The myth that self-care is not masculine could not be further from the truth. Self-care is essential for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In this episode, I am breaking down what self-care entails and five actionable steps that you can use today. I want to remind you that self-care not only benefits you but also helps to improve all of your relationships. Caring for yourself does not diminish your strength, it amplifies it.

It is time to prioritize yourself, gentlemen – so tune in and then DM me on Instagram @celestemooreimage with a self-care step that you took away from this episode!

In this week’s episode we discuss:

[02:16] Men’s mental well-being  

[05:30] The importance of physical health

[06:58] Building emotional strength

[07:59] Self-care is non-negotiable

[09:50] Find an activity that keeps you moving and stick with it

[11:25] Using mindfulness and meditation

[12:21] The importance of healthy nutrition

[13:18] Focus on your hobbies and interests

[14:20] Seek support from others 

[14:58] Self-care positively impacts all of your relationships

Men’s mental well-being  

When it comes to mental health issues, men are less likely to reach out for help yet they are significantly impacted by the consequences of neglecting their mental wellness. There is a societal stigma that if men are seeking support, then they are weak or they cannot handle their problems. The truth is, men are just as likely to have mental issues, and sometimes it’s even more dramatic because of the stigma around needing to be strong or the rock in a relationship. 

We have not given men a space to feel seen and heard without being judged or told cruel things. This is why suicide rates and domestic abuse are higher because men keep piling things on and are not healthily dealing with things. They do not have an outlet so they feel like shit, feel like they are weak, and think they are better off taking their own life or becoming addicted to a substance. 

I want you to know, you are not weak in seeking support. Vulnerability is a strength and should be seen as such. Women need to acknowledge that a man coming to us and asking for help is taking ownership of his mental well-being. Everyone deserves to be mentally well.

The importance of physical health

Physical health is also important for self-care because we want to take care of our bodies. You can be the richest person in the world but if you are physically unhealthy, then life is nonexistent. There are so many ways that you can be in your optimal physical health and one of them is to work out and move your body. You do not have to be a gym rat, you can play tennis, racketball, team sports, riding bikes, or anything else that gets you moving. This is not only to look good but to feel good. 

As we get older, our physical health is important. Make sure that you get your yearly physicals and as we age there are more and more tests that we need to get done. Please seek out your doctor’s help and make sure that not only are you healthy, but that you know where you are at with your health. 

Building emotional strength

When you build emotional strength, it helps you to process emotions more effectively leading to better relationships and a more fulfilling life. Emotional strength is being aware of your feelings and knowing how to deal with them. You can journal, seek out a support group, have an in-depth conversation with your significant other, or reach out to your spiritual leader if you are religious. 

Self-care is non-negotiable

We all deserve self-care and it is truly non-negotiable. If you come up short in any of these areas, you are not going to be fulfilled, you will not have the ability to give back in relationships, and then you will not feel taken care of. 

There is a myth that self-care is not masculine but this is completely wrong and harmful. There is this perception that masculine men need to be a certain way and cannot show emotion or weakness. This is feeding into the cycle that we are trying to break free from in society. I have had many men on this podcast including doctors, therapists, and coaches, who started groups to redesign masculinity because the old way does not work. 

Masculinity is strength and strength comes from being vulnerable and taking care of yourself. Caring for yourself does not diminish your strength, it amplifies it. Let’s bust that myth and change the narrative.

Find an activity that keeps you moving and stick with it

Whether it is hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, find an activity that gets you moving and stick with it. Working out will help your mental health and will also get rid of some brain fog that you may have. This has helped me in my career and creativity. It helps me feel better, lighter, and happier. Find what works for you and take on new opportunities to explore.

Using mindfulness and meditation

Be mindful of all aspects of your life including what you put in your body, how you do an activity, what you say, and how you come across in the world. Meditation can help you be more calm and present, even if you just take a couple of minutes out of your day. Meditating can reduce your stress and improve clarity. 

The importance of healthy nutrition

I will not tell you how to eat but eating healthy is very important. I do recommend eating whole foods and more plants and vegetables. This is not only beneficial for our environment but it is also beneficial for the animals and our health. Eat less processed food and be aware of eating a more balanced diet. You will feel physically and mentally better!

Focus on your hobbies and interests

Focusing on your hobbies and interests is important. If you do not have any, start trying new things. We have such beautiful abundance in this world and you can start exploring and investing time into yourself. When you invest in activities you love, it is not only going to relieve stress but you invest in your happiness. Self-care is being happy with the things that you choose to do. Self-care is self-love!

Seek support from others 

As I said before, please seek support. Find a therapist, talk to a friend, join a support group, or work with a coach. Make sure to get things off of your chest because that is one of the biggest forms of self-care that we can do. Owning that you need support and help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are human and we are not meant to do everything ourselves. Look back at past episodes to find a coach that could support you. 

Self-care positively impacts all of your relationships

Self-care is not just about you, it positively impacts all of your relationships. By taking care of your well-being, you are better equipped to engage with others. You can offer support and build stronger connections because your cup is full. When you have given yourself what you need, you can give back to someone else. 

Self-care is not selfish, it is essential. It is the foundation upon a fulfilling life is built – affecting everything from your health to your relationships. It is time to prioritize yourself because when you do, everyone benefits.