Masculine Wellness: A Guide to Self-Care for Men

Real men don’t cry! Heard this everywhere? This is how careless we have been towards the emotions of men. There are so many articles, clubs, and campaigns around women’s health. But when did we become so negligent that we started avoiding men and their health?

In the realm of self-care, male self-care is left out of the conversation. The myth that self-care is a feminine trait is very far from the truth. Each man on this planet deserves to be heard and taken care of.

Masculine wellness is more than just hitting the gym. It includes a comprehensive set of men's self-care routine activities that cater to their physical, mental,and emotional well-being.

Dive deep into the men's self-care guide to understand self-care for men, and let the men around you also take center stage when it comes to self-care.

As per the Men’s Health Forum:

1. Three out-of-force suicides are by men.
2. Suicide is the biggest cause of death among men under 35 years of age.
3. Men are three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent.
4. Men are less likely to accept psychological therapies than women.

The above report suggested that men, due to preconceived notions, are less likely to seek help when in distress. They are also suffering from health problems, but due to unrealistic societal expectations, their wellness takes a back seat.

Self-care for men is like for any other creature. They have been conditioned to be tough with themselves. But the complete opposite is self-care. It involves what he puts on his skin, what he consumes, his emotional conditioning, and a lot more.

Let us breakdown the self-care ideas for men and understand them in three different ways:

1. Self-care for physical health.
2. Self-care for mental health.
3. Self-care for emotional health.

From going to the gym to weight lifting to running, cycling, or playing sports, choose any physical activity and do it for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week to maintain your physical health.

Getting enough sleep is a no-brainer if you want to achieve wellness. Sleep for at least eight hours, and turn off the screen two hours before bed. A deep sleep helps you in a lot of ways.

Not only women, but men also need equivalent skin care. Make sure that you wash your face, put on a moisturizer, and use a sunblock to get started. Customize your skincare as per your needs and do not shy away. Address your skin concerns to a dermatologist and get a customized skin care plan.

Eating well is not gender-based, so make sure that you get the right amount of nutrients from your food. Make your diet a balanced one and try to include fruit, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Make sure to avoid smoking and alcohol.

Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. It is okay to mess up and make mistakes, but it is not okay to victimize or be guilty. Give yourself the compassion you seek outside.

Try to be present in the moment. Make sure that you take time out and practice meditation as well. It will help you reduce stress and cultivate inner peace to combat the difficulties of this competitive era.

Take out time for activities that bring you absolute joy. It can be anything: gardening, painting, reading, etc. Engaging in hobbies can give you much-needed break and bring out your best creative self.

Do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you are struggling with mental health issues. Self-care for men's mental health is the most normal thing and symbolizes strength, not weakness.

It is okay to say ‘no’ to things you do not want to do. Learn to set boundaries and prioritise yourself. It is essential to maintain healthy relationships and preserve your emotional health. Set clear boundaries with your peers and colleagues, and be at peace with not involving yourself in every activity and communication.

Talk about things that you don’t like or that you love, and allow yourself to express yourself. Communicate openly with others and express all your feelings, whether happiness, sadness, or anxiety.

There are 1,000 things in life that you must be grateful for. From getting the chance to live to good health to a good meal, one must be grateful. It helps to shift perspective and improve the outlook on life.

Have meaningful connections with your friends, family, and loved ones. Put in the effort to spend quality time with them. It will help you feel associated and will help you in times of loneliness.

Masculinary wellness has been taken for granted for a long time. It is high time that we focus on it in a holistic way. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Look out for ways in which you are comfortable, and start with self-care. Be gentle with yourself, allow yourself the space to relax, and protect your energies.

The only definition of men is not that they are harsh and stoic; they are also gentle, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent. It is time to break free from limiting stereotypes and embrace the full spectrum of masculinity.

So to all the gentlemen out there, it is important that you prioritise your well-being and focus on yourself because “you” are equally important.