For many, talking about emotional wellbeing, feelings, and mental health can be daunting, but things are changing. We see a trend towards a more open culture where talking about mental health is encouraged both in the workplace and at home.

 

Men’s Health Week, 2021, takes place from 14-20 June. The week promotes men’s health paying particular attention to mental health post covid.

 

Lockdown- a time to reflect

Many of us have had time to reflect upon our lives during the lockdown. Reflect on our work-life balance, our career pathways and our personal lives. Spending more time at home than ever before during the last year has brought a shift in mindset for many. While modern society remains hectic, lockdown certainly made all of us stop and think a little more than usual.

Mental health and overall wellbeing are essential for a healthy lifestyle regardless of gender. Men, however, have traditionally found talking about how they feel, their emotional health and their mental wellness more challenging than perhaps many women. This is something that is thankfully changing. Men need to mind their health, and that includes their mental health.

This year as part of Men’s Health Week 2021, the Can Do Challenge is a great way to boost your mental wellbeing while helping charity and having some fun.

What is the Can Do Challenge?

For Men’s Health Week 2021, why not try the CAN DO Challenge. For the five days of the week, there are five ways to well-being.

Every day, a different way:

• Connect – connect with others so maybe call a friend you haven’t seen in a while #connectmonday
• Get Active – go for a country walk, jog, swim or yoga #activetuesday
• Notice – take notice of the environment you are in, allowing yourself to be present in the moment (Mindfullness0 this helps you relax and decreases stress #noticewednesday
• Discover – learn something new – do something new, something you’ve never tried before #discoverthursday
• Offer – do something for someone else – volunteer perhaps or help at the local community care home reading to residents #offerfriday

 

Where can I go for help?

If you need support with your mental health or that of a loved one, there is support available – all you have to do is ask.

Below are the key NHS links.

• The NHS mental health hub
• Find a talking therapy near you(no need to see your GP – you can self-refer)
• Links to all the charity mental health crisis lines or contact Samaritans 24/7 online or by calling 116 123.

Men’s health week 2021 is all about promoting men’s health and providing information that ensures all men and boys receive quality, safe healthcare across the globe.