With Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Week just around the corner, we’ve been thinking about the men in our lives, and about how much they deserve to prioritise health and wellbeing as much as anyone else.
In today’s society, it’s all too easy to think that the self-care narrative is a feminine act, but it’s far from it! Self-care applies to all genders, and it’s time that was celebrated more.
This one’s for you, men.
If you’re looking to uplevel your life in a way that nourishes your soul, increases your happiness and makes you feel like you, then self-care should be added to your routine, stat.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got 3 things to get you on the right track.
(Don’t identify as a man? Don’t run off! This information applies to all. But once you’re done reading, use these tips to empower the men around you, too.)
Commit to good sleep-hygiene
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, wake up during the night or find yourself nodding off at your desk midday, you may have poor sleep hygiene.
That’s not to say you’re dirty, we promise, but simply to say that you might not have the habits and environment in place to set you up for a solid night’s snooze.
Quality sleep is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. Much like rest from an intense gym schedule allows for muscles to recuperate, sleep allows our internal functions to, well, function, at their best.
So how do you improve things?
Create a consistent schedule for going to bed and waking up. This allows you to hone into your circadian rhythm, working with the natural rhythms of daylight to enhance your overall wellbeing.
Yes, even at weekends, try to sleep and wake at the same time each day.
Keep your environment clean, comfortable, and distraction-free, and make sure your bed doesn’t become a place to eat or work – bed is solely for sleeping (with sex being the only exception to the rule, you’ll be glad to hear).
Aim to keep your phone or digital devices as far away from where you sleep as possible at least 30 minutes before you hit the hay.
If you’re in the habit of reading on your phone or watching TV before you kip, try switching to a book instead. It’ll signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, helping you nod off much more quickly for restorative sleep.
Speak up and feel the feels
It’s easy, as men, to lean towards the stereotype that you must be strong, ‘masculine’ and on top of life at all times, thanks to social media and extensive social conditioning.
But it’s simply not true.
Men, just like anyone else, need emotional nurture in order to feel heard, fulfilled and supported. One way to gain that nurture is to have meaningful and honest conversations with those around you whenever things feel off.
Look for people within your life that you can trust to speak to openly and honestly about however it is you’re feeling day to day. People that will listen without judgement to help you work through whatever it is you need to.
When you’re feeling frustrated, confused, emotional or even enraged by things in life, your ability to see things clearly gets hazy and you can make rash decisions, experience mood swings, or resort to retreating inward or acting out.
Plus, holding onto negative energy has a direct correlation to physical aches and pains within the body, which in turn can impact your daily life and wellbeing.
On the flip side, sharing positive emotions with others can enhance your mood by creating deeper connections, trust and compassion.
Rather than trying to suppress your emotions and hide behind a ‘manly’ persona, it’s more beneficial to release them in a healthy, safe way.
In our opinion, honouring your feelings and giving validity to your emotions is a vital element of self-care, not only for you but for those around you whom you love and interact with.
If you find it difficult to open up to your mates when times are tough, seek professional support to lighten the load. Apps like Better Health are great for on-the-go advice, or longer term counselling is available too if you chat to your GP.
Harness the power of aromachology
Here at Halcyon Naturals, we’ve long been advocates of the power of aromachology for your physical and mental health.
Scent can set the mood in a variety of ways. From helping you to unwind after a long and stressful day, to creating an inviting atmosphere for friends visiting for a post-work catch-up.
By combining the scientifically proven benefits of natural essential oils (aromatherapy) with traditional scent psychology, you can intentionally uplift your space and switch up your emotional state.
Need some suggestions for fragrances to try?
When life feels overwhelming: Breathe Candle
It blends anxiety relieving chamomile and soothing eucalyptus with hyssop for mental clarity and lemon for its anti-depressant, zinginess.
Try lighting this when you next have a bath (yes, men can enjoy bubble baths too!) to let any tension melt away.
When your mates come for dinner: Friendship Candle
Trust us with this one, and light it up when your pals swing by. Its invigorating fragrance will deepen your connections and help conversation flow.
Lemon boosts dopamine and serotonin levels (your body’s happy hormones), litsea cubea is rejuvenating, spearmint balances your space and yarrow helps to process any anger that you might be storing away.
To give your libido a lift: Fire Diffuser
This blend’s exotic nature will bring a little heat to your life (and your bedroom) when you’re in the mood for sensual connection.
Cedarwood aids physical relaxation, petitgrain refreshes the senses and pimento has aphrodisiac properties that’ll boost your courage.
P.S. Our candles, diffusers and room mists make thoughtful gifts for Father’s Day, too. Our suggestion? Choose a feeling you want to gift them from our Mood Packs. Or, match a product to their star sign with Illustrious Elements, to show that you’ve taken the time to choose something special.
Know a man that deserves some self-love too? Make sure to hit share and send these tips to them, and tag us in your self-care snaps @HalcyonNaturalsUK.
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