In the mood

Thought-provoking culture, insightful science and inspirational snippets to bring you up to date on all things uplifting, hopeful and happy-making

- ALEX LLOYD

Fresh start

After the long, lazy days of summer, September’s arrival brings a return to routine.

Whether it’s the start of a new term for your family, or simply time to re-focus on work not play, take advantage of this time to establish some healthier habits to kickstart your day.

Mornings can be a flashpoint for many of us, but could you take five minutes daily to enjoy your cuppa outside in the daylight, do a short stretching exercise before your shower, or prep a healthy breakfast the night before? For more inspiration to start as you mean to go on, try Good Morning Rituals by Miranda Moore (Octopus, £8.99).

Good for the planet and you

As women look for an way to earth-friendly manage their periods menstrual cups are increasingly mainstream. Now, a study of 436 Kenyan teens has found they are better for your vaginal health, too.

Participants were tested every six months for the infection bacterial vaginosis (BV), and at 12 months and 30 months for STIs, and their vaginal microbiome was analysed.

The girls with menstrual cups were 26 per cent less likely to have BV and 37 per cent more likely to have an optimal microbiome.

When researchers adjusted their data for age and those who were sexually active, the cups appeared to decrease the risk of an STI, too.