The plan

CONTRIBUTORS

Meet three of the people who have taken part in the creation of this issue of Psychologies

Change is as good as a rest

Whether it’s to find your vocation (page 46) or upgrade

Viewpoint

Let us know what you think of the magazine and, each month, we’ll publish the best letters

I’d like to thank…

We met as new students at university and bonded in

The Fix

” Wherever light is, no matter how weak, flowers will

Let’s get physical

Oliver Burkeman focuses on tiny changes with the biggest impact. This month, small active tricks to boost emotional resilience

Ask for help

Studies show most of us don’t like requesting assistance. Martha Roberts explores ways to get better at it

“It’s so necessary to focus on the light – it powers you through the dark”

Former wild child, respected film producer and all-round Hollywood sweetheart, Drew Barrymore, reveals how she overcame the heartbreak of divorce to find joy, comfort and peace, and why she believes laughter really is the best medicine

The 30-day creative challenge

Want to do something creative, but feel you never have time? Four busy women took a few minutes each day, over a month, to work on a chosen artform – with unexpected benefits

How to start a business on a budget

Bestselling author and entrepreneur, Sháá Wasmund MBE, explains why you don’t need thousands of pounds to set up your own business

Thomasina Miers

The chef, food writer and founder of Wahaca Mexican restaurants talks about what good food means to her, happiness and dealing with fear

Shgeifatrinsg

Change in a partnership is inevitable, but how can you roll with it so your love thrives, not dies? Suzy Bashford gets expert help

JOIN US!

In partnership with NOW Live Events, we’re offering two workshops, a one-day immersion and a new retreat. In May, coach Alastair Creamer will help you find work you love and, in June, join us for a chance to sing for your health!

“My home brings my heritage to life”

For designer Katja Behre, her light, heirloom-filled flat just minutes from the bustle of the city offers the ideal creative sanctuary

“Why can’t I stick to my goal?”

Our award-winning coach, Kim Morgan, helps a woman examine ways to set realistic targets in a sustainable way

“What should I do with my life?”

Finding the right career path can be difficult, whether you are starting out or are a seasoned professional. You might be asking the wrong questions, career coach Alastair Creamer tells Ellen Tout. Meanwhile, Martha Roberts explains why she has decided to go back to the drawing board with work

A second bite of the cherry

In her late 40s, Martha Roberts faces huge upheavals to her working life and a pressing need to save for retirement. Time for a complete rethink, with the help of career coach Tim Drake

SUBSCRIBE TO PSYCHOLOGIES TODAY

One of the first organic brands on the market, Green

Double or broke

Ever stayed in a job you hate because the alternative may be worse? Or remained in a not-so-great relationship because you can’t bear the thought of walking away? You may be exhibiting symptoms of loss aversion, as Lizzie Enfield explains

Tailor-made therapy

Our new 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

”Our blended family doesn’t always get on”

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

‘‘Give me a break!’’

Thinking twice about booking that luxury hotel, or saving that road trip for someone special? Just do it, writes Harriet Minter. There’s no shame in going solo

The first cut is the deepest

Award-winning novelist, Lucy Atkins, says this month’s task is to let that initial draft flow freely, but be ready to hack it back when the time comes

The words

Always wanted to write a novel? Check in with our resident author, Lucy Atkins, who explains this month’s dos and don’ts of creating a first draft, plus we bring you our top book selection and other literary goodies…

QUEEN OF SERENE

When crisis strikes, how do you react? Do you fly into

KEEP CALM IN A CRISIS

When disaster strikes, no matter how many mindfulness meditations we’ve practised, it can often cause panic, despair and uncertainty. Anita Chaudhuri discovers real calm is a practice, rather than a state of being…

How to make a crisis work in your favour

Let’s face it, none of us are immune to the occasional setback, but knowing how to embrace the challenges can help us to keep calm and carry on, says Jeremy Stockwell

THE KEY TO TRANQUILLITY

Can we incorporate a default state of calm into our lives, so that it becomes the foundation of our feelings? Lorna V has narrowed down five elements that have the power to boost your inner peace, from the latest book in our Psychologies series, Real Calm

PANIC OVER

Three people tell us how they dealt with crises, and created real opportunity and positivity in their lives…

REAL CALM

We’ve all been there; everything’s going smoothly and then, bam, crisis hits. Whether it’s a family feud or a financial blow, that sense of panic can floor us. And, with everyday stress levels rising, too, having a toolkit for calm in our lives could be the key to our happiness…

HOW DOES LACK OF CALM AFFECT YOU?

Living with raised stress levels can become the new normal, and influence our health and wellbeing. Take our test to identify what you need to do to protect your quality of life and happiness, now and in the future…

Q How can I keep a healthy scalp?

Trichological expert, Anabel Kingsley, tells us how to avoid dandruff and boost hair growth

And relax…

Eminé Rushton reveals a range of products that enhance with ease

Jody Shield

The inspirational speaker, meditation expert and author talks about changing careers, juggling priorities and learning to switch off

Throw away the rulebook

Committing to a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to impose strict rules on yourself. Ali Roff explains why it’s all about balance

Recover and get your life back

If addiction of any kind is having a negative effect on your life, find healing, peace and strength in a calming and supportive environment at Ibiza Calm’s countryside retreat

Sing for your health

Since joining her office choir, Anita Chaudhuri hasn’t looked back. She investigates a new study by the Royal College of Music and Imperial College London, with Tenovus Cancer Care, about the healing power of singing in a group, and urges us all to have a go

Q How can I protect my memory?

Each month, leading integrative health expert, Dr Andrew Weil, gives his definitive answer to a medical question

Anoint with oil

Nutritionist, Eve Kalinik, heralds the wonders of that delicious Mediterranean staple, olive oil

Our Thai adventure

Five years ago, Ivana Greslikova and her partner, Gianni, made the big leap to become full-time travel writers. Here, she talks about her love of Thailand and her passion for sustainable, mindful travel

Experience Thailand with meaning

From seeing rescued elephants up close to meeting minority tribes in more remote rural areas, ethical travel specialist Rickshaw Travel will show you the real Thailand

SPACE TO BREATHE

Does your home work for you? Combining practicality with aesthetics will enable you to create a beautiful, stylish space that fits in with your lifestyle

A hive of activity

As we edge into longer spring days and the early warmth of summer, food and nature writer, Paul Rushton, follows Weleda’s advice, taking lessons from their thriving biodynamic garden in Derbyshire, for his little allotment plot in Kent

Ghana be tasty

Cook Zoe Adjonyoh, author of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, introduces us to the culinary delights of West Africa RECIPES ZOE ADJONYOH PHOTOGRAPHS NASSIMA ROTHACKER EDITED BY DANIELLE WOODWARD

Stockists

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

PSYCHOLOGIES essentials

Improve children’s lives and change your own! Summer

MEANING MINDSET

This month, Vanessa King of Action for Happiness and author of the 10 Keys To Happier Living recommends The Power Of Meaning – Crafting A Life That Matters by Emily Esfahani Smith