Michael Mosley: 4 habits that changed his life

If you had to do just one thing to improve your health, what would it be?

Our busy lives mean it can be difficult to keep up healthy habits, and with so much conflicting advice out there it’s tricky to separate fact from fiction. In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by medical doctor, journalist, and presenter Michael Mosley, who is alongside ZOE regular Tim Spector, to discuss Michael’s four key habits to improve our health.

Michael’s latest book ‘Just One Thing’ explores these habits and has seen him speak to singing scientists and eccentric iceman to healthy habit experts and evangelists. And of course, being Michael, he tried every habit out himself. We talk about which methods are the most effective, which he has incorporated into his life, and how he makes his new habits stick.

Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide

Timecodes:

00:00Introduction

00:12Topic introduction

01:38Quick Fire Questions

03:24Michael's simple changes to improve health

04:26Are cold showers good for you?

05:54How long do you need to be immersed in cold water for the benefits to work?

06:40Can cold showers improve mental wellbeing?

10:25Potential dangers of cold water swimming

11:58Do cultural differences present different outcomes across the world?

13:08Can these small stressors help us?

13:28What is the theory behind this working?

15:21Will this work for everyone or is this very personalized?

17:45What effects does breathing have on your health?

18:57How breathing exercises affect our brain

21:23How do you keep up the breathing exercises?

22:36ZOE app breathing exercise

24:44Is there a difference between breathing through your nose and your mouth?

26:04How important are plants and nature for our health?

29:21Can exposure to nature improve things like mental health and even gut health?

31:01Can herbs also help improve our health?

31:27What are the benefits of exercise?

32:42What are endocannabinoids?

33:41Are preferences for exercise genetic?

35:12Is it endorphins that make us feel good after / during exercise?

36:31How exercise affects us is extremely personalized

38:42How do we encourage people who don't enjoy exercise to do it?

40:13Tips to improve your exercise routines

43:08Are there benefits to walking downhill?

45:42Summary

48:34Goodbyes

49:08Outro

Episode transcripts are available here

Michael Mosley’s book is available to buy here

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