There is a pervasive societal norm whereby men put aside their health and well-being because they unconsciously equate self-care and femininity. It has always been marketed as something primarily women do. And because of this, men try to avoid self-care so that they will not be seen as less manly, even if it’s something they really enjoy or can benefit from. Breaking out of this mindset is important if you want to improve your health and mental status so that you can do your job, care for your loved ones, and do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day. Once achieved, you will definitely feel your absolute best!

What is Self-care?

Self-care is the simple act of taking time out to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself. It is not self-indulgence or being selfish. Instead, it's a deliberate act to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical self by engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress.

If you don’t have a self-care routine yet, here are some ideas that you may experiment from to figure out what works for you.

1. Exercise daily

Regular exercise will lead to a better quality of life. When you do physical activities, your body releases endorphins that help elevate our mood. It can also boost your energy levels, help you sleep better, and improve your self-image.

And though most men know these advantages of exercising daily, work or family commitments, lack of interest, age, or ongoing injuries or illness keep them from doing it. But whatever reason it may be, it is important to remember that any physical activity is better than no physical activity!

So do yourself a favor and take the step! Carving out 30 minutes a day to invest in your health is well worth it and easier than you think.

2. Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. It is as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising. Studies show that lack of sleep is associated with many negative health effects, including increased risk of heart disease, depression, weight gain, and sickness. Here are some habits that you can adopt to encourage better sleep:

· Stick to a sleep schedule

· Create a restful environment

· Remove electronic devices from the bedroom

· Limit irregular and long daytime naps

· Don’t consume caffeine late in the day

· Take a relaxing bath or shower

· Get a comfortable bed, mattress, and pillow

3. Create and follow grooming routines

Every individual should observe personal hygiene to earn respect and establish a positive impression. If you want to look good, smell good and feel good, then you better create your grooming routines and make sure to religiously stick to it. Not only that, but people are often judged based on their outlook. And yes, the first impression is the determining factor for a successful person. If you don’t want to mar your first impression, start taking care of yourself.

Check out my blog “The Ultimate Grooming Guide: 7 Habits of a Well-Groomed Man” to get some tips on grooming!

4. Do what you love best

You must have heard the cliche that life is too short. YOLO – you only live once. You don’t know what tomorrow brings or where you’ll end up. Doing what you love best will not only bring happiness but also give more meaning to your life.

Whether you enjoy playing some music, doing sports, creating art works, giving back to the community, or climbing the mountain, you need to make time for activities that bring you joy.

5. Go on a guys weekend with friends

Self-care doesn't have to be a solo endeavor. Interacting with friends, family and coworkers is important for good mental health as it promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security. Meet with family or plan a guys weekend to do something together that you would enjoy. Regardless of what activities you will do, where you are going, spending time with others will help realign your mental and emotional balance.

6. Start journaling

There are many ways on how to do journaling. You can do bullet journaling, free writing, sketching and many more. It will help rewire your mind, reprogram your thinking patterns and overcome negative thoughts. Start journaling and train your brain to focus on positive things like gratitude and dreams. It will give you the opportunity for introspection and reach your goals in life.

Engaging in self-care regularly could help you put your best foot forward. However, it isn't a one size fits all strategy. Your self-care plan will need to be customized to your needs and what is currently going on in your life. When self-care is regularly followed and maintained, you will benefit from a reduced stress, improved immune system, increased productivity, and higher self-esteem.