We are told that eating well and going to the gym are the two key pillars of health and wellbeing.
And these are hugely important factors, but they don’t reflect the full picture of your health and wellbeing. From managing stress to identifying physical symptoms, a proactive approach to wellness encompasses a number of important practices and habits.
Meanwhile, Yorkshire has some fantastic resources for men who want to take steps to improve their physical and mental health. Take a look below!
1. Make exercise work for you
The growing gym culture has provided a community for fitness fanatics to share tips and support each other.
But for some, it can provide a source of pressure and prescriptive fitness journey that doesn’t work for everyone.
If lifting weights or running long distances isn’t your scene, there are plenty of alternatives to help you get active.
Walking, cycling, or swimming are all fantastic methods of exercise that can be maintained as part of a healthy routine.
Furthermore, Yorkshire is filled with stunning scenery, open parks, and countryside paths to enjoy outdoor exercise. Among them, The Mill in Bramley, Leeds, hosts outdoor classes and sessions, with multi-use games areas so that you can explore a range of sports to find the one that’s right for you.
2. Don’t let shame stop you seeking help
When it comes to health and wellbeing it’s not uncommon for men to report shame as a preventative factor in seeking support or treatment.
This is particularly true when it comes to sexual health. The stigma of a sexual health condition can often deter sufferers from seeking professional help, causing further issues in the long-run.
We associate conversations around sexual health with sexually transmitted diseases, but the scope of conditions affecting people arise for a number of reasons. For instance, Peyronie’s disease is thought to affect as many as one in sixteen men, although treatment specialists York Therapy Centre estimate that men over 35 are most likely to be affected.
This represents just one example of conditions affected by a perceived stigma – many men feel embarrassment seeking help for a number of ailments which result in physical pain, while more still struggle to ask for help with their mental health. But
3. Commit new habits to your routine
New habits can help you to feel better in the short-term as well as the long-term
But consistency is the key to ensuring their sustainability, and small habits add up over time. Work on improving one thing at a time, whether that is getting a good night’s sleep, improving your diet, or trying to do one active activity per day.
You should also take care of your mental wellbeing, whether that means meeting friends, joining a local support group, or taking a dedicated day for rest and relaxation. R1SE Urban Spa & Studio is a great example based in Yorkshire with treatments specifically designed for men’s health.
Your new habits may mean making time for yourself, for exercise, or putting time and effort into what you cook to maintain a healthy diet. Whatever that entails, making it a dedicated part of your routine will make it easier to stick to.
Ultimately, taking care of your health means paying attention to the needs of your mind as well as your body. We hope our list inspires the next step in your wellness journey.
