Wellbeing FOR MIND & BODY

Feelgood tips and advice from our health and beauty editor Kate Langrish

Perfect for late-summer drinks, Agua de Madre X Camille Vidal Blood Orange Bitters (£15 for four, aguademadre. co.uk) is zesty, bubbly and delicious over ice. Made with kefir water, it also contains billions of gut-healthy live cultures.

POWER OF THE PEN

Tapping notes into phones may be our go-to memory aid these days but a recent study revealed that, when it comes to learning and recall, the pen is mightier than the keyboard. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology measured electrical impulses in the brain when writing and typing, and found they were much more active when using pen and paper. The theory: writing by hand gives the brain more ‘hooks’ to hang memories on, as your senses are activated by pressing the pen on paper, seeing the letters you produce and hearing the sound as you scribble away. I’ve been enjoying the benefits of handwriting with the Birdsong Kit from Wildflower Illustration Co (£42, see page 94 for details). A collection of notecards and instructions for mindful writing activities, it’s a great way to reignite your love of pen and paper.

Shelf help

HERE’S A NEW TAKE ON ‘COMFORT FOOD’: Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety (HARPERWAVE, £22) BY PSYCHIATRIST DR DREW RAMSEY EXPLORES THE LATEST RESEARCH IN NUTRITION AND MENTAL HEALTH. ON THE BASIS THAT MANY OF US ARE SHORT ON NUTRIENTS THAT SUPPORT BRAIN HEALTH, HE PRESENTS A MOODBOOSTING RECIPE PLAN. GOOD NEWS: CHOCOLATE IS ON THE MENU!

Run to the beet! Nutrients in beetroot – in season now – may help to improve endurance and stamina when exercising. The purple vegetables are also thought to help muscles recover post-workout.