Looking after our mental health and wellbeing isn't something from everyday life. It's a part of how we live, work, connect, and show up in the world.
We have different 'tools' in our kit, and from our little part of the wellbeing world, here in Leigh-on-Sea, we want to try and use our little corner of the internet to do something a little different this month.
Instead of talking about products or routines, we’ve asked a handful of local men we know, to share what wellbeing means to them personally. How they relax, escape, and create a work and life balance.
Read their comments below, and please join us on Instagram to join the conversation...
Ollie Smith, owner of Hopsters
For me, wellness is defined by moments of decompression. This includes spending time with friends, working out, reading in the garden, or even taking a cold plunge when I am feeling adventurous.
As a small business owner, the to-do list is always long. Sometimes it feels like I can't keep up and the feeling of burnout is creeping up on me. I find that setting time aside to stay present is incredibly grounding. These moments provide a necessary mental and physical rest that helps me recharge.
Stuart Allen, 38. Leigh Ward Councillor, The Jar Keeper, and shop assistant at The Refill Room.
As someone with epilepsy, it’s really important that I make time to switch off and look after myself. Being a Councillor, though, means always being available for residents, so finding that balance can be difficult.
Cooking and gardening are two things I really enjoy because they help me properly unwind. Going to the gym, or even treating myself to a cheeky facial at The Remedy, is also great for my mental health. More recently, my partner, Millie our dog and I have discovered Unyoked cabins. They’re completely off-grid and buried in the woods, which means I can properly switch off from everything for a couple of days and recharge.
John Hawker, 39, founder of Global Tech Collective and Host of the JobsWorth Podcast
Wellbeing, for me, is having the freedom to be present. It's making time for my family, getting outside, and recognising that being productive every minute of the day isn't the same as being fulfilled.
The older I've got, the more I've realised that balance isn't about splitting time equally; it's about being fully engaged in whatever matters most at that moment.
There's a lot of noise in my world, whether that's two young kids, running my own business, or the countless thoughts (some helpful, others not so much) rattling around in my head. I try my best to spend time doing things that quieten that noise.
Gardening is the cheapest form of therapy and, for me, one of the quickest paths to mindfulness. I'm also not ashamed to admit that, at the tender age of 39, I paint Warhammer miniatures. Henry Cavill's into it too, so it's cool right? Right???
Jake Savage, 32, Barber
Wellbeing to me is not letting work run my life, even though I didn’t have the best balance before. I’ve only recently started sorting that out and it’s made a big difference mentally. I go bouldering on my days off, game in the evenings, take my bald cat out for a walk, or just stick a film on to switch off and reset.
As you can see, their answers are honest and varied, and reflect the fact that there is no single definition of what it means to feel ‘well’.
From small daily habits to bigger perspectives on balance, rest, and resilience, their insights offer a simple but important reminder, that wellbeing looks different for everyone, and that’s exactly as it should be...
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If you are looking for a special something for the men in your life, we'd love to help recommend products, or perhaps a relaxing facial at our Leigh Marina treatment room. If we can help, please drop us a message or pop in to see us at The Remedy in Leigh-on-Sea.