Self-care is a real thing. But gents, let’s be honest, most of us think self-care is bubble baths, cucumber slices over the eyes, scented candles and a soothing cup of chamomile tea. None of these are wrong, and there’s no judgement for anyone who relaxes this way – self-care is going to be different for everyone. It could be going for a walk, meditating, or even going for a health check-up.
Self-care is about promoting and increasing your overall mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. It’s about putting activities in place now in order to strengthen your base – the stronger your base is the less likely it is you will fall. And if we don’t actively address self-care and have a plan and intention, it often just doesn’t happen.
Keep your own cup full
You’ve likely heard the saying ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. It’s true, whether it’s in the area of family, friends or work, if you’re not taking good care of yourself, you will have difficulty showing up fully.
Not being present can leave your nearest and dearest feeling unloved, unsupported and/or unappreciated, which can have a detrimental impact on the relationships you value. In the workplace, not delivering the expected performance could jeopardise relationships with colleagues, curb your opportunities for growth and, in the worst case, threaten your job security.
Self-care is worth making a priority because:
- It improves your physical and mental health
- It decreases your stress levels and the negative impact of stress on your body
- It connects you to what your body is telling you about your health
- It makes you more resilient
- It helps keep creativity and performance up
- It helps you feel more well rested
- It can help increase your sex drive
- It inspires others around you to take time for themselves as well
Here are some ideas to try:
● Group activities
- Schedule a weekly soccer kick-about with your mates. Working up a sweat is great for your mental and physical health.
- Plan a game’s night (don’t forget the snacks!).
- Go on a camping trip with friends.
● Solo missions
- Have a phone-free day where you set your mobile on silent and stay off social media for a few hours. Your mind will appreciate the quiet and calm.
- Start jogging (or any other physical activity that you enjoy).
- Get a massage.
- Plan a one-man road trip and explore a part of the country you’ve never experienced before.
- Sign up for cooking classes and improve your culinary skills.
- Get enough sleep, often.
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