Reasons to be cheerful: optimists live longer, says study
Those with a positive attitude to life may lower their anxiety levels by avoiding arguments or not perceiving traffic jams as stressful
10 enchanted gardens: beautiful and quirky spaces
Our pick of truly unique gardens inspired by everything from black holes and poison to kidnap and cats
How to cultivate wellbeing through gardening
Gardening is proven to help mental health and is prescribed by the NHS. The author of a new book about its appeal to the senses says we get as much out of nurturing plants as we put in
Flower power: why blooms are an essential part of any garden
A homegrown bouquet is great for pollinators, a pleasure for people and a green alternative to buying from the cut-flower industry – so don’t forget to include them on your plot
Green planet: how gardening can save the world
From improving mental health and wellbeing to reducing pollution and flooding, plants hold the key to solving many of Earth’s major problems
‘Commercial no-brainer’: why the role of happiness officer is taking off
As UK firms try to reap the benefits of employees who feel cared for, a new job is rising to prominence
Lockdown lifestyles: how has Covid changed lives in the UK?
Nearly two years after the first lockdown was implemented, legal restrictions related to coronavirus are finally being lifted. Here we chart what has changed in people’s lives
Colleagues aren’t celebrated much in the annals of friendship – but I’ve really missed mine
After-work drinks on Zoom are not the same as in the office or the pub. I can’t wait to reconnect
A moment that changed me: having a baby in lockdown nearly broke me – but it made me face my depression
After my son was born, I lost the ability to cope. But seeking help opened my eyes to other issues I had long silently lived with
‘Relentless calls and constant abuse’: why Britain’s vets are in crisis
Vets are no strangers to pressure, but Covid and the huge boom in pets means they have never been busier – or experienced so much stress
How do you conquer your fear of missing out?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
Kindness is strength. But try telling that to children
The belief is rife in our culture that this great virtue is essentially a consolation prize indistinguishable from weakness, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes
What I Wish People Knew About Dementia by Wendy Mitchell review – a book of hope
Wendy Mitchell’s good-humoured practical guide to living with dementia has a deeper, more existential message for all of us: connect, forgive, accept and live
‘My son cowers when a shopkeeper says hello’ – are the toddlers of Covid all right?
Babies born in the first lockdown are now turning two, and have only ever known a world of masks and isolation. What will be the long-term impact?
Dogs, daily delights and ditching Twitter: could a ‘fun-tervention’ improve my life – in just one month?
The author of a new book says having more fun builds resilience and will help get us through the next stage of the pandemic. But can she get me out of my funk?