HIGHLIGHTS

HEALTH

The gender pain gap is real – so why is nobody listening?

Dealing with pain is difficult enough – let alone when the people around you deny that it exists. But that’s something over half of women (56%) have experienced in the past, according to new research into the gender pain gap. Commissioned by the medication brand Nurofen, the Gender Pain Gap Index Report reveals the extent to which women are having their pain ignored or explained away in a stark difference to their male counterparts. The survey of 5,100 UK women and men – which asked them to shar

The 4 key hormones that influence your libido – and how they work

Despite how big a role our sex drive can play in our day-to-day lives, it’s one of those topics very few of us feel comfortable talking about. Society has come a long way when it comes to discussing what goes on inside the bedroom, but when it comes to how much sex we’re actually having, we’re less likely to talk. It’s probably why so many of us are worried that we’re not ‘getting enough’. But the insecurity many of us feel about our libido isn’t the only reason why this lack of conversation is

At-home abortions are now permanently available – but this is what needs to happen next

The single biggest positive change to abortion care in the UK since the 1967 Abortion Act has come into force today (30 August), making access to at-home early medical abortions for women in England and Wales permanent. The change in legislation, which was approved in the House of Commons on 30 March, came about as a result of emergency procedures put in place during the pandemic to provide abortions during lockdown. Under the new rules, those who want to have an early medical abortion will be a

Does the idea of being sick fill you with dread? You could have emetophobia

No matter what you call it, nobody really likes being sick. It’s one of those unpleasant things that we all (reluctantly) have to deal with – like having to wait for a delayed train or taking a cold shower when the boiler breaks. However, for people who live with emetophobia – an extreme fear of vomiting or seeing others throw up – being sick isn’t just an unpleasant event: it’s their worst nightmare. While the exact number of people who suffer from this phobia is not known (research into the co

OPINION

Nicola Coughlan’s post-workout selfie is not an invitation to comment on her body

There’s nothing quite like some unsolicited tabloid commentary about a woman’s body to get you raging in the morning, but unfortunately, it’s hardly a rare occurrence. The latest target of said commentary is none other than Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan, whose decision to upload a simple post-workout selfie to her Instagram stories has attracted a variety of unnecessary headlines. The picture – which saw the actor wearing a black Nike sports bra and Adidas leggings – was accompanied by the commen

Why Liz Truss’s failure to appoint a minister for women is so concerning

She may have only been prime minister for 24 hours, but Liz Truss is already making waves from behind the door of Number 10 Downing Street. After travelling to Balmoral to meet the Queen and be named prime minister yesterday, Truss spent the rest of the day announcing her new cabinet. To say some of her choices have proven controversial would be an understatement. Appointments that are already making waves include naming Thérèse Coffey – who has voted against abortion laws in the past – the new

INTERVIEWS

“My GP didn’t take my eating disorder seriously – it’s time we invested in more training”

Deciding to seek help when you’re suffering from an eating disorder can be incredibly difficult; more so, when the professional who’s supposed to help you fails to recognise the extent of the challenge you’re facing. But that’s a reality patients across the UK continue to face. In response, a number of new campaigns are being launched to provide those on the frontline of the UK’s healthcare

“I don’t accept the ‘bad apples’ excuse”: Sadiq Khan unveils plans to rebuild trust in the police

Sadiq Khan has revealed his intention to “rebuild” trust in the police and criminal justice system as part of a refreshed violence against women and girls strategy announced today (15 June). The new strategy – which adopts a public health style approach – will urge high street venues such as beauticians and cafes across London to become ‘information points’ where victims or those at risk can come forward and seek help. With a focus on prevention, the scheme will also see City Hall invest £17.7 m

MENTAL HEALTH

How to advocate for yourself during a mental health appointment with your GP

Anyone who’s ever thought about seeking professional help for their mental health will know how daunting that first GP appointment can be. As much as you want things to change, the idea of sitting in front of a relative stranger and telling them about what’s going on inside your head can be challenging – especially when you’re worried about what they might think. However, no matter how scary that initial appointment may seem, talking to your GP about how you’re feeling is one of the most importa

