June is Men’s Health Month, here are 5 tips to help men live healthier and happier lives

Many men are often told and encouraged to “be healthier,” but how vague can a statement like that be?

Everyone has different health goals — yours might be to find better ways to destress, theirs might be to drop a few pounds — but the journeys to achieving them begin the same way: developing habits that help men live better, happier lives.

Consider these five suggestions to help you, or the men in your life, live the best, healthiest and happiest life you can.

Visit your doctor, even if you’re feeling well

If possible, and if you don’t already have one, find a primary care doctor and visit them at least once a year. An annual physical and lab work can reveal so much about your health and could be the best starting off point in your effort to get healthier.

Furthermore, a physician you trust will do wonders for your anxiety. Men’s health is all encompassing: physical, physiological, psychological, sexual and so on. Having a professional you can talk to about concerns you have will alleviate so much stress in your life.

Only three out of five men get annual physicals, and more than 40% of men only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition. Don’t become a statistic.

Drop those bad habits

We all know by now that drinking and smoking can be detrimental to our health. Men are more likely to be addicted to nicotine and drink alcohol more than women do, so it’s time to evaluate how these habits are negatively impacting your wellbeing.

Smoking can cause everything from coronary heart disease to infertility. Alcohol abuse comes with a host of risks like high blood pressure, cancers and violence. Is it worth it?

A doctor can help develop a plan for quitting these habits.

Don’t neglect your mental health

More than six million men deal with depression every year and more than three million men have a panic disorder — but less than half will seek treatment.

It’s time to cut through the stigmas.

Men who express themselves verbally during times of vulnerability are less likely to express themselves in harmful ways, such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence and more.

Eat your fruits and veggies

Do your best to eat a balanced diet full of quality protein (anything from a quality source like a neighborhood butcher or farm), healthy fats (avocado, ghee, fish, almonds, organic eggs) and complex carbs (chickpeas, rolled oats, black beans, whole wheat, apples, bananas) while staying away from processed foods and excessive sugar.

Start with small changes, like ditching the sweet tea for unsweet or trading in the morning donut for a piece of fruit and a boiled egg.

Eating better will help you sleep better, give you more energy and help cut down on stress.

Get some cardio in

Ugh, cardio. As much as it might suck, we need it. So, get out there and walk at least 30 minutes a day, or get a membership to your local YMCA and do some swimming. Or, if you have kids, challenge them to some WWE-style roughhousing on the living room floor.

However you decide to get moving, make it part of your routine and, next thing you know, you’re feeling better and losing some pounds.