Silence please: how book clubs without the chat help focus the mind

A Silent Book Club is growing in popularity in Melbourne as an antidote to the social pressure of group discussions

Go outside, ditch the phone, get humble: my top 10 Scandi life lessons after a decade in Denmark

After 12 years, we’ve said goodbye to one of the happiest countries on Earth. From friluftsliv (the joy of the open air) to janteloven (realising you’re no better than others) here’s what I’ve learned

Crap jobs, fewer homes, less money, toxic politics. And peak happiness eludes the young: who knew?

Given recent history and the state of the world now, perhaps the thing that makes older people happiest is not being under 45, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams

Bacterial vaginosis can be passed to women by men, researchers find

Study suggests infection is sexually transmitted and opens up new way to reduce recurrence by treating male partners

Wooden spoons are making us sick? I thought that was fish slices

Another day, another health scare. I’m struggling to know which dangers I should take seriously, writes Arwa Mahdawi

The one change that worked: ditching ultra-processed foods made me feel healthier and happier

After being diagnosed with a chronic digestive disorder, I cut out junk food and ready meals. Now, my diet is full of fruit and veg – and I’ve got my mojo back

Mental health crisis ‘means youth is no longer one of happiest times of life’

UN-commissioned study in UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand finds satisfaction rises with age

My $30,000 health insurance claim was denied. Then I tweeted about it

Public shaming works – but it’s also a sign of how broken the appeals process is in the US health insurance industry

What I have learned in my filthy, bloody, sisyphean quest to tame my garden

It’s chaos as small jobs become big jobs, tools disappear and distractions lead to furious frustration, writes Adrian Chiles. Then you spot spring’s first flower ...

The pill hasn’t been improved in years. No wonder women are giving up on it

When contraception has stagnated for decades, it is hardly surprising it’s fallen victim to culture wars and a wellness cult