It’s kind of a stereotype that men like to think that they know how to do everything.
It’s not unheard of for men to believe that they know all. However, one area that many men frequently fall short in is self-care.
Let’s face it; if you’re a man, you’ve likely found yourself over-eating, drinking too much alcohol, and exposed to a lot of stress. Over time these harm your health and mental well-being. These can include increased weight gain, higher risk of a heart attack, and diminished quality of life.
However, there is a solution!
By incorporating more self-care practices into your routine, you can change the direction of your health. Here’s how.
Create a Routine and Stick to It
First, it helps to create a daily routine and stick to it. Now, this doesn’t mean your work schedule. It’s everything that you do from the time you wake up to when you fall asleep at night.
Having a consistent schedule means less stress and feeling more in control. Once you have your schedule dialed-in, you can begin to incorporate other self-care practices into your routine.
Study your schedule from the last three months. Which activities were more positive and supported self-care, and which did not? Eliminate or reduce your exposure to negative things and include healthy activities.
Get More Exercise
If you’re like many men who wear many hats, exercising falls by the wayside often. However, exercise is so vital for maintaining your health!
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes a week, minimum, of moderate aerobic exercise. Or, at least 75 minutes of “vigorous aerobic activity.”
Going to the gym is one way to get in your workout minutes. But you don’t have to spend all your time there. Participate in sports and activities you enjoy and find rewarding.
A weekend hike in the woods can be more satisfying than spending hours in a crowded gym filled with equipment and TVs.
Make Time for Yourself
As mentioned above, you have a lot of different things that demand your time and attention. However, it’s still important to take some time for yourself. This habit doesn’t have to be lengthy, maybe 15 minutes a day.
Some ways to best utilize this time include:
Enjoying your coffee on the deck or patio in the morning
Journaling
Taking a brisk walk or jog
Planning out what you want to accomplish for the day
Reading
Meditating or spiritual reflection
Making time for yourself helps to slow things down. You feel less like a robot going through the motions and have more control over what you’re doing.
Laugh and Be Joyful
Of all the things that men can do regarding wellness, laughing is the most fun. Plus, they play such a significant role in having a positive and healthy mindset and outlook on life.
When you laugh, you breathe in more oxygen, which is beneficial to your organs. Also, your brain releases endorphins, which make you feel better. Over time, laughter can boost your immune system and help when coping with pain. This benefit also makes it easier for you to deal with stressful or challenging situations healthily.
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It can be overwhelming to think about all the things that you ought to be doing to take care of yourself. Instead of focusing on what you’re not doing, consider what you can do!
Try implementing a new strategy every few weeks. You’ll find that upping your self-care will make a big difference in the quality of your life.
Begin Working With A Men’s Therapist in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and online in Arizona
Our team of therapists understand that the decision to start counseling can be intimidating. This is why we are happy to offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. Our locations for counseling are located throughout the valley with counseling centers located in Phoenix, Anthem, Scottsdale. and in all of Arizona with teletherapy. You can start your therapy journey with Crossroads Counseling by following these simple steps:
- Contact Crossroads Counseling for a complimentary 20-minute phone consult
- Meet with a therapist specializing in men’s counseling
- Start coping with your anxiety symptoms
Feel free to learn more about our practice by visiting our about page, FAQ, and blog, or read more about our staff members to start finding your best therapeutic fit! or, call us at 623-680-3486, text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com for more information!
Crossroads Counseling offers group therapy for men who want to grow in their role as husbands, fathers, and leaders. To learn more about The Connected Man click here.