5 simple ways to look after your mental health as the days grow shorter

It may only be mid-October, but it seems like it’s been ages since we were soaking in the long, hot days of summer. Now, autumn is here, and all we’ve got to deal with is the wet weather, piles of fallen leaves and dark mornings and evenings. And with winter fast approaching, it won’t be long until things are feeling properly chilly, too. However, while some people relish the opportunity to curl up under a blanket and spend the long, cold nights enjoying some brilliant autumn TV or diving into a

3 easy ways to soothe your nervous system when you’re feeling overwhelmed

We’ve all had those days when trying to relax proves more difficult than usual – when your body feels charged with electricity and you struggle to shake off the excess pressure in your chest. It’s frustrating, to say the least – especially when you just want to rest after a busy or stressful day. But just because relaxation feels farther away than usual, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You just need to tackle that stressed-out feeling at its physiological source – aka your nervous system. While a

LONG-FORM

The overwhelming reality of experiencing post-engagement anxiety

When Ellen’s* boyfriend of five years proposed to her earlier this year, she was hit by a jumble of emotions. The couple, who were on holiday at the time, spent the next few hours calling friends and family, soaking in the joy and excitement their news was bringing their loved ones. “It was a blur of emotion and excitement,” Ellen tells Stylist. “I felt like the most important person in the world – I don’t think I’ve ever felt more loved than in the moments of seeing my friends’ and family’s fac

“Sorry, I’m a complete mess”: can self-deprecation ever be good for you?

I’m in the middle of talking to my flatmate about my outfit plans for Saturday when she interrupts me. “What did you just say?” she asks, looking at me with one eyebrow raised. “I just said I’m going to try and not look like a potato,” I reply with a smirk. “That’s always the goal, of course – but this weekend, I at least want one photo of me where I don’t look like a complete mess.” She stops what she’s doing and turns to me, both eyebrows raised now. “You’re doing it again, putting yourself do

WELLNESS

“I had a ‘sleep MOT’ and these are the 3 things I learned”

I’m one of those annoying people who’s never really had any problems with their sleep. Whenever my friends complain about waking up in the middle of the night or discuss their favourite pillow sprays and sleep meditations, I often feel quite out of the loop. I’m grateful to say that during my adult life so far, I’ve faced very few issues falling and staying asleep. That’s not to say I’m never tired – in fact, I often struggle with afternoon and evening tiredness, and regularly find it hard to pu

There are 6 different ‘types’ of procrastinators – which one are you?

If you’re someone who struggles with procrastination, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to try and overcome such an ingrained habit. Indeed, no matter how much you dream about becoming the kind of person who completes a task as soon as it presents itself, you’ll know it’s all too easy to find yourself slipping back into your old ways. However, there’s a reason why resisting the urge to procrastinate seems so hard. While it’s easy to tell yourself you’re going to ‘be productive’ and resort to

This flexible approach to building a morning routine could help you to transform your day

It’s a well-known fact that the morning is one of the most important times of the day. Not only does it mark the transition from sleeping to being awake, but the activities you do in the morning – from the type of breakfast you eat to how many times you snooze your alarm – can have ramifications for how you feel for the rest of the day. The only problem? Over the last couple of years, the idea of what constitutes a ‘good’ morning routine has become rather warped – thanks in no small part to soci

FITNESS

If you struggle to run further than 5k, this simple trick could make all the difference

When I first started running, I used to dream of the day when it would come easy. Naïvely, I assumed that getting fitter would make the distances feel shorter – that a 5k would soon feel like a brief jog around the block – but of course, this wasn’t the case. Getting fitter doesn’t, as I soon discovered, give you the ability to bend the rules of space and time, and while improving my fitness made it possible for me to push myself harder, the running itself never became as easy as I’d once hoped.

