Self-care for men has evolved beyond shaving and a haircut, and more and more modern guys are embracing new methods for looking and feeling as good as possible. Outdated notions around physical and mental health are becoming a thing of the past as modern men look to care for themselves in ways that were once shunned or seen as the sole domain of women and the gay community. From mental health practices to personal style, here are some examples.
Going Beyond the Basics
There was a time when just taking a shower, shaving, and getting a haircut was the pinnacle of self-care for most guys. Today, things have changed, and modern men aren’t afraid to embrace skincare, treatments such as hair restoration, and even dermal fillers. Guys have realized that true self-care is about doing what makes you feel better about yourself in a healthy way, no matter what that is, including taking a proactive and preventative approach to personal health.
Mental Health Self-Care for Men
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 10% of men experience severe depression and anxiety. Fortunately, talking about this is no longer a taboo subject for modern guys, and more and more men are realizing that they must be open for emotional well-being:
1.Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness and shows excellent self-awareness.
2.You can manage emotions using methods such as meditation and mindfulness.
3.Bottling it up is dangerous, and talking things through with friends and family is healthier.
Embracing Smarter Skincare
The effects of aging apply to everyone, and the time comes when you need to think about taking care of the body’s largest organ. Skincare is a massive market today, even for the guys. Today, men are investing in high-quality skincare products that get the job done, such as face wash, moisturizer, and SPF protection products. The idea isn’t solely focused on looking good, but more about protecting the skin, partly due to the increase in skin cancer among men.
Male Fitness as Therapy
Fitness has many positive effects for the human body, whether male, female, or anything else you identify as. Working out is seen as a very male thing to do, but it doesn’t come easily to everyone. However, even a minimal amount of physical activity, such as a 15-minute walk, has a massive positive impact on the body and mind. Hitting the gym, playing a sport, and other social activities are becoming more popular as modern men seek to optimize the body and mind.
Self-Care for Men through Hobbies
A study by the University of New York found that engaging in hobbies is a powerful stress-buster for men and women alike. Having a hobby can be seen as a form of self-help, as it satisfies and allows you to disconnect from pressure by using your mind and hands in a meaningful manner.
Creative in the kitchen
Women traditionally took on the role of the cook in a nuclear family. Today, men enjoy cooking just as much, and some find that the focus required has therapeutic and meditative benefits.
Nature as a healer
Most men love getting outside, even the ones who say they don’t. The ruggedness, openness, and fresh quality of nature make hobbies like fishing, hiking, and camping appealing to men.
Working with your hands
Men love getting a healthy dose of satisfaction (and serotonin) from building something. Woodworking, car restoration, and even PC building provide a sense of accomplishment.
Cooking is a beloved tradition, and more men are getting creative in the kitchen these days. However, there’s nothing like getting outside for fresh air and exercise. For most guys, tangible results provide a sense of accomplishment, making building an attractive hobby for most.
Proper Rest and Recovery
We live in a very fast-paced world and a culture that celebrates working as hard as you can to deliver results. However, we are seeing that overproduction is leading to record amounts of burnout and even death in some countries, such as Japan. Proper rest and recovery are now becoming a normal part of life for men who work hard. Getting enough sleep, taking an extra day off, and taking breaks during the day help men feel restored and help them work smarter.
Reining in the Finances
Worrying about money is one of the biggest causes of stress in the world today. For men, especially, it can be a massive cause of anxiety and depression. Today, especially on social media, men are measured by how much money they earn instead of the values they hold. Taking control of your finances will alleviate most of the stress that money causes. Financial wellness isn’t about being rich; it’s about having security and understanding your position.
Style and Self-Care for Men
The Good Men Project held a study in 2023 and found that 70% of men feel better about themselves when they feel good about what they wear. Men have always been into style, just most aren’t dedicated followers of fashion. However, this seems to be changing these days:
1.More men are accepting their bodies for what they are rather than conforming.
2.Men are buying more fashionable clothing that reflects their personal style.
3.Self-expression instead of impression is becoming the new standard for men.
Community and Social Connection
Most people would think about self-care as a personal and individual practice, given the phrase. However, a major part of self-care for women and men alike is staying sociable. Society is a major part of living your life, from family and friends to the local community. Everyone needs social connections, or you can risk issues such as depression, obesity, and diabetes. This places socialization above everything else, apart from food and water, in the hierarchy of needs.
Summary
Going beyond the basics of shaving and showering, self-care for men today includes skin, hair, and facial treatments once reserved for women. Hobbies such as cooking, outdoor activity, and building are great for mental health, especially when you experience them as a community.
