Men's Health Week: Self-love, Self-care and Self-aware

The last two decades have seen a shift in our attitudes to men’s roles and wellbeing. From breaking free from rigid gender role stereotypes, speaking up on mental health – right through to personal styling and looking and feeling good … there’s been progress.

Nonetheless there’s further to go. Many men still feel huge work-life and identity pressures. It would seem that men are less likely to ask for self-development help – and many are still too loathed to see the doctor pending a disaster.  

So this article is all about continuing to helping boost wellbeing on all levels - through self-love, self-care and being self-aware.  

Physical Wellbeing

The day starts and ends from and with sleep. Are you getting all the hours you need? From there it’s about taking care of our body and energy.

1. Sweet dreams: ensure you get the hours you need. This where mind and body heal.

2. Exercise is key: don’t blindly do what others do -what works for you / would be fun too? Gym, swim, sport, classes, home workout? Alone or with others? Experiment.

3. Listen to your body, not everybody: have a balanced diet and trust your inner voice.

Mental Health

“Step outside for a while; calm your mind. It’s better to hug a tree than to bang your head against a wall continually.” – Rasheed Ogunlaru

Take time out. Spend time in nature. Foster a calm, quiet mind.  

1. Kind to yourself – spot when you’re stressed or stretched and relax and rest  

2. Peace of mind: avoid arguments, bickering and battles at work and at home

3. Let your talent do the talking, never your tantrums.

Struggling, stressed, stretched? Don’t be afraid to reach out to loved ones, friends, trusted colleagues or for expert, professional help.  

Emotional Wealth

So what’s the difference between this and mental health I hear you ask? Well, Emotional wealth goes one step further it’s about your quality of life, being who you are, expressing yourself and having a richer relationship with yourself and everyone else.  

1. Trust and follow your heart – use your intelligence AND your instincts/intuition   

2. Build rich, supportive relationships – avoid/let go of those which are toxic

3. Be compassionate: toward yourself and others and watch relationships blossom and flower.

Spiritual Self

“Know your magic, trust your magic and know that you are a manifestation of life’s magic.” – Rasheed Ogunlaru

Be it that you a humanist, religious, agnostic, atheist or trust in the universe it seems that we experience this magical life. Allow yourself the time and space to explore what our time here on this planet means to you.

1). What’s most precious to you in life?

2). What’s would your heart say is your life’s mission and purpose?

3). How can you (continue to) develop the courage to follow your unique life path?

Don’t be afraid to ask your “self” life’s big questions: who am I? Why are we here? These questions can take you behind how you or others may have defined or confined you. But also know that sometimes life events and challenges may ask these questions of you. Often, it’s these times that help us re-connect to who we are and what we are about.

Time for yourself

We have busy lives and minds. Many men still define themselves by work and work far too many hours.  

1). You time: what’s the time you need for you to just be … schedule it

2). Friends & family: again, schedule time in for loved ones. Life comes before work.

3). Fun, hobbies and creativity: make sure your schedule includes activities that will recharge you.  

Self-love, self-care, self-aware

In summary real holistic wellbeing is about self-love, self-care and being self-aware. The first step is being self-aware: get to know yourself and spot the signs of where you’re at with your mind, body and spirit. Next is self-love; this isn’t about being caught up in ego but it’s about really appreciating who you are. Finally, self-care: that’s the day to day looking after yourself on all levels – being self-aware and embracing self-love will help you stay on track.

Happy Men’s Health Week everybody.

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Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life, leadership and business coach and author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business and The Gift of Inner Success. He's also one of the trainers of The Coaching Academy, delivering a number of CPD training opportunities.

Interested in helping your clients reach their mindfulness goals?

Train with Rasheed on the upcoming Minfulness and Coaching Programme or any other of our upcoming CPD training workshops.