How to start exercising regularly from scratch, by someone who did it

Growing up, I never really excelled at physical activities. Compared to my sister, who loved getting muddy and played everything from hockey and football to rugby, I was definitely the ‘less active’ sibling – the one who preferred to attend drama classes and read books than run around a field in the freezing cold. As I finished school, went through college and university and eventually got a job, this sense of indifference towards exercise was something that stayed with me, despite my best effor

“I finally managed a full press-up after doing this 8-week workout plan”

Before the pandemic, I had a very rocky relationship with fitness. In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve ever been ‘fit’; there have been periods in my life where I’ve played a team sport or done a few at-home workouts in a row, but in between those times, my fitness routine has always been sporadic at best. Despite this, I never actually realised how little I was moving my body – until lockdown hit. While I was living in London, I’d always made myself too “busy” to pay attention to when I’d missed

“What walking every day during the Christmas break taught me about my mental health”

I am not what you would call an “outdoorsy person”. I’m lucky to live in an area surrounded by beautiful countryside, but if you gave me the choice between trudging through the woods in the rain or curling up on the sofa with a book, I’d undoubtedly pick the latter. That was, until lockdown. From March and throughout the summer months, I spent a lot of my free time outside walking with my mum, sister and dog. Whether we were strolling along the beach or going for a hike, for the first time in my

RELATIONSHIPS

Should ‘getting over’ someone always be the goal at the end of a relationship?

No matter how many times you’ve experienced it, navigating the end of a relationship is never easy. Having to say goodbye to someone you once imagined a future with is often heartbreaking, regardless of why the relationship ended in the first place. But dealing with this initial pain is only the first hurdle. Your emotions may subside, but as time goes on, you’ll likely find yourself confronted by another challenge: moving on. It’s an expectation which haunts all newly single people at one point

Why a quick ‘check-up’ could be exactly what your relationship needs

There’s no ‘easy’ way to build a successful relationship. From setting healthy boundaries to knowing how to deal with disagreements, there are plenty of factors that play into whether or not a relationship will work out in the long run. But once a relationship has gone on for a few years, it’s all too easy to lose track of how important these aspects of a partnership can be. In fact, as long as things are going *relatively* well, many of us wouldn’t sit down and think about what could be improve

Is it ever OK to get involved in your friends’ relationships?

Most of us will talk about pretty much anything with our friends, but when it comes to relationships – specifically, our friends’ romantic relationships – things can get a little bit tricky. No one wants to watch their friend get hurt, or see them be messed around by someone who doesn’t appreciate them. But getting involved – whether that’s by sharing your opinion, giving advice or speaking to your friend’s partner directly – can often complicate things further, especially if your friend doesn’t

A practical, unsexy guide to dating after a long-term relationship

Dating can be a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times, let alone when it’s been years since you last had to put yourself out there. While the end of any relationship can be heartbreaking, trying to move on from a long-term relationship can be particularly difficult – not only does being single feel like unfamiliar territory, but the end of a relationship you thought would work out can really mess with your confidence. However, just because you might be feeling a bit rusty, it doesn’t me

CAREERS

7 signs you’re in a toxic work environment – and what you can do about it

“Toxic work culture describes a culture where the workplace is plagued by in-fighting, passive aggressiveness, shouting across the office, drama and unhappy employees to the point that productivity is impacted,” explains Alexandra Lichtenfeld, business mentor at Client Matters. “The mental wellbeing of employees will also be affected when working within a professional environment such as this. In a toxic work culture, ordinarily, nobody raises issue with these behaviours and attempts to influenc

What does ‘fast-paced environment’ even mean? And does anyone actually want to work in one?

If you’ve ever spent an afternoon scrolling through the job pages of Indeed or LinkedIn, it’s likely you’ve come across the phrase ‘fast-paced environment’. As far as job adverts go, the phrase is as common as they come – alongside ‘dynamic’ and ‘proactive’, the concept of a ‘fast-paced environment’ has long reigned supreme in the world of recruitment. But despite how ubiquitous a phrase it is, no one really seems to know what it means. To some, a fast-paced environment simply describes a busy,

How to deal with ‘pleasanteeism’, the toxic behaviour that’s harming our wellbeing

