Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

It’s Valentine’s Day - three words guaranteed to trigger an emotional reaction, be it a warm fuzzy feeling, an eye roll, or something in between the two. So this week, we’re talking about a goal that will feel pertinent to many at the moment, that is, building a healthy dating life. On paper, it’s never been easier to meet someone, but digital dating and mental health don’t always go hand in hand. How do you deal with rejection in a world of blue-tick politics? How do you know when it’s time to stop swiping? And how can you put your mental health front and centre of your dating strategy? Joining Senior Editor Roisín Dervish-O’Kane to discuss all this and more are Dr Sophie Mort, a former NHS Clinical Psychologist who now has her own private practice, and Louise Troen, a brand consultant and former International Vice President of Marketing at the dating app Bumble. Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneJoin Dr Sophie Mort on Instagram: @_drsophJoin Louise Troen on Instagram: @louisetroenHave a goal in mind that you want us to put to the experts? Find us on Instagram @womenshealthuk and drop a voice note into our inbox, telling us your name and your goal, and it could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: The evolutionary psychology of dating The gamification of dating apps and the impact on the brain Boundary-setting - and holding yourself to accountDating with intention Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Productivity. Box-ticking. Getting more done. A sexy topic, it isn’t. But tackling your to-do list in a timely fashion is a goal worth shooting for - and not just to keep your boss happy. Focusing a little more on how you can best power through your professional obligations can free up precious headspace for the stuff you really want to do. But where do you start? How do you go about changing your habits? And how - in today’s chaotic and changing working world - do you strike a healthy balance? In this episode, Senior Editor Roisín Dervish-O’Kane discusses all this and more, with Caroline Webb, behavioural economist and author of How to have a good day: Harness the power of behavioural science to transform your working life. Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneJoin Caroline Webb on Twitter: @caroline_webb_Have a goal in mind that you want us to put to the experts? Find us on Instagram @womenshealthuk and drop a voice note into our inbox, telling us your name and your goal, and it could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: Why taking your annual leave is key to successHow to stick a pin in procrastinationHow to pitch new ways of working to your bossWhat’s single-tasking, and why is it useful? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh the sweet relief of the first pay day of the year. But before you gift a chunk of your hard-earned salary to Pret, Eat and others, we have important news: it doesn’t have to be this way. This week, we’re talking meal prep, and why it’s about so much more than having something to eat at lunchtime. It’s a statement of intent about the kind of week you want to have; a way of supporting good nutrition, along with your financial and psychological wellbeing. Been there, done that and bought the Tupperware? We hear you. So, on hand to help you turn your meal prepping aspirations into a weekly habit are Dr Hazel Wallace, an NHS doctor and founder of The Food Medic (thefoodmedic.co.uk) and Emilie Bellet, founder of Vestpod (vestpod.com). Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneJoin Dr Hazel Wallace on Instagram: @thefoodmedicJoin Emilie Bellet on Instagram: @vestpodHave a goal in mind that you want us to put to the experts? Find us on Instagram @womenshealthuk and drop a voice note into our inbox, telling us your name and your goal, and it could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: What is financial wellness? How can meal prepping support good nutrition? How can you carve out the time to prep your meals when your schedule is packed?What basics should you keep in your cupboards and freezer?Links:Study on meal prep and healthy eatingThe Roasting Tin by Rukmini IyerYou're Not Broke You're Pre-rich by Emilie BelletThe Food Medic For Life by Dr Hazel Wallace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veganuary is in full swing, and whether you’ve gone cold turkey on animal products, adopted a flexitarian approach or you’re giving Meat Free Monday a go, eating in a way that supports planetary health will be on the minds of many at the moment, following recent climate events. But the deeper you delve into ethical eating, the more confused you can become. The recent news that almond milk production is to blame for wiping out millions of honey bees is just the latest blow for those striving to eat sustainably. In this episode, Senior Editor Roisín Dervish-O’Kane is joined by Rosemary Green, Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Sustainability at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, to discuss the latest in sustainability science, the nuances and contradictions involved in attempting to eat ethically and how to do so without neglecting nutrition. Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneHave a goal in mind that you want us to put to the experts? Find us on Instagram @womenshealthuk and drop a voice note into our inbox, telling us your name and your goal, and it could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: What are the different strands of ethical eating? Why are animal products so harmful for the environment? What is the planetary health diet?How does eating ethically marry with eating healthily? How can labels be useful when attempting to eat more ethically? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bumper-to-bumper busyness of December feels like a distant memory now we’re all doubling down for the annual January hibernation. But while your body and bank balance will thank you for some quiet time, positive social interactions are vital for your emotional wellbeing. So how can you build a social life that aligns with your health goals? How do you make plans you can’t wait to keep? And how can you make the most of your precious free time? In this episode, Senior Editor Roisín Dervish-O’Kane discusses all this and more, with Dr Jessamy Hibberd, Clinical Psychologist and author of The Imposter Cure (drjessamy.com) and Toni Jones, journalist and founder of Shelf Help, a personal development collective and book club (shelfhelp.club). Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneJoin Dr Jessamy Hibberd on Instagram: @drjessamyJoin Toni Jones on Instagram: @ms.toni.jonesHave a goal in mind that you want us to put to the experts? Find us on Instagram @womenshealthuk and drop a voice note into our inbox, telling us your name and your goal, and it could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: What role do social connections play in supporting your mental health? What’s a social audit and how can you do one?What are boundaries and how can you set them?What’s intentional drinking and how do you do it? How do you walk away from a friendship that’s no longer serving you? Links:Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington (rubywarrington.com/i-am-an-author/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gyms are packed, the streets are lined with joggers and good luck bagging a spot in an exercise class. Whether it’s for weight loss, getting out in nature or the endorphins, doing more exercise is on the minds of many at the moment. But as the fizzy pep of the new year wears off and reality bites, it can begin to feel like a chore. So how can you find a form of exercise you really enjoy? How do you get yourself out of bed for a workout on the days when your brain has other ideas? And how can you turn good intentions into the habit of a lifetime? In this episode, Senior Editor Roisín Dervish-O’Kane discusses all this and more, with Dr Tara Swart, neuroscientist-turned-executive advisor and author of The Source (£8.99, Vermillion) and Nesrine Dally, Muay Thai boxer and Nike trainer. Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneJoin Dr Tara Swart on Instagram: @drtaraswartJoin Nesrine Dally on Instagram: @nez__healthhubHave a goal that you want us to put to the experts? Record a voice note telling us your name and your goal then send it to womenshealth@womenshealthmag.co.uk, putting ‘GOING FOR GOAL’ in the subject line - and your goal could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: Why do so many people fail to keep their fitness resolutions?How do you find a form of exercise you enjoy?What is neuroplasticity and how can it help us reach our goals?How do turn a new hobby into a habit? How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to train? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weight loss will likely be on the minds of many at this time of year, despite it becoming an increasingly controversial topic within the wellness world. But if you do want to lose weight to improve your health, what does smart, sustainable weight loss look like? What tactics do you need to use in order to achieve it? And what approaches should you steer well clear of? Senior Editor Roisín Dervish-O’Kane discusses all this and more with NHS GP Dr Zoe Williams (who you’ll recognise from TV shows including Trust Me I’m a Doctor and This Morning) and Renee McGregor, a sports dietician specialising in eating disorders. Join Women’s Health on Instagram: @womenshealthukJoin Roisín Dervish-O’Kane on Instagram: @roisin.dervishokaneJoin Dr Zoe Williams on Instagram: @drzoewilliamsJoin Renee McGregor on Instagram: @r_mcgregorHave a goal that you want us to put to the experts? Record a voice note telling us your name and your goal then send it to womenshealth@womenshealthmag.co.uk, putting ‘GOING FOR GOAL’ in the subject line - and your goal could be the subject of a future episode. Topics: Why does healthy weight loss advice matter?What is a crash diet?How do people track their progress?When is it helpful to think about calories?How do you spot the signs of disordered eating? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices