderful for the environment – it’s personally satisfying to watch it flourish from seed to sapling and beyond

Legends of the fall

Writers have waxed lyrical about autumn’s natural beauty and vibrant hues, and the science behind the change in leaf colour is just as awe-inspiring

Bon voyage!

Cruise around the world without leaving your seat through some of our favourites from 2020’s Travel Photographer of the Year competition

Step by (slow) step

Walking to solve any issue might be an ancient concept, but it’s as relevant as ever today. And done with a heightened awareness, it can offer a closer connection to nature, too

STEP INTO THE SENSATIONS

ILLUSTRATIONS: JOHN HARMER • Beauty and harmony

Do the shoes pinch?

Stepping into others’ footwear offers an invaluable perspective, aiding empathy and understanding – but how often do you show yourself the same kindness?