Men’s Health Awareness Month

Professor Alex Betts, Local and Global Engagement Officer and Chair of the University’s Wellbeing Delivery Group

November is Men’s Health Awareness month – aka Movember. Whilst the key focus of this month is often perceived to be around some of the most serious men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide; the Movember Foundation also encourages men to adopt a healthier lifestyle and think about their general wellbeing. 

I’ve just taken over as Chair of the University’s Wellbeing Delivery Group, and that’s given me a chance to learn more about our fantastic staff wellbeing programme; Thriving at Oxford. It offers online resources, has set up an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with a 24/7 helpline offering support and practical guidance, and ran a 10-day wellbeing event series in June. However we know that engagement is primarily from female colleagues, and so I would like to use this Movember to encourage all our staff to reflect on wellbeing more generally.

Wellbeing is about mental and physical health. It’s about doing things that enable us to flourish, be happy, and reach our potential even when life gets challenging. We know that this is different for everyone: what works for one person won’t work for another. Wellness is a personal thing, and what makes you feel good will vary according to your circumstances and stage of life. However, there are some things which research shows often applies: good sleep, good nutrition, exercise, volunteering, spending time outside, connecting with people, feeling useful and valued, hobbies and flow activities, doing kind things for others. 

For me personally, I tend to feel mentally well when I am also physically well.  Like many colleagues, I have young children and a very busy work life. To be effective as both a parent and colleague, I have tried to become aware of the things that enable me to feel on top of life. 

Sleep is key. It isn’t always possible for me to sleep for 8 hours, and with young kids it’s a lot harder than it used to be, and yet when I do manage to get enough sleep, everything feels much better. Exercise is massively important to me. Being involved in sport gives me structure, a focus that has nothing to do with work or family, and makes me happy. When my Mum died a few year ago, I found exercise a really useful way of managing grief. I also don’t get much time to socialise, but going running in the morning with a friend gives me the chance to have a chat before the workday begins. I also used to take the bus to work, but in the last couple of years, since the pandemic, I have taken up cycling, despite initially being terrified of Oxford’s roads. I find that being outside and doing exercise is a more enjoyable way to get around the city.  I now cycle to coach my 8 year old’s football team at Oxford City. 

What I eat and drink makes a huge difference to my mood. I gave up drinking alcohol when I was an undergraduate. And despite having to deal with peer pressure at the time, it’s something I’m now really glad about. I’ve also learned a lot about what nutrition works for me, and in doing so discovered what foods make me feel well. 

These habits are very personal. Many people face serious challenges, which may be linked to health, family, work, or money. In comparison, mine are much more trivial. Are my kids happy? Will I make my work deadline? Have I taken on too many commitments? Will my next academic article be accepted? For almost everyone, daily life can be a source of stress. There are things we can all do to contribute to our wellbeing, and I’d really encourage you to spend some time this Movember to consider what could improve your wellbeing and that of people close to you.

Visit the Thriving at Oxford website to find out more about the wellbeing support and resources available to staff.