Today I will be sharing self-care ideas for men.

We often think about self-care from a woman’s perspective. But self-care is something that everyone should be focusing on, not just women.

One of the biggest myths going is that self-care is just for women. This could not be further from the truth. Self-care is not a gendered practice, it’s a human necessity, especially in these highly stressful times that we are currently trying to navigate.

Self-care is a way that we can take stock of what’s going on in our lives, how we are coping with external stresses, and things that we can do to take care of our physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

These practices can be small shifts in mindsets, all the way up to changing the trajectory of our completely, it all depends on where you’re at in life.

Men should want to look and feel their best too. So, if you’re a man seeking ways to feel your best and attract your optimum potential in life, this is the article for you!

What is self-care?

Because it’s important we’re all on the same page, right?

Let’s start with a self-care definition from Oxford Dictionaries:

“The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.”

“The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”

So basically, self-care is you and I taking responsibility for our own health, both mental and physical.

Seems pretty legit and certainly not self-indulgent.

In fact, for anyone to suggest that taking responsibly for your mental and physical health is anything but common sense, well they’re the ones sounding ridiculous.

Please don’t let anyone shame you for self-care or listen to anyone that says anything negative about your self-care practices.

You are taking responsibility for your physical and mental health, that is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about at all.

Why is self-care so important?

In my opinion, as well in the opinion of a countless number of medical professionals, you should be practicing self-care year-round.

But, on March 11, 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared COVID-19 an official pandemic.

On that day, the reality of our world changed and life hasn’t been the same since.

Many people dismiss the notion of taking care of ourselves. They’re too busy, there are more important things going on in the world than our looking after themselves.

But the truth is, you need to take care of yourself now more than ever.

The reason is that we are simply living in stressful times, and to prevent our mental health from going down the drain, self-care is a must.

If you are a pro at this, keep doing what you are doing. But, if you have never practiced self-care in your life, there is no better time than now to start.

What does self-care look like for men?

Self-care can look different for each individual depending on their wants and needs. For some, self-care could look like a relaxing bubble bath, for others it could be a hard sweat-session at the gym.

There are different types of self-care to keep in mind as well: self-care in the physical aspect, and self-care in the mental aspect.

Practicing mindfulness, meditating or reading, all help calm the busy mind. Exercising the body helps to promote self-confidence and higher levels of energy.

Whatever you love or what lifts you up, this can be your unique type of self-care.

Self-care is not selfish

Following through with daily self-care for men and women can be easier said than done when guilt gets in the way.

Self-care means taking time for yourself, which may mean saying no to other people.

That time you take to practice self-care instead of spending time with family and friends can sometimes lead to feelings of shame.

But trust us when we say that the time you do spend after taking care of yourself allows you to be more present for loved ones.

You shouldn’t feel bad for taking time out of your day to care for yourself. You deserve it!

Here are some self-care tips for men that work for me, they could change your life for the better.

Self-Care Ideas for Men – Ultimate Guide!

Prioritise mental health

Mental health is a concern that finally people have started talking about. However, even in this, while it is a recognised problem at hand, many are unable to cope with it.

Blame it on the fact that a lot of men avoid talking about issues that bother them and just brush it off. Or even have a different way of removing their frustration (anger, irritation, etc), it all directs towards an unhealthy mental space.

The inability to strike a work-life balance could further add to your stress and play foul with your mental health.

Shutting off your system every once in a while, is extremely imperative. You need to get away from the busy and bustling commotion of the city life and probably relax in some quaint small village or town.

A change in the atmosphere and even in the vibe of the place will help you feel better and put you in a better headspace.

Be mindful

When you practice Mindfulness, you expand your consciousness which brings you peace of mind.

I can’t explain how much this practice has changed my life. When you’re mindful your life will transform massively.

By living in the present moment, you become at peace with your past thoughts and illusions made up in your mind.

Observe your thoughts, become at peace with them, take away the emotional attachment.

When you find your mind wandering, revert back to the present moment.

The more you live in the present moment, the mind quickly loses control over you. The mind is a tool that should be working for you, not controlling you.

This takes a lot of practice, as your mind has spent so many years in control. The mind has been projecting its illusions on you all your life.

Purchase a book, research it on YouTube. The Mindfulness practice is life changing when used consistently and persistently!

Practice gratitude

Having an attitude of gratitude is a fabulous way to practice self-care! Many people keep a gratitude journal, which is amazing.

They will be able to look back on their lives with a sense of positivity and hope for the future because they took the time to record the things that truly matter.

For our purposes, I want to focus on the part of gratitude that doesn’t take any time at all to do. The habit that gratitude should replace is complaining.

Complaining is focusing on all of the negative things going on in your life. When you complain, you essentially disregard all of the good things happening around you.

Being grateful might be harder at first, because complaining is something that’s ingrained into our day-to-day lives, but the benefits are worth it.

To practice self-care, try to think about your personal attributes that you’re grateful for.

Healthy habits

Self-care starts with the cleansing of your body from all the toxins. Just a revision in your diet and turning a new leaf with healthier habits would take you a long way.

It is a known fact that healthy habits such as cutting back on drinking, eating healthy food, adding more veggies to the diet, and quitting smoking can do wonders to your health.

A happy body is a catalyst to a happy mind and soul. When your body starts to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, you will get whole new energy and vigour towards life.

Practice good personal hygiene

Every day we step out, we come in close contact with millions of germs and viruses that can make us sick.

Practicing personal hygiene refers to taking care of your body to prevent illnesses and improve your physical appearance.

This practice entails a wide range of activities, including bathing, grooming, washing your face, and flossing.

Make a habit of hitting the shower in the morning, at night, and after every workout session. Showering with a body wash helps remove oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells.

