INSIDE: Self-care isn’t just for women. Although it’s been embraced by the feminine community, we are starting to see more and more men taking self-care for men seriously. And they should! Here are some ideas.

 

The term “self-care” has become mainstream, and although it may seem that way, it isn’t just for women.  

Throughout history, men have been taught to be unshakeable, emotionless work horses. So, the word self care can often feel too "soft" for them.

But more and more, men are realizing how important it is. Self care for men is all about embracing who you are and what you need so you can be the best man you can be.

Why Men Need Self Care Too

Self care for guys should be taught and embraced at all ages. Men suffer just like women, and oftentimes it's in silence.

In 2019, there were over 47,000 deaths from suicide, and it is the tenth leading cause of death in North America. In fact, men die from suicide four times more than women.  

This harrowing statistic shows that men are programmed to be stoic about what they are feeling. It is a call to action that mental health needs to become part of the conversation in every household.  

Self-care is not only a service to yourself, but a service for everyone around you. Your loved ones know when something is up, but it is up to you to take the first steps.  

8 Ways to Practice Self-Care for Men

Self-care is a ritual or practice that allows you to re-charge and achieve inner balance. Today's world can be tricky to navigate. The idea that men need to be tough and never show their sadness or worry is a thing of the past. 

Self care for men is not a “one-size-fits-all” type of regimen. Anything that makes you healthy mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is a form of self care. 

Keep A Journal

Writing in a journal doesn’t have to mean keeping a diary of your feelings, fantasies, and heart's desires. All it has to be is somewhere you can go that's private, free, and a way for you to let out whatever you have on your mind.

Don’t be intimidated by a blank page. It’s as easy as writing down what you ate that day, what you saw on the bus, or what your boss said. Start by writing 5 minutes every other day, and then try it every day, working up to longer time periods.

"Journaling," as they call it, should turn into something you look forward to doing. It's a way for you to process what you’re experiencing in life. You might find it's like a free therapist that you can keep on your desk and talk to at any time. 

Self-care for men doesn’t require you to break the bank or do anything uncomfortable. It’s all about self-reflection and progress over perfection. 

Do a Chakra Meditation

Chakra meditation is all about connecting with your inner self. Chakras are energy points that cover your body from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. 

When we feel out of order, balancing the chakras can bring us back to center. It allows us to find a place of calm in any situation so that we can gain new insights and realize where our intentions should lie.  

Chakra meditation is certainly a form of self care for men, but everyone can do it! It doesn’t have to be a tedious, long process. You can activate your chakras everyday in 10 minutes or less.

Work Out

Exercise has shown to be an effective way to ease anxiety and depression while boosting self esteem. It’s good for circulation, blood pressure, fitness, and so many other health benefits. 

You don’t need to go out and pay for a gym membership (although you may enjoy that). All you need is a little bit of space at home and maybe some dumbbells. 

Self-care for men can be anything that is healthy and supportive, and exercise is one of the best ways to give that to yourself.

Get a Big Crystal for Your House

You don’t need to buy a thousand tiny crystals to sprinkle around your home — simply buy one big crystal! What can be used as a stunning showpiece can also help you balance and bring positive energy to your home. 

Some crystals that will help with self care for men aren’t just for men, but for any person trying to tap into their more masculine energies.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Black Onyx — This balancing stone can empower men with a strong sense of stability, protection, and grounded energy.
• Amethyst — This crystal is incredibly grounding but also uplifting, and it's one of the most popular crystals for its versatility.
• Pyrite — If you’re struggling to achieve financial goals, this stone invites the energy of wealth and prosperity, which will help when making financial and business decisions.

Self care for men starts with you, but by bringing your self care practices home with a crystal that matches your intention, you’ll always be reminded of the power within you. 

Spend Time in Nature

Getting outside can be tough, especially if you live in a city, but if you have a park or a sidewalk, you can take full advantage of what Mother Nature is offering. 

Walking outside is a great way to lower blood pressure and release stress and anxiety. Even walking to and from your car everyday can be an easy way to ensure you're getting yourself moving. 

If you have time on your day off, try to find a walking or hiking trail. Leave your phone in the car or put on a good playlist and go exploring. Use nature as an escape from the real world and add getting outside to your self care for men routine!

Smudge Your House

One of best self care products you can buy are smudge sticks.

Smudging is a type of spiritual cleansing that is frequently used in Native American purification rituals. In some cultures, smudging is believed to drive out all negative energies. 

This is a simple practice but the benefits come in abundance. Palo Santo and Sage are most commonly used for smudging. 

Burning these herbs clears bad energy, cleanses the air, and removes dander and odor that come from pets and dust. It’s been called nature's antidepressant because it brings a relaxing effect and increases good energy in a space. 

Used in a self care for men regime, smudging is another easy and effective way to raise your vibration.

Get Into a Good Book

Unwind and feed your brain with some good old reading material. Books, magazines, and articles are great tools for stimulating the brain. 

Using a book as a tool to let your mind wander is beneficial not only to your brain, but your body and spirit as well. Reading allows you to tap into your empathic powers, all while improving your intellect, focus, and memory. It's also an easy way to tire your mind after a long day. 

It doesn’t have to just be novels either; any form of reading has benefits. Choose the topics that excite you for the self-care for men practice.

Carry Tumbled Stones in Your Pockets

Tumbled stones are small, rounded, polished pieces of rocks and minerals. They are tumbled in a machine called a rock tumbler to bring about that smooth shine.

Tumbled stones have numerous uses:

• For Chakra Meditation — Chakra Stones are placed on different chakras on the body to relieve different physical, mental, and spiritual discomforts.
• Carried in a Pocket — Place a tumbled stone in your pocket as a worry stone or a good luck stone so that you can bring their healing energy with you everywhere.
• Decoration — You can also use tumbled stones as a vase filler, decoration, or simply in a bowl with other stones.

You can shop for tumbled stones based on your intention, but here are some you might want to consider as part of your self care for men practices:

• Black Tourmaline — This stone works as a personal bodyguard. Its protective nature is a shield against bad vibes. Place it in your pocket or set it at your front door to defend your environment from negative energies.
• Shungite — This stone is great for the techy guy who spends a lot of time in front of a screen. Simply place it on your electronics to help dissolve harmful EMFs that fog up your energy field.

With crystals, self care couldn’t be easier. All you need to do to get a jump start on maintaining your balance is carry one of these tumbled stone in your pocket. 

Final Thoughts

Throughout history, men have been forced to remain silent and reserved in regards to their mental, physical and emotional health. It’s due time that self care for men enters the mainstream and becomes an encouraged part of personal maintenance. 

Self care for men means putting on your oxygen mask first so you can be of better service to the people sitting beside you. It’s as easy as reading a book, going for a walk or writing in a journal — it doesn’t need to mean expensive or luxurious.

There are so many men’s self care ideas out there, all you have to do is jump in and make a splash. The first and most difficult step is acknowledging when you're struggling, but you can only go up from there!