‘Our conversations were always about her!’ How to recognise – and escape – an emotional vampire

Do certain ‘friends’ leave you feeling drained and demotivated every time you meet? You need to have a word with them – and yourself

Anxiety can make you fear the worst, but don’t let it ruin your life

Accepting uncomfortable truths will help you embrace the joy of living

Fashion experts raise concern about return to ‘extremely thin models’

Data shows reverse in trend towards inclusivity with 95% of looks in 208 recent shows modelled by size-zero women

‘They make me want to walk more’: 14 everyday items that could improve your life

A sleep-saving knee pillow, a grater that makes dinners healthier, and a hairdryer that saves time: these products have changed daily routines for the better

ME left me bedbound for nearly five years. A potted plant helped me rebuild my life

Illness had robbed me of my health, my confidence and my joy. But when my mum brought me something to care for, I regained my sense of purpose

‘I’d never head out without one’: 10 autumn hiking essentials

From waterproof trousers to a compass, flasks to spare socks, here’s all the kit you need to keep you dry, safe and hydrated

The best men’s walking boots for every type of hiking adventure

Whether you’re heading to the hills on a multi-day trek or simply taking the dog for a countryside stroll, these are the best boots for the job – tried and tested by our writer

I’ve spent my whole life searching for the perfect pillow. Will this torment never end?

I must own two dozen pillows – and not one of them will guarantee me a good night’s sleep. Maybe if I buy just one more, says Adrian Chiles

Hiking Cheshire’s Baker Way: the joy of a less-known walking trail

They get less fanfare and footfall than the UK’s famous long-distance paths, but trails such as this – which starts in Chester and saunters through the local countryside – are just as rewarding

Do you tell yourself you’re happier than you are? Stop the gaslighting

Acknowledging your disappointment, rage or despair is a gift to yourself. This truth is the foundation from which a better life might grow