Looking past the handlebar staches, peach fuzz, and friendly competition to raise money, Movember campaigns are tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
These big-ticket health issues are often taboo to talk about which makes Movember so important in supporting the health of men through not only medical research but also in our day-to-day lives.
Earlier this week we asked our male-identifying Bikergang to come up with their favourite ways to take care of their mental and physical health and we are about to get real over here with these tips!
Have a Hot Bubble Bath
Taking a hot bath (bubbles semi-optional) is not only a great way to relax and destress during a hard week but is also a good tool to give your muscles some TLC. Grossed out by the idea of chilling in a ‘you soup’, a sauna is also a great alternative for that treat yourself body and mind moment.
Meditate
Stress often leads to not only mental but physical illness can, unfortunately, be overlooked when talking about health. Taking the time to meditate has helped some of our Bikergang to relieve some, to a lot, of the stress from their lives.
If you’re new to meditation, try closing your eyes and taking deep breathes or let your mind run through what you can feel from the top of your feet to the ends of your toes. Start with 5 minutes a day, then slowly increase one day at a time.
Learn Something New
Keeping your mind stimulated is just as important as keeping your body active. It’s a muscle that we can flex by learning a new skill, reading a new book, or even having quality conversations with our friends and family.
For a double-whammy, we can take the steps to learn about ways to care for our mental and physical health...and guess what, by reading this you are already taking that step!
Exercise
The benefits of exercising are endless, we could truly be here for days explaining why getting physically active is good for you. Moving your body reduces the risk of chronic diseases, ups your energy levels, produces endorphins to improve your mood and can help with feelings of anxiety or depression.
Many of our Bikergang listed spin (we see you!) as a way of taking care of their mental and physical health and we totally agree! Read more about how spin improves heart health and can help you cope during times of mental illness.
Treat Yourself to a Good Shave
This is a fun one! Not just a treat yourself moment that can help boost your mood but also a self-hygiene one. Having a good shave can be a part of your self-care routine that keeps your skin and body healthy, and whether you would prefer to treat yourself to a nice new shaving kit or with a visit to the barber, our Bikergang knows how far a fresh shave can go in making it a good day.
Get an Annual Check-up
Whether you are male or female, annual check-ups are so important in checking in with your body and mind in ways you are not able to every day. You may not find anything out of the normal but taking that precaution never hurts.
Fill Your Body With Fruits and Veggies
Feeding your body with good food can benefit both your body and mind. Food is fuel and many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins that help reduce inflammation as well as fight diseases. BONUS: These same nutrients are also proven to boost your mental health!
Seek Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it or offer it when you think someone else is in need. Reaching out can be hard, even if it’s just to a friend or family member, but it can also be the first step when you are feeling low. For more help in times of need, you can find resources here
To take care of others we first need to take care of ourselves. With these helpful tips in your pocket, we hope you can find the time to give yourself a little extra love and then help those who are also in need by donating to our Movember campaign.
Donate here or take an in-studio selfie with the mustaches provided, for every selfie posted we will donate a dollar to Movember and men’s health.