SELF-CARE FOR MEN

Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi

Well-being must be a priority for all. Grooming expert shares health and wellness tips for the guys

THE pandemic has changed how many people do life, and it also has placed self-care as a priority not just for women but for men as well.

Now men are normalising selfcare and moving away from the conventional association of selfcare with women.

While the idea of self-care may differ from person to person, in general, it refers to the practice of taking care of oneself by participating in behaviours that promote personal health and wellbeing.

Paul Tran, founder and chief executive of MANSCAPED™, a company that specialises in male grooming, said: “Since there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to selfcare, it’s up to the individual to determine what type of activities help them feel like their best self. Some opt for heart-pumping adrenaline rushes through physical activity while others prefer personal pampering and extended grooming routines to boost confidence and level up.”

There is a pervasive societal norm whereby men place their own health and well-being at the very bottom of their priority list. But amid Covid-19 and great social unrest, mental health professionals are advocating for men to take care of their physical and mental health.

There are many ways to maintain a healthy self-care routine: Tran shares five selfcare tips for men:

1. Meditation

Start your day with 10 minutes of meditation. Setting aside some time each morning to calm your mind and be present in the moment can work wonders for your mental and physical health. With benefits ranging from reduced anxiety and stress to better sleep, meditation is one of the simplest, yet most impactful forms of self-care. Can’t concentrate at home? Try yoga and kill two birds with one stone, i.e. meditation and movement.

2. Elevate your daily grooming routine.

Self-esteem and confidence are intrinsically linked to self-care, and nothing makes you feel your absolute best, like a proper grooming and hygiene regimen. Recent consumer insight surveys show that men value grooming now more than ever as a way to boost their confidence and feel more like their best selves post pandemic.

3. Make weekly extended grooming a priority.

Self-Care Sunday got its name for a reason, and it’s not just for women. Making time each week to take care of your personal grooming needs that may not need to happen every day – think trimming your nails or tidying up your nose and ear hair – will help build your overall confidence and increase self-esteem. Throw on a face mask, soak in a hot shower, exfoliate your body, find whatever it is that boosts your mood and makes you feel extra relaxed and taken care of.

4. Spend more time with family.

Being with the people you love most can be a form of self-care, especially if you spend this time without distractions from technology.

5. Move your body.

This one may be tough, but it’s important. It has been proven that exercise reduces stress and boosts endorphins, but what many people overlook is that exercise comes in many forms.