Dogs, dopamine dressing and microdosing nature: how to find January joy

New year pick-me-ups; hand cream to soothe dry, chapped skin; and the best clothes to buy secondhand

‘I was bullied in school for being different. At 16, I hit a crashing point’: the awkward kid who became the world’s strongest man

As a boy, Tom Stoltman was diagnosed with autism and bullied at school. When he became depressed in his teens, his older brother, a bodybuilder, suggested a trip to the gym

‘I looked exceptional but I was out of breath’: the bodybuilder who switched to mindful movement

Ten years ago, Eugene Teo was obsessed with lifting weights. But, gradually, he realised his extreme mindset was making him unhappy. So he changed his outlook

‘We stick them in shoes and forget about them’: how to really look after your feet

About one quarter of our bones are in our feet. How can you keep them strong and pain free for longer?

‘Without strength training I wouldn’t survive’: the woman who joined a CrossFit gym in her 80s

At 81, Jean Stewart was frustrated by her growing frailty, so she decided to get active. Now 96, push-ups, kettlebell squats and pushing a weight-loaded sledge keep her strong

Can the tiniest of changes to sleep, diet and exercise help me live longer?

A study found small changes to key behaviours can have significant benefits, and I’m all for barely perceptible adjustments

My rookie era: peer pressure brought me to bouldering, then I found calm in ‘the way of the wall’

My friends were already experienced climbers, while I was starting at zero. My first day brought many hard lessons

Five minutes more exercise and 30 minutes less sitting could help millions live longer

Research finds minor changes in physical activity could hugely reduce number of premature deaths

How to make a habit actually stick: the small changes that worked for you

Most resolutions don’t survive past January, so how do you make a change that lasts? Readers share their top tips, from habit stacking to drinking their second coffee outdoors

Take on the new year with a motivational reboot … or hibernate. We can help with both

Are you easing into 2026 by resting and restoring? Or hitting it at 100mph? Either way, we have tips, tech and ideas for you. Plus, low- and no-alcohol drinks and cold weather essentials

How to dress for work without spending a fortune – or sacrificing personal style

Also: advice to reduce screen time, how to maximize your toaster oven, the best gloves and at-home fitness staples

Do the tiny, boring exercises: how to really look after your hips

From the best exercise moves to how many steps you really need to aim for a day, experts weigh in on how to maintain hip health

An active January: 14 motivation-boosting buys to help you stick to your resolutions

From sticker charts to sunrise alarms, gratitude journals to mini massagers, power into the new year and turn good intentions into lasting routines

The best exercise bikes for home workouts, spin and getting sweaty, tested

Our fitness expert clocked up his indoor miles to put the best exercise bikes, including simple spin machines and gym-quality models, to the test

Art could save your life! Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier and more hopeful

Engaging in creativity can reduce depression, improve immunity and delay ageing – all while you’re having fun