Woman's Weekly Living Series

Women might benefit more from regular exercise than men, according to new research. The US study found that men had to exercise twice as much as women to reap the same benefits to health generally – and heart health in particular. Researchers believe

The way we exercise is essential to help keep our bones strong. ‘The key is weight-bearing exercise with impact and muscle-strengthening,’ says Kirsty Came, a specialist nurse with the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). ✱ Weight-bearing exercise is an

Insomnia during menopause is common, due to decreasing levels of progesterone and oestrogen, both sleep-promoting hormones. Night sweats and emotional issues can make things worse. ✱ Establish a relaxing wind-down routine where you ban screens. You m

Cleaning up your sleep hygiene can feel a bit daunting at first. It’s the same with any change to your routine, but you’ll soon get into a rhythm and start seeing results. You just need to stick with it. Ready to overhaul your routine? Here’s how to

Introducing more activity into your day doesn’t need to be extreme. Simply make sure you break up the time you spend sitting, whether that’s walking to the kitchen to make a cuppa during the TV ad breaks or whizzing round with the vacuum and duster.

Adding omega 3-rich crayfish to your diet can help maintain healthy eyes and a healthy nervous system. SERVES 1 PREP 10 mins ✱ 125g cooked red and white quinoa (we used half a Merchant Gourmet pouch)✱ 75g cooked crayfish✱ 25g cucumber, cut into bato

The clock reads 3am. And I am alone in my kitchen in the dark, eating a peanut butter sandwich! I blame my hormones – or, more accurately, a reduction in certain ones, thanks to my approaching menopause. I can’t sleep. And it’s been a similar story f

Diet can have a significant impact on almost every aspect of our health, and sleep is no exception. The right foods can promote a more satisfying snooze, improving our ability to drift off and the overall quality of our sleep. But eating the wrong th

Or pop some into a diffuser. It’s a very subtle aroma but has been used for centuries to soothe stress and anxiety, and help aid restful sleep. It’s popular in teas for promoting a sense of calm. ‘It’s the essential oils in camomile that give it most

1 Nature's Journey Sleep Easy Pillow Mist, £10/30ml, Superdrug Nod off to this mix of sleep-promoting essential oils. Lavender, ylangylang, chamomile and rosewood are mixed with CBD oil. 2 Golden Goose Pillow, £39, sleep8.uk Whether you’re a side, f

Cooking the prawns with their shells and heads on boosts the flavour without the need for multiple added ingredients. SERVES 6 PREP 10 mins COOK 6 mins ✱ 18 whole raw prawns (with head and shell on)✱ 2tsp smoked paprika✱ 50ml extra virgin olive oil✱

Partner been keeping you awake for the past few years? If yes, then a ‘sleep divorce’ might be just what you need. This is when a couple chooses to sleep apart, despite being together and happy within the relationship. It prioritises quality rest so

With just eight ingredients, this will be your go to gluten-free crowd-pleaser. SERVES 8-10 PREP 33 mins COOK 12 mins, plus chilling FOR THE BISCUIT BASE ✱ 350g gluten-free digestive biscuits✱ 165g unsalted butter, melted FOR THE CARAMEL ✱ 397g can

Ditch the self doubt with this inspirational guide from executive coach Julie Smith. Learn how to calm your inner critic, stop comparing your life to others and develop the confidence to live the happy and healthy life you’ve always wanted, thanks to