Earlier this month at Youngmans we were proud to support the men's health charity Movember, we donated 10% of all web sales that were made between 1st - 7th November to the cause. This leading charity is changing the face of men’s health and raises money for issues such as mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that 1 in 10 men experience some form of anxiety or depression, yet less than half seek treatment. This month we wanted to shine a light on men's mental health and have put together these four simple, yet effective tips that can help…
Get Moving
There are so many great benefits to exercising, not only can it help to improve your physical health but can also have a positive impact on your mental health. A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour can reduce the risk of major depression by 26%. Physical exercise can also help to combat symptoms of anxiety and can relieve tension in the body that is caused by stress. If you are new to exercise there are so many great options to choose from such as running, cycling, swimming, yoga or boxing to name a few. There are also many team sports you can join such as basketball, football or hockey that also have the added social benefit. Here at Youngmans we are proud to play for our football team Youngmans United FC, we even have limited edition shirts available to buy if you’d like to support the scissors.
Talk To Someone
When life is feeling difficult and overwhelming it can be tempting to retreat and avoid social activities. However, as reported on www.psychologytoday.com studies have shown that sharing our problems with someone we trust can help to, reduce stress, strengthen our immune system and reduce physical and emotional distress. If you feel you need professional support don’t be afraid to seek help from a therapist or other licenced professional. If you simply fancy a chat then connect with a friend or family member, or one of our friendly barbers are always willing to lend a supportive ear at one of our barbershops.
Self Care
There are many ways in which we can care for ourselves including getting good quality sleep for 7 - 9 hours every day, eating foods that are nutritious, exercising and taking time to do activities that bring joy. On a day to day basis you may also wish to adopt a grooming routine to help care for your skin and body. If you want to start out with a simple skincare routine we would recommend our effective two step routine. Firstly cleanse your face with our solid Face Wash and follow up with our Natural Moisture Cream which is jam packed with vegan ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa butter to allow your skin to retain moisture and provide immediate dry skin relief.
Meditate
With meditation gaining popularity in recent years it is no secret that it may be one of the most powerful tools to help combat mental health issues. Harvard Health notes that a regular meditation practice can help your brain better manage stress and anxiety that can trigger depression. There are many ways you can meditate, if you are a beginner you may wish to listen along to a guided meditation, there are tons of free ones online, particularly on YouTube. Alternatively sitting still for a few minutes with your eyes closed and noticing your breath can be highly effective. Or if your mind is particularly active you may wish to light a candle and stare at the candle flame for a few minutes and allow your thoughts to pass through your mind without attaching to them.
Whatever tools you use for your mental health just know that you are not alone.