How periods change after 40 | Brain-boosting puzzles

It might not seem like it when we’re inundated with scenes of explosive sex in films and on TV, but difficulty reaching orgasm is more common than you might think. Experts say that a variety of psychological, emotional and physiological factors influence a person’s ability to experience the big O, with only a third of women reliably orgasming every time they have sex (compared to a whopping 90% of men).

So, what’s getting in the way? And, more importantly, what steps can women take to unlock their full orgasmic potential? We asked leading sex educators to bring us up to speed.

If you’re lacking the motivation to move your body right now, know this is perfectly normal. As we leave the long days of winter behind, it can feel like our bodies are starting to come out of a hibernation state. Looking for some quick tips to make your workouts more enjoyable? Take these from Strong Women editor, Miranda Larbi:

“I always say body confidence starts close to the skin – there’s nothing like a new workout set to get you pumped. It’s also important to remember that exercise isn’t one size fits all, so figure out the best time of day for your energy levels – fitness doesn’t have to only look like a 6am gym wake-up call. And consider swapping out your overused workout playlist. You can get a free 30-day trial on Audible* at the moment, and I’ve found that listening to an empowering audiobook boosts my willingness to get moving.”

*£7.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See audible.co.uk for terms

Looking for a brain boost? Studies show that puzzles aren’t just a fun distraction – they’re a secret weapon for mental fitness. Whether it’s a crossword over coffee or a quick word search on your lunch break, taking time to challenge your mind can help sharpen memory, improve focus and give your mood a lift. (And behind-the-scenes at Stylist HQ, our editors enjoy a dose of healthy competition when it comes to Sudoku speed, too.)

So with our collective passion for challenging ourselves, we’re thrilled to announce we have launched Stylist Games, a series of seven puzzles on our app. Download it now to enjoy a range of brainteasers, all of which are refreshed daily. It’s the perfect pocket-sized ritual to keep your mind strong and keep stress at bay.

Every day, I wake up at… 7.45am. I don’t need an alarm – that’s just when I naturally come to.

I’m obsessed with my current breakfast… which is something I call ‘apple crumble oats’. It’s a bowl of stewed apple with honey, oats, cinnamon, nuts, dried fruit and Greek yoghurt. That’s all washed down with coffee, of course.

At the moment, I’m all about routine… I find that the simplicity and comfort of my morning and nighttime routines play a huge role in my wellbeing. They help me feel positive and accomplished about the small things, which is great when the bigger, less controllable elements of life feel stressful.

I wish more women knew about… the power of fuelling their bodies properly. Food is fuel, and what you put into your body will be the outcome of your body’s mental and physical abilities.

I handle stress by… speaking to the ones closest to me. I find it helps to talk it out and allow someone else to help ease some pressure off – even if it’s just confirming that things will be OK eventually.

After a stressful day, I switch off by… making a decaf coffee and watching some very British TV.

My go-to form of exercise is always… cycling! I always remember how much I love my Canyon bike whenever I have to have a few days off. Other exercise is allowed, but I never feel the urge to do anything as much as I want to go for a ride.

My evening routine is important to me… and it tends to involve a bit of Duolingo to get my Spanish in, another decaf coffee, a Greek yoghurt bowl, some FaceTime with loved ones and a good YouTube video of bakery or coffee shop POV to get me to sleep.

’Marry me’ recipes may have been all over TikTok a few months ago, but how many were developed by an NHS gastroenterologist with a vested interest in creating gut-friendly dishes?

This pasta dish couldn’t be more simple, yet it’s bursting with flavour and nutrients. It’s a ‘no cook’ recipe; the combination of the sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers and pomegranate molasses creates a real intensity to the sauce, meaning that you just have to heat it through rather than faffing around with boiling and frying.

Plant-wise, you’ve got tomatoes (two ways), olives, peppers, chilli, garlic, rocket and lemon, but if you want to up the diversity points, Dr Ahmed recommends browning a chopped onion to form the base of the tomato sauce and adding a load of chopped herbs (eg dill, parsley and basil) to the final dish.