Let’s be honest! When you hear someone talking about self-care the image of a young woman in a rose petal bath, putting cucumber slices on her eyes is amongst the first things that come to mind. Almost no one associates self-care with men and that simply has to change. Just because usually women are more into health and wellness than men, that doesn’t mean it’s a ladies-only territory.
Some might think that the only self-care that men require is a couple of beers and some time spent with their pals in front of the TV. But self-care goes beyond bromances and men are not some tough creatures that only have basic needs. It’s time to leave these stereotypes behind and acknowledge the fact that men need self-care just as much as women do.
To set things straight, self-care is not gender based. Admittedly, men and women can have different approaches to it, but it’s equally important for both sexes. And clearly, it’s more than taking bubble baths and plucking your eyebrows. It’s about supporting and promoting wellbeing and that includes both physical and mental aspects.
Look Good, Feel Good
Starting with the more superficial side of self-care practices, let’s talk a bit about looks. It’s more than obvious that physical appearance has a direct and significant impact on a person’s state of mind, so when you look good, you also feel good. Now of course not everyone is genetically blessed to look like Brad Pitt or some other handsome male celebrity that defines modern beauty standards.
But being well-groomed can make a whole lot of difference for a man’s appearance. Taking care of your hair and skin and paying extra attention to the clothes you wear are not signs of vanity, but the habits of a man that respects himself. So, as a man, you should have a basic skincare routine that includes essential mens skin products and visit the barbershop regularly. And remember that spas and salons are not exclusively for women. Men deserve and should pamper themselves from time to time as well.
Exercise Regularly
Contrary to common belief, not all men are crazy about going to the gym and not all of them spend half their lives thinking about football or some other popular sport. That’s just another stereotype that we should try to let go of. But the importance of physical exercises can’t be denied. Even if you’re not a workout aficionado, you should still try to include some physical activity into your life and create a routine that works for you. Hardcore weightlifting is not your cup of tea? Don’t worry, the goal isn’t to become a professional bodybuilder. You can try something else like yoga, cycling or some other sport you enjoy. The idea is to keep yourself physically active and create a routine that you’ll stick to.
Eat Healthy
Again, we tend to associate females with counting calories and scanning the labels of all food products, and again we tend to leave men out. Eating healthy should be a top priority for everyone. No, men don’t run on a diet consisting only of beer and takeaway. Or at least healthy men surely don’t. So if you want to have optimum energy levels and feel good, besides exercising regularly you should also pay attention to what you eat. Food is your fuel and it’s vital to give your body what it needs in order for it to function properly. Therefore, a varied diet that includes all the important nutrients is fundamental for your wellbeing.
Meditate
Since we’ve cleared things out and made sure everyone is well aware that men are complex beings, we should move on to the emotional aspects of self-care. Mental health in men is a subject that’s not talked about enough. Usually men are labeled as being less vulnerable and emotionally stronger than women and they feel a pressure to live up to society’s expectations. That’s why most men tend to ignore emotional health. Well, it’s time to change the rules and get in the habit of caring for your emotional wellbeing. Taking up meditation can be the first step in the process as it’s a great way to alleviate stress, enhance self-awareness and promote mental health.
Make Time For Yourself
Yes, we know, there never seem to be enough hours in a day to do all the things you must or want to do, let alone find a few peaceful moments for yourself. But it’s important to take a step back every once in a while, forget about all the tasks and chores that fill up your schedule and prioritize some quality time to tend to your own needs. It’s entirely up to you how to use it. You can take the opportunity and read a book, listen to your favorite music, take a walk in nature or sit quietly by yourself and do nothing. Simply focus on whatever makes you feel good.
Sleep Well
Sleep is important and we all know it. Cutting back on sleep on a regular basis can have disastrous consequences for you mental and physical health, so try to stick to doctors’ recommendation and make sure you get 8 to 9 hours of restful sleep per night. Mind you, we said sleep, not lying in bed thinking of God knows what and waiting for dawn to come. You can trick others, but you can’t trick your body and in the end you’ll be the one suffering the consequences.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
The people you surround yourself with have a big influence in your life. It comes as no surprise that your mood improves when you are in the presence of like-minded people that have an optimistic attitude and a positive vibe, so you should try to nurture these relationships. It’s equally important to spend time with the people you love and keep in touch with those who can enrich your life and are willing to support you unconditionally.