The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine is excited to bring you our brand new podcast! The internet is swamped with the latest health trends and confusing information. We are dedicated to bringing you reliable information based on facts and research.

In this podcast you can expect exclusive interviews with doctors and other health experts from around the world, covering a range of topics, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress, addressing your health and wellbeing needs and inspiring you to take action!

First, we are starting with a special pandemic podcast series, hosted by one of our very own Regional Directors, NHS GP and TV presenter Dr Helen Lawal. The pandemic series focuses on how you can stay physically and mentally well, during lockdown and as lockdown eases, adjusting to a new way of life and the “new normal”.

Sound Living Episode 1: Introducing the BSLM and Lifestyle Medicine

What is Lifestyle Medicine? In the first episode of Sound Living, Dr Helen Lawal is joined by Dr Rob Lawson. Rob is a former GP and cofounder of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. In this episode, Rob explains why he founded the BSLM and why our lifestyle is more important now than ever. He also explains what lifestyle medicine actually is, what group consultations are, and how small changes can have a big impact on our health.

Sound Living Episode 2: Pregnancy: Mental health, exercise, sleep and lockdown

In this episode about pregnancy Helen interviews Dr Julie Gray. Julie is an NHS GP, BSLM regional director, and currently 35 weeks pregnant. Helen is bringing up a new-born baby in lockdown.
The pair share their experience as mums and explore: benefits of exercise in pregnancy and what precautions to take; how to maintain good emotional wellbeing and mental health during pregnancy; and practical tips to improve sleep both during and outside of pregnancy.

Sound Living Episode 3: How to create healthy new habits with Dr Sue Smith

In episode 3 of Sound Living Helen talks to Dr Sue Smith to unpick the fascinating subject of behaviour change. How are habits central to behaviour change – and how can we create new habits to improve our health? The key lies in ensuring behaviour change is meaningful and doable in small steps, argues Sue.
Download the habits for health worksheet which accompanies the episode.

Sound Living Episode 4: Why do we sleep and how can we sleep better

Sleep doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but it is one of the most important components of our health. In this episode, Helen is joined by Dr Alex Maxwell who explains the science behind why we sleep and why we can struggle to get a good night’s sleep. The effect of caffeine, alcohol and blue light is discussed, with practical tips on how you can improve the quality of your sleep.

Sound Living Episode 5: How to cope with stress (Healthcare Worker’s Special)

This is a healthcare worker’s special on how to manage stress for both clinical and non- clinical staff working within the NHS, with Dr Anna Huette. This has been a particularity stressful year. We talk about the importance of addressing stress in healthcare workers, and share some simple ways to approach this if you are feeling overwhelmed. Dr Helen and Dr Anna share their own experiences with stress and the strategies that work for them. Dr Anna also signposts us to where we can access help if compassionate self care measures aren’t helping and we are still struggling.

Sound Living Episode 6: COVID-19 and our mental health

Following on from our last episode on stress, this episode explores the effect of COVID-19 on our mental health with Dr Charlotte Marriott. Charlotte explains why the stages of grief may apply to how we’re feeling, and suggests actions we can take to cope, manage and even thrive during this global pandemic. Helen and Charlotte also discuss the concept of post-traumatic growth, a positive personal transformation we can experience following stressful life events

Thank you for listening and supporting the BSLM podcast. We are a charitable organisation and the podcast was produced by volunteers, including all the expert guests. If you enjoyed listening, please show your support by sharing this podcast with friends, family and colleagues.

If there are any specific topics you’d like us to cover in the podcast, please get in touch at office@bslm.org.uk.