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    Just One Thing Day – highlights

    enJuly 13, 2024
    What simple habits did Michael Mosley advocate for health?
    How did Mosley's advice impact medication reliance in listeners?
    What role did Michael Mosley play in mentoring broadcasters?
    What is the significance of 'just one thing' day?
    How did Michael Mosley connect with a wide audience?

    Podcast Summary

    • Michael Mosley's Health AdviceMichael Mosley's authentic and cheerful approach to health inspired fans to adopt simple habits like cold showers, swimming, and kindness, leading to improved health and wellbeing.

      Michael Mosley, the beloved BBC podcast host, was known for his straightforward, cheerful approach to improving health and wellbeing. His fans appreciated his authenticity and the positive impact he had on their lives. Some of his most popular advice included taking cold showers, swimming regularly, and practicing kindness. His advocacy for these simple habits led to significant improvements in the lives of many listeners, including reduced reliance on medication and increased discipline. Mosley's influence extended beyond health and wellbeing, as he also served as a mentor to other broadcasters. His legacy continues to inspire people to make small changes for better health and kindness towards others.

    • Small steps for health improvementSmall, practical steps like getting enough sleep, expressing gratitude, and incorporating short exercise sessions can lead to significant health improvements

      Improving your health and well-being doesn't always require drastic changes. Small, practical steps, like getting enough sleep in smaller chunks, expressing gratitude, or incorporating short exercise sessions throughout the day, can make a significant difference. Michael Mosley, a beloved broadcaster, shared these and other down-to-earth suggestions in his series "Just One Thing." These ideas, though simple, can lead us on a journey of self-improvement and connection with others. Mosley's influence extended beyond diet and exercise, as his approach to health touched on spirituality and relationships as well. His emphasis on the importance of loving God and loving neighbor, even if the "God" part is a challenge, encourages us to focus on the fundamental aspects of a healthy society. By taking one thing at a time, we might just find ourselves making a difference, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.

    • Small lifestyle changesSmall changes like reading poems, taking cold showers, listening to music, practicing gratitude, and connecting with nature can significantly improve wellbeing

      That incorporating small changes into our daily lives, as advocated by the late Dr. Michael Mosley, can significantly improve our wellbeing. These changes can range from reading poems out loud for mood boost and stress relief, to taking cold showers for energy and clarity, listening to music for positivity, practicing gratitude, and connecting with nature. Michael's philosophy encourages staying present and focusing on the simple things, leading to better mental and physical health. The conversation also highlighted the importance of kindness, and the power of small acts and simple pleasures in making a difference in our lives.

    • Healthy habitsRealizing the importance of getting enough sleep and simple lifestyle changes like using turmeric and incorporating exercise snacking can significantly impact overall health and well-being.

      Our reviewers, Boyd and Drader, were inspired by Michael Mosley's approach to health and well-being in different ways. Boyd, a TV critic, realized the importance of getting enough sleep despite his late-night TV viewing habits. Drader, on the other hand, was reminded of the benefits of using turmeric in cooking and the importance of heating it up for maximum effect. Additionally, they were both moved by Mosley's ability to simplify complex scientific concepts and inspire small lifestyle changes. Listeners have shared their experiences of implementing Mosley's advice, such as doing wall squats, drinking green tea, and incorporating exercise snacking into their daily routines. Mosley's philosophy empowers individuals to take control of their health through small, achievable changes. His impact on people's lives extends beyond medical treatment and into everyday habits and practices.

    • Diet and Lifestyle ChangesSmall changes in diet and lifestyle, such as increasing fiber intake and drinking green tea, can significantly improve health according to Dr. Michael Mosley. Fruit can replace sugary snacks and reusing tea bags can save money while providing additional benefits.

      Small, simple changes in diet and lifestyle, as advocated by Dr. Michael Mosley, can have a significant impact on health. Mosley, a doctor and journalist, shares his personal experiences and scientific knowledge through various media platforms, inspiring many to adopt healthier habits. His emphasis on the importance of fiber in satisfying sugar cravings, the benefits of green tea, and the role of ghrelin in hunger are just a few examples. By relating to audiences with his relatable and experimental approach, Mosley has been able to connect with a wide range of people and help them live healthier lives. Whether it's through swapping sugary snacks for fruit, reusing tea bags, or embracing the benefits of beetroot, Mosley's advice offers practical solutions for improving overall well-being.

