The flow state: the science of the elusive creative mindset that can improve your life

Scientists have long known the mental and creative benefits of total absorption in an activity. But what causes it, and how can we achieve it?

Face your anger and let it out. It’s the only way to stay healthy

More than sadness, hatred or grief, rage is something that we shut away or flee. That endangers our relationships, our happiness – and our safety

How returning to competitive sport after 25 years taught me resilience – and the joy of new friends

Jenny Knight, an author who was a teen world rowing champion, is rediscovering the benefits of exercise after joining a local netball team

How a solo retreat helped relight my creative fire

It felt selfish, but at home I couldn’t finish a thought without being interrupted by my kids – so I packed my bags and headed to the coast

Coming of Age: How Adolescence Shapes Us by Lucy Foulkes review – deep dive into the teenage mind

An academic psychologist’s insightful and compassionate study of adolescence is expertly presented, plotting out harmful as well as helpful transitions into adulthood

‘Clearly, I have no rizz’: can a 60-year-old misanthrope polish up his pulling power?

Love Islanders have it, daters want it and TikTok influencers will teach you how to get it – but rizz (a close cousin of charisma) is hard to fabricate

Feeling exhausted? Here’s how to fight the weariness

Try these top tips for managing your energy more wisely

One night I’m a murderer, the next my husband’s having an affair. Why do we have the dreams that we do?

We’ve stopped believing they’re messages from the gods. So what are dreams – and what purpose do they serve? Here’s what the science says

‘We’ve talked for hundreds of hours’: the joy of volunteering as a telephone friend

We’re 50 years apart and have never met, but my connection with Pauline is deeper than I could have imagined

Stress bragging: why workload boasts are bad for you – and your colleagues

Are you in the habit of telling everyone how overstretched you are? A new study has found that it might make you less likable and less competent, while undermining your co-workers

How learning about the science of shyness helped me

I’ve managed to conquer my fears and build great friendships, says David Robson

Should we follow Lily Allen – and let our partner control our smartphone?

Allen’s husband decides the apps she is allowed to use and she decides his. It’s one of many approaches people are taking to try to ditch social media and unbreak their brains, writes Arwa Mahdawi

The problem with the nudge effect: it can make you buy more carrots – but it can’t make you eat them

It has long been thought that psychological tactics can persuade consumers to adopt much healthier habits. But it turns out there is a hitch …

Music helps you get fit – but the right mix will keep you coming back…

Finding tunes with a tempo and rhythm to match your heart rate can help you keep the pace when you exercise – and make it more enjoyable

‘I was 49 when I had my last drink’: Harriet Tyce

After drinking and making a fool of herself for 35 years, the writer realised that’s not how she wanted to be remembered