November is coming - A month to focus on self-care, movement and wellbeing!
As October draws to a close and November is around the corner, it's a good time to think about how we're looking after ourselves as we head into the colder months.
With colder days, darker evenings and Christmas creeping onto the calendar, it's easy to put ourselves last. But looking after your health doesn't have to involve a big lifestyle change. Often, it's the little things we do each day that help us feel better.
November is also home to some important health awareness campaigns, including Movember, World Diabetes Day and Self-Care Week. So, we're taking the opportunity to talk about looking after ourselves, staying active and making time for our wellbeing.
Self-Care Week: 16–22 November
Self-Care Week is a good reminder that looking after our health shouldn't just happen when something goes wrong or when January comes around!
Self-care looks different for everyone. It could be getting outside for a walk, making time for a hobby, having an evening to yourself or finally getting that niggling ache checked out.
It's also about paying attention to how we're feeling and knowing when it's time to ask for help.
Here are five simple ways to look after yourself this November.
1. Keep moving
When it's cold, wet and miserable outside, an afternoon indoors can be hard to resist! But keeping active is still important, even when the weather isn't on our side.
You don't need to do anything strenuous. A short walk at lunchtime, gentle stretches or an activity you enjoy are all good places to start. Find something that works for you and try to make it part of a routine.
2. Give your back and neck some attention
Working at a desk, driving, scrolling on your phone and spending more time indoors can all mean we're sitting in one position for longer than we'd like.
Try to get up regularly, take breaks and make sure your workspace is comfortable. And don't worry about trying to sit in one perfect position all day. Changing position and moving regularly are important too.
3. Make time to switch off
Between work, family life and everything else that needs doing, finding time to relax isn't always easy.
But downtime matters. Whether it's reading a book, catching up with a friend or having an evening with absolutely nothing planned, give yourself permission to take a break.
4. Listen to your body
We all get aches, pains and tiredness from time to time. But if something isn't improving, keeps coming back or is getting worse, it's worth paying attention to.
If pain is affecting sleep, work, exercise or everyday life, consider getting some professional advice. You don't have to wait until it becomes unbearable to do something about it.
5. Don't wait until January!
There's no rule that says you have to wait for the new year to make a change.
November is as good a time as any to start a new routine, build healthier habits or book an appointment about something that's been bothering you.
Start small and be realistic about what you can manage. You're much more likely to stick with a change that fits into your everyday life than one that turns your whole routine upside down.
World Diabetes Day: A Little More Understanding Goes a Long Way
World Diabetes Day takes place on the 14th of November and raises awareness of a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It's also a chance to challenge some common misconceptions and show support for people living with diabetes.
One important thing to know is that type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different conditions.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. It isn't caused by eating too much sugar or making unhealthy lifestyle choices, and it can't currently be prevented. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes affects how the body produces or uses insulin. Genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle can all play a part in someone's risk of developing it.
For someone living with diabetes, managing the condition can involve daily planning, monitoring and decisions that other people might not even notice. A bit of understanding and support can make a real difference.
Everyone's experience of diabetes is different, and World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and help people better understand the condition.
For trusted information and advice, visit the NHS diabetes information page.
Movember: Men's Health Matters
Movember takes place throughout November and focuses on men's health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
It's a good opportunity to remind ourselves that looking after our health isn't just about dealing with a problem when it becomes too difficult to ignore.
It's easy to put off an appointment when life gets busy. Sometimes we hope something will sort itself out, or we simply put everyone else's needs before our own.
This November, we're encouraging men to make time for their health, talk about any concerns and seek advice when something doesn't feel right.
That might mean booking a routine health check, opening up about how you're feeling or getting persistent back or neck pain assessed. Whatever it is, taking that first step is important.
And remember, men's health matters all year round, not just in November.
A Few Things to Think About Before December
With Christmas getting closer, November can quickly become a busy month. Before the festive rush takes over, take a moment to think about how you're doing.
Have you been getting enough movement during the day? Are you making time to rest? Is there something you've been meaning to do for your health but keep putting off?
You don't need to sort everything out at once. Pick one thing you'd like to focus on this week and start there.
It could be as simple as going for a walk, making time to relax or booking that appointment you've been thinking about.
Looking after yourself doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, just getting started is enough.