What does stress really do to our bodies – and when does it become a big problem?

From an elevated heart rate to weakened immunity, experts explain the hidden physical costs of chronic stress – and why our bodies aren’t built to stay on high alert

A third of Britons believe they have changed social class, survey finds

‘Polyclass’ of 6 million people consider themselves to belong to more than one social category, researchers say

US teens getting less sleep than ever, new report finds

Homework, social pressure and jobs still keep teens up but now screen time and social media rob their sleep

Sound baths are supposed to help relax and ‘soothe’ your nervous system. But do any of these claims ring true?

Social media is awash with clips of people paying to be ‘bathed’ in sound. But what’s the science behind the practice?

Mental illness is pregnancy’s number one complication. It’s time to support those who suffer from it

Integrated mental healthcare for maternity services, more perinatal psychiatrists and public awareness of the problem could deliver meaningful change

‘I was mortally offended’: writers on the throwaway comments that changed their lives

Can a sentence affect the course of your life? Five authors reveal the interactions that transformed the way they saw themselves – and the world

My mother is addicted to gaming and emotionally unavailable. What should I do?

Her actions may be numbing pain she feels in other areas of her life, so you must approach the issue thoughtfully

The Devil Wears Prada is back – and oh, those fat jokes are wearing thin

There has been much talk of the long-awaited sequel making the most of body diversity. The reality seems to be one plus-size actor and gags worthy of the 00s, says Guardian deputy fashion and lifestyle editor Chloe Mac Donnell

A moment that changed me: I cried about my cleft lip for the first time in my 60s

When I saw a woman with a facial difference like mine at a party, I crossed the room to speak to her. It led to one of the most joyous, exciting and transformative discussions, in which I connected with feelings I’d always ignored

‘This is so taboo’: Kimberley Nixon on the hell of perinatal OCD – and how she survived it

After the birth of her son during lockdown, the Welsh actor was flooded by disturbing thoughts she couldn’t shake, a plunge into darkness and isolation. She discusses how it changed her and what helped her recover

My teenage daughter’s OCD keeps getting worse. What can I do?

Cognitive behavioural therapy may help her to cope with her anxiety and learn that she doesn’t need to respond to intrusive thoughts

‘Wild west’ reformer pilates boom is causing rise in injuries, experts warn

Lack of regulation for specialist classes leaves UK fitness enthusiasts at risk, say professional bodies

Stop the brain rot! 12 ways to stay sharp in a mind-frazzling world

Feel like too much low-quality screen time is making you … dumber? From focusing on your environment to ‘washing’ your brain, experts share tips on how to sharpen up and keep your mind fighting fit

How rotten is your brain?

Take our quiz to find out how bad your brain rot is

‘I thought, what the hell have I done?’: the people who moved abroad for love – and regretted it

Emigrating to be with your partner sounds wildly romantic, but what happens when the person is right and the place very much isn’t?