Remembering Michael Mosley: 4 habits that changed his life

After the tragic news of Michael Mosley's passing, we are re-releasing our episode with him, originally released in March 2023:

Ifyou 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 ‘JustOne 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.

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Timecodes:

00:00Tim Spector's tribute to Michael

01:01Introduction

01:55Quick Fire Questions

05:15Are cold showers good for you?

06:48How long do you need to be immersed in cold water for the benefits to work?

8:20 Can cold showers improve mental wellbeing?

11:30Potential dangers of cold water swimming

12:45Do cultural differences present different outcomes across the world?

13:58Can these small stressors help us?

14:27What is the theory behind this working?

16:15Will this work for everyone or is this very personalized?

18:30What effects does breathing have on your health?

19:55How breathing exercises affect our brain

22:27How do you keep up the breathing exercises?

23:27ZOE app breathing exercise

25:40Is there a difference between breathing through your nose and your mouth?

27:20How important are plants and nature for our health?

30:25Can exposure to nature improve things like mental health and even gut health?

32:00Can herbs also help improve our health?

32:47What are the benefits of exercise?

33:30What are endo-cannibinoids?

34:41Are preferences for exercise genetic?

36:12Is it endorphins that make us feel good after / during exercise?

37:31How exercise affects us is extremely personalized

39:42How do we encourage people who don't enjoy exercise to do it?

41:13Tips to improve your exercise routines

44:08Are there benefits to walking downhill?

46:42Summary

Michael Mosley’s book 'Just One Thing' is available to buy here

Episode transcripts are available here