Let’s Talk About Men’s Health – Steve’s Story
Talking about Men’s Health is something we think needs to be encouraged and done more often.
Four of our Body Mechanics clients have shared their stories about what causes them stress, how they manage that stress and their overall health and wellbeing and in this blog we will hear Nick's story.
It’s interesting to discover what health and wellbeing means to different people and its context in their everyday life.
Steve Williams
Key Facts
- 55 years young
- Watchmaker (fully qualified with nearly 40 years in the trade), company director/owner of a small independent watch and clock retail and repair business
- Married to Michelle for 23 years
- Pets are numerous cats, at one point having 4 in the house but now sadly only 1....
"Life is a challenge to everyone, it’s how you face that challenge and try to overcome it that will give you a fulfilling and enjoyable existence."
Biggest stressor?
The biggest stressor I find is to be running a small business while trying to make ends meet in the current difficult retail environment. This is made even more difficult by the Brexit uncertainty and the proliferation of online retail, this year more-so, with the enforced lockdown closure which us and many businesses have had to endure....
How do you manage that stress and your health and wellbeing?
To combat the stress, and to keep a good work/life balance, I enjoy exercise and also teach martial arts (been training in a Japanese style, Shorinji Kempo, for over 35 years) after many years of being a “gym body” the last few years have seen me getting back into cycling in a big way (used to cycle in my late teens but had almost 20 years off the bike) now cycling around 100 to 200 miles every week. I also so callisthenics workouts 2 or 3 times a week instead of gym training, to keep the body fit in addition to the cycling.
I enjoy travelling, but more the long weekend city breaks than the week or two lazing on a beach.... a long weekend is just enough to recharge the batteries. Although this last year there has sadly been no travelling, that just leaves more time for the bike....
Also a great de-stressor is to get a good book, and a cat (other pets are available) on your lap and just chill out for a couple of hours.....
A physiotherapy and/or sports massage session regularly can also help to de-stress the body and ease those muscles you are working to de-stress the mind....
What do you gain from your physical exercise?
For me, physical exercise is an essential part of keeping my mental health as well as my physical health. Other people may find other ways to maintain mental health and stability, whether it’s seeing friends, socialising, alcohol, food, anything..... it doesn’t matter as long as it works for you and doesn’t have a negative effect on others, then it’s great.....
For me, physical exercise is an essential part of keeping my mental health as well as my physical health
My health and wellbeing aims...
Looking to the future, I just hope that I can maintain what I’ve got. We all suffer ageing in different ways and I’m already suffering arthritis in my hips but by keeping up the exercise routines I’m hoping to be active well into retirement.....
Life is a challenge to everyone, it’s how you face that challenge and try to overcome it that will give you a fulfilling and enjoyable existence.
We’d also like to hear from you, our male readers, about how you manage your own health and wellbeing. We’ve put together a short survey for you to answer by clicking on the image below.
Please only provide information you are comfortable sharing. Your data is submitted anonymously and is not shared outside of The Body Mechanics Team. We value your privacy. Thank you for your participation. We value your insights.