We all want to be perceived well at work – but have you ever stopped to wonder whether the way you behave in front of your colleagues could be taking its toll on your mental health? There’s nothing wrong with trying to be professional, but going out of your way to put on a ‘brave face’ and hide when you’re feeling sad, stressed or angry – also known as ‘pleasanteeism’ – can actually make you feel worse in the long-run. It’s why bottling up our emotions can be so damaging – when we deny ourselves

5 toxic ‘hustle culture’ habits that are harming your wellbeing – and how to unpick them

“Hustle culture has been on the rise over the last two years,” explains Fatmata Kamara, a specialist mental health nurse advisor at Bupa UK. “Following the pandemic and multiple lockdowns, many of us have felt the pressure to stay busy and make up for lost time. However, leaving little time for yourself to unwind and relax can be harmful for your mental and physical health.” Kamara continues: “Burnout, stress and fatigue are all signs you’re suffering from hustle culture. While ‘hustling’ can in

POLITICS

Liz Truss has reportedly shelved the Bill Of Rights – here’s why that’s good news for women

When the Bill Of Rights was first introduced to parliament back in June, it didn’t take long for concerns to arise. The legislation – which was put forward as a replacement for the landmark Human Rights Act – was initially sold as a bill that would enhance “respect of free speech” and “recognition of the role of a jury trial”, but it soon became clear that the legislation’s scope would be far more wide-reaching. Fast forward two months, and the bill has been facing a growing amount of opposition

One year on from Sarah Everard’s murder, is the UK a safer place for women and girls?

Today marks one year since Sarah Everard was kidnapped and murdered by Wayne Couzens. The 33-year-old marketing executive – who was falsely arrested by the then-serving Metropolitan police officer while walking home from a friend’s house in south London – was missing for seven days before her remains were discovered in woodland near Ashford, Kent, on 10 March. In the days, weeks and months that followed, Everard’s case sparked both an outpouring of grief and a powerful national conversation abou

Enough of the apps already: why we can’t rely on technology to ‘fix’ male violence against women

Sarah Everard. Bibaa Henry. Nicole Smallman. Sabina Nessa. Ashling Murphy. Over the last two years, the news has been dominated by stories about women who have lost their lives to male violence. This is, of course, nothing new. While the issue of male violence against women may have seemed more prominent due to the extent of news coverage dedicated to it over the last 24 months, women have been facing this reality for years: in 2020, a report from the Femicide Census revealed that at least 1,425

What does the end of Roe v Wade really mean for US abortion rights?

As train strikes and hot weather make headlines here in the UK, across the Atlantic, women, pro-choice activists and healthcare providers have received news of an entirely different magnitude. The US Supreme Court has overturned the landmark precedent set by Roe v Wade in 1973 – an integral ruling which gave women the right to have an abortion during the first trimester of their pregnancy. While previous cases designed to overturn Roe v Wade have failed to achieve such a goal (although pro-choic

BOOKS

On the hunt for something to read? These modern dystopian novels should be top of your list

From post-apocalyptic worlds ravaged by violence and struggle to futuristic societies led by a totalitarian government, you can always rely on dystopian fiction to push the boundaries of expectation. Despite the dystopian-like vibes of the last few years, our love of unsettling novels hasn’t gone anywhere. In fact, lots of people found comfort in dystopian literature and TV during the pandemic.

And now, what was once a genre dominated by classics such as 1984 and Brave New World or young adult

15 incredible poets to follow on Instagram this National Poetry Day

One of the best things about poetry is how it helps us make sense of the world we live in. From mental health and gender identity to race and religion, the best poems take big, complex subjects and provide readers with a new way of looking at or thinking about them. And thanks to the rise of social media, poetry is now more accessible than ever. On Instagram in particular, poets are using their platforms to share their work in new and exciting ways, from illustration-led verses to reactive poetr

Why it’s time to rethink the way we approach self-care

We are a world obsessed with self-optimisation. From the pressure to be productive 24/7 to our obsession with health and wellness, our lives have become dictated by the need to be better. But is any of this so-called ‘self-improvement’ actually serving us? Is there really such a thing as #LivingYourBestLife? And can loving ourselves more really answer all our problems? Those are just some of the questions at the heart of Poor Little Sick Girls: A Love Letter To Unacceptable Women – the brilliant

