Most of the time, productivity takes precedence over our health and happiness.

It doesn’t stop there; when people are busy, self-care is viewed as an afterthought or a special treat rather than an important part of our lives and a necessary means of maintaining our health. And, because of gendered standards, it is frequently perceived as a women only thing rather than everyone, including men.

What is self-care?

Self-care refers to the efforts we make to safeguard and improve our bodily and mental health. It takes time and effort, and it is more than just treating ourselves.

Self-care is sometimes associated with the occasional spa day, but this is incorrect.

Instagram and Pinterest are flooded with images of people wearing fluffy robes and face masks as part of this popular self-care aesthetic. This well-planned form of self-care, however, may detract from its essential components.

Self-care includes saying “no” to additional work assignments when your workload is too much to handle and talking to friends or family when you’re experiencing mental health issues.

It may also entail eating more fruits and vegetables, going for frequent walks, and scheduling necessary doctor visits. It could also imply developing a sleep schedule or concentrating on what you enjoy and who you are.

They are all significant, but there are more.

Gender differences in self-care

Despite the increased emphasis on the importance of self-care, research shows that there are still gender differences in who practices it.

According to psychotherapist and Counselling Directory member Philip Karahassan, the idea of having everything under control is linked to a societal demand for men to be strong.

As a result, men are perceived as weak if they show any weakness or need to care for their mental health. Unrealistic and unhealthy expectations are placed on men to keep their cool, carry on, and accept criticism.

In a culture where long hours are expected, the prevalent belief is that we must always be productive.

This, however, is impossible when we must balance work with personal obligations such as childcare while being pulled in numerous directions.

However, it is possible to alleviate some of the stresses of daily life by devoting time to self-care activities, which can significantly improve mental health, aid in stress management, and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

According to Karahassan, more work needs to be done to normalize and de-stigmatize men’s mental health issues. “There has been a stigma among men seeking mental health support.”

More research is needed to fully comprehend the physiology of how mental health influences both behavioral and physical changes in the brain.

Men, like everyone else, must understand that seeking mental health treatment can have physical and psychological consequences.

It is important to note that self-care is not synonymous with selfishness or self-indulgence. It entails taking care of yourself so that you can take care of others while remaining healthy, functional, and capable of doing what you want and need to do.

This is especially critical right now, given the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our health and well-being.

Why is self-care so important for men?

There has never been a more critical time for men to embrace self-care than now. Men take away their lives at three times the rate of women, according to Bio Med Central (a male to female ratio of 3:1 ).

Men account for only 36% of referrals to the National Library of Medicine for talking therapies, making them less likely to use psychological therapies than women.

Although self-care cannot cure mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, it can assist people in becoming more aware of and understanding their unpleasant emotions and ideas.

Self-care promotes resilience, the development of healthy routines, and coping skills.

Men’s emotional states deteriorate without self-care, they begin to feel hopeless about their situation, and in the worst cases, they consider suicide. By normalizing men’s self-care and transforming society to accept men’s vulnerability and mental health, we are genuinely saving lives.

How to Look After Yourself

Everyone’s definition of self-care differs depending on their needs. You can, however, take some actions to feel better.

Speak with trustworthy family and friends.

Talking to people you trust about your feelings and difficulties can help you process them and have a significant positive impact on your emotions.

Sometimes you just need to express yourself without any concrete solutions in mind. Talking to friends or family members can also provide new insights into a situation.

Speaking with someone, whether professionally or not, is an important step toward gaining emotional distance from your problems.

Be gentle with yourself.

It’s easy to overwork yourself or agree to see too many people. And not just that, there may be pressure to be active and accessible at all times, but it is critical to assess your feelings and what you require to be healthy.

Be gentle with yourself; understand that how you feel is perfectly normal. You are every bit the man you think you are.

Consult your doctor as needed.

Self-care entails more than just what people do for their own well-being.

Researchers published a self-care approach in The British Medical Journal in 2019, emphasizing that it also considers how we interact with healthcare systems.

Getting vaccinated, scheduling regular health checks, and taking prescribed medications on time are all examples of self-care.

It also includes seeking professional help for mental health issues, whether through counseling or speaking with your doctor.

Make minor lifestyle changes.

Minor daily changes can have a big impact on our happiness. It could be as simple as keeping a consistent eating schedule. Improving your “sleep hygiene” can also help. These changes can make you feel more rested. Sticking to these care routines isn’t always easy at first. However, it gets easier over time. As they become habits, the effort required decreases.

Try adaptogens.

In a chaotic environment, stress is unavoidable, and we might get lost in the sea of fake promises as we seek balance, focus, and vitality.

Luckily adaptogens have entered the arena.

It is common knowledge that stress can cause physical harm to the body (poor energy, decreased sexual drive, and insomnia, to name but a few).

Adding adaptogens to your wellness regimen, on the other hand, is a simple and practical way to reverse these negative effects.

Ginseng is a popular and well-known adaptogen for men. Panax ginseng is an excellent herb overall. It specifically helps men regulate cortisol, a stress hormone. It also boosts DHEA (testosterone), a hormone believed to enhance male virility.

Men! Get on board the self-care train.

We must remember that self-care is essential for a healthy mind. It also helps rejuvenate our souls. Men’s self-care is severely undervalued. Meanwhile, their stress levels continue to rise. There is no denying the importance of prioritizing self-care for men.

Self-care was once seen as something not meant for men. Today, it has become a way of life for modern men. Mental clarity is essential for success. To reach your full potential, prioritize your mental well-being.