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Self-care is all about taking time out of your day to make sure that you are looking after yourself mentally and physically.
For many men, however, self-care is a foreign concept.
Society has long told us that men are supposed to be strong and independent, and that asking for help or taking time for themselves is a sign of weakness.
But this outdated way of thinking is doing more harm than good.
So, how can we convince men to start caring for themselves?
Reassure Them Its Ok to Take Time For Themselves
One of the biggest reasons why men may be reluctant to prioritize self-care is because they feel guilty about taking time away from work or family obligations.
Remind them that it’s okay to take some time for themselves; as long as their basic needs are met (like getting enough sleep), it’s perfectly fine for them to spend some quality “me” time doing something they love or taking care of their physical health.
Showing Vulnerability
One of the biggest hurdles to getting men involved in self-care is convincing them that it’s okay—even desirable—to show vulnerability.
Many believe that being vulnerable means showing weakness and admitting defeat, but that’s simply not true.
Vulnerability is actually a form of strength because it shows courage and honesty. It takes courage to admit when you need help or when you don’t feel capable of handling something on your own.
It also takes honesty to recognize when your mental or physical health needs attention and care.
When we start to normalize vulnerability among men, we can make self-care an acceptable and even desirable activity for them.
Normalizing Mental Health Care
Mental health care is perhaps the most important type of self-care available, yet it is often overlooked due to stigma surrounding mental illness or therapy in general.
We need to normalize conversations about mental health so that people are more comfortable seeking help if they need it.
This starts at home; parents should talk openly with their children about their mental wellbeing (not just physical) and emphasize the importance of taking care of both body and mind.
Creating Supportive Environments
Creating supportive environments where self-care isn’t seen as a luxury but rather as necessary part of life can have a huge impact on how likely people—men especially—are to practice self-care regularly.
Whether this means offering counseling services at work or encouraging friends or family members who may be struggling with something to take some time for themselves, creating supportive spaces will make it easier for people (especially men) to prioritize their mental and physical wellbeing without fearing judgment from others around them.
How Can Men Incorporate Self-Care Into Their Lives
One of the best things about self care is that there are so many ways to incorporate it into our lives—no matter who we are or what we do!
A few ideas include scheduling regular checkups with a doctor or therapist; learning how to manage stress through activities like yoga or using breathing techniques; getting enough sleep each night (ideally 7–8 hours); trying out different forms of exercise; cooking healthy meals; participating in hobbies or activities you enjoy; spending time with family and friends; journaling; and taking regular breaks from technology (including social media).
By understanding what self care is (and why it matters), men can learn how they can incorporate elements of self care into their everyday lives without sacrificing their masculinity or strength in any way.