Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Woman's Weekly Living Series

“Everything’s easier on holiday, right? Making time for things you enjoy, eating well, sleeping soundly, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. Then when you get home, it all starts to slide. But don’t panic! Our experts have got you covered, with everything you need to keep that holiday high through to next summer – whether it’s helping you reconnect with your partner, tweaking your diet, toning your tum, topping up vitamin D, or simply ramping up the feel-good to look and feel fantastic. Dive into this issue, and be inspired to live well when the summer starts to wane.”…

She’s telly royalty who has lit up our screens for over 40 years, but these days Anita Dobson is content to embrace life at a slower pace. The actress has amassed a string of TV, theatre and film roles over her impressive career – but it’s her unforgettable portrayal of landlady Angie Watts in EastEnders that Anita is best‑remembered for. Now, at 76, Anita, who starred in Doctor Who earlier this year, is more selective of which roles she takes – as she cherishes her time in the rural Surrey home she shares with husband of 25 years, Queen guitarist Brian May. ‘I used to do everything I got offered, but now I’m like, do I really want to go away from home? No, not at this point. Or do…

Go for a walk When: Every day. Why: Physical activity triggers the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, a lack of which has been linked to depression and fatigue. And natural daylight elevates levels of mood-boosting vitamin D and resets your sleep/wake cycle for better sleep. You don’t have to trek for miles – just 10-20 minutes of brisk walking a day will help lift your mood. SNACK ON A BANANA When: Every day. Why: They’re bursting with happy nutrients. They’re high in fibre – so good for gut health, which is linked to mood – and they’re rich in mood-boosting potassium and magnesium. ‘Magnesium has a relaxing effect on muscles and helps to reduce the effects of stress, making it especially helpful if you’re feeling anxious,’ says GP…

Chargrilled chicken with peanut sauce The succulent meat and punchy dressing work wonderfully in this dish. SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins, plus marinating COOK 20 mins ✱ 150g salted, roasted peanuts✱ 100g dark brown sugar✱ 2 red chillies✱ 2 garlic cloves✱ 3tbsp ketjap manis✱ 4tbsp coconut cream✱ 2tbsp curry powder✱ 8 boneless chicken thighs, skin on FOR THE SALAD ✱ 1tbsp sugar✱ 3tbsp rice vinegar✱ 1 cucumber, halved, deseeded and chopped✱ 1 carrot, grated✱ Handful bean sprouts, stir-fried✱ 1 gem lettuce, shredded✱ Bunch coriander✱ 1 red chilli, finely sliced 1 Whizz the peanuts, sugar, chillies, garlic, ketjap manis and 150ml warm water in a food processor until smooth. 2 Mix the coconut cream and curry powder, then rub onto the chicken. Leave to marinate for 1 hr or overnight. 3…

FROM £3 1 PIGMENT PERFECTER As well as softening the skin, this lotion is designed to lessen the appearance of brown sun spots and uneven tone on your hands after just a few weeks of use. It contains SPF15 to protect from future damage too. Nivea Luminous 630 Anti Dark Spot Hand Cream, £6.99, Boots 2 CUTICLE REPAIR Healthy cuticles make for happy, strong nails and longer-lasting manicures, so if yours are feeling a little dry or damaged, give them a boost with this light oil. Gently rub a couple of drops on to your nails before you go to bed each night. Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil, £11, Boots 3 FANCY SOAP Splurging on a posh hand wash is a real modern day luxury, a treat…

‘Curling has played a huge part in my life’ Vicky Gumley, 59, is an Airbnb host. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband John, 58. Aged 13, I went with my parents to my local ice rink. I had seen how much excitement being part of the sociable curling community had brought my parents and, as a sporty kid, I was happy to try something new. I didn’t know then that curling would take me to various countries across the world, introduce me to my husband, build long-lasting friendships and still be such an important part of my life more than 40 years later. When I was playing for my school curling team, I saw John on the ice and I can still remember the white Adidas curling shoes he…

The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is vastly different to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although some of the symptoms may be similar. Main IBD symptoms include diarrhoea lasting several weeks, abdominal pain, passing blood or mucus (slime), bleeding from the bottom, tiredness, and losing weight without trying. The cause is unclear, but it’s your immune system attacking your bowel, causing inflammation. It’s probably linked to a mix of genetic and environmental factors (such as germs, diet, smoking or stress), and affects about one in 123 people in the UK, especially those with a family history. IBD can start at any age, but usually before you’re 30. If you have these symptoms, see your GP, who’ll examine you and do tests, then refer you…

