Why self-care is important it is for us is no a surprise to many. Although when it comes to acknowledging the need for self-care, practising it and speaking about self-care it could easily be assume that this is a practice solely dominated by and mostly beneficial for women.That's why it's paramount to address why self-care for men is important and share 10 Self-care tips for men. It is often ignored that self-care is in fact as crucial for men as it is for women. Men who do appreciate self-care may not always speak openly about self-care being a part of their lives.
The question, however, is why is this so and where does this notion come from? Is it because self-care is often associated with candles, facial masks, mani and pedicures, and bubble baths (although all these are things that can be enjoyed and benefit anyone regardless of gender)? Is it because it sounds like a fluffy faded idea?
This false misconception that self-care is for women entirely and the only thing men can do that comes close to self-care is to “toughen-up” must be eradicated. Like women, men also struggle with stress, anxiety, emotional, mental, and physical challenges. And “toxic masculinity” is not what will help men overcome these issues. Research shows that 65% of men avoid reaching out to a doctor, which is an indicator that self-care is perhaps not a priority and that men find it difficult it to reach out for help.
It is time that society and we collectively encourage our men an let them know that it is ok and important to practice self-care, mindfulness, have a work-life balance, and most importantly address their emotions instead of shoving it away and “manning up”. Even though we still have a long way to go, there has been an immense transition in the past few years. Women are addressing the importance of self-care for the men in their lives and some men are self-caring out loud too.
So if you are a man and new to self–care or you want to encourage the men in your life to start their self-care journey, it’s important to know that there are various forms of self-care we all need to addressed on to find holistic balance.
Physical Self-Care
To be productive, happy, and well functioning you need your body to be healthy and strong. This is where physical self-care becomes important. Sometimes, men get caught up in their everyday hustle and exploit their body way too much, which affects their physical health. By considering physical self-care you ensure that your body is working at its optimum. From getting proper sleep, exercising, to eating healthy and restoring your energy, it all falls under effective physical self-care.
Mental & Emotional Self-Care
A tired and stressed mind can never come up with positive, productive thoughts and support constructive actions. Along with their bodies, men should give equal time to keeping their mental and emotional burden less too. Declutter your mind, do things to keep stress-level minimum because your mental health is the backbone of your entire wellbeing and prosperity. The same is for your emotional wellbeing. Being in control of your emotional health allows you to be in the right state of mind to make the right decisions always.
Spiritual Self-Care
Your connection with the higher power, your spiritual self-care is as important as any other self-care practice. It helps you understand the meaning of your life, respect it more, and teaches you the art of nurturing yourself. It helps ground and centres you when everything else around you might seem to be falling apart.
Now that you are aware of these key areas here are 10 practical self-care tips that men can apply straight away to start and build on their self-care routine.
10 Practical Self-Care Tips For Men
Exercise for 20 minutes Daily
Exercising daily is the most common and convenient self-care tip for men to improve their physical health. It will also help reduce stress and anxiety levels
Meditate Often
A 5-20 minutes meditation can make you more mindful of your surrounding, your mental and emotional state. It also promotes inner calmer, happiness and grounds you in the current moment.
Eat Healthy and Nourishing Foods
You feel what you eat. Eat foods that nourish your body and soul. Never force a diet that does not feel good for you. Look after your body and it will help you look after your mind.
Follow Your Passion
Instead of doing what you feel you should do because of others or society, follow your passion and do what you want that brings you joy. Find a hobby or a job that calls to you. Acknowledging and following your passions is one of the major aspects of self-care.
Spend Time in Nature
If possible, spend at least 15-20 minutes with nature daily. Go for a walk in a park, go mountain biking in the forest. It will make you feel refreshed, recharged, and clear your mind of negative thoughts. It’s a perfect way to get centred.
Start Journaling
Journaling down your thoughts every day will make you feel lighter by taking all the thoughts from your head and on to paper. It also gives you a chance to reflect on your day and overall life.
Take a Social Media Break
Give yourself a break from social media for an hour daily. Use this time to connect with yourself, your loved ones or do something practical that you enjoy doing and that will replenish your energy.
Spend Time With Others
Spending time with the people you love and appreciate daily or even weekly can make you feel happy, supported and influence positive mental health.
Create A Sleep Routine
Adequate sleep is important for your productivity and mental and physical health and paramount for self-care. Therefore, create a planned sleep schedule and follow it to get ample and restorative sleep every night.
Start A Skincare Regime
Taking care of your appearance is a fun self-care practice. Start by giving 10 minutes to your skincare routine daily and see how it makes you feel and adapt it to your needs as you go along.
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