What really matters?

‘The mind is amazing. We can all rebuild ourselves after

I’d like thank…

It’s long time to pen this letter to and much

The Fix

For writer Melissa Mayntz, birds have always been a source

RAISE THE TENDERNESS, LOWER THE TENSION

Stress and kindness are a balancing act, explains our kindness tsar, David Hamilton

MOTHER NATURE’S HEALTH SERVICE

According to research** by The Wildlife Trusts, when we have

A path like no other

STRETCHING 4,500km along the coastline, the England Coast Path is

1in4

BRITS BELIEVE THEIR PERSONAL STORIES COULD BE MADE INTO A

CITY OF THE FUTURE

Escape with this immersive read, says our Eco Living Editor,

51%

THEIR CHILDREN ARE MORE ENGAGED WITH CURRENT AFFAIRS AND KEEN

PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE

Have you experienced unexpected connections in your community recently? Whether

And Then We Danced

Set against the backdrop of Georgia’s deeply traditional dance scene

AND I’M FEELING GOOD

How do you want to feel today? Happiness coach Kia Cannons poses a meaningful question

“The mind is amazing. We can all rebuild after trauma; bad relationship, divorce or redundancy”

Psychologies’ new resilience champion and soon-to-be columnist Katie Piper talks to Rachel Dobson about taking control of her life, finding inner strength and how she nurtures her incredible positivity

Falling in love again

When Rachel Garnett noticed a loss of closeness between her and her husband, she turned detective, looking to the past for clues to help them reconnect

HOW TO… Find a job you love

Want to transition to a career that fulfils you? Answer these ‘BRIDGE’ questions first, says author Samantha Clarke

Tools to overcome cyber trauma

Have you ever felt upset or negatively affected by something you have seen online? Professor Sarah Niblock, CEO of the UK Council for Psychotherapy, explores cyber trauma and how to create boundaries to protect ourselves from it

‘‘ My partner is ‘‘ pressuring me into having a baby

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

Giving up control

Railing against change and uncertainty, Suzy Walker comes face to face with her panic and anxiety

Horse power

Nothing was going right in Kate Johnson’s life. Then she adopted a retired racehorse, and everything started to change

Katie Thistleton

The Radio 1 DJ, TV presenter, agony aunt and author talks about mental health and young people, learning to slow down and the importance of family

“ Everyone at work needs ” me – I’m overwhelmed!

Our award-winning coach, Kim Morgan, guides a woman who is torn between being a manager and a counsellor to her colleagues

Tell me all about it…

Lending an ear might be the best support you ever ofer a friend. Anyone can become a good listener, says Cerys Evans, who learned the skill as a Samaritan, and shares this advice

Always the outsider?

Do you mumble your words or hide in a corner when faced with a new environment or crowd of people? You’re not alone, says coach and video strategist Lucy Griffiths

Coach yourself to a brighter future after a break-up

The end of a long-term relationship is an unsettling time. Coach Amy Sinacola helps a reader work towards an independent life after splitting from her partner, with greater confidence and a deeper knowledge of herself

Simplify, simplify, simplify

A SIMPLER, EASIER LIFE is the focus of this special

Goodbye things, hello life

When Suzy Walker downsized and had to perform a rigorous and necessary declutter, she was amazed to find ample room for what really matters – and an inspiring new vision for her future

This is not stuff, it’s who I am

Eleni Kyriacou treasures special possessions and would never part with them. She explains how her precious links to the past remind her of who she is, and that nostalgia brings her happiness

What part of your life do you need to simplify?

There’s more to decluttering than having a physical clear-out. Take our test to find out how you need to reorder your emotional space

Real Eco

CONSCIOUS CUPS OF COFFEE

This month, our Real Eco panel of readers has been

“How can I support community food sharing?”

Food waste is uneconomical and contributes to the climate crisis. This month, Ellen Tout highlights the food-sharing schemes making a difference in communities

Real Wellness

Mindful wellness

With lockdown lethargy creeping in, now’s the time to get more creative with mindful movement, hone our self-awareness and show empathy towards others

Go on retreat at home

You can benefit from the healing principles of a retreat without leaving the house. Retreat Editor and founder of Queen of Retreats Caroline Sylger Jones brings you advice from the world’s leading wellbeing hosts

The Retreat

Home I Food I Books I Podcasts I Travel I

Tune in to adventure

We may be restricted right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t seek inspiration for travel or get lost in tales of extraordinary outdoor exploits. Dare to dream, says Podcast Editor Rachel Dobson

Havens for deep exploration

Now is the time to consider your innermost needs and development. Plan one of these life-changing breaks

Retreats to nourish the soul

Wellbeing for body and mind are always the focus, and rightly so – but don’t neglect the soul, especially in a crisis, writes Retreat Editor Caroline Sylger Jones

Fancy a night in?

Rediscover your love of cooking and relish the informality of home dining. Add a theme and your meal just got more interesting. We’re going places, staying in!

Let’s eat outside!

Little pleasures. Lucy’s Green Pesto Dressing, £3.20, waitrose.com; Cotswolds Wildflower

The Words

The words you read or write are always there for you, of that you can be sure. Let these literary caregivers soothe you this month

PEMA CHÖDRÖN

" Rather than being disheartened by the uncertainty of life,