Bridget Jones is a welcome reminder of a much more comfortable era

She worried about her drinking, smoking and weight – but there was never any doubt she would have a job and be able to pay her rent. It’s a very different world for gen Z, writes Zoe Williams

The one change that worked: I took up ballet – and learned to live in the moment

Working long days as a corporate lawyer, I needed an exercise regime to get me out of my head. Reviving a childhood passion helped me reconnect with my body

Quiet, please! The remarkable power of silence – for our bodies and our minds

Our increasingly noisy world has been linked to cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, as well as hearing loss. But that’s not the only reason we need more peace and quiet in our lives

Seeking Zen at a silent Buddhist retreat comes with its own challenges

It was supposed to be a quiet and peaceful weekend, but it left one writer lost for words

Soft spaces out, stick-fighting in: Dutch call for the return of risky play

Encouraging kids to play with fire? Hear us out, says party worried by the Netherlands’ increasingly sedentary ways

Declutter, add a flat sheet and turn down the heat: hoteliers reveal how to get the best night’s sleep … at home

Hospitality experts, sleep consultants and interior designers share their tips for creating dream conditions in your bedroom

Heavenly stays: 10 of the best monastery breaks in Europe

From frugal retreats to luxury escapes, these convents and monasteries offer peace and spectacular locations for all faiths

To Big Sur, with love: a monastery stay on the northern California coast

High above the Pacific, a hermitage offers a world without distraction, where silence, serenity and joy reign supreme

Hit the road with the best bike panniers and handlebar bags

Whether you’re commuting, bike packing or day tripping, our expert recommends smart storage solutions for every journey

‘We were inspired, recharged and nourished by nature’: readers’ favourite wellness trips

From mindful walking in the Yorkshire Dales to a Buddhist retreat in Japan, our tipsters have found inner peace and rejuvenation all over the world