While opinions are changing, the fact remains that a large portion of men either feel that they don’t need to practice self-care or they feel it’s something that only women are concerned about. The fact is that everyone needs to practice self-care, no matter their gender. There are several self-care methods you can put to good use to bring out the best in yourself as a modern man.
Check Your Health
Self-care should include an in-depth look at your health. Medical innovators like Dr. Harry Stylli are working towards huge medical advancements in personalized medicine. As a part of self-care, looking into your genetics and predisposition for a disease can be a proactive approach to maintain your health. This critical knowledge about your biological make up can shed light on disease markers you should watch for and give you an idea of how your body may respond to potential treatments. Focusing on your personalized medical needs is a self-care step no one should skip.
Exercise
One of the cornerstones of self-care is an activity many men engage in already. Getting in plenty of exercise can do wonders for not only your physical health but can also help you beat stress, lift your mood and give you a better outlook on life. No matter your fitness level, lifestyle or physical abilities, there are plenty of different exercises and routines to engage in.
Meditation
Modern men often lead busy lives, and many of us don’t take out time to simply stop and calm our minds. Engaging in regular meditation can go a long way in helping you feel less anxious, experience peace, focus better in your day-to-day life and handle stress. Rather than head to a far-flung destination to learn to meditate, you can simply sit in stillness for just five minutes a day and focus on the act of breathing and letting the world fall away. Centering yourself and finding your place of peace is a fantastic way to feel refreshed and revitalized.
Support Groups
You don’t have to be an alcoholic, addict or divorcee to seek out a support group. Men’s support groups have started to crop up all over the country, and they can be a great place to seek out the fellowship and support of other men and share your struggles, joys, triumphs and fears with. Connecting with others is vital for your emotional well-being, and practicing being vulnerable can help you feel braver than you’ve ever felt before.
Carve Out Some Time for Yourself
Going back to hobbies, you’ve got to make sure you take out some time for yourself to engage in your favorite pastimes and activities that make you happy. You may have devoted yourself to your job, and no matter how much you may enjoy what you do, you’ve got to make an effort to do something just for you rather than the company or your professional reputation. Doing something you like that isn’t related to work is a great way to engage different parts of your brain and remind you of the things that make you truly happy in life.
Recognize When You’re Close to Burning Out
Most men have a tendency to work long past when they need to step back and take some time off. While dedication is definitely admirable, charging forward when you’ve burned yourself out is likely to reflect poorly in any work you do, and it will surely take a toll on your mental and physical health. You know when you’re close to burning out, and it’s vital that you respect your limits and pump the brakes when you’re nearing the end of the candle. Resting up and recharging for a little while maximizes your productivity, which both you and your employer are sure to appreciate.
Taking proper care of yourself paves the way to a better you. Just like a house needs updating and regular maintenance to look and function at its best, the same is true of men like yourself.
