Booze cruise or world cruise, I guess it depends on your age, but one common element that runs through both of these choices is the need to ‘getaway’. Over the last couple of weeks, I enjoyed immensely my time away as a speaker on the Fred Olsen Balmoral and was very interested to speak to several gentlemen on why they had chosen to take a cruise. Because they were able to visit places they wouldn’t usually have the chance to, it was convenient and simple, good company and stress-free, eat and drink as much as you like, no hurrying around, relaxation and a break from ‘normal’ life. Not easy to access the internet, chance to switch off from work, rest from being a full-time carer.
Men And Stress The Harsh Reality
But, the message I received was loud and clear, these gentlemen were trying to escape from ‘stress’. Most of us can relate to feeling overwhelmed, waiting for our next holiday for a ‘break’. The word convenience, also made me stop and think, that our world is built upon convenience, convenience food, mobile phones, instant access, to money and the internet, instant gratification. I want it, and I want it NOW. Do you remember the old saying, patience is a virtue, and that is never so true as it is now? Our world is moving to fast for us, we can’t keep up with everyday life.
So it is no wonder that a later life choice for a hard-working man over the age of 55, or popular retirement gift might be a Cruise. Why? Because it is convenient, offers the chance to visit places around the globe that a hard-working man hasn’t had the opportunity of visiting previously, due to work and family commitments, or offers the chance of rest and relaxation for a person who may be a carer or suffering ill-health, or following the loss of a partner.
The sad reality is, for men of any age, especially those with dependents and commitments, that holding out for our next big holiday can often be greeted with feeling low, or suffering minor ailments as we haven’t been looking after ourselves properly in-between times. Now is the time to ensure that we look after ourselves properly, so that we can enjoy life and later life fully. And it should be no surprise to you that the secret to a healthy balanced lifestyle is simplicity.
My 10 Tips
Here are 10 top tips you can do every day to improve your health and emotional balance
- Have Fun and be positive!
- Take ‘time out’ for yourself – daily
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night
- Make time for ‘lunch’ and meal breaks, away from the ‘office’, sat down at a table and eat more fresh food
- Take regular exercise
- Avoid excesses, such as overwork, overeating alcohol, smoking, drugs
- Spend time outdoors – daily
- Practice mindfulness – living in the moment, not thinking about the past too much or the future
- Discover your real purpose
- Find a sense of spirituality
