The everyday stresses of life can take their toll on your mental and physical wellbeing. Shouldering the burden of expectations from family, friends, coworkers and managers can be draining, leaving you without the time or energy for some vital self-care.

Why Is Self-Care So Important for Men?

Looking after yourself is one of the most important things you can do, but it’s often an area that’s neglected the most. Feelings of dissatisfaction, a lack of fulfilment and poor health can be the result if your innermost needs aren’t tended to.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, downtrodden or exhausted, it’s time to fight back and start reclaiming your life. You can spend a lifetime trying to think your way into acting differently, but it’s actually a lot easier to act your way into thinking differently.

But how can you get things back on track? Where’s the best place to start? It all starts with you, my friend. It’s time to start taking care of business by taking care of yourself.

What Does Self-Care Mean for Men?

“Self-care” is a phrase that’s been growing in popularity over the past few years. Our “always-on” culture has meant that we’re always being pulled away from the present moment. Working after hours or endlessly scrolling through social media eventually leaves you feeling pretty empty after the initial dopamine kick has worn off. Take note of the habits that aren’t contributing to a healthy and successful life and retrain your focus towards things that make your life better.

What Are Self-Care Rituals for Men?

While self-care can take many forms, the overarching principle is to do things that reinvigorate your senses and renew your connection with yourself and those around you. You actively engage with these planned activities, consciously undertaking each one with a vision to improve your mental and physical state.

Some practices are more glamorous and enticing than others, but it’s all about doing activities that’ll benefit your mind, body and spirit in the long run.

Take Personal Days (or Annual Leave)

Sometimes you just need a bit of space and time to get your life back together. Taking a personal day or using your holiday is a great way to take stock and complete a few tasks you’ve been putting off. Whether you need to finally fix that squeaky cupboard door or you want to spend some quality time with your friends and family, having some time for yourself can refresh your outlook on life.

Get Some Fresh Air

Getting out in the open is highly beneficial to your wellbeing. Going for a morning walk, stepping out on your lunch break or taking an evening stroll can help put your mind and body at ease. Simply being outside, breathing in the fresh air can do wonders for your mental state and help you stay supple –– especially if you’re spending a lot of time sitting down staring at screens.

Masturbate

As if we needed another excuse to have a go at pleasuring ourselves gents!

In our study on male masturbation habits, we discovered that men choose to masturbate regularly as source to relieve tension and ease anxiety – successfully doing so several times a week. With a stigma around pulling-your-pud for pleasure, we found the vast majority of men partake in the activity alone as a way to enjoy some time reconnecting with themselves.

Our study found that masturbation has some helpful benefits that may:

• help you relax 
• release sexual tension
• reduce stress
• boost your mood
• improve sleep
• help you have better sex
• help you feel greater pleasure
• give you a better understanding of what you need and want in a physical relationship

Unwind With a Massage

Massages have numerous physical and health benefits, from relieving muscle tension and improving circulation to cleansing your skin and clearing your mind. If you’re feeling like getting a massage is a bit tame for your liking, why not kick things up a notch? A tantric massage is a perfect way to break free of the mundanity of regular life.

We all have desires, we all have needs. Being able to express those feelings in a safe, judgement-free environment can be incredibly sexually liberating. You’ll be able to connect and engage with a beautiful masseuse –– or two –– who’ve mastered the tantric arts. They’ll leave you reinvigorated, energised and in a new realm of ecstasy. If you’re looking for an escape, take a step outside of your comfort zone for some seriously intense and erotic relaxation.

Do Some Exercise 

You don’t have to start training for a marathon, but even small amounts of exercise will encourage your brain to release endorphins (chemicals that reduce stress). Pushing yourself by lifting weights, running or doing bodyweight exercises –– like push-ups and sit-ups –– can have an immediate, profound and long-lasting effect on your psychological wellbeing. It’ll also help you stay physically strong and lose weight if you’re carrying some extra lockdown luggage, improving your confidence and promoting a positive body image. 

Realign Yourself with Meditation

Juggling your thoughts and managing your emotions when you’re stressed can prove tricky at the best of times. Meditation can help you become more mindful of your inner voice and bring you back to the present moment. It can be difficult to get the hang of it, so yoga or pilates classes make a great introduction to meditation. 

These activities carry all the benefits of exercise while helping you to get into a good headspace by focussing on your posture and body position. This can take a lot of focus, so it can quell any feelings of stress or anxiety that might be floating around your head.

Why You Should Practice Self-Care

Practising self-care won’t only benefit your physical wellbeing, it’ll also boost your confidence, enhance your productivity and make you more resilient in the face of challenges. Undertaking any or all of the above-mentioned activities is a sure-fire way to step up your self-care game, helping you to feel more fulfilled and in tune with your senses.

Taking care of yourself is an investment in your future, allowing you to navigate life without the unnecessary, avoidable stress that comes with a busy lifestyle. Take some time to indulge your feelings, break out of the monotony of normal life and experience incredible feelings.