    • Michael Mosley's LegacyMichael Mosley's innovative approach to sharing complex health messages through personal experiments and engaging storytelling inspired fans to create 'slay lists' for mood boost and cold shower routines for cell repair and stress management.

      Michael Mosley, a renowned British journalist and doctor, left a significant impact on various aspects of people's lives, from health and wellbeing to entertainment and journalism. His innovative approach to sharing complex health messages through personal experiments and engaging storytelling resonated with many. The creation of "just one thing" day is a testament to his legacy. One of his fans, a radio host, shared how Michael's work inspired them to create a music playlist, called a "slay list," to boost mood and wellbeing. Michael's experiments with cold showers, inspired by his research, also gained popularity. Though some may find it unpleasant, proponents argue that the short-term shock to the body can lead to cell repair and improved stress management. Michael's influence extended beyond personal health, as he challenged societal norms and helped bring attention to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, such as the role of bacteria in stomach ulcers.

    • Stress management techniquesPracticing stress management techniques like using breath can help cope with stressful moments and improve mental well-being. Find quiet activities for insomnia instead of lying in bed.

      Practicing stress management techniques, like using our breath, can help us cope with stressful moments and improve our overall mental well-being. Michael Mosley, a beloved BBC presenter, inspired many by sharing simple tips for improving health and happiness, from standing on one leg while brushing teeth to finding joy in hobbies like dancing or playing an instrument. Many people struggle with getting a good night's sleep, and Mosley suggested getting out of bed if you can't fall back asleep and finding a quiet, non-stimulating activity to do instead. Overall, Mosley's message was about finding small ways to prioritize our mental and physical well-being each day.

    Recent Episodes from Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley

    Just One Thing Day - Friday 12 July

    Just One Thing Day - Friday 12 July

    Join us on Just One Thing Day (Friday 12 July) as we celebrate Michael Mosley and his simple health and wellbeing tips.

    You can get involved too – programmes would love to hear how Michael Mosley has helped to change your life. Listen and watch during the day and use the contact information below:

    The Today programme (Radio 4): Email today@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on 0330 1234 3406

    Morning Live (BBC 1): Email morninglive@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on 0800 032 1100

    Jeremy Vine (Radio 2): Email vine@bbc.co.uk or SMS to 88291 (Texts will be charged at your standard message rate. Check with your network provider for exact costs.)

    Woman's Hour (Radio 4): Email womanshour.yourviews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on 03700 100 444. (Data charges may apply. Use Wifi where possible. Or text on 84844. Texts will be charged at your standard message rate.)

    There’s Only One Michael Mosley

    There’s Only One Michael Mosley

    Michael's last interview, How to Live a Good Life, is with psychologist Paul Bloom and was recorded in the BBC tent at the Hay Festival on 25 May, 2024.

    Paul is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale and Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto and he shares with Michael his top five tips for living a good life. And we hear Michael at his best - full of warmth, insight and enjoying his time with the audience and sharing some of his reflections on his life, career and the importance of family.

    Presenter: Michael Mosley with Chris Van Tulleken Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Series Producer: Geraldine Fitzgerald Production Manager: Maria Simons Executive Producers: Helen Thomas and Sasha Feachem Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Studio Engineer: Richard Ward

    Eat Slowly

    Eat Slowly

    In our bustling modern lives, it can be all too easy to wolf down our meals on the go, and never take the time to enjoy them properly. In this episode, Michael Mosley finds out how simply slowing down the speed at which you eat can help you feel full for longer, snack less, and improve your digestion. Michael speaks to Dr Sarah Berry from the department of nutritional sciences at King's College London, who shares findings showing that eating slower can reduce your blood sugar response to food, as well as reducing your calorie intake. Our volunteer Stewart tries to make eating slowly a habit in an attempt to improve his sleep.

