The self-care culture has never been more popular. Contrary to what you might have heard, it is a lot more than just pampering yourself by taking a bubble bath and listening to soothing music. Rather, it consists of taking the reins of your overall well-being and happiness.
But why is it something we usually see women participating in? Gender shouldn’t matter when it comes to self-care. After all, there’s nothing unmanly about taking care of yourself. If you’re wondering how you can incorporate self-care into your lifestyle, we’re happy to help. Here’s a brief guide to making self-care a part of your everyday life.
Move Your Body
Considering that most modern jobs require spending long hours in front of a screen, it is crucial to get your body moving. Exercise not only helps with your physique but also does wonders for your mental health. If going to the gym isn’t your cup of tea, there are several other ways to include physical activities in your daily routine. You can go on a walk, run, or try cycling.
Start Meditating
Whether you want to improve your focus or feel grounded, meditation is a highly effective practice. If you are finding it difficult to meditate by yourself, you can use technology to your advantage. Download apps like Calm or Headspace for easy-to-follow guided meditation sessions.
Sleep At a Reasonable Time
We understand that you are hooked on the newest Netflix release. However, staying up too late every night affects your mood and energy levels. It would be best to avoid looking at any screen at least 30 minutes before bed and start sleeping at a reasonable hour. If you struggle sleeping through the night, lavender or chamomile fragrance oils can help with relaxation.
Spend Time Outdoors
Most of us are guilty of being glued to our screens. How about going tech-free once in a while? Leave your smart devices behind and spend some time outdoors. You can go on a hike or a camping weekend with your friends.
Journaling
It’s no secret that men are often asked to ‘man up’ and swallow their feelings instead of expressing them. And this can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. First of all, sharing your feelings or emotions doesn’t make you less of a man. If you’re not comfortable with vulnerability, you can try journaling. Putting down whatever is on your mind in a journal can help you gain clarity.
Take a Break
Work may be an important part of your life, but everything shouldn’t revolve around it. Working without a break can impact your long-term productivity and even lead to burnout. We suggest taking some time off work to revitalize. Moreover, it’s also a good idea to avoid taking on too many projects and learning to create boundaries. You should let your HR before planning a vacation. Most organizations now have HR tools like employee leave management software so it’s easier for them to track employees’ leave.
Grooming
Why not invest in yourself by keeping up with regular grooming? A fresh haircut can add a pep in your step. And don’t even get us started on pedicures. You should also consider booking a massage to alleviate all the tension your body is holding,
Practice a Hobby
When was the last time you did something just for the fun of it? We are so caught up in the hustle culture that doing anything unproductive seems like a waste of time. Practicing a hobby allows you to get out of your head and destress. Even something as simple as reading before bed can help.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to self-care, the aforementioned tips are a good place to start. Let’s dismantle gender stereotypes and normalize self-care for everyone!
