Your ‘ikigai’ guide to the holidays

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News I Reviews I Books I Film I Art I Ideas

’’ Yes, you really are worth it”

We’re all so busy cringing about asking for the pay rise we deserve, we allow our self-esteem to sink into the red, too. Time to re-evaluate, says Harriet Minter

Join us!

In partnership with NOW Live Events, join founder of Mindfulness Everywhere, Rohan Gunatillake, to learn how to merge technology with mindfulness. In February, prepare to get your heart and mind aligned with neuroscientist Magdelena Bak-Maier

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Creating a fulfilled, happy and healthy life that you

Are you a winner?

As we begin the selection process in our novel-writing contest, author Elizabeth Heathcote shares how it feels to get published

The words

Ah, Christmas – a time for hibernation and the promise of crisp new books to devour in that glorious last week of December. Stuck for presents? Here are a few of our stocking-filler picks…

Next month in PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE

Live BIG

Stockists

Find out where to buy the products featured in this month’s issue

Take a stand

This month, Vanessa King of Action for Happiness and author of 10 Keys To Happier Living recommends Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self To Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy

HOW TO… Cope with life’s irritations

Whether it’s a screeching car alarm or someone cracking their knuckles on the bus, life can be irritating. But it doesn’t have to be, says author Laura Lee…

How do you see me?

Oliver Burkeman asks you to consider how you come across to others, and how you might improve the impression you give

Imagine a solution

How do you design the life you want? Nathalie Hourihan explores how ‘creativism’, which utilises our innate creativity to solve problems, can help

Yes, it’s possible!

We are all capable of so much more than we think, writes bestselling author, speaker and entrepreneur Sháá Wasmund MBE

Falling in love again…

If you’ve had your fingers burned in the past, a new romance can be scary. How can you be sure you are not going to make the same mistakes? Ellen Tout finds out

Do you need a therapist?

Our psychotherapy service helps you match up with your ideal therapist – to support you through life’s ups and downs, and teach you to be your best self

June Sarpong

The TV presenter and broadcaster has written a book, Diversify, that may prove to be our handbook to negotiate these troubled times. Here, she speaks about the inspiration behind her writing, and what really matters to her

”Going with the flow created a dream home”

Renovation aficionados Jackie and Paul Garrett chose a challenging project with their Cornwall cottage, but managed to create a light-filled, comfortable retreat

Inner Peace Retreat

Building on the success of the Stillness Retreat, NOW Live Events, in partnership with Psychologies and West Lexham, are delighted to host our Inner Peace Retreat – finding tranquillity in your daily life

”I don’t know how to stop worrying “

Our award-winning coach Kim Morgan gives advice to one women who is a non-stop fretter and in desperate need of some perspective

A personality in the making

Are traits like sociability and conscientiousness fixed through life? Experts used to think so but, as psychologist Meg Arroll discovers, new research shows we are more adaptable than we previously thought

”I never want to make love to my husband again “

Our agony aunt, Mary Fenwick, offers a new perspective on whatever is troubling you

Angelina Jolie “My dream is to work with my kids in the future”

Oscar-winning actor and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie, talks about directing her new film, First They Killed My Father, her pride in her children and her hopes for them as they grow older

Dossier Happy Christmas

If you don’t have strong religious beliefs, and Christmas

How to have a more meaningful Christmas

Is it possible to have a better, richer celebration than ever before? Ali Roff investigates ways to cultivate a deeper, more mindful festive period, and say goodbye to the pressure and panic of the past

Get as good as you give

Imagine a Christmas where you decide what you want – and make sure that you receive it…It’s not about material things, says Eleanor Tucker, it’s about feeling that you’re entitled to get what you need, without being shortchanged in your bid to please others

Our new way

Three women tell us how they reinvented Christmas, on the home and work fronts, by changing their mindset

It’s all in the technique…

Navigate your way smartly around these common pitfalls, just lying in wait to trip us up and make us feel mopey, not merry

What sort of Christmas will feed your soul?

The festive season should feel like the most wonderful time of the year. If it’s lost its sparkle for you, take our test to find out what you need to make it feel special again

A little something from me… to me

We love that Christmas is a time for giving, but in the midst of all the Yuletide cheer, we sometimes forget to take a moment to nurture our own wellbeing and value life’s small joys. With a bit of help from Etsy, we select a few simple seasonal surprises just for you, to keep you jingling all the way into the new year

The plan

Every month, the #360me team will be sharing our baby-steps approach to leading a healthier, happier life – expert-endorsed and real-life approved.

Made for the earth

Let Mother Nature be your guiding light, says Eminé Rushton; be silent, read the signs and listen to what she is telling you, then… breathe

Stars of wonder

With Christmas upon us, we seek out seasonal pleasures for loved ones, ourselves included

Is his sex addiction real?

Addiction therapist John McKeown, founder of Ibiza Calm residential rehabilitation centre, advises a reader on how to help her partner, who has been constantly unfaithful to her

Enjoy our way of life

Wild Nutrition co-founder Henrietta Norton reminds us why it’s the season to celebrate, like we’ve done throughout the ages, not only to survive, but to feel good

Arriba for tequila!

Many of us have been subject to the effects of one too many margaritas –but few of us know that there’s ample cause to celebrate this indigenous spirit, too. Eve Kalinik leads the toast for tequila

Welcome to nature

Photographer Leanne Bracey is entranced by Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees and jaw-dropping Tunnel View

Second-hand chic

If you can’t afford to furnish your home with new pieces, being thrifty is an inspiring and accessible way of creating stylish and comfortable rooms

Gold, frankincense and myrrh

Ancient offerings are not forgotten in the Weleda gardens, in a healing atonement to Mother Earth, while allotmenteer Paul Rushton prepares for conscious celebration

Time to celebrate!

Be prepared for entertaining this festive season with these easy, delicious recipes guaranteed to please your party guests