Self-Care for Men

To skeptics, the term "self-care" might sound fluffy and frivolous. But you brush your teeth don’t you? Let’s hope!

Self-care means taking care of your physical and mental health. It's about recognizing and meeting your needs. The endgame? To be your healthiest, best self for the people you love. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or fussy -- it can be quite simple.

Here are a few examples.

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Exercise

Did you know that regular cardio can help your sex life? By improving circulation in the body, more blood goes to the penis during an erection. You don’t have to run 5k races or marathons. For the sedentary, even leisurely walking can help put lead in your pencil.

Moving your body helps manage stress, supports hormone balance and releases endorphins. Running or brisk walking, cycling, bodyweight exercises, fitness classes, and weight lifting can all help with this. Keep it simple to start, and then add to it.

Get outdoors

Time in nature has stress management and mental health implications. In the presence of sun exposure, the skin makes vitamin D, which improves mood and brain function, boosts the immune system and helps keep blood sugar stable. Getting outdoors also provides opportunities to be active. Hikes, walks, or bike rides allow for nature and movement.

Journaling

Recording thoughts and observations helps us process information and our feelings. Journaling can be whatever you need it to be. Many journalists draw pictures, or write about fictional scenarios. Start by writing down what you did today. Add details like how you slept last night, energy during the day, what you ate, and what happened in your life. You may start to see your life differently more clearly.

Affirmations

Negative self-talk is a bad habit, and we all do it. When it comes to propping ourselves, we often fall short. When was the last time you said something good to yourself or paid yourself a compliment? Probably a while if you're like most. Think quick and easy, like telling yourself "you've totally got this" (preferably in a mirror, with finger guns) before an important meeting. 

Create a routine

Having a hard time getting going in the mornings? Is your sleep quality bad? A routine can help your body relax into a natural rhythm that makes doing the basics a little easier.

It all starts with structuring your day, setting times to eat, work, move, and sleep. Work backward from there and fill in the other details. You'll notice improvements in your energy and mood, which can make you more productive and happy.

Mindfulness

If you find yourself constantly planning, reminiscing or thinking about everything else but what’s in front of you, this is specifically for you.

Working with your hands can support mindfulness. Other methods include yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

At meals, try eating slowly, think about where your food comes from, or the origins of each dish. Eat without distractions like TV or devices. 

Supplements

Taking a high-quality multivitamin and omega-3 supplement is a great way to make sure your body is getting everything it needs. Omega-3s help improve memory, decrease inflammation and improve blood sugar. Ideally, we wouldn't need supplements, but crops are grown in poor soil and shipped thousands of miles before we get them, losing nutrients at every step. Look for third-party tested, pharmaceutical-grade vitamins and seek out naturally-derived ingredients.

Look your best

Never underestimate what a fresh shave, a good haircut or new clothes will do for you. Small things like using face lotion can make a subtle difference. When buying clothes, choose items that flatter your best features and distract from features you don't want to highlight. If the idea of trying on stacks of clothes to find the unicorn doesn't appeal to you, there is another option: a quick online search for personal shopper services makes it easy to look amazing.

What's not self care

People sometimes use the term “self-care” to validate poor choices. If you have to do mental gymnastics to justify why you are doing something, it's probably not self-care.

Time to man up and take care of yourself, so you can take care of the people you love.