Dr Michael Mosley, the popular TV presenter, podcaster and columnist who died this month , was best known for surprisingly straightforward tips to improve your health and wellbeing. As well as producing documentaries and regularly appearing on television, he presented more than 100 episodes of Just One Thing , a BBC Radio 4 series where each episode explored a single action you could take to improve your health. Here are 10 of his top health tips: Go swimming to increase mental speed Swimming can have significant benefits for your blood vessels, mental speed and longevity, Mosley advised.
Going three times a week and for about 20 to 30 minutes each time works best, he found. The physical benefits are obvious. “When you’re swimming vigorously, you are using lots of different muscle groups and, importantly, you are working against the weight of the water,” he said.
But there are also mental benefits. “A small study from New Zealand found that doing a 20-minute swimming exercise boosts brain function and even produced slightly faster reaction times.” Even gentle laps in a pool can help people with injuries such as knee problems, who may find it harder to go running or go on long walks.
“Take the plunge – you could get big benefits for your blood vessels, your brain and your heart.” Volunteer to live a longer, healthier life Helping others could help you too, Mosley said. By giving volunteering a go, you could boost your mental health, lower your cholesterol, and .