Self Care is for Men too!

An essential aspect of mental health that is regularly overlooked is self-care. Mental health is all-encompassing, it includes the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of a human. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, relate with others and with ourselves. Self-care plays a key role in maintaining your mental health.

We are used to seeing images of women next to self-care articles and social media content, giving the impression that self-care is mostly a feminine concept.

Self-care simply means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. It involves activities ranging from daily exercise to getting adequate sleep every night.

When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

However, while practicing self-care we must also be conscious of and deliberate about loving ourselves. Some people believe that self-care is the same as self-love, but this is not true. While self-care is the vehicle that will take you to your desired destination, self-love is the fuel you put in the vehicle to keep it going.

Self-care in itself is not enough. You must truly and deeply love yourself and the progress you are making daily. Love who you are now just as much as you love who you hope to be. Self-care is a journey and you need all the fuel you can get.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

• Exercise regularly: It does not have to be too intense, a 30-minute walk every day is a great place to start.
• Eat healthy and stay hydrated: Boost your mood, energy and focus by drinking plenty of water and eating nourishing and balanced foods.
• Prioritize sleep: You need at least 6 hours of sleep daily.
• Do a fun and relaxing activity often: What piques your interest? Journaling? Hiking? Meditation? Pick one or two and create a routine.
• Stay connected: Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Be patient with yourself while you begin on this journey to self-discovery.