21/06/2026
As the sun is beginning to set on the longest day of the year, the end of a beautiful day, we can’t help but share this very important message that Colin from North Doc kindly gave us permission to share. This past week has been Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week and it’s a very important subject to talk about- women will have the cup of coffee/tea/glass of wine and chat with their friends and share their thoughts/troubles with each other, but men tend to brush it off, so if you can take a few minutes and read these wise words below and look after yourself and your mental health, and the next time you’re asked “how are you?” answer honestly and then ask the question back and listen to the answer 💚💛
Shared with kind permission from Colin in North Doc
1. Stress
Tightens muscles, raises blood pressure, disrupts sleep, and weakens immunity.
→ When stress becomes chronic, your body stays stuck in survival mode, slowly draining your energy and resilience.
2. Anxiety
Triggers a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, restlessness, and digestive issues.
→ Your body reacts as though a threat is present, even when the danger exists only in your mind.
3. Anger
Increases heart strain, raises blood pressure, and floods the body with stress hormones.
→ Unresolved anger often harms the person carrying it more than the person it's directed at.
4. Sadness
Drains motivation, lowers energy, and creates a feeling of physical heaviness.
→ Prolonged sadness can affect both mental and physical well-being.
5. Fear
Activates the fight-or-flight response and keeps cortisol levels elevated.
→ Living in constant fear keeps the body alert but slowly exhausts it over time.
6. Guilt
Creates inner tension, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
→ Carrying guilt for too long can feel like dragging an invisible weight everywhere you go.
7. Joy
Boosts immunity, supports heart health, and releases feel-good chemicals in the brain.
→ Joy is not just an emotion—it is medicine for the body.
8. Love
Lowers stress, improves emotional balance, and supports overall well-being.
→ Feeling connected, valued, and cared for has a powerful healing effect on both mind and body.
9. Calmness
Slows the heart rate, balances hormones, and improves mental clarity.
→ A calm mind creates the conditions for a healthier body.
10. Gratitude
Improves sleep, reduces stress, and increases feelings of happiness and contentment.
→ The more grateful you become, the more your mind begins to focus on what is good rather than what is missing.
The Buddha taught that the mind and body are deeply connected.
When the mind suffers, the body often follows.
When the mind finds peace, the body benefits too.
Your body is always listening to your emotions, even when you aren't paying attention.
So don't just take care of your body.
Take care of your thoughts.
Take care of your heart.
Take care of your inner world.
https://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2026.html
Men's Health Week 2026 on the island of Ireland
