Hey man, do you indulge in self-care? Here’s why you must

American writer and teacher Jack Kornfield once imparted some beautiful wisdom. He said, “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” He insisted that we extend the same love and affection to ourselves as we offer others. The men in our world often forget this. They perceive themselves as providers and guardians, a conditioning of a thousand years. They prioritise the wellbeing of others while often neglecting their own. Kornfield’s words remind us that everyone, regardless of gender, need to prioritise self-care to maintain physical, mental and emotional health. Men especially need to know that by nurturing themselves, they can enhance their wellbeing and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Men’s Health Month is celebrated every June to raise awareness about health issues that impact men and urges them to pay attention to their wellbeing. It encourages men to prioritise their health for individual wellbeing as well as for the wellbeing of their families. So, this Men’s Health Month, let’s ask ourselves some important questions and explore if we, as men, understand and indulge in self-care or not.

How high would you rate your mental wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing comes from a state of calm. And that calm is hard to achieve. After all, men face immense pressure to perform well at work, achieve success, provide for their families and ensure financial security. These pressures weigh heavily on them, making their mental health care extremely important.

You can start by acknowledging the fact that you need to cope with everyday challenges just like any other human being. Then, you can learn to manage your daily stresses through relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation. Further, seek professional help from yoga or Tai Chi experts to learn the right way to achieve a balance between your mental and physical self.

As American actor and professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson once reflected on his own experience with depression, “I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realise is that you’re not alone. You’re not the first to go through it; you’re not going to be the last to go through it.” Johnson’s journey highlights the importance of seeking support and further, urges you to stay positive, no matter what. His story stresses on the importance of mental health care and the strength that comes from seeking help and understanding that recovery is possible.

Do you take care of your emotional needs?

A lot of movies and television shows portray men to be extremely macho, as humans who don’t indulge in self care and are strong anyway. But reality is often contrary to that reel image. Men, like everyone else, have emotional needs and deserve care and support. Emotional wellbeing is important for everyone, including men.

Cultivating emotional wellbeing involves nurturing healthy relationships, being able to express feelings openly and finding activities that bring joy. So, learn to build a support network of friends and family and go to them whenever you need support. They are the ones who have your back and advise you right during challenging times. As an actual strong man, it’s important to know you have them and that leaning on them is not a sign of weakness but of strength.