Shorter days, gloomy weather and less time spent outside are enough to get anyone in a funk. But for around a third* of us, it goes deeper than that. SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is also known as winter depression, because its symptoms are more apparent or severe during that season. These can include a persistent low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating and lethargy. Which is why SAD lamps, or light therapy lamps, are becoming increasingly popular to chase away the winter blues. Ultra-bright, they replicate the role light plays in regulating our sleep-wake patterns. ‘Light is a powerful synchroniser of the body’s circadian rhythms,’ explains Jonathan Cridland, CEO at Lumie. ‘Strong light signals to the pineal gland to stop the production of sleep hormone melatonin during the day, and fading…

Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually grow through the gums during the late teens or early 20s, often once the other 28 adult teeth are present. This can mean there’s inadequate space for them to grow properly, forcing them to emerge at an angle, get stuck and only partially emerge. These are called ‘impacted’. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the commonest UK surgical procedures. You should see your dentist annually, but make an early appointment if your wisdom teeth are causing severe pain. The dentist will check your teeth, take an X-ray for a clear picture of the position of them, and advise whether they need removal. They don’t always need removing, even if they’re impacted. If they aren’t causing problems, there’s no proven benefit of removal, but there is…

RANDOM ACTS OF CROCHET KINDNESS £12.99, Search Press Simple crochet patterns accompany the story of Olivia Dieterich, who helped herself through serious mental health issues by crocheting gifts and leaving them around Loughborough for people to find. Her Facebook page has more than 360,000 followers, also spreading happiness through crafts. Out 19 August. SELF DEFENCE: A MYTH-BUSTING GUIDE TO IMMUNE HEALTH £22, Bodley Head Top immunologist Daniel M Davis separates fact from fiction in this insightful guide. He gives his honest views on how diet, exercise, stress, age and more can affect your immunity – plus whether there are things you can do to help your immune system work better. LAND BENEATH THE WAVES £18.99, Summersdale An unflinching memoir about how chronic illness impacts us and our families, and how…

It’s easy to give into temptation and overindulge on holiday, or simply in the warmer weather – especially with all those BBQs, picky bits, ice creams, cocktails and fruity mocktails on offer. But you can keep the summer spirit alive and drop those extra holiday pounds with this fast-fix eating plan. And the best part? You don’t need to skimp on flavour or fullness. Eating plenty of lean protein – think chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and beans – and fibre-loaded fruit and veg will keep you feeling fuller for longer, while also ramping up a sluggish digestion that could be impeding your weight loss. And for an extra boost, the addition of chilli, ginger and cinnamon will create a thermogenic effect (the generation of heat), which will speed up the…

It’s not difficult to cinch your waistline, but if you believe that one million crunches will get you there, you’ll be disappointed (or not, as the case may be!). ‘First, you need to shift body fat – that means cutting out processed food, refined sugars and fizzy drinks,’ says fitness coach Suzy Alvarez from Chertsey Fitness Studio. ‘Then you need to do exercises that focus on your core muscles – those that support your organs and your tummy muscles.’ And finally, relax. Yes, really. When you’re stressed, cortisol kicks in and stores fat in your abdominal area. YOUR EXERCISES Workout 1 Spider-Man plank Start in a high plank, feet hip-width apart, weight evenly distributed. Bring one knee as close as you can to your elbow on the same side, then…

Feel fresh Refresh your routine with a topical twist by using this organic coconut mouthwash. It helps eliminate plaque and freshens your breath with coconut extract, aloe vera juice and peppermint essential oil that helps clean those hard-to-reach areas. Ecodenta Fresh Breath Coconut Mouthwash, £8.55, Holland & Barrett Summer heat Maintain the warmth of summer while keeping your devices charged with this power bank that doubles as a hand-warmer. Its 10,000mAh capacity means your smartphones and tablets will never run out of juice. And neither will you, as you tweak the heat setting up to a toasty 52 degrees to keep you going. VQ ViewQuest Handwarmer Portable Power Bank – Cath Kidston, £39.99, Currys Coastal breeze Bring the invigorating scent of the sea to your bathroom with this refreshing liquid…

How much?! If you find yourself saying this more, or you’re constantly viewing your bank balance with dismay, you’re not alone. The cost of living has spiralled in the past year, and it can have serious knock-on effects for our health. So realising how it’s affecting you and managing money stress are vital. Effect on mental health Stress activates the part of the brain that makes us feel under threat, and puts us in fight or flight mode. ‘If it becomes chronic, it can impair cognitive function, including memory, concentration, decision-making and problem-solving, and can change chemicals in the brain, including serotonin,’ explains counselling psychologist Dr Rina Bajaj. This plays a key role in body functions such as mood, sleep and digestion. ‘We may experience feelings of guilt and shame,…