7 brilliant reads for every type of trip, according to Team Stylist

Reading may be an all-year-round hobby, but there’s something about picking up a book in summer that just feels right – especially when you’re away from home on holiday. So, whether you’re spending this summer in a cottage in the Cotswolds or jetting off to the Amalfi Coast, now’s a good time to start planning your holiday reading list. Not only does getting away from the busyness of everyday life give you the chance to pick up a new book, but being away from a familiar setting makes it easier t

TRAVEL

Why Mykonos is the place to be for a slower pace of life this September

There’s nothing quite like a trip through Gatwick Airport at 5am on a bank holiday weekend to place you in dire need of some peace and quiet – although that’s not always the first thing people think of when they picture a classic trip to Mykonos. Located in the middle of the Aegean Sea in the heart of the Greek Cyclades island group, Mykonos has long been known for its vibrant nightlife. But over the last couple of years, there’s been a shift. Mykonos is still the lively destination it’s always

17 beautiful parks and outdoor spaces in London to enjoy this summer

As we creep closer to the 1 June and the end of spring, it’s finally time to get excited about what summer 2022 has in store. From festivals to holidays abroad, this summer will mark the return of many of the moments we missed out on during the pandemic. But just because we can jet off and attend big events once again, doesn’t mean we have to ditch all the alternative activities we enjoyed when restrictions were in place – including spending time with friends outside in London’s many parks.

As

This idyllic spot has been voted the best seaside town in the UK for the second year in a row

While the restrictions on overseas holidays over the last two years left many frustrated, the pandemic taught us to appreciate how many great spots we have on our doorsteps. From awe-inspiring road trips to picturesque parks and rural escapes, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to staycation spots – especially when it comes to the UK’s impressive collection of beaches.

Sure, a beach holiday at home may not guarantee the hot, sunny days you’d expect from a trip abroad, but what the UK lacks i

7 romantic UK destinations for the perfect ‘mini-moon’

Whether you’ve just got engaged, are in the middle of planning your wedding, or are helping someone else with their big day, chances are you’ve come across the idea of a ‘mini-moon’. Used to describe a growing trend which sees couples take a short two- or three-day (usually UK-based) break straight after their wedding before honeymooning somewhere further afield at a later date, mini-moons have grown increasingly popular over the last year thanks to the uncertainty of everchanging travel restric

TV

Netflix’s Heartstopper is 100% the kind of uplifting show you need in your life right now

When I sit down to watch TV, I’m usually in the mood for one of two different types of shows. The first type is something dark and mysterious, like a true crime drama or dystopian series, and this is usually relatively easy to find. Scroll through any streaming service and you’ll see what I’m talking about – these days, you’d find it hard to consume every new twisted series that makes its way to our screens. But the second type of show I tend to look for is a lot harder to find. It’s what I tend

Get ready, the final episode of Derry Girls may be Lisa McGee’s best work yet

After three brilliant seasons, Derry Girls will finally come to an end tonight with a 45-minute-long special episode on Channel 4. And while we’re sad to see this incredible show come to an end, its final 45 minutes are some of the best Lisa McGee has ever written. Set one year after season three – in the same week as both Orla and Erin’s 18th birthday party and the Good Friday Agreement referendum – the episode follows Erin, Orla, Michelle, Clare and James as they approach the precipice of adul

“We’ll mourn along with the audience”: the cast of Derry Girls on the end of an era

The wait is finally over. Almost three years since Erin, Clare, Michelle, Orla and James last graced our screens, Channel 4’s hit comedy Derry Girls is finally set to return next week for the start of season three. To say there’s a lot of hype surrounding this season would be an understatement – with only six episodes standing between fans and the end of the beloved series, there’s been a lot of speculation as to what the gang will get up to as they continue to navigate the trials and tribulatio

