Even though June is technically Men’s Health Month, you have probably heard lots of talk about Movember, which is an annual event involving the growing of mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. As our products are engineered to help your beard, we also support No Shave November. 

The following are the focal points of the Movember Foundation. For you and all the dads, brothers, sons, and friends in your life, let’s make this month about truly taking care of ourselves and lifting each other up to be our best.

Improving Quality of Life

Spend time outdoors and with loved ones. As we’ve said before, and we’ll say again, getting outside and soaking up the sun is truly therapeutic. This month, devote yourself to spending less time in front of a screen and more time under the sun. Do something simple like setting a time limit on your apps so that you don’t mindlessly waste away the day scrolling through social media.

Create an environment that makes you happy. Ever heard of the Danish term Hygge? Well it is a word for the mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. Basically, set up your environment in a way that makes you feel happy and at peace, and the results may surprise you. Light a candle, turn on some music, cook a meal that smells delicious - do whatever it is that will give you a feeling of comfort.

Perform random acts of kindness for others. We benefit greatly when we give back - it’s a psychological fact, and the opportunities are endless. Whether you go big like volunteer at a soup kitchen or keep it simple like paying for the person’s coffee behind you line, little acts of kindness go a long way in boosting your mood and making someone else’s day at the same time.

Preventing Suicide in Men

Ask how others are doing. Don’t just ask how someone is doing because it’s the default at the beginning of a conversation - truly ask and look them in the eye when you do. We all, by nature, thrive more when others take genuine interest in our well-being, so be that person for someone else.

Check in with your loved ones. Called your mom lately? How about your dad? Make it a point this month (and all year long) to reach out regularly to your loved ones and let them know you’re thinking of them. Even a quick 5 minute chat may turn their day around (and will likely improve yours, too).

Truly listen and seek understanding. In the same vein as genuinely asking how someone is doing, when you are on the listening end of the conversation, be sure you’re seeking understanding and expressing authentic curiosity in what the other has to say. You will likely find this is reciprocated for you.

Helping Men Take Action

Be a leader and encourage your friends to get involved. Take initiative and show excitement about getting involved in your workplace, friend group, or nonprofit organizations. Find a cause that speaks to your heart, and invite your friends to come along.

Create a local support group. What is it that you’re passionate about? Writing, music, basketball, math? Send out a poll on NextDoor or make a post on Facebook to see who all would be interested in gathering once a week or month to meet and share your mutual interest. Creating community around what we love is a great way to stay involved and keep our heads above water.

Volunteer with youth groups. Like we mentioned above with the random acts of kindness, giving back does wonders for our souls. Find a local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters or a YMCA and volunteer with kids - they need you, and you’ll find you need them, too.

Teaming Up with Great Minds

Collaborate with your colleagues to better your community. Be a leader at work and start an initiative to volunteer with a group of your colleagues. When great minds team up, so much can get done, and you have the perfect opportunity right in front of you to make a difference.

Attend networking events and meet others making a difference. Check out Meetup and find a group that’s already working toward a good cause. With minimal effort, you can show your support, meet others, build a sense of belonging - for yourself and the people around you. Heck, invite a friend - what’s it going to hurt?

Research names of those making an impact already and follow their work. One of the greatest ways to accomplish your goals and dreams is to observe others’ approaches to the same challenge. Pick up a memoir and soak up their strategies to begin defining your own.