    Series Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Science Producer: Christine Johnston Researcher: William Hornbrook Researcher: Sophie Richardson Production Manager: Maria Simons Editor: Zoë Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

    Volunteer

    Volunteer

    In this episode, Michael Mosley discovers that, as well as being a very rewarding thing to do, volunteering your time, labour or spare room can really benefit your health too. Michael speaks with Dr Edith Chen from Northwestern University in the US, who has been investigating the power of helping others. She tells Michael about her studies showing that by boosting your mood and empathy, volunteering can lower chronic inflammation, cholesterol and even help you lose weight. It’s also a great way to meet new people! Meanwhile, Matt gives back to his local community by volunteering at a food bank. Series Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Editor: Zoë Heron A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

    Yoga

    Yoga

    Although yoga is thought to have been practised for over 5,000 years, its myriad benefits for our health and wellbeing are still being uncovered. Professor Rima Dada from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi reveals the extraordinary findings into the benefits of yoga - how half an hour a day can slow down ageing at a cellular level by protecting your mitochondria and your DNA. It can also improve your brain health and even reduce symptoms of depression. Just a few sessions are enough for our volunteer James to catch the yoga bug!

    Series Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Editor: Zoë Heron A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

    Read a poem

    Read a poem

    Reading poetry can reduce stress and help give you words to express the things you're feeling. And reading a poem out loud has been shown to be a surprisingly simple way to activate your relaxation response and bring about a sense of calm. It’s all to do with the way it slows and controls your breathing rate, which in turn stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system and can lead to many beneficial effects. Michael Mosley speaks to Dietrich von Bonin from the Swiss Association of Art Therapies, who says as little as 5 minutes of rhythmic poetry read aloud can be even more effective than slow-paced breathing at relaxing your body and mind. Our volunteer Colm dives into the world of Irish poetry and incorporates reading it aloud into his bedtime routine.

    Series Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Editor: Zoë Heron A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

    Deep Calm - Episode 5: Using Music

    Deep Calm - Episode 5: Using Music

    Sit back, leave behind the cares of the day and take a sonic journey with Dr Michael Mosley. In this new podcast series, designed to help you let go and unwind, each episode focuses on a scientifically-proven technique for activating the body’s built-in relaxation response, and takes a deep dive to explore what’s happening inside as we find stillness and calm.

    Most of us instinctively know that music can have a huge impact on our mood. But it can also be an effective tool to tap into your body’s relaxation response. Plus thought loops, soundwaves and an encounter with the Organ of Corti.

    Guest: Stefan Koelsch, professor at the University of Bergen in Norway.

    Series Producer, sound design and mix engineer: Richard Ward Researcher: William Hornbrook Production Manager: Maria Simons Editor: Zoë Heron Specially composed music by Richard Atkinson (Mcasso) A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

    Deep Calm - Episode 4: Using the Power of Nature

    Deep Calm - Episode 4: Using the Power of Nature

    Sit back, leave behind the cares of the day and take a sonic journey with Dr Michael Mosley. In this new podcast series, designed to help you let go and unwind, each episode focuses on a scientifically-proven technique for activating the body’s built-in relaxation response, and takes a deep dive to explore what’s happening inside as we find stillness and calm.

    What is it about the natural world that has such a positive impact upon our physiology - slowing our heart rate and blood pressure, settling our thoughts and so much more? One theory is that it’s connected to the repeating patterns in nature - fractals - and Michael discovers that we live in a fractal universe.

    Guest: Richard Taylor, professor at the University of Oregon.

    Series Producer, sound design and mix engineer: Richard Ward Researcher: William Hornbrook Production Manager: Maria Simons Editor: Zoë Heron Specially composed music by Richard Atkinson (Mcasso) Extract from "Fractal compositions No.1” composed by Severin Su in collaboration with 13&9 Design. A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

    Deep Calm - Episode 3: Using Your Imagination

    Deep Calm - Episode 3: Using Your Imagination

    Sit back, leave behind the cares of the day and take a sonic journey with Dr Michael Mosley. In this new podcast series, designed to help you let go and unwind, each episode focuses on a scientifically-proven technique for activating the body’s built-in relaxation response, and takes a deep dive to explore what’s happening inside as we find stillness and calm.

    If you imagine yourself somewhere safe and relaxing, using something called Guided Imagery, you can activate the body’s relaxation response. Plus brainwaves, pupils and thought-birds.

    Guest: Katarzyna Zemla, PhD candidate SWPS / PJATK Universities in Warsaw.

    Series Producer, sound design and mix engineer: Richard Ward Researcher: William Hornbrook Editor: Zoë Heron Specially composed music by Richard Atkinson (Mcasso) A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.