Men’s health matters: Conversations with our team
Men’s health often takes a backseat to work, responsibilities, and life’s pressures. But looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is key to a balanced, fulfilling life!
In recognition of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we’ve taken the opportunity to sit down with members of our team to explore what health means to them. From their personal experiences to the challenges they face and the strategies they use to stay well, their stories highlight the importance of talking openly about health and give us tips and advice we can all use.
Tom Butcher – Sales Director
When you think about health and wellbeing, what does it mean to you personally?
I’ve worked with some of the UK’s leading professionals in physiology, nutrition, mental and musculoskeletal health, and personal health & wellbeing is about all these things, however, I most believe that it is about consistency. You can achieve most things in life (including your health goals) if you keep building on a foundation of good decisions, self-honesty, self-awareness and underlying drive. Just keep on continually tweaking and amending your choices and behaviours and you’ll get to where you want to be, or near enough.
What’s one health habit or tip that’s made the biggest difference in your life?
Sleep is absolutely crucial as it has a cumulative effect that helps you come out fighting each day, regardless of the challenge. Being in a sleep deficit will creep up on you gradually, but you can’t undo it with a single lie-in. Ever since I met my wife, she has insisted we go to sleep by 10 pm most nights. I thought it was crazy at first (what about all the great TV?), but 15 years later, I’m a total convert. Also, and this is a bit crazy, I’ve started taping my mouth up for sleep, which sounds uncomfortable, but it really helps with deep breathing and uninterrupted REM sleep (and no snoring). I’d highly recommend it, so long as you aren’t claustrophobic!
Winter can be tough for staying healthy – do you have any routines or practices that help you keep well during the colder months?
It’s always easier to find excuses in the winter, and I’ve been guilty of this recently. My advice is to pull yourself back towards balancing the foundation of your health & wellbeing, not to be too hard on yourself and avoid going from boom to bust. If you find that you can’t do your weekly outdoor exercise, try not to compound that by increasing what you eat and drink. If you find yourself going out more (dinners, gatherings) don’t party too hard every time. If the long nights are getting you down, find a new way to enjoy the daylight while it is there. You should aim to restore the equilibrium lost.
Mark Rowley – Marketing Manager
When you think about health and wellbeing, what does it mean to you personally?
For me, health and wellbeing mean looking after both my body and my mind. It’s about trying to be physically active and at the same time focussing on my mental health by doing things that keep my mind active and make me happy, like spending time with my daughter. Taking time for myself is also important. Having free time lets me relax, reflect, and unwind.
What’s one health habit or tip that’s made the biggest difference in your life?
“You are what you eat” is an old saying but definitely rings true for me. I notice a massive difference in my energy and happiness when I eat healthier food and find it easier to exercise and feel better about myself. It is about finding a balance for me as well, if I deprive myself of foods I enjoy, like chocolate, it doesn’t take long for me to fall into bad habits again.
Winter can be tough for staying healthy – do you have any routines or practices that help you keep well during the colder months?
I try to get outside for a walk most days. I find that being outside helps lift my mood and makes me more energised for the day. It is too easy to sit on the sofa and scroll through my phone, so I make a concerted effort to have a break from technology when I go on a walk, so no headphones or podcasts.
Daniel Mines – Strategic Relationship Manager
When you think about health and wellbeing, what does it mean to you personally?
Health and Wellbeing is about being the best version of myself, but also better than yesterday. There is a saying that Joe Wicks (The Body coach) preaches, ‘You’ll never feel bad after a workout, no matter how bad you felt before’, and I couldn’t agree more. Exercise, no matter the form, never has a negative impact on my day and exercising before work massively improves my mental health and gets my day going! The fitness/sporting community is also unmatched and plays a huge part in my social life. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who want to better themselves is extremely motivating!
What’s one health habit or tip that’s made the biggest difference in your life?
Do something that you enjoy; otherwise, you won’t stick to it. Naturally, you’ll see your favourite celebrity or friends on Instagram, and you’ll want to copy their workout or activity. I often see people who are new to or returning to fitness get put off because it’s too hard and, therefore, not enjoyable. Start small, sample different activities, and see what you like. Once you find something you enjoy, set yourself small goals and build on them by 5% each week.
Exercising with a friend will make you more accountable. I can’t recommend Couch to 5k enough—it’s a wonderful programme! Finally, never compare yourself to anybody else; everybody is on their own journey.
Winter can be tough for staying healthy – do you have any routines or practices that help you keep well during the colder months?
Exercise and staying active can be tough, especially when it gets cold! I look at my schedule for the week on a Sunday and block some ‘Active times’ in for the upcoming week. I find things easier to stick to if they are planned rather than ‘I’ll go to the gym at some point today’. I’d also suggest planning what you are going to wear and laying it out on the floor next to your bed or in a safe space. This makes it easier to prepare on cold mornings and also makes you accountable to yourself!
Tom Croghan – Head of Bids
When you think about health and wellbeing, what does it mean to you personally?
Health and wellbeing, to me, are about creating a balanced life where we’re supported in both our work and personal time. It’s about feeling able to thrive, not just survive. When we have the time and space to care for ourselves—physically and mentally—it makes a real difference in how we approach each day.
What’s one health habit or tip that’s made the biggest difference in your life?
One habit that’s made a big difference for me is simply ensuring I take regular breaks throughout the day. Even if it’s just a short walk or a few minutes of quiet time, stepping away from work helps clear my mind, reset, and stay focused. These small moments are incredibly important for maintaining energy and managing stress. It’s easy to forget the importance of taking time for yourself, but when we build these habits into our routine, it’s surprising how much of an impact it can have on both our health and productivity.
Winter can be tough for staying healthy – do you have any routines or practices that help you keep well during the colder months?
Winter can be challenging for staying healthy, particularly when the days are shorter, and it’s harder to get outside. I’ve found that maintaining simple routines like getting enough rest, staying active indoors, and enjoying hearty, nutritious meals make a real difference. It’s also about recognising that winter can feel isolating, so making time to connect with others or do something you enjoy can help lift your spirits!
Thank you to the two Toms, Mark and Danny, for speaking to us about what health means to you! We hope you can put all their tips and advice to good use!
If you’d like to learn more about the key issues affecting men’s health and the important role employers can play in helping their employees to achieve better health and wellbeing, click here to check out our pre-recorded “Making men’s health better” webinar.
For more information on how Medigold Health can support you in promoting better health and wellbeing among your workforce, click here.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice regarding your health and wellbeing.
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