3 healthy-ish chocolate recipes | Longevity coach tips | Running skin care

Plus, how much sex are happy couples really having? ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

Plus, how much sex are happy couples really having? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  VIEW IN BROWSER What mantras do you use to get you through those painful running miles? It's Easter weekend and for many runners, that means having a load of chocolate eggs at the ready and a long jog scheduled. I'm in my third week of training for the Hackney Half Marathon, which means that later this morning I'll be clocking up 14K with my partner – the longest I'll have run since becoming pregnant. Running longer distances is a mental battle. I firmly believe that if you can jog for an hour, you can do a marathon – but it's how you talk to yourself and what you choose to believe about your body that gets you through those later, heavy miles. When I was giving birth in May last year, I kept telling myself that I could do anything – that my body was made for this, that the pain would end – all mantras I've used during races. It'll be interesting to see if they still retain their power when I'm fighting for my life in Homerton come 17 May. Of course, there's much less time these days to train and this week has been my first back in the office. It's been amazing to get back on my bike and cycle in, spending a precious 90 minutes alone, listening to the radio. My commute has always been my favourite part of the working day – whizzing through side streets into and away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Pre-baby, I used to go to the gym or a class before getting to my desk, but I'm quickly realising that balancing fitness, work and motherhood is as much an emotional balancing act as it is a practical one. So, I plan to continue with my weekend long run, but instead of leaving at the crack of dawn mid-week, I'm doing 10-minute morning energiser workouts on FIIT so that I get to spend as much time with my son as possible before getting on the bike. For now, that's enough. Miranda Larbi Wellness Editor, Stylist   This week I'm: Watching… the Boat Race (on BBC One). Is it even Easter bank holiday if you don't tune in to see the Blue Boats battle it out under Hammersmith Bridge? As a former uni rower and life-long Cambridge supporter, I get way too into it. Will this be a fourth victory in a row for the Light Blues? Using… Skin to Skin's Glow & Go Daily Moisturiser. Between cycling, breastfeeding/weaning and being scratched by tiny, very sharp nails, my skin's taken a real battering recently so I've been loving how nourished and glowy this makes my complexion look. Oh, and it has SPF 30 and is pregnancy-friendly too. How your partner's terrible diet might be impacting your own gut health (and how to stop that) Are you living with someone whose bad gut health seems to be rubbing off on you? According to recent studies, we share a whopping 30% of our gut microbiota with our partners – and that transference goes way beyond a daily snog. To find out more, we've been talking to a neuroscientist and gut expert about the ways in we might see our digestive habits change when we live as a couple and what we can do to stop the effects of someone else's poor habits from rubbing off on our own happy bugs.  Read now Cooking meals from scratch could reduce your risk of dementia by up to 67% Read now   9 non-negotiable habits to pick up in your 20s and 30s, according to a longevity coach Read now Calling all runners: stock up on these editor-approved products for happier skin and muscles – whatever distance you're covering. AKT I've worn this mandarin and neroli-scented deodorant balm for a year and it's stood firm against heat waves, long cycles and post-run sweats. Buy now Sweet Bee Organics Crafted in Somerset, this calming magnesium butter is perfect for rubbing into tired feet and calves ahead of a soothing, restorative sleep. Buy now Solarsport As we move through spring, it's time to invest in a proper sport SPF. This spray is fast-absorbing and won't slip off as you get sweatier. Buy now Lush Your skin goes through a lot when you run, and this sesame-fuelled moisturiser is the perfect antidote to dehydration. Buy now Clinisoothe Protect against pollutants, dullness and sweat-induced bacteria with a spritz of this antimicrobial, soothing spray just before you head out. Buy now Puresport Muscles feel like they're seizing up in the hours after? Roll on a dose of high-quality CBD, arnica and magnesium to soothe, cool and relieve. Buy now We asked couples in happy relationships how often they have sex – here's what they said Read now Abi Tittering-Lough is an aromatherapist, facialist and reiki practitioner Question I'm a new mum looking to improve mine and my partner's relaxation and sleep. What aromatherapy tips might help us to calm down and, crucially, get back to sleep when our baby wakes us up? Answer Sleep in this season of parenthood isn't about knocking yourself out; we want to gently guide your nervous system back to calm after disruption. Essential oils work via the limbic system (a set of brain structures involved in emotional processing), helping the body feel safe enough to rest rather than forcing sedation. Helpful constituents like linalool (found in lavender and ho wood) enhance GABA activity, quieting the mind. In German chamomile, compounds like chamazulene and α-bisabolol provide anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing effects for a physical exhale. For that "wired but tired" state, use vetiver. It's rich in sesquiterpenes and has a slow, anchoring quality that draws awareness back into the body. Cedarwood supports parasympathetic activity and melatonin, and bergamot can help regulate cortisol and soften anxious thought loops. Keep it simple and consistent. Have a pre-blended roller or oil by the bed (using any of the above essential oils). When you wake, apply to wrists, temples or soles of the feet. Cup your hands over your nose and take three slow, deep breaths to anchor the scent and signal that it's safe to rest. A light pillow mist before bed can also help condition the space itself as a cue for sleep. It's these small, repeated rituals that help both you and your partner find your way back to rest, even on broken nights. 3 chocolate recipes with added benefits to use up any leftover Easter eggs READ NOW Take on an unforgettable weekend at the Strong Women Adventure Trek This summer, we're heading back to the Lake District on Saturday 18 July for our second Strong Women Adventure Trek. Join us for an epic 10km adventure as you tackle a range of action-packed activities in small groups, including canoeing, rock climbing and more. Every activity is designed to spark adrenaline, build confidence and help you conquer the ultimate summer challenge.  This year we're introducing an optional overnight stay on 17 July at YMCA Lakeside. Overnight tickets include entry to the event, a selection of dorm‑style accommodation, a community buffet-style dinner, and breakfast before setting off the next morning. If you're a loyal fan of the Strong Women Trek then we're also returning for our half-marathon hike on Saturday 20 June – and we're heading to an all-new route in Amersham. Both events finish at the event village, where you can collect your goody bag and finishers' medal, and celebrate an incredible day outdoors. BOOK YOUR PLACE Everything you love about Stylist in one place Download the Stylist app today View in browser | Update your preferences | Send to a friend | Unsubscribe | Stylist T&Cs | Competition T&Cs | Privacy | Advertise FYI, we may make revenue on affiliate links contained in this email. Image credits: Well by Stylist; Stylist; Adobe; Getty; Michal Cohen-Sagi; AKT; Sweet Bee Organics; Solarsport; Lush; Puresport; Abi Tittering-Lough; DISCOVER GREAT VEG; Strong Women Adventure Trek © DC Thomson Ltd Stylist 185 Fleet Street London England EC4A 2HS United Kingdom Hidden Unsubscribe