Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Good morning, fellow go-getters! Daniel G. Taylor here, CEO of Mayer Marketing Agency and mental health advocate. Today, we’re diving into a topic close to my heart: Men’s Health Day.
As entrepreneurs, we often prioritize our businesses over our well-being. But here’s the truth: your health is your most valuable asset. Let’s explore how you can level up your health game and crush it in business and life.
Table of contents
- Key Takeaways:
- Men’s Health Day: More Than Just a Date
- Aligning Your Life with Your Values
- Building Resilience: The Entrepreneur’s Superpower
- Physical Health: Your Business’s Secret Weapon
- Mental Health: The Entrepreneur’s Edge
- Connecting with Others: Your Support Network
- Empowering Yourself, Empowering Your Business
- Conclusion: Your Health, Your Success
- Action Steps:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Key Takeaways:
- Align your life with your highest values for better mental health
- Practice daily mindfulness meditation to manage stress
- Prioritize physical health through nutrition and exercise
- Connect with others and build a support network
- Attend workshops and seek professional help when needed
Men’s Health Day: More Than Just a Date
Men’s Health Day isn’t just a single day. It’s part of a larger movement to spotlight men’s health issues. In Australia, we celebrated Men’s Health Week from June 10-16, 2024. This week is all about encouraging us blokes to take charge of our health.
The theme this year? “Men’s Health Checks.” It’s a reminder to keep tabs on our physical and mental well-being. After all, you can’t conquer the business world if you’re not at your best, right?
Aligning Your Life with Your Values
Here’s a pro tip I’ve learned over the years: the best way to improve your mental health is to align your life with your highest values. It’s like setting your internal GPS to your true north.
What does this mean for you, the ambitious entrepreneur? It means focusing on what truly matters. Delegate the rest. Trust me, your mind (and your business) will thank you.
For me, this looks like reading and writing. It always has. I take what I learn in books and share it through my writing and speaking and mentoring sessions with young male entrepreneurs. What does it look like for you?
Building Resilience: The Entrepreneur’s Superpower
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a skill that can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. That’s why I run men’s mental health workshops designed to help young men like you build resilience.
These workshops are like bootcamps for your mind. We tackle stress management, emotional intelligence, and strategies to bounce back from setbacks. Because, in the startup world (like the rest of life), setbacks are just part of the game.
Physical Health: Your Business’s Secret Weapon
Now, let’s talk about your physical health. It’s not just about looking good in your LinkedIn profile pic (though that’s a nice bonus and I can recommend some talented photographers). A healthy body fuels a sharp mind, and that’s crucial for making those million-dollar decisions.
Here are some quick tips:
- Get moving: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. It could be a gym session, a run, or even a brisk walk between meetings.
- Eat well: Fuel your body with nutritious food. Think lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies.
- Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Your brain needs it to process information and make decisions.
- Stay hydrated: Keep that water bottle handy. Proper hydration keeps your brain firing on all cylinders.
Mental Health: The Entrepreneur’s Edge
Let’s get real for a moment. As someone who’s lived with bipolar disorder for 28 years, I know firsthand the importance of mental health. It’s not just about avoiding burnout. It’s about thriving in the face of challenges.
One practice I swear by? Mindfulness meditation. Just 20 minutes a day can work wonders. I use the Headspace app (not to be confused with the Aussie youth mental health org). It’s like a gym for your mind.
Remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a smart business move. When you’re mentally strong, you’re better equipped to handle the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.
Connecting with Others: Your Support Network
Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: the importance of connection. As men, we often try to go it alone. But having a solid support network can be a game-changer.
This coming week, why not reach out to a mate? Ask them how they’re really doing. And don’t be afraid to open up yourself. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the foundation of strong relationships.
Empowering Yourself, Empowering Your Business
Here’s the bottom line: when you empower yourself in the areas of physical and mental health, you’re better able to build your business and make your impact on the world.
Think about it. When you’re feeling your best, you bring your A-game to every pitch, every negotiation, every strategy session. You’re more creative, more resilient, and more confident.
So, this Men’s Health Day, I challenge you to invest in yourself. Your future self (and your future business) will thank you.
Conclusion: Your Health, Your Success
Remember, lads, your health isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about optimizing your performance in all areas of life. By taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success in business and beyond.
So, let’s make every day Men’s Health Day. Your body, your mind, and your business will thank you.
Action Steps:
- Schedule a health check-up. And let’s face facts: if you’re sexually active (especially if your preference is for unprotected sex with strangers), get tested for STIs every 3 months.
- Start a daily mindfulness practice. Power up: combine it with a journaling and gratitude journal practice where you list at least 5 things you’re grateful for each day.
- Reach out to a mate and have a proper conversation. Best way to start this conversation is to ask your mate, “How can I help you?”
- Attend a men’s health workshop or seminar. If you’d like to book me to speak on men’s mental health and how to create your resilience action plan, I’d love the opportunity.
- Review your diet and exercise routine. Good physical health remains simple: eat less, exercise more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While there isn’t a specific Men’s Mental Health Day, we celebrate Men’s Health Week in June and International Men’s Day on November 19th. Both events focus on men’s physical and mental health.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For active men or those looking to build muscle, this can increase to 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram.
The average man needs about 2,500 calories per day to maintain weight. However, this varies based on age, height, weight, activity level, and goals. Consult a nutritionist for personalized advice.
To gain muscle, aim for 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Combine this with strength training for best results.
The old “8 glasses a day” rule is a good start. However, your needs may vary. A good rule of thumb is to drink enough so that your urine is pale yellow. For most men, this is about 3-4 liters per day.
Remember, mates, health isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. And it’s one we’re all on together for our entire lives. Here’s to your health, your success, and your impact on the world. Cheers!