November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness for the health issues men are dealing with. The focus of the campaign is typically on issues such as mental health, cancer, and suicide prevention initiatives, encouraging individuals to seek help when needed and look after their health. Getting regular check-ups and discussing personal health risks with your physician is very important, as the fundamental goal of Movember, as it is colloquially referred to among those who know and support it, is to decrease premature death rates by approximately 30% over the next five years.
Since today’s schedules are so hectic and the responsibilities people deal with are so complex, taking care of yourself on a daily basis is an absolute must. The best wellness routines are the ones that are realistic and sustainable, able to be integrated seamlessly into your daily routine, but also efficient and effective. If you’ve been thinking about ways to focus on your general wellness a little bit more, here are a few of the things you should consider.
Daily movement
Physical activity and working out are not just important for the way you look. They are a must for the health of both your body and mind. To get the most out of the effects, make sure your workouts include all types of exercises, from those designed to build muscle to those that improve your stability and cardiovascular health. Going on walks is of great help as well, especially if you don’t have the time to work out regularly. It might not seem like it’s doing much, but good old walking is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Apart from helping with weight management, boosting your immune system, and supporting the health of your joints, moving your body can also help keep low moods at bay. The endorphin boost reduces stress, relieves pain, and makes you feel happier overall.
Skincare
Not long ago, there used to be a lot of stigma attached to men doing anything perceived to be excessive pampering. Some of those negative attitudes still persist, but are starting to change as more men are starting to look after their skin. Men’s skin is fundamentally different from women’s (being around 20% thicker, containing more collagen that is lost at a constant rate, having more active sebaceous glands, and signs of aging that develop quickly once they start), so it needs different products. Regular shaving means that it is treated differently as well.
Getting a good men’s aftershave that can refresh and soothe irritated skin, reduce the sensation of burning and irritation, and hydrate in order to replenish the skin’s moisture is an absolute must. The right product can help prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs, having antiseptic properties that keep the skin clean. Depending on your skin type, you can look for a different product, so if you’re dealing with dryness or oiliness, make sure to search for an aftershave that’s suitable for you. A good skincare routine doesn’t need to include a large number of steps, but you should make sure that the products you get are appropriate for your skin. A good, hydrating cleanser, lotion, and sunscreen are typically enough, but if you have any specific concerns, make sure you talk to your dermatologist. If you have facial hair, you’ll need to look for products that are moisturising but not greasy to avoid feeling uncomfortable throughout the day.
Lastly, finish with the scent of Armani Code, a timeless and charismatic perfume that will last throughout the day, and you’re ready to deal with the day ahead of you.
Get plenty of rest
A worrying number of people are sleep deprived nowadays, but research indicates that men are more likely than women to not rest as much as they would need. Cultural stereotypes are largely blamed for this, with the stereotype portraying the men who don’t sleep remaining fairly prevalent in society. However, the health consequences of appearing unaffected after getting only two or three hours of rest per night can be significant. Apart from fatigue and irritability, you will most likely feel like you have trouble focusing as well. Retaining information and your ability to remember things will be impacted as well.
Slowed reaction times can put your life in danger in the most extreme cases, such as behind the wheel. If you don’t sleep well, your immune system can’t work well, you’re more likely to deal with anxiety and depression, and you increase your likelihood of developing high blood pressure, obesity, vascular disease, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Make sure to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night to feel refreshed in the morning and support healthy bodily functions.
It is also essential to know when you need to take a break from work, whether it’s for one of a few minutes or one that lasts a week. Doing so is the only way to avoid burnout, which often occurs before you even become aware of it.
The importance of connection
With work taking up a big part of every day, it is easy to end up feeling isolated, especially if you’re too tired to socialise afterwards or have chores to attend to during the weekends. The rise of remote work has deepened this issue, as many people barely talk to their co-workers when they work from home, except to ask for things related to their tasks. The long-term effects of isolation can range from depression and suicidal ideation to cognitive decline and structural changes in the brain.
This is why it’s important to connect to people on a daily basis. Talking to your family and spending time with them, finding a friend group based on similar interests and hobbies, and being willing to meet and communicate with other people are very important for a healthy life. Pets provide companionship as well as act as conversation starters and help you build your confidence.
Taking time to take care of yourself is crucial for your long-term wellness. The way you look after yourself now also dictates the way in which you’ll age, so make the best and most wholesome choices you can.
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