Richard Templar is the author of best-selling books that help readers do everything better – from managing people at work to having loving relationships. Way back 25 years ago, he published the ultimate self-help bible all about wellness, The Rules of Living Well, which was a huge success. Fans praised it for helping them to recover from setbacks, maintain health long-term, stay calm, and loads more.
Now, 25 years later, The Rules of Living Well has been republished – because in 2026, we need that guidance more than ever. The world now looks rather different to how it did back when the book was first written, but the advice remains just as powerful, helping us learn how to manage stress and use small resets to stay steady through a range of 'rules'. That sounds great, especially in a time when everything (*cough* politics, the economy, the climate *cough*) feels so unstable.
To mark the relaunch and get us all going on a healthier, happier path forward, Richard Templar has shared 7 of his rules that he reckons are most essential for women at any age. Let's dig in.
Find your space
'We all need to relax and unwind from time to time, and the more easily we can do this the better. Sometimes you just need five minutes after a stressful phone call, or 20 minutes when you get in from work, or finally get the kids to bed. It might be yoga in a quiet corner at home, or going for a run, or a few moments in the garden with a cuppa. It helps to have somewhere you know you can go – maybe at work as well as home – when you need that reset. And the more you take advantage of it, the more readily your mind will relax.'
Make it green
'Time spent in nature is good for us. That’s where we evolved, and our minds and bodies still respond positively to it. And research shows that even a photo or a screensaver of natural spaces is beneficial. In fact, just the colour green can slow the heart rate and encourage creativity. If you’re lucky enough to get out into fields and woods every day, go for it. But even in the middle of the city you can grow houseplants, hang pictures of trees, or decorate your relaxing and creative spaces in green with cushions and throws and bedcovers.'
Habit is a good thing
'We all know exercise is good, but how do you fit it into your life if you’re not already doing it? The answer is to embrace the value of habit. Regular habits are the one thing you do always find time for, whether it’s cleaning your teeth or the kids’ bedtime story. Once exercise is a habit, it will be easy. It’s far easier to carve out space for something you enjoy, or that commits you to not letting people down (team sports, for instance). Or make a habit of healthy activities like taking the stairs not the lift, or parking five minutes walk from where you’re going.'
Moderation in everything
'If you promise yourself you’ll exercise every day, or never eat chocolate, you’re setting yourself up to fail. That’s never going to happen every single day, and now you’ve invented a reason to beat yourself up when it doesn’t. In fact you’ve made things worse, because when it comes to food and exercise, the goal should be a relaxed, easy (and healthy) relationship. Not one where you’re thinking about it constantly, banning yourself from this, or compelling yourself to do that. That’s not healthy. And what’s wrong with the occasional chocolate, or missed gym session?'
Go easy
'Sometimes life is busy. For some people it’s busy all the time. And when you’re juggling several important things at once, occasionally you’ll drop the odd ball. You’re only human, after all. The important thing is not to add to the stress by beating yourself up about it. Sort out the mess, and move on. Look, if it was your best friend, you’d be telling them it’s no surprise that someone as busy as them occasionally makes a mistake or forgets something. So tell that to yourself: cut yourself some slack. Beating yourself up helps no one, and just makes a busy life less fun.'
Enjoy the difference
'As teenagers, almost all of us were desperate to fit in. As we get older and our confidence grows, we have the opportunity to be different without tying ourselves in knots. So go for it. If you hate parties, just say so: "I’m not a party person, but I’d love to treat you to lunch to celebrate your birthday instead". From the big stuff like choosing not to have kids, to details like the clothes you wear, you’re old enough now to be open and comfortable about the things you like to do a little bit differently.'
Look at the big picture
'It’s easy to be so focused on kids, work, ageing parents, the house, the dog, that you forget the bigger picture. Then one day you look up, and 20 years have gone by. They may have been a great 20 years, but what are you left with when the kids leave home or the rest of your life becomes less demanding? So during those 20 years, make sure you’re looking ahead and getting your life lined up to make the most of the changes, rather than being caught on the back foot by them.'
