3 h. ago A moment that changed me: I slipped in the shower, realised I was exhausted – and transformed my life

I was working non-stop as a standup comedian, and thought I loved the hustle. But when I found myself sobbing into the carpet after a back spasm, I had to reassess everythingFor as long as I can remember, I have been ambitious and desperate to prove myself. It started with a competitive spirit at school sports days, then a determination to land parts in local theatre productions, then a place at drama school. I was between acting jobs when a friend suggested I try standup. One gig and I was hooked.I quickly decided comedy was my future and I would do whatever it took to make it work. The rest of my life went out of the window. I gigged constantly – often six nights a week – determined to hone my craft and establish myself as a comedian. I was always knackered, but I revelled in it, telling myself I loved the hustle. I trod the boards at comedy clubs, art centres, theatres anywhere that would have me. I performed for six years at the Edinburgh festival fringe – the first two to very ...

Politics

22 h. ago Man given Ayrshire taxi licence after ditching drug habit and transforming life

“It was 14 years ago - I was at parties taking cocaine."

Events

3 d. ago Body language expert reveals moment that proved Meghan Markle was never going to fall in line with royal protocol

Just over a month ahead of the royal wedding, Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry to meet youth delegates taking part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.

Politics

3 d. ago Rylan Clark admits he completely transformed his Essex mansion after 'life change'

Rylan Clark has given fans a glimpse inside his luxurious Essex mansion, which he has decorated to be his 'sanctuary' - and it's quite the transformation

Politics

6 d. ago I'd hit rock bottom after heartache and betrayal, says LIZ JONES. Then I discovered numerology and it transformed everything

Over the past few years, I've consulted a witch, given a lock of hair to a wizard, 'met' my guardian angel, manifested like mad and now I've seen a numerologist.

Events

7 d. ago A moment that changed me: I resolved to reduce my screen time – and it was a big mistake

I was looking for liberation from the apps, but quitting them only made my life harder and turned me into a man obsessedI unlocked my iPhone screen at the precise moment that my weekly screen time notification appeared – accidentally dismissing it before I could take a screenshot – and promptly erupted into a rage. I had spent an excruciating week resolutely not looking at my phone, part of a month-long effort to whittle my daily screen time down from more than four hours a day to less than an hour, with the hope of improving my mental wellbeing (and possibly carving out a career as an inspirational speaker). But my efforts felt futile without being able to post evidence online about how offline I had become. I frantically Googled how to retrieve notifications (you cannot) and – briefly – considered re-creating my screen time report in Photoshop.Over the past decade or two, my efforts at self-improvement have taken various forms: the year where I read 105 books; the period during wh...

Politics

1 week ago The six gutting final words his father said to him that made him change his life

Josh Jones, 34, completely transformed his life after losing a staggering 7.5 stone

Politics

1 week ago Chris Hughes reveals moment he knew 'feelings had changed' towards JoJo Siwa

Viewers of Celebrity Big Brother were shocked to see the pair form an unlikely friendship

Events

2 w. ago A moment that changed me: on the day of my first book deal, a mysterious hum overcame me

When the noise started, I entered a state of perpetual panic and despair. It was unstoppable. Then, in the snows of Transylvania, I suddenly came to terms with the sound I developed tinnitus the same night I was offered my first book deal at the end of 2014. I’d received the news late-afternoon, then went out for cocktails with two friends to celebrate. I remember the evening well: we’d gone somewhere loud but not too loud; I ordered a fluorescent orange drink that I didn’t enjoy. Before I went to bed, I spoke to my boyfriend on the phone. “This could really change your life,” he said.Sometime in the early hours of the following morning, I woke up with a ringing in my ears that has not gone away since. Continue reading...

Economics