Alternative therapy

You don’t need to summit a mountain or swim the English Channel to reap the benefits of nature. Sometimes, just being near trees, water, or even a park can make all the difference to how we feel – and perhaps even how much pain we’re able to endure

All this month’s best buys, news and must-know health and wellbeing tips

To mark our 40th birthday, we launched a landmark survey investigating how nature affects mental wellbeing. Is pottering around outside better than pounding the treadmill at the g ym? Is a walk in the park as good as weeding your garden? Which British flower is the best mood-booster? The results are in…

GOOD HEALTH DOESN’T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE. IN FACT, MANY OF THE BEST HABITS ARE COMPLETELY FREE. OUR FAVOURITE EXPERTS SHARE HOW TO IMPROVE WELLBEING – WITHOUT TAKING OUT A MORTGAGE

Welcome to Mind Matters, our new column in which we will focus on all aspects of our emotional wellbeing, mental health and how this is intrinsically linked to our physical fitness.

Whether you want more energy as you head off on your summer hols or you simply want to embrace a healthier lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to get fit for free. • Couch to 5K If you’re new to runni