Hey, Guys: 4 Ways Men Can Practice Self Care By Jazmin Stearne
Hey, Guys: 4 Ways Men Can Practice Self Care
By Jazmin Stearne
What is the first image that comes to mind when thinking of self-care? If you’re like many, you can probably see the stereotypical image of a woman in a bath robe giving herself a manicure. But that’s not what self-care is entirely about. Self-care is the act of taking time for yourself to nurture and soothe. Self-care isn’t reserved for women, there are many ways men can get involved too.
Dr. Konstantin Lukin is a psychologist and self-care expert. He wants to see more men embrace self-care. According to Dr. Lukin, “We need to change the way we think of ‘actualized manhood’ in modern times. Instead of only defining ourselves in terms of work, productivity, and the overall ‘get’ mentality, we must embrace other parts of ourselves that make us who we are and most importantly, make us happy.”
Are you a man in need of self-care tips? This post is for you….
Make time for yourself
Schedule a pleasant activity that is easily attainable. Schedule a part of your day that is just for you. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself. Think of it more like recharging your energy. We all feel good after treating ourselves to something nice such as a movie, an invigorating workout at the gym, or a nice walk in the park. The best thing (to me) about self-care is that I always feel recharged afterwards, which leads me to feel more productive and ready to take on my day.
Embrace your health
This includes your mental health as well. Your health should be your priority. I cannot stress that enough. Of course, we know we should eat healthy foods and exercise. But what about our mental health? Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. These aren’t “separate” issues, they’re interconnected. Research has proven that our minds and bodies are linked. Are you getting enough sleep? If not, practice sleep hygiene. Are you feeling depressed or upset about an emotional issue that’s been draining you? I encourage you to “talk it out” with someone you trust, such as a friend or mental health counselor. Those are all forms of self-care.
Work with a wellness coach
Have you been trying to stop smoking yet still need support? Are you trying to lose weight, but struggle with your current meal plan? A wellness coach can help you with that and more. They provide encouragement to those who need help achieving their health-related goals. Core3 offers wellness coaching. Give our office a call for more details. Utilizing the help of a wellness coach is a great form of self-care.
Find your passion
Identify activities that make you happy. Do you love football and being outdoors? If possible, gather your friends (or family) together for a friendly game of tag football. Is there a magazine you enjoy reading articles from? Plan an afternoon for pleasure reading. Setting some time aside from your busy day to practice these activities will bring you joy and can (hopefully) aid with stress relief.
Your method of self-care can be whatever you choose, as long as it is good for your body and spirit. National Relaxation Day is August 15th
If you are in need of counseling and/or wellness coaching, give us a call. (888) 203-0113. Be well!