Movember and mental wellness

It’s that time of year again… men, put down your razors, the mo’ is back! Movember is the annual month for men’s health issues, raising awareness of some of the biggest concerns that men face: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. It’s an opportunity to explore what self-care and looking after yourself means to you, and how you can prioritise your wellbeing beyond Movember.

Joining in with Movember is easy—simply let a moustache grow for the month and use your new whiskers to initiate important conversations around men’s health.

If you’re starting completely new to self-care, don’t worry. While self-care might seem synonymous with spa trips or skincare routines, it can be as simple as taking some deep breaths or organising your desk. Start small with 5-minute breaks. These 5-minute breaks are small, but mighty: short enough for you to slot into your existing routine, but effective enough to re-energise you and provide a moment of calm.

This week, our (very aptly named!) Moments series has some ideas you can try. From quick and easy tips, such as checking in with a friend, to ideas that require a bit more time and planning, like taking a trip into nature. Our favourite tip? Set a 20-minute timer and organise a neglected area of your home. When the timer stops, you stop! Whether it’s a spot for laundry, or a wardrobe which needs a clear-out, tackling a small area with only a 20-minute limit can still spark a feeling of accomplishment and happiness. Breaking down organising your home into shorter tasks also keeps tidying more manageable.

If you can’t, or are choosing not to, grow a mo this year, you can still support men’s health by encouraging the fathers, partners, brothers, friends, and sons in your life to take care of themselves.

How will you be looking after your wellbeing this Movember?