Sometimes these adjustments can be very difficult to administer or to cope with.

The loss of a loved one and perhaps the loss of mobility or physical function can have a devastating effect on a person.

But one loss we often don't give due attention to, is the loss or interruption to our daily routine.

We rise at 6am, have breakfast, go to work, 10am is smoko, noon is lunch, 3pm onwards smoko, knock off at 5pm and go home.

In our lifetime, we structure ourselves around daily routines, and seldom give thought to what happens after the daily routine is interrupted or taken away. 

Illness or cessation of employment are two factors that often cause trauma and bring a need for adjustments to life's habits or procedures.

Some cope with this well, but for others it is a troublesome time indeed.

New routines need to be developed.

The friendships with those who have been the familiar daily acquaintances are now different. 

For men in particular, the transition can be very difficult.

I recently spoke to several members of the Stawell Men's Shed and asked them about their involvement in the shed and why it was so important to them.

Some of the comments made were that they liked the social interaction and simply that they enjoyed healthy discussions with other people in similar situations.

Many admitted that they would go “around the twist” if they had to stay at home all day as they were accustomed to structure in their lives.

Still others highlighted a love to share stories/their skills and doing projects for the community which in turn reinforced their self-worth. 

There are more than 980 Men’s Sheds across Australia providing practical support and friendship.