Self-care is not just for women, it’s for men too.
Self-care has become a buzzword in the past years. When we hear it, we automatically think of women in day spas or massages. While this may be ideal for some, for others, self-care looks different.
Despite how we choose to practice self-care, the bottom line is that it should be done by everyone. We all need to make ourselves a priority.
What Exactly Is Self-Care for Men? And Why Do Men Need It?
With self-care being such a buzzword, let’s first understand what it really is.
Self-care is basically taking time out for yourself. To prioritize your own health and well-being. It’s allocating certain times during the day, week, or month to put your stress and responsibilities on the back burner. Then focus on just yourself. The goal of prioritizing yourself if to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health.
For men, self-care may not always be talked about. But it certainly is an important habit to get into.
Whether it’s your husband, partner, father, brother, or friend, it’s time to get him to realize that self-care is essential.
Here are a few of the many ways to prioritize self-care for men.
Self-Care for Men Tip 1: Get a Massage
When we think of massages, it’s always the women who are on the posters or ads – women in silk robes getting a facial or a massage. But men need facials and massages just as much.
From neck pain to back pain due to sitting in front of the laptop all day or doing sports and going to the gym. These can all cause strain on the body, and is why getting a massage regularly can help relieve this stress in the body.
Additionally, a good massage can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Adding a massage to your monthly or weekly routine helps keep your immune system strong.
Book yourself an hour-long relaxing massage, and your mind and body will thank you.
Tip 2: Get Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep is a no-brainer. But do you get QUALITY sleep?
The few hours before you sleep are essential to making your 8 hours of quality. Here are some tips to make your sleep one of quality to give you a good night’s rest.
- Turn off screens a few hours before bed.
- No caffeine intake past 3:00 PM
- Use a noise machine.
- Try using a blue light filter in your room.
- Upgrade your sheets to cotton or linen
All these will help you wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Tip 3: Meditate
Mindfulness and meditation are buzzwords and major movements for a reason.
Adding a few minutes of mindfulness and meditation into your day can do wonders for your mental health. There are so many apps that you can try to get into the habit of meditating. Some of which include Headspace, Simple Habit, and Calm,
Throw on your earphones and listen to anything from a ten-minute guided meditation, guided breathing exercises, or affirmations to help you start your day right.
You can try to slowly make meditation part of your day by starting with just ten minutes. Then, increasing it to 15 or 20. However long you decide to meditate, just a few minutes of it will definitely help reduce your stress. Additionally, meditating before bedtime helps improve your sleep as well.
Here are some benefits of meditating regularly:
- Better mental health
- Greater self-awareness
- Improved attention and concentration
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
Related: Boost Your Mental Health with These Tips
Tip 4: Affirmations as Self-Care for Men
Affirmations are incredibly personal. Additionally, they are incredibly powerful tools too.
You can either use available affirmations or try creating your own that will tailor-fit your needs. As we said, affirmations are personal. By saying affirmations regularly, your subconscious mind is programmed into thinking and feeling what you desire or what you are chanting.
Adding affirmations into your self-care routine is definitely worth it as it helps shift your mindset. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Self-Care for Men Tip 5: Try Aromatherapy
Aromas have a scientifically proven impact on our brain functions.
The most common way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy is by lighting a scented candle. Different scents have different impacts on your senses, mind, and body.
We recommend trying lemon, mint, or ocean breeze scents to calm your mind.
Tip 6: Give Back to Others
It has been said that if you want to help yourself, help someone else. Giving back can improve your mental and physical health.
Try signing up for a volunteer program with an organization that has a mission that inspires you. There are so many non-government organizations and community groups that each have their own mission in helping society. Choose one which resonates with you.
Tip 7: Find Your Passion
Do you know what your passion is in life?
For a lot of people, they do. But if you haven’t found yours yet, don’t fret. Finding your passion is a journey that should be enjoyed.
But adding time into your week to do the things you enjoy is definitely a great form of self-care.
Doing things you love has significant benefits to one’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being, including the following:
- Boost your brainpower
- Build your sense of awareness
- Makes life more meaningful
- Increases one’s productivity
- Make you happier and more fulfilled in general
