Men’s Health Month: Balancing Health and Responsibilities

June is Men’s Health Month, arriving right in time for summer. And summer usually means you’ll be outside more, or at least I know I will. In addition to work, you’ll most likely be partaking in more social activities such as: happy hour after work, a lunch date with that beautiful significant other, hitting the gym after work and then going home to handle some of the smaller day-to-day responsibilities.

Is it just me or does it always seem like there is so much to do in so little time? This year, I’ve often had to remind myself that life is about balance. And as much as some of my friends like to call me superman, I have to remember that I’m not. Well...not entirely. Staying motivated and pushing yourself is only one part of the equation. As with any formula there are variables and, in this case, your mental and physical health are a big part of the equation.

The truth is: your health is your responsibility. I get it though, balancing work, social and general life responsibilities is time consuming. We live in an age where we no longer have to balance physical checkbooks, but your calendar is a different story. Here are tips to make staying on top of your health this season:

1. Use the weather to your advantage: Can’t make it to the gym tonight? That’s perfectly fine. Take advantage of the warm weather when you can. Park a little farther so that you’ll get a few extra steps on the walk to the office. Invest in a jump rope and spend a few minutes outside just keep yourself active. Take it a step further (no pun intended) and go for a walk on your breaks at work.
2. Schedule some time to see your primary doctor: Take some time off to see your doctor for a regular check-up. This may seem like a hindrance now, but I can assure you that it’s better to go for check-ups now, rather than to wait and have to schedule multiple visits later down the road.
3. Don’t overdo your workouts: You don’t have to spend three hours in a gym five days a week. Switch it up and make it fit your lifestyle. Three days a week at an hour is enough sometimes. Remember balance is key. Spend that extra time catching up on other things that you’re behind on.
4. Invest in a multivitamin: Let’s be honest, we won’t always have the time to make a salad for lunch, and fruits don’t make it into our breakfast bowl every morning. Having a multivitamin on hand is a good way to ensure that you’re getting some of the nutrients that you might miss out on a daily basis.
5. Relax: Make sure you’re getting enough rest. Sleeping is important, and you should allow time for you to get ample amounts of sleep. However, downtime is just as important. Those walks you take aren’t always for your physical health. Take a walk to refresh and relax your mind as well.

Download the Virtual Bar: Last – but definitely not least – you should download the Virtual Bar app. It’s a great way to see how food, alcohol and other factors affect your BAC. Remember that it’s your responsibility to take care of your health but it’s also your responsibility to learn your limits.