Q What are bedbugs, and how did I get them? A Bedbugs are insects that thrive in furniture and bedding. There have been outbreaks in many hotels and rentals worldwide – they hide in bedding, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures, even under wallpaper. Look out for bites on skin exposed while sleeping, like the face, neck and arms, blood spots on bedding, or brown spots from excrement. They cause itchy, painful swellings, blisters and, rarely, an allergic reaction, but generally clear up on their own within a week. Try to avoid scratching. Your pharmacist can offer mild steroid creams and antihistamines to help. Contact your local council or pest control service, because bedbugs are hard to clear yourself. Wash any affected bedding and clothing on a hot wash (60C) and tumble-dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, freeze affected…

The blunt cut VIOLA DAVIS A sharp, one-length bob is chic and timeless, and snipping off straggly split ends creates the illusion of fuller, healthier-looking locks. Ask your stylist for a blunt cut with a heavy edge. A side fringe like Viola’s can help soften the look. Aussie Oh My Gloss Leave In Serum, £10, Boots, will help keep it sleek, chic and shiny. The peekaboo fringe DAVINA MCCALL If you fancy a refresh but don’t want to lose inches, a fringe can offer a stylish update without sacrificing all-over length. A curtain fringe, which is cut slightly shorter in the middle and longer towards the temples, is a great place to start. It will enhance your face shape, accentuate your eyes and hide frown lines. Fringes get greasier than…

Tropical fishcakes with crispy kale chips Oily fish are a great source of energy – make these in advance for the perfect midweek high-protein meal. SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins COOK 40 mins FOR THE KALE CHIPS ✱ 200g kale✱ 2 sprays olive oil FOR THE FISHCAKES ✱ 1 stick lemongrass, peeled✱ 5cm ginger, peeled and finely grated✱ Small bunch each coriander, Thai basil, roughly chopped✱ 250g white fish, roughly cubed✱ 2tbsp soy sauce✱ 1tsp sugar✱ 250g salmon fillets, finely diced✱ Zest and juice 2 limes✱ Few sprays olive oil FOR THE SALSA ✱ 2 mangoes, peeled and finely diced✱ Small bunch coriander, roughly chopped✱ 2 spring onions, finely chopped✱ ½ red chilli, finely sliced✱ 1tbsp each fish sauce, soy sauce✱ Juice 1 lime✱ Sweet chilli sauce, to serve (optional)…

In order to get through challenging times, we’ve been hunting down bargains, slashing our energy bills and cutting back on the luxuries that make us happy. The impact? Stress and low moods, with more than 60% of UK adults saying that they have financial worries*. But what if the secret was to appreciate what we already have? ‘Even in difficult times, we can salvage something and still find contentment,’ says psychotherapist Owen O’Kane. Similar to the soul-soothing Danish concept of hygge, the Japanese art of aramahoshi is all about being ‘happy with enough’ – and enjoying this simpler approach to life could be just the antidote you need. Here’s the way you can embrace it. Power of positivity Women with an optimistic outlook are less likely to die of cancer,…

Barbecue avocado with grilled pepper salsa Avoid processed barbecue foods and go for this healthier alternative instead. SERVES 4 PREP 10 mins COOK 5 mins ✱ 1 red pepper, cut into strips✱ 4tbsp avocado oil✱ 250g cherry tomatoes, halved✱ 1 shallot, roughly chopped✱ 1 garlic clove✱ 5 sprigs parsley or coriander✱ 1tbsp lime juice✱ Dried chilli flakes (optional)✱ 4 avocados, halved and peeled 1 Heat the barbecue or grilling pan. Toss the pepper with 1tbsp oil. Grill the pepper on the barbecue or grilling pan for 3-4 mins. 2 Put the grilled pepper, tomatoes, shallot, garlic and parsley/coriander into a food processor, and whizz to a coarse salsa. Season with the lime juice and 2tbsp oil. Add the chilli flakes if liked, and season. 3 Lightly brush the cut surfaces of the…

Summer berry pudding Make the most of seasonal berries with this classic British dessert, perfect for making ahead. SERVES 8 PREP 20 mins, plus cooling and overnight chilling COOK 5 mins ✱ 10-12 slices of stale white bread, crusts removed✱ 175g caster sugar✱ 1kg mixed summer berries✱ Single cream, to serve YOU WILL NEED ✱ 9cm plain round cutter✱ 600ml pudding basin or bowl, lined 1 Cut a round out of 1 slice of the bread, using the cutter. Reserve 4 of the remaining slices and cut the rest into 3 strips. 2 In a saucepan, heat the caster sugar and 6tbsp of water until the sugar dissolves. Add most of the mixed summer berries, reserving a small handful for decorating; simmer gently for 1 min to soften. Set aside to cool, then…