Wearing deodorant or antiperspirant after each shower is a hygiene no-brainer for men who sweat or smell a lot. These products help to dry up the sweat and get rid of unpleasant odours.

Experts also recommend washing your face with a facial cleanser twice a day.

Additionally, make sure you wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the restroom.

Grooming is another critical aspect of men’s hygiene.

Tidy your nails by trimming and brushing them. Also, care for your facial hair daily.

Meditate

I remember when I started meditating, sitting for just 5 minutes was an effort – now I sit for 30/40 minutes and I love it.

Meditation was the doorway to so many new things for me. It taught me to be more present in my daily life, to witness or observe my thoughts and feelings instead of getting hooked by them, to hear my own soul speak, and it helped me be more confident and not get wrapped up in negative thoughts.

I knew my meditation practice was making a difference with how I am in my everyday life. I once had a short fuse and temper, but now I am a more peaceful person.

It has had a massive impact on my life.

Instead of having emotional meltdowns, over certain situations, I feel peace. I smile joyfully and takes things in my flow.

That is the power of meditation. It naturally turns you into a calmer, confident, more peaceful person.

I would definitely make it part of your self-care daily routine.

Work out at home

Is your budget too tight for a gym membership? At-home fitness is convenient and just as healthy for your mind and body – and it’s completely free.

YouTube is your friend here, with dozens of high-quality, free channels offering a variety of workouts from HIIT to yoga, and from core exercises to strength training.

You just have to look, and you’ll find the right workout for you.

Are you someone who likes to stay active? You already know the healing power of exercise.

If you’re not, let’s explain. When you work out, your body releases endorphins. These endorphins can help alleviate pain, soothe anxiety, and give you a fresh burst of energy.

This means that not only is exercise great for your body, it’s also great for your mind. Whether you like to run, lift weights, or just take walks around the local area, you’ll be taking care of yourself.

Prioritise good sleep

You should be sleeping a minimum of eight hours a night if you want to feel as well-rested as possible.

There’s nothing to brag about when you proclaim that you’re functioning on two hours of sleep. If anything, you’re just communicating a poor sleeping habit.

Your body deserves better than that, so make sure that you make good sleep and great rest a priority. Don’t just think of it as an extra step that you can or cannot do.

If you want to operate at your best, then prioritising good sleep is the way to go, as it allows you to function in your most optimal state.

Set time aside to read

Reading just 30 minutes a day over time will produce amazing benefits. I hear you – “What? I don’t have 30 minutes a day to read!”  Well, quite honestly, I think we spend at least that amount of time on other activities like social media or television each day.

Plus, I would add that we really cannot afford not to acquire this habit. Reading 30 minutes a day would mean that you could probably get through 2-3 books in a month and 24 to 36 books in a year!

That is amazing! Think of all you could learn in one year by cultivating a simple daily habit of reading.

Recite affirmations

“How can reciting a few words improve my life?”

It might sound silly if you’re new to the power of affirmations. You might even laugh at it initially. The mind is a powerful tool.

However, it is also very susceptible to suggestion and surroundings. It can easily be engulfed by negative patterns and self-sabotaging thoughts.

That’s where affirmations come in to save the day. Affirmations are positive statements that are meant to rewire your conscious and subconscious.

They help you break your damaging patterns and reprogram your thinking patterns.

The great thing about affirmations is that they can be whatever you want them to be. You don’t need to necessarily rely on guided affirmations if you prefer customising them.

Affirmations are very personal and can be tailored to suit your preferences.

Listening to guided affirmations while working or meditating also works since your subconscious absorbs the message.

You don’t even need to pay attention.

Make time for hobbies

How much time do you devote to the things that you enjoy?

People of all genders often neglect their hobbies, but some men feel as though they have an added pressure to be the ‘responsible and hardworking’ person in the house.

Being responsible doesn’t mean disallowing fun. Why not revisit things that you loved to do in the past?

Make time every week to spend with a hobby. Whether it’s drawing, gaming, writing, or anything else, you deserve it!

Take an unplugged staycation

If you were fortunate enough to keep your job during this pandemic, you’ve probably been stuck at home or you’ve been working all year without taking time off for a holiday because, well, where are you going to go!

But if you don’t take an extended break from work, you run the risk of burn-out and that’s going to set you back mentally.

You need a break! You may not be able to hop a plane to enjoy palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters, but you can book yourself into a nice hotel, order room service, pull out that tactical wallet and snag yourself a massage.

And to really feel like you’re on vacation, throw on the ‘out-of-office’ on your email, switch off the phone, and enjoy a few days of not being on information overload.

Socialise with friends

How often do you see your friends?

As adults, maintaining friendships gets harder. You’re busy with work, your family, your romantic relationships, and any other responsibilities that fill your time.

You need to take time for yourself to socialise with your friends. Socialisation will make you feel energised and give you a chance to decompress.

Self-care ideas for men – final thought

There is no doubt that the previous year was one of the most stressful the world has ever seen, and we must remember that having with you a self-care guide for men is critical for developing a healthy mind and rejuvenating our souls.

What was previously believed to be something unsuitable for males has evolved into a way of life for the modern guy.

To attain success and live up to your best potential, you must have a clean mind. And that, my friends, is the essence of exactly can a self-care guide for men do for a modern man.

I would love to hear your thoughts on what you are doing to change your life in the coming days and years!

If you have any questions please reach out to me via adam@adam-lawrence.org. I would love to hear from you!

I really hope you found inspiration in this article.

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Adam

Hello! My name is Adam and welcome to my space on the internet. Here you can find me writing about subjects such as spiritual growth, self-discovery, wellbeing, addiction recovery and mental health. Please connect with me on my journey and join the community!