June is Men’s Health Month, an initiative that encourages open conversations about masculine-identifying people’s mental health and physical well-being.
By the numbers:
- According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, of the estimated 4,000 suicide deaths in Canada each year, close to 75% are men.
- Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues and feel more stigmatized when they do talk about their mental health. In fact, last fiscal year, only 33% of new cases seen in the CPA Assist Program identified as male.
- The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation cites that 72% of Canadian men have unhealthy habits, such as unhealthy diet, bad sleep habits, lack of exercise, and excessive drinking or smoking, putting them at risk for chronic conditions and diseases.
Physical activity is an affordable and beneficial intervention that significantly enhances mental health outcomes for men.
With busy work lives and long days at the office, it can be hard to find time for daily exercise. The good news is that even small amounts of exercise can have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. So, whether you make it to the gym or squeeze in some extra steps, research indicates that regular physical activity positively impacts mental health.
This June, CPA Assist challenges you to move!
Here are a few simple ways to move more with a busy schedule:
- Park farther away: Save the stress of fighting for the closest spot. Park farther away from your final destination and get a few more steps in.
- Skip the elevator and take the stairs: Elevators may go up, but they don’t make your heart rate climb. Opt for the stairs whenever you can, even if it’s just for a floor or two.
- Neck stretches from your office chair: Gently tilt your head to the side, bringing one ear toward your shoulder, and hold for 15-30 seconds.
- Exercise while brushing: Do squats or lunges while brushing your teeth.
- Counter push-ups: Knock out a quick set of push-ups against the kitchen counter while waiting for your morning coffee to brew.
- Deep breathing: Slow intentional breaths from your diaphragm help manage stressful work environments by calming the mind and body and enhancing concentration.
- Walk and talk: Instead of taking phone calls glued to your chair, make a habit of walking while you talk.
- Family walks: Spend quality time with your family by going for a walk together.
- Get restful sleep: Prioritize quality sleep at the same time every day, as it plays a crucial role in mental health consistency. Plus, the more rest you get, the more energized you’ll feel to move your body!
Remember, every movement counts! Incorporating small changes into your daily routine can significantly impact your overall health without even realizing it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out. CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services, 24/7 crisis support, and health and wellness services to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. Call the free confidential support line at 1-855-596-4222 or by email at cpaforbes@telus.net.
Additional resources:
Physical Activity Helps Reduce Depression and Anxiety | HeadsUpGuys
Tackling Depression Through Physical Activity | HeadsUpGuys
Men’s Mental Health and Suicide in Canada. (mentalhealthcommission.ca)
Detoxifying masculinity: How men’s groups reshape attitudes (theconversation.com)