It’s 2020, and by now, each person realises that taking care of yourselves helps to balance the pressures of responsibilities, work, society, and social life. Self-care is the simple yet essential act of taking time out to be a little selfish, putting daily duties and other cares aside, and focusing on yourself. The goal here is to take care of and improve your mental, emotional, and physical self.
Today, mental health is a common concern, and one of the most discussed topics. However, amongst these discussions, there is very little advice on how men can start looking after their body, mind, and soul. Luckily, modern-day men can use the power of the world wide web with these four tips aimed to help stick to self-care routine and maintain mental health.
Make Time For Yourself
For most men, the only time they can relax from work and entertain themselves by doing something mindless like playing video games or watching Netflix nonstop. Usually, it’s also accompanied by a low-key vice, such as gambling, drinking alcohol, and eating pizza. While those activities are essential for blowing off steam, they seem more like distractions than true self-care. The best cure for work overload is stimulation in a new form — cultural, intellectual, or even spiritual.
Taking time for an activity that is for your sole enjoyment improves mood and stimulates creativity. Maybe you love art and painting or music and have always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument – filling your daily life with a pursuit outside of work will teach you a new skill and bring you something else to look forward to when you are at home. So, make sure to reconnect with your interesting crafts or hobbies and do something that you like.
Embrace Health (Both Physical & Mental)
Most of us know that exercise activates the release of endorphins, which help to reduce stress and elevate mood. But it doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym and participate in intense workouts for hours. Stretching, walking, jogging, or practising yoga not only gives you a mental break but can help to release those same endorphins to feel regenerated and positive.
Also, daily meditation and breathing exercises are good for mental, emotional, and spiritual health, as well as alleviating stress. Ten minutes of meditation is the best investment you can make in your day.
Aside from meditation and breathing exercises, it might be a good idea to buy CBD oil to help improve your mental health. This anti-inflammatory component of Cannabis sativa plants interacts with the endocannabinoid system and can help to manage stress and calm anxiety inside your body and stabilise your mood during the day. You can take CBD capsules or a few drops of tincture at night, as well, to help improve sleep quality. And if you’re suffering from joint aches or muscle spasms, try a cream for targeted relief.
Prioritise Healthy Choices & Quality Sleep
Eating well not only fuels your body but also makes you feel better. It is always a great idea to cut down on sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and consume less unprocessed and junk food. Instead, try to maintain a well-balanced diet, eat cleaner foods like fruit, veggies, and proteins, and drink plenty of water.
Enhancing your sleep quality is one of the most effective forms of self-care, and it’s one that you can do every day. Start by ensuring you have a high-quality pillow that supports your head, maintains spine health, and keeps your airways open. When you are ready to fall asleep, provide absolute darkness, block out any ambient noise, and refrain from using your gadgets at least 1-2 hours before going to bed.
Engage With Others
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be done alone. You can call your friends and plan a guy weekend to do something together. Even in the cold weather, escaping to nature for a hike or taking in some of your local sights can help to clear your mind and recharge your internal batteries, leaving you feeling refreshed. Regardless of what activity you will choose, there are tough questions and conversations that will come naturally in a close group of guys and can help to realign your mental and emotional balance.