No doubt you’ve seen the meme: ‘Until further notice the days of the week are now called Thisday, Thatday, Otherday, Someday, Yesterday, Today and Nextday!’
As fun as the first half of 2020 was, it is nice to look at what is on the horizon for the next few months as we see out this ‘unprecedented’ year (if I had a dollar for everytime I heard or read that word, I could buy quite a few thesauruses!).
There is good news, there are only four more months to go. Before you know it, there’ll be Christmas decorations hanging from the ceiling.
Now, I'm not saying any of us should be wishing our lives away, but that amount of time equals:
- 116 sleeps before Christmas (I heard your inner child just squeal!)
- 123 days until New Year’s Eve (and your liver groaning)
- Under 3000 total hours until 2021
- A little over 2000 waking hours if you sleep a minimum 7 hours each night
- Less than 1900 hours if you subtract an hour for daily exercise.
We got this!
For the time that’s left, I suggest adding some structure to your calendar by joining in a few health-focused events and activities. It can be helpful to have a goal, or something to look forward to. For example, Employ Health recently hosted a virtual running festival in August - the Dream Big Virtual Running Festival. Personally, I found it immensely valuable to have something to grasp onto and a goal to work towards.
Here’s what the next few months look like:
September
- Women’s Health Week: 7th to 11th September
Next week is Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week. Traditionally, women excel at putting the needs of others before their own. Not this week. The purpose of the campaign is to support and encourage Australian women to prioritise good health. As the website says, unlock your own powers for good health and join in an event or online activity in your state. For more info, check out the events page.
Remember what we all know to be true: look after yourself first, before you help others. As they used to say back in the days of air travel: ‘Apply your own oxygen mask first!’
A special comedy event is also scheduled on Saturday 26th September: The 4th Annual Women’s Health Week Comedy Gala, featuring an impressive line up of female funnies. Who couldn’t use more laughter this year?
- RU Ok Day: Thursday 10th September
This day feels even more salient this year. Many people are familiar with RU OK? and the organisation’s efforts to make us all better at checking in on our mates. The focus this year is ‘there’s more to say’. How do we respond if we ask the question, and someone says they’re not okay? If you don’t feel confident, learn a few tips to progress that conversation with sensitivity.
To summarise, these are the four key steps:
- Ask
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
- World Heart Day: Tuesday 29th September
Tuesday 29th September is World Heart Day. Almost 18 million people die globally every year from cardiovascular disease, and over 80% of these deaths are avoidable! Make sure you don’t become part of this statistic by exercising regularly. Hard to get motivated? Exercise with a friend or join a Heart Foundation Walking group.
October
- Mental Health Week: various
A nation-wide event each year to improve awareness and engagement on mental health and wellbeing. Each state has a slightly different week, jump on google and see when your area’s scheduled.
November
November is the month each year where blokes around the globe grow, or attempt to grow, a mo’, in support of men’s health. Health topics supported are prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
There are three main ways you can support the charitable efforts of Movember:
- Grow a Mo
- Move for Movember (60km run/walk)
- Host a Mo-ment (host or participate in a fundraising event)
Consider starting a workplace team to grow a mo, moving for movember or holding a fundraising event at work.
Movember are also currently seeking fresh new ideas to digitally address social isolation. Put your thinking hat on, sit in a sandbox and submit your solution to their social connections challenge by mid-October.
December
We made it to Christmas! I’m sure more than ever this year we will all appreciate and need no reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Look after yourself and let’s cross fingers, toes and eyes that we can be with our loved ones in person this festive season!
