5 Tips on How to Live a Healthy Life This Movember

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Did you know that by 2030 the Movember Foundation will have reduced the number of men dying prematurely by 25%? The power of knowledge is truly incredible, and for the last 13 years, the sole aim of the annual Movember movement is to educate.

By making men more aware of the various health issues they may face throughout their lives, the Movember Foundation is empowering men to ask questions they felt embarrassed to ask before.

So in keeping with the month that’s in it, we decided to expand on the five tips for living a healthy life as suggested by Movember.

Stay connected

Sometimes finding the time for a family gathering or a night out with your friends is nigh on impossible but for the sake of your mental health and wellbeing, make time. Staying in touch with your close friends and family is great for keeping you on track emotionally.

Just the simple act of talking with a friend about football or discussing the finer points of a good whiskey with your dad is an ideal stress reliever. It helps you take your mind off work and feel less alone in this sometimes antisocial world.

Do something physical

You don’t have to run a marathon or climb a mountain, but you do need to do some physical activity each day. You could walk or cycle to work or just take a brisk stroll during your lunch hour. But don’t fool yourself into thinking that you don’t have enough time. Staying active is invaluable to both your physical and mental health, and no matter how little time you have, you can always fit some sort of physical exertion into your daily routine.

Learn how to talk

We mentioned earlier that talking about the little things can help you forget about the stressful things in life, but don’t bury them completely. If something is on your mind, then talk to your family or friends about it. Whether it’s the burden of a new job, the breakup of a relationship or the fact that you’re struggling financially, talking it through with others is always the best way to tackle it. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Study your history

Calm down; we’re not suggesting a few hours down at the library researching men’s health issues. What you should really know is your family’s medical history. They say knowledge is power and knowing that there is a history of heart disease, cancer, or even hypertension gives you an idea of what you should be on the lookout for.

It might seem a little morbid at first to sit down and talk to your mum about how her grandparents died, but it’s worth the initial awkwardness. The Movember Foundation created a helpful guide to knowing your family health history, and it’s as good a place as any to begin your research.

Take action if you notice something unusual

Nobody knows your body like you do, so if you’re not feeling 100% or have found something unusual, do something about it immediately. Doctors are not only there to help when you are sick, but also to help alleviate any fears by giving you a professional diagnosis.

Chances are it might be nothing but better to ask first rather than wait. After all, early detection in one of the most important factors in treating an issue of any kind. And under no circumstances should you try to self-diagnose using the internet. Seriously, you’re much smarter than that.

If you’ve noticed anyone sporting a hairier than usual upper lip, don’t make the usual Tom Selleck jokes. There’s a good chance he’s a Mo Bro and has your best interests at heart. So give him a clap on the back and ask if you can sponsor him.

If you’d like to make a donation to the Australian Movember Foundation, you can do so right here.