Why Maid’s portrayal of a tricky mother/daughter relationship is so powerful

Warning: this article contains spoilers for Netflix’s Maid, so look away if you’re not fully caught up. While Netflix’s Maid may not have attracted quite the same attention as Squid Game, it’s certainly made a name for itself since it landed on the platform earlier this month. The 10-part drama, which tells the story of a young mother called Alex (Margaret Qualley) who turns to cleaning to make ends meet after leaving her abusive partner, has not only attracted the attention of filmmaker Ava DuV

INTERIORS

Highly sensitive? Here’s how to transform your bedroom into a calming retreat

While you can create a calming atmosphere in any area of your home, the bedroom – which tends to be the most relaxing space in the home – is one of the best places to start. So, what’s the secret to transforming a room into a HSP-friendly haven? To find out more about how to create a calming bedroom environment, we asked HSP experts to share their top tips for creating a soothing space. Here’s what they had to say.

Interest in ‘hygge’ may have died down since its peak in late 2020, but embracin

3 women on the transformative impact minimalism has had on their mental health

Interest in minimalism may not be as widespread as in the days of “decluttering” and Marie Kondo, but there are still plenty of people who swear by the lifestyle – especially when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing benefits it can provide. Indeed, while minimalism is typically associated with the seemingly endless number of sparsely decorated, bright white homes on Instagram, it’s much more than that.

“Not only does living a minimalist lifestyle makes you less likely to feel stressed o

How to incorporate one of Instagram’s favourite interior trends into your home

There’s something about this time of year that calls for a fresh start. While the weather may be looking pretty bleak right now, the lighter evenings and (slightly) warmer temperatures are prompting us to look forward to the brighter months ahead – making now the perfect time to take stock of your environment and give your home a refresh. We’re not talking about completely redecorating everything – while many of us would love the chance to redecorate whenever we fancy it, it’s not exactly budget

‘Cluttercore’ is the anti-minimalist interiors trend taking over Instagram

As much as we love scrolling through images of pristine white rooms and dreaming of the kinds of uber-organised shelves and wardrobes you see on Instagram, we know achieving a minimalist aesthetic isn’t always possible. Whether you struggle with getting rid of stuff, live in a small space without much storage or simply enjoy owning things, creating a ‘minimalist’ space completely devoid of objects is a near-impossible (and often offensive) task for many. I, for one, know this all too well. As ha

PLANTS

How to repot a cactus (without getting spiked in the process)

As far as houseplants go, cacti are known for being relatively easy. Alongside succulents, you’ll regularly find cacti on lists of the best plants for beginners – and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are they able to withstand a little bit of neglect (after all, many types of cacti are able to grow in the desert), but they also look great in any space. For the first year or two, then, owning a cactus requires minimal effort. But if you manage to keep one alive for longer than that, you might f

“I bought a bonsai tree and have no idea how to care for it – where should I start?”

If you’re a fan of all-things houseplants, you might have considered adding a bonsai tree to your collection. Not only do these miniature trees have a lot of history behind them, but they’re also a little bit more challenging to care for than your average houseplant. However, because of this, many people buy bonsai trees without realising just how sensitive they can be. These aren’t the kind of plants you can forget about – bonsai trees require dedicated care and attention if you want to help th

“My aloe vera leaves have gone brown – is there anything I can do to save the plant?”

Alongside their various medicinal and cosmetic benefits, aloe vera plants are some of the fastest-growing and low maintenance succulents out there – making them a popular choice among first-time plant owners. But just because they’re low maintenance, it doesn’t mean aloe vera plants are immune to facing health problems – the most common of which being browning leaves. We’re not talking about the tips of the leaves going brown (which is usually a sign of underwatering), but an entire leaf (or lea

“My peace lily hasn’t got any flowers – how can I get it to bloom?”

Peace lilies may have earned a reputation as one of the easiest flowering plants to care for, but that doesn’t mean getting them to bloom is a complete piece of cake. Keeping a peace lily alive doesn’t take much effort – they don’t mind dry soil, and will be happy in most light conditions – but they won’t produce their signature flowers unless you take the time to give them everything they need to thrive. So, whether you’re an experienced plant parent or a complete beginner, here’s everything yo