Welcome to Men’s Health Month and a focus on getting better outcomes for men everywhere
Why is this attention necessary?
Because, often in growing up men learn to ignore important health and wellbeing issues – Big boys don’t cry, remember
However, without examination these issues can be deadly. That’s why it is important to focus on open health and wellbeing conversations in #movember and beyond
So, let’s do that, shall we?
November is almost here again, so Movember must be close by.
Movember is the point in the year where men’s physical and mental wellbeing is centre stage.
We should remember that men are a diverse group and some men have more physical and mental challenges than others.
This fact means November is a great time to reach out and get the support to which you are entitled. That is especially true if you were told to man up as a child (because men don’t talk about what is going on behind their eyes).
What is your next priority requiring support?
This #WorldMentalHealthDay advocates for positive action in crisis situations.
Doing the right thing in everyday situations also matters.
What does that mean?
Prioritising our own wellbeing.
Supporting others’ health.
Embracing mindfulness
What works for you?
Making Time To Be Calm Helps Wellbeing And Creativity
Some days are full of stress.
Those are the days we feel burdened and tense.
On a day like that it is healthy to pause and make time to calm things down.
We are healthier when we create space to breathe deeply and clear our thoughts.
Feel free to leave a Like if the video helps put that idea across.
It has been another tough year.
The Coronavirus is still knocking people for six.
Relatives and friends looking after loved ones are feeling invisible and under-valued.
For instance, research shows more than 7 out 10 UK carers haven’t practiced self-care and had a break in 12 months (a link to the report is below).
Which mean thousands of people are exhausted. Which means tired relatives struggling to focus on caring for a loved one. Which leaves the cared for person with less than the full support they need.
Vaccination is making a difference. Society may look different before too long.
Hopefully, by June 2022, better support will be offered to carers and carers will be more visible and valued. If so, the cared for will feel the benefit.
‘Breaks or breakdown’, Carers Week 2021 report – Carers UK
Picture credit Madison Inouye on Pexels.com
So Many People Have Helped Us Get This Far During The Pandemic
(Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash )
Thank You.
Two very powerful words to express gratitude.
Do me a service (large or small) and expect a ‘thank you’.
After the year we have all survived, gratitude seems like the least we can express.
Over the past year I have thanked:
and so many others.
From what I can see ‘thank you’ goes a long way to showing we are all in this together.
So, who will you thank today?
Experience less stress by getting out into the world – Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels
How Do You Manage Your Stress? Picture from Pexels.com
If you have survived another busy week (mine involved plenty of running around for other people) I’ve got to ask, how do you let go of the stress, relax and become a nice person to be around once again?
In fact I remember a few years ago asking a group of carers (busy people responsible for loved ones’ well being) what they did to unwind and I still think their approach makes sense. They recommended
I have followed 2 of these strategies consistently and they help. Which ones do you follow or do you have other suggestions to share?
Take A Few Minutes To Discover Your Next Step – Image Riccardo Bresciani at Pexels dot com
Everyone is busy these days, although some of us have already enjoyed a few vacation days this summer. Some others are looking forward to their holiday in the sun. Here’s a thought: How many of us understand the stresses and strains we carry around while we are busy leading our 9 to 5 lives as leaders, managers, entrepreneurs or creatives?
Good news, there is a way we can achieve a better understanding of ourselves at work, at home, or on a mountain top.
How To Get Clarity Over Your Goals In 5 Minutes
I’ve found five minutes of mindfulness a day can help answer the question, what should I be doing next? What does my approach involve?
What would five minutes a day of mindfulness do for you today? How about over the next week? Take a moment to write down and share your answer. Feel free to message your discovery on Twitter @RogerD_Said You can Like and Share the post too, if it has been helpful.
Thank you for reading the post and have a great day.
Do Your Goals Include Diet, Exercise And Mindfulness?
It is (sort of) the middle of the year. Here comes an awkward question: what kind of a year has it been so far?
You’ve undertaken plenty of caring of course. Those you care for have benefited from your time. How often though have you taken care of yourself?
When you look back at the personal growth or self leadership goals you set yourself six months ago, how many have you completed? What do the incomplete ones have in common? Is there a goal which is completely untouched?
Are You Sometimes Fearful of Putting Yourself First?
What is keeping you from tackling that untouched goal you wrote down six months ago? Are you afraid of making a positive change for yourself? When you practice some mindfulness and look at what is happening in your body how do you feel? Would you feel disloyal if you spent some time on yourself?
3 Happiness Solutions Suggested By Carers
I was privileged last Carers Week to lead a session looking at how we can take simple steps to improve our levels of Happiness.
As we rush around looking out for others we recognised the value of meeting our own needs. We focused on the low cost or free solutions which could help us provide for others in a better way, whilst meeting our own needs.
My part of the day captured several practical ideas for self care. Amongst other views one attendee said:
I enjoy cooking for my family
They were sharing the idea that providing good food for their loved ones helped them feel good.
Another person in the room felt energised by spending some personal time on exercise. They commented:
Going to the Gym makes me Happy!
Someone else was in reflective mood and noted that they felt better when surrounded by greenery:
Being outdoors in nature makes me smile
How Do You Care For Yourself?
How does your diet, exercise and leisure plan help you care better and manage your own well-being? How much positive feedback do you get from those for whom you care? What other suggestions do you have for making caring more manageable?
Thank you for reading this post. Feel free to share your well-being ideas in the comments and help other people with their day. If you have found this post helpful you can Share and Like it too. Visit the Members tab to sign up for free information about taking action on your goals.
Experience Your Life 