Largest review of its kind confirms benefits of tai chi and other Chinese exercises

Analysis finds ‘high certainty evidence’ of their effectiveness for the 1.7bn people worldwide with musculoskeletal conditions

I was abused as a child – and thought I had healed. Then I began drinking in lockdown

Decades after being sexually abused, the author and doctor Frank Spinelli believed he had moved on emotionally. But alcohol destroyed his sense of security. He describes how he confronted his shame

Every year, humans speak less and less. That’s bad news, even if you hate mindless chit-chat

Silent retreats are all the rage; hotel guests are embracing ‘hushpitatility’. But won’t this leave us more isolated?

Is it so odd to talk to yourself? No one knows you better – or is better at keeping your secrets

I’ll happily chat to plants and pets, but when I really need to get something off my chest I’m my own best listener. And that’s absolutely fine, according to my new favourite expert

‘I have an ego that needs to be put in check’: ex-Gawker editor AJ Daulerio on life after addiction

After his fall from grace, media’s former enfant terrible is now sober and helping others with his addiction recovery newsletter and podcast, The Small Bow

Amid the social and political panic about falling birthrates, why not ask new mothers what they think?

Medals and cash bonuses have been mooted as incentives, but the priority is for policy that addresses women’s real concerns, says author and journalist Lucy Jones

Four types of thinker have been identified. Which one are you?

Investigation finds evidence of distinct groups, from big-picture thinkers to those who sweat the small stuff

Can a ‘power phrase’ turn a spineless worm like me into a go-getter? I doubt it – but it’s worth a shot

The psychotherapist Amy Morin says uttering a ‘short, positive sentence’ can offer the cognitive reset we need. The idea makes me cringe – but then I can barely cope with returning defective trousers, writes Emma Beddington

Roll up, roll up! Older generation find joy and fearlessness in circus

Juggling, trapeze and hula hoop classes for over-50s are taking off as people rediscover their inner child and tap into health benefits

Don’t tell me it’s wrong to hold a grudge. I’m making the world a better place, one petty boycott at a time

Forgive and forget? I haven’t set foot in my local bakery since I was belittled by the woman behind the counter, writes Polly Hudson

Scientists are working on headphones that block annoying noises and allow the ones you love? I can’t wait!

Imagine a world with more birdsong and less Nigel Farage. If this is the future, bring it on, writes Emma Beddington

From man boobs to baldness: everything you wanted to know about midlife wellness … but were too male to ask

Is my metabolism slowing with age? What’s the secret to good skin? And is there anything I can do about my bald patch? Medical, health and diet experts offer a midlife MOT

Best Australian books out in June: a buzzy novel, gripping nonfiction and an extremely unusual debut

Each month Guardian Australia editors and critics pick the upcoming titles they have devoured – or can’t wait to get their hands on

Experience: I sat under an oak tree every day for a year

After a period of burnout, I realised that nature knows what you need, and is always ready to offer it – you just have to be quiet enough to receive it