Self-care, the thing that we all need yet sometimes neglect to do. Why is it that taking time to care for our mental and physical health is so hard? Is it because of other obligations or just plain procrastination? Whatever the reason is for getting lax with our self-care efforts, it’s never too late to start taking your health more seriously. 

However, when self-care is brought up it’s generally associated with women. Don’t let the common misconception that only women are the only ones who should set aside time for self-care. Men, just as women, should be making time for themselves.

If you want some activities to implement in your self-care routine, look no further! Here are a few tips to get you started:

Body

1. Stay in Shape 

As cliché as it may sound, your body is truly your temple, and it needs to be taken care of accordingly. If your body isn’t functioning properly, it’s going to affect every other aspect of your life. So take the initiative, if you haven’t already, to strengthen your body and improve your health. 

For those of you who are not active gym-goers, look to workout apps for help. Ones like Jefit offer a variety of services to help track your workouts and progress. If you’re a beginner, don’t overdo it by working out too often and then burning out. Try working out 1-2 days a week and ease yourself in. For those of you who already exercise, Jefit can still be helpful. It will help you to switch up your normal routine and give your body a different challenge.

2. Nourish Your Body 

This may hurt some people, but sometimes you just have to put the fast-food down. As much as we all love to indulge on pizza, burgers, and other convenient temptations, over-consuming these kinds of foods is only hindering your self-care journey. Again, your body is a vessel and it needs the right fuel to run properly. Fruits and vegetables provide the necessary nutrients your body needs for good overall health. 

If you’re trying to bulk up, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean losing weight. There are plenty of meals out there that cater to people who want to eat healthily but build muscle.

Also, don’t forget to drink water! It seems that almost anything can be cured by drinking more water and it’s with good reason. Our bodies are primarily made up of H2O, and when we aren’t drinking enough we pay for it by feeling sluggish and weak.

Mind

3. Schedule Some Downtime

This downtime should be just for you; meaning that it should be dedicated to doing things that you want to do and no one else. Schedule some time that you can use to relax and unwind after a hard day, week, or month. During this, do activities that make you happy. It could be cooking, playing a sport, or reading a book. You can go for an even more lax day by chilling on your couch in pajamas and watching your favorite show.

 Whatever it is, just make sure you’re able to do it free of distractions. If you live with your family or have kids, try to go to a room that’s unoccupied. That way you can focus on doing what you love. If your house is a little too chaotic, go to a peaceful location like a park or library. 

4. Make Time for Loved Ones

Sometimes you just need to spend time with your loved ones. Make it a habit to see the people that mean the most to you. If you’re going through something, or even if you’re not, just being in close proximity to people who care about you can improve your mood and outlook on life. If you’re a busy individual, spending time with your loved ones doesn’t have to be for hours on end, and it doesn’t even need to be in person. A quick phone call to hear their voices can make all the difference.

Also, if you are experiencing issues with some of your loved ones, consider ways to fix the relationship. You may not realize it, but your relationship with those you care about can deeply affect your mental state, so get on good terms if you can to avoid additional stress.

Extras 

5. Go to the Doctors

One thing that isn’t a misconception is that men tend not to go to the doctors as frequently as women. Whether it’s because of the toxic ideology that manly men don’t need the doctors or from fear of what you may find out, please take your health seriously and get checked.

This goes for all issues you may be experiencing. Please don’t let “embarrassing” symptoms like erectile dysfunction (ED) or bowel issues be the reason you don’t get checked, as they can be linked to more serious health issues. This may not always be the case and your issue can be easily solved with ED medications or adopting a healthier lifestyle. 

6. Improve Your Grooming Routine

If you’re reading this, it’s a sign for you to put down the 2-1 shampoo and invest in some better alternatives for yourself. Making sure your self-esteem and confidence are in good standing is just as important as eating right or getting quality sleep. While some of the other tips above may seem like a chore, this tip should be more fun. Pamper yourself by getting a new haircut, using new products for your facial hair, and even doing a face mask (Yes, men can and should, do face masks too!)

The better you look and feel, the higher your self-esteem and that’s important when beginning your self-care journey.

If life seems a little tough lately, click here to learn tips to handle them better!