Self-Care is Aware
As men we typically don’t look into self-care for ourselves. Generally speaking, we say that’s for other people or does not apply to me. We think we need to muscle it out. Push through. Or just keep going. We rarely sit and uncoil. We are wired differently as this is true, but we still need time to pause, reset and let the hair fly ( for those of us who still have hair. )
Self-care is not about, pampering, it’s really more about restoring what has been expended. Try moving a tractor-trailer without its diesel fuel or engine and see how far you’ll go in those corn fields. It’s the same with our bodies, we may think that, we can keep going; however we will run out of fuel. Sooner or later, it will come up in our speech. Other times in how we perform under pressure. Lastly, it can come suddenly when we are laying in a hospital bed.
Look, the truth is, no one likes to be looked as weak. But taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically is not a sign of weakness. It really shows a sign of strength. Restoring vital energies that were lost, helps you to be able to conquer the next battle. As men, we always are battling to be the supreme leader, or the top dog. However, this does not excuse the fact, that sometimes you have to slow down.
Here are some quick tips in non-essential order:
Sleep
Eat well ( find a balance, I’m NOT a dietitian, find the balance between fun and good eats )
Take some time to just be quiet
Turn off work
If married, carve quiet time out from the family
If single, go out, and sit in a quiet place
Slow your breathing down
Slow your mind down
Go crafty ( find a hobby that calms you down )
Do stretching / Or HIIT the gym
Ignore opinions and stick to facts
Remember your self-worth
Stay connected with genuine people
Read ( whatever interest you )
Cook ( trust me, its liberating, even if you burn the house, it’s why you have insurance )
Hike
Drink a cup of coffee / tea and scribble
Enjoy your life.
You can adjust this list to fit your regiment and lifestyle. I think we all carry various burdens on our shoulders. But, on those shoulders, we will tuck away our own emotions and we can become little baking soda volcanoes. Don’t do that! Talk to someone, or for the least part, slow your life down to get yourself on track.
Yes the journey in life is long, but so is the road to recovery if you’re not careful. Be aware and self-care.