Take five

WELCOME

There are times in life when a personal

It’s personal

Has spending more time online made you feel less connected to others, or even yourself? It could be time for a self-awareness check-up

Hoop dreams

The simple childhood activity that boosts body and mind and is a sure-fire way to raise a smile

In the middle

It’s typically described as a time of crisis, but reframing midlife as an exciting opportunity for change could make reaching the halfway mark a more dynamic moment

Stop counting sleep

Are you feeling anxious because you don’t get what’s perceived to be your requisite hours’ slumber? It turns out the numbers are often less important than imagined

Saving species

Joining a wildlife rescue group can be great for animals – and for you, too. But there’s a responsible way to approach it, here’s how

Go figure

Is there an optimum number of human connections to have, or is it always quality over quantity?

Mindful motoring

Road rage, traffic congestion, CO 2 -emission guilt – time in the car can be stressful, and since the stillness of lockdown, we’re more aware than ever of the detrimental effects of driving, from the drowning out of birdsong to air pollution. For those journeys where taking the wheel seems unavoidable, however, there might be a way to minimise the environmental impact

Magic number

What is it about seven that has drawn humans to it for centuries?

Fibre – are you getting enough?

The unsung hero that could be your gut’s best friend

Keen for beans?

Get your daily intake and then some with these delicious fibre-rich recipes

In a small world

How living with fewer distractions can create room for big things to happen

No time to waste

This November, international leaders will gather in the Scottish city of Glasgow for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, known as COP26. As they discuss the urgent issue of how to address global warming and all its ramifications, we look at the positive difference we can all make through our everyday choices, marking COP26 with 26 ways to reduce our own footprints on the planet

Mindful, or mind full?

Why exploring honestly and fully your thoughts about mindfulness can help to establish and tailor a sustainable practice that meets your needs

More than words

A lot has been said and written about the positive power of affirmations, yet many struggle to see or harness their benefit. If this sounds like you, it can sometimes help to tailor and channel these phrases in ways that serve your needs directly and link to desires you’d like to manifest

Of love and friendship

Ending an animal’s life, when the time has come, is a morally and emotionally complex decision – which is why it’s important that a pet’s needs come first and foremost, and their human companions are given the support and kindness they need, too

Checkmate

Currently undergoing a resurgence, the ancient game of chess is an absorbing pastime that requires patience and commitment. It also has valuable lessons to teach its players about life

A beginner’s guide to letting go

Forming human bonds is an instinctive and vital survival skill. But when attachment becomes problematic, it might be time for a fresh approach

Tartan ties

Find out more about a nation’s long love affair with a chequered cloth

Art for art’s sake

Creativity, history and science all come into play as an often unsung band of workers strive to repair, preserve and defend all things heritage – welcome to the world of the conservator

Sounding it out

Music has long been a source of creative inspiration, but can an auditory illusion spark the imagination and conjure up a state of flow?

The reel world of food

Let your senses be stirred and your tastebuds tickled as we serve up a platter of cinematic masterpieces with a culinary twist

TASTER MENU

Comedy, drama, animation, documentary – food-related films can be found in almost every cinematic genre. Let these five ‘courses’ whisk you away

Long-lasting love

Why a good doorstop novel still has the power to keep our attention

Cloa k of wonder

It’s a weather phenomenon that descends swiftly, bringing an air of transience and mystery, but mist can also heighten curiosity and offer a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes

Wings of desire

Feathers have held deep symbolic meaning since ancient times and for many cultures. What’s behind their enduring fascination?

Creative creatures

Conservation and art are brought together to dramatic effect as Breathe dives into some of the highlights from this year’s David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition

Bright sparks

Lichens – those silent harbingers of life that enlighten our most ancient history – might be one of nature’s best-kept secrets

More than enough

Why it’s positively okay to be your less-than-best self