Creating a calm and pleasant home environment is essential for our overall well-being and mental health. It is a place where we seek solace, relaxation, and comfort after a long day. In a podcast episode titled “Creating a Calm and Pleasant Home Environment” from the Relax Back UK show, host Mike Dilk explores this topic with neuroscientist TJ Power.
The episode begins with Mike introducing the show and highlighting its focus on health topics relevant to listeners and their families. He emphasizes the importance of creating a calm and welcoming home environment and introduces TJ Power as an expert guest who will provide insights on achieving this.
TJ Power starts by suggesting that making both breakfast and dinner a family event can significantly contribute to a calmer and more pleasant home environment. He emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from distractions, such as scrolling through phones, and instead focusing on building connections with family members during meal times. According to TJ, these practices of good connection in the morning and evening are crucial for bonding and creating a peaceful atmosphere at home.
The conversation then shifts to discussing a lesser-known health problem, disease-related malnutrition in the UK. Anne-Alan Fazakerley, a nurse, joins the podcast to shed light on this issue. She explains that disease-related malnutrition is a significant problem, not only in terms of its impact on the health of the population but also its financial burden on the NHS. The discussion raises awareness about this issue and highlights the importance of addressing it for the well-being of individuals and the healthcare system.
Returning to the interview with TJ Power, Mike asks him about his background and the field of neuroscience. TJ explains that he has dedicated his research to studying brain chemicals, such as dopamine and oxytocin. He shares his journey of becoming a neuroscientist, starting with studying psychology at university and then specializing in neuroscience. TJ also mentions his experience as a lecturer and his current involvement in researching and teaching neuroscience in various settings.
When asked about his research methods, TJ explains that he focuses more on the behavioral aspects of neuroscience rather than conducting invasive studies on brain tissue. He mentions a recent study at Durham University that analyzes the impact of social media platform TikTok on the mental health, self-esteem, and attention spans of teenage girls. TJ’s goal is to provide behavioral advice and insights to help individuals navigate the digital world and its effects on their well-being.
In summary, the podcast episode “Creating a Calm and Pleasant Home Environment” explores the importance of fostering a peaceful atmosphere at home. It provides practical suggestions, such as making meal times a family event, to promote connection and relaxation. Through the insights of neuroscientist TJ Power, listeners gain a better understanding of the impact of brain chemicals and digital media on mental health. Overall, the episode emphasizes the significance of creating a calm and pleasant home environment for our overall well-being.