Self-care has become a buzzword, especially in the 21st century. But unlike what you’ll see in ads and articles, focusing on self-care isn’t only for ladies. Guys can also be negatively affected by their environment. So, you’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, tired, pressured, and distressed.
You don’t have to subscribe to the idea that men are only supposed to be strong. Remember--it’s not a sign of weakness to take care of yourself and recharge when things become too much to bear. Crush that self-care game by doing these things for yourself without leaving your home.
Pump Up Your Pamper Game
If you’ve seen your girlfriend put on all sorts of stuff on her face and she looks and feels refreshed after taking them off, then she must be on to something! Raid her skincare kit (with her permission of course) and ask about the face masks that she puts on every night. Try it out for yourself and relax while sipping a glass of your favorite whisky and listening to your go-to playlist.
If you’re more of the scented candles or aromatherapy type of guy, then by all means light that candle or use those essential oils! Take that long shower or give yourself the luxury of a long soak in the bathtub with Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Wash.
If you're more, well, minimalist with your grooming regimen, just using a proper and effective shampoo is good enough. CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men will help you in the hygiene department as it rids your hair of all times of grime. It also has activated charcoal and citrus peel to help deep-clean your scalp's pores, saving you from frustrating dandruff and helping you feel squeaky clean.
Get Up and Get Moving
Gym rats and exercise buffs will know that while working out is tiring, you’ll always feel good afterward. Working out helps relieve stress and keeps your mind off of things that bother you, as you focus on lifting weights or working on your abs. Your body also releases endorphins, also called happy hormones, which is why you feel happier after exercise!
The good news is you don’t need to go to the gym or use fancy equipment to work out. There are free videos on YouTube or Instagram that let you exercise using your body weight or with minimal equipment you can find at home. Check out the following videos:
Join group classes on Zoom so you can meet new people, too! And even if you aren't going anywhere, make sure to wear a deodorant like Rexona Men Lime Cool Aerosol to prevent body odor and keep you dry thanks to its MotionSense technology.
Stretch it Out with Yoga
You’ve probably seen all the back-breaking yoga poses and ‘new age’ definitions of meditation on social media. Don’t be intimidated by them! Simply put--yoga is a centuries-old mind and body practice that everyone can do and enjoy.
You can start slow with a routine that focuses more on breath work and stretching. Even the most basic poses can make a world of a difference physically and mentally.
Do your research and consult with a yogi friend who can help you jumpstart your journey.
Close Your Eyes and Meditate
Take it a step further and create your own meditation routine, too! Meditation calms your mind, relieves stress, and improves focus. It keeps you grounded and present, so if you find yourself always worrying about the future, then meditation may be a good practice of self-care.
Again, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Find a quiet spot in your house where no one can disturb you and turn off notifications on your laptop or phone. Set a timer and choose what you’d like to focus on – your breath or the sensations in your body. You can also check out guided meditation videos or enlist the help of apps like Calm or Sattva.
Make Real Connections—Online!
The current situation has proven that you don’t need to physically be with people in order to build and maintain relationships. With all the apps available at your disposal, there’s no excuse for you not to talk to your friends and family. It’s even easier to do so with a click of a button!
So, if you need someone to listen to your worries or a hearty catch-up with your best buddies, start reaching out. Self-care also means asking for help, even if it’s in the form of a trusted person listening to you.
Get a Goodnight’s Sleep
When was the last time you had a nice, long sleep? Study shows that adults between the ages of 18 to 60 years old are recommended to get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep. This is vital because it allows your body to repair and fully rest before another day. Getting enough sleep may also help prevent weight gain and heart disease. So if you’re thinking about pulling an all-nighter to binge-watch another show on Netflix, think again! Let your body get the rest it deserves.
Everyone is allowed to practice self-care in the best way they know how. You don’t have to be ashamed if you pause and take the time to take care of yourself. Your body and the people around you will thank you for that.