June is Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month, a time for men, and everyone to reflect on self-care routines, health needs, and overall well being.

It is easy for us all, men included, to get caught up in daily to-do lists, work demands, or family responsibilities. When we are caught up in daily hassles, it is easy to forget to book that regular dentist appointment, or take time to exercise. Whether you’re a father, brother, employer, or friend, you may say to yourself, “I’ll get to booking that appointment later” or “Let me send one more email, before I take my break outside.” Several of our DBT skills talk about the importance of increasing mindful living habits and reducing our susceptibility to vulnerabilities, by taking care of our bodies. This month is an opportunity to encourage the men around us to prioritize themselves and increase habits that will promote their livelihood and overall wellbeing!

Here are some of the ways we can use DBT skills to help increase our overall wellbeing during Men’s Health Month. 

• Increase your mindfulness practice

• Take 5-10 minutes out of your day to practice a breathing meditation or go for a mindful walk outside (around your neighborhood, park, or at the beach)
• While eating a meal, focus on a mindful eating exercise, avoid multitasking and be present with your family during your meal. 

 

• Prioritize your PLEASE skills

Take care of your emotional health and wellbeing by taking care of your body. The more we can be consistent with these skills, the more positive emotions and experiences we can have!

• Treating Physical Illness:

Prioritize doctor’s appointments, take prescribed medications, address underlying physical issues 

• Balanced Eating:

Focus on eating the right amount of food that fuels your body, not too much or too little. Notice what types of food increase any feelings of overwhelm (ie. processed foods, sugars)

• Avoid Mood Altering Substances:

Reframe from the usage of alcohol or illicit drugs. Notice the impacts of usage on your wellbeing and physical health. Strive for balanced usage when using.

• Balanced Sleep:

Focus on a consistent sleep schedule. Set small goals of achieving 7-9 hours of sleep a night. 

• Balanced Exercise:

Engage in regular exercise of about 20 minutes a day (walking, lifting, yoga, running)

 

• Live a life aligned with your values by Accumulating Positives in the Long Term 

Consider what values you want to work towards (Health, Empathy, Family) and set small goals to work towards a life that involves living by your values.

• Identify what values are important to you 
• Set small goals to get towards value
• Put those goals into action!

 

Written By, Gina Hesp, LCSW

Photo Credit: Kate Trysh on Unsplash