10 Ways to Care For Yourself In National Men's Health Month
June is National Men's Health Month, a time to focus on the health and well-being of men across the country. You may have heard many self-care ideas for men, and it's important to find what works best for you. From exercising and eating right to getting enough sleep and taking care of your mental health, you can do plenty of things to stay healthy and take care of yourself.
If you're not sure where to start, we've got some tips for you.
1. Make Time for Yourself Each Day
One way to make sure you're taking care of yourself as a man is to schedule time for yourself each day. This can be time to do something you enjoy or simply time to relax and not think about anything in particular. It doesn't have to be a large chunk of time. Even just fifteen or twenty minutes set aside for yourself can make a big difference. This could include taking a walk, reading a book, or relaxing in a bath.
2. See a Doctor Regularly for Checkups and Preventive Care
When you think of self-care ideas for men, the last thing you probably think of is going to the doctor. But, preventive care is one of the most important self-care activities you can do for yourself. National Men's Health Month is the perfect time to schedule that annual physical or checkup you've been putting off. Your doctor can help you identify any potential health risks and give you advice on how to stay healthy. It's also important to get regular screenings for things like:
- Cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
These screenings can help catch problems early when they're most treatable. So don't wait - make an appointment today.
3. Manage Your Health Conditions If You Have Any
Another self-care idea for men is to take charge of your health conditions—if you have any. This means understanding your conditions, staying on top of your appointments and treatments, and not letting your health fall by the wayside. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or mental illness, self-care is essential to managing your symptoms and keeping yourself healthy.
4. Talk to Other Men about Health Issues and How to Manage Them
One of the best ways to take care of your health is to talk about it with other men. This way, you can learn from each other and develop a plan to manage any health issues that come up. Talking about health also helps reduce stress and anxiety levels, both of which can impact your overall health. For instance, one self-care idea for men is to open up about issues like erectile dysfunction (ED).
While it can be a sensitive topic, ED is a common problem that affects many men. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and talking about it can help you find ways to manage the condition. There are a number of self-care tips that can help with ED, such as:
- Trying out erectile dysfunction sleeves
- Taking certain supplements
- Making lifestyle changes
If you’re not comfortable talking about health issues with other men, you can explore plenty of other avenues. You can read articles or books on the subject, listen to podcasts, or watch videos. There are also numerous helplines and support groups available if you need someone to talk to about self-care ideas for men.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet - Focus on Fruits, Vegetables, and Lean Protein
As we approach National Men's Health Month, commit to eating a healthier diet. This doesn't mean you have to give up all of your favorite foods, but it does mean making smart choices most of the time. When putting together your meals, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, and make lean protein like grilled chicken or fish the centerpiece. Add in whole grain bread or brown rice, and you've got a balanced, nutritious meal.
Eating right isn't just good for your physical health - it's also good for your mental health - it's one of the simplest self-care ideas for men who need to make a change. When you fuel your body with healthy food, you're giving yourself the energy you need to power through your day. You'll feel better overall, and you'll be better equipped to handle stress. So, going forward, pledge to eat better and drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
6. Get Enough Sleep - at Least 7-8 Hours Each Night
Getting enough sleep is crucial for self-care, and it’s something that is often overlooked. Most adults need around seven or eight hours of sleep each night in order to function at their best during the day. If you find that you’re not getting enough sleep, you can do a few things to help improve the situation.
- First, cut down on caffeine and alcohol consumption in the evening. Both of these can interfere with sleep.
- Second, create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you wind down before sleep. This could include reading, taking a bath, or stretching.
- Finally, make sure that your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool.
If you find that you’re still struggling to get enough sleep, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
7. Exercise Regularly - Aim for 30 Minutes per Day, 5 Times per Week
Another critical self-care idea for men is to exercise regularly. Exercise has been shown to have innumerable benefits for overall health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. It can also help improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels. And, of course, it can help you maintain a healthy weight. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking) five days per week. If you can’t fit in a 30-minute session all at once, that’s okay - three ten-minute sessions will do the trick.
8. Take Part in Men's Health Month Activities
National Men's Health Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of men's health and wellness. There are many ways that you can get involved in the month-long celebration. Here are some self-care ideas for men for the month:
- Participate in a local walk or run to support men's health initiatives.
- Volunteer at a local clinic or hospital that provides care for men.
- Attend a local health fair and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.
- Make an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
- Reduce stress by participating in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
By taking part in Men's Health Month activities, you can improve your own health and wellness while also supporting important causes. Self-care is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle and is the perfect time to make some positive changes in your life.
9. Seek Out Help if You're Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed Out
Another vital self-care idea for men is to seek professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. It's perfectly normal to feel this way at times, but if it's starting to affect your day-to-day life, it might be time to seek outside help. Go ahead and start looking for resources in your community. If you're unsure where to start, your primary care physician can likely provide you with some referrals.
10. Educate Yourself about Mental Health
One in five men will experience mental illness in their lifetime. The upcoming Men's Health Month is a great time to learn more about mental health as a self-care idea for men and what you can do to take care of your own mental wellbeing. There are a number of ways you can educate yourself about mental health. You can start by doing some research online or reading books or articles about mental health.
You can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns. It's important to remember that there is no shame in seeking help for mental health issues. Mental illness is just like any other illness, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are struggling with your mental health, there are people who can help you.
Learn More About Men's Self-Care at RX Sleeve
During National Men's Health Month, we want to help spread the word about self-care for men of all ages. RX Sleeve is a great resource for self-care tips and tricks. We've put together a list of self-care ideas for men that range from the physical to the mental and emotional. We specialize in erectile dysfunction products that can help with self-confidence and sexual performance. Ready to learn more? Visit our blog or shop our products and enjoy private, discreet shipping.