Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 21st October 2021

Let's face it, self care is a topic that most men seem to skip over. Channeling your efforts back into yourself can seem like an almost pointless endeavour for some, but you have to realise that, in fact, this couldn't be further from the truth. All men need to look after themselves and perform sufficient self care rituals to promote both physical and mental wellness, otherwise you risk experiencing illness and discomfort in many forms that will no doubt detract from your quality of life. Thankfully, learning how to master the art of self care as a busy working man doesn't have to be as difficult as you might expect, as there are just a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to feel a noticeable change in your mind and body in no time at all. So, if you're ready to become your own main priority for the sake of your health, then simply read on to uncover some of the most effective steps that you can take today.

Eating A Balanced Diet 

Whether you're a full time father tidying up after your children or a career driven individual married to your job, it's far too easy to find excuses for your diet. Skipping meals, eating leftovers or grabbing fast food over fresh alternatives on a regular basis can cause all manner of different health conditions to take hold, forcing you to experience a range of symptoms and side effects that subsequently drag your quality of life down to uncomfortable levels. The food that you eat contributes massively towards the way that you feel in both your body and mind, as it directly converts into the fuel that you use for each and every task that you perform. Making the decision to overhaul your diet so that it can better support your lifestyle and boost your wellbeing will have a dramatic impact, as you'll begin to feel a positive difference in just a few days.

Say goodbye to artificial and unnatural ingredients, and replace them with more nutritional and balanced wholefoods that don't contain any of the same chemical preservatives, colours or flavours that were previously doing real damage. Cut down your salt and sugar intake, substituting your favourite snacks for more vitamin-rich alternatives that can give you the energy boost you so desperately need. Rather than adding spoon after spoon of sugar to your morning coffee, try adding honey instead, and rather than eating a bag of salt potato crisps, simply grab a handful of roasted nuts. Aim to eat at least 5 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables each and every day to ensure you're getting the right vitamins and minerals to help you thrive, avoiding dried or candied options that no longer have the same nutritional value. Making such swaps across the board will improve your health dramatically, and you'll start to feel as though you're learning to prioritise yourself and your own needs in the process.

Learn To Love Exercise 

If you're feeling tired and sluggish, then exercise is probably one of the last things on your mind. However, taking part in a quick workout could actually be the solution that you have been searching for, as it can boost both your energy levels and mood to help you feel full of life and raring to go. Exercise is essential for a variety of different reasons, starting off with the fact that you need to push your body to work up a sweat in order to strengthen your muscles and bones while using up any excess energy. The health benefits of regular exercise are near endless, as you can help to promote improved cardiovascular function, better weight management, a more balanced sleeping pattern, lifted mood and so much more, so it's vital for the sake of both your mind and body that you can start working out as soon as possible. 

There are so many different pathways that you can explore on your journey through the worlds of exercise, as you're bound to find the perfect sport or exercise for your unique preferences. Finding a workout that you actually enjoy taking part in is half of the battle, as remaining motivated throughout your tiring sessions will be tough to say the least. Take the opportunity to join a local fitness centre so that you can identify which classes and equipment are available for you to make the most of, as this way you can experiment with a variety of different sports and routines to find something that pushes you to break out of your comfort zone. Whether you decide to swim in a local pool, take a bike ride around your city or even follow a workout video at home with some free weights, just taking the chance to get up and get moving will benefit your mind and body to no end.

Find A Good Work/Life Balance 

Balancing your career with the rest of your life can be one of the most difficult things for a man to achieve, as it's so hard to not let your job take over your thoughts and occupy your mind for every second of the day. Finding a way to let go of some career attachment will help you both mentally and physically more than you could ever imagine, as the effects that job obsession can have on your mental wellbeing are more severe than you might expect. Regularly working overtime rather than heading home to relax and unwind will make you feel more stressed than ever, which could then lead to a lack of appetite, poor sleep and unmanageable fatigue. You can't let your career have more control over you than your own health, as money comes and goes but your life is more precious than anything else. 

You have to realise that unfortunately you aren't getting any younger, and it would be a real pity to have to spend upwards of 50 hours a week slaving away at your desk without as much as a thank you to warrant your extra commitment. Simply fulfilling your job role, nothing more nothing less, is exactly what you have to do - you do not owe your boss anything more than what is listed in your contract, so if your shift is due to finish as listed on paper, then you can pick up your bag and head home. Try your best to leave your work-thoughts in the workplace rather than bringing them home with you, as you don't need to continue battling with the ups and downs of your day when you return back to the comfort of your own surroundings. Any time that you catch yourself skimming over work thoughts like finding your company registration number or handing in a project before the intended deadline, snap yourself out of it by audibly reminding yourself, 'I am not at work, these thoughts can wait.'

Take The Time To Relax 

Regular relaxation is something that many men find difficult, as it can be tough to switch off your mind and allow for peace and tranquility when so many other passing thoughts whizz around your brain. It's absolutely vital that you take the opportunity to relax whenever possible for the sake of your mental health, as you need the opportunity to lift some pressure off your shoulders while relieving tensions and promoting a greater sense of peace and calm. Being a busy father running around after your little ones day in day out will no doubt set you on edge, but taking the chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of your busy family life will bring you back down to earth and allow you to re-enter as a calmer, more approachable person. You allow your stresses to build up to a point at which you begin taking it out on your little ones. You also shouldn't carry this stress with you when you're heading to work either, as arguments and snide comments as a result of your tension could leave you in hot water. 

Fortunately there are so many relaxing activities that you can take part in, from mastering the art of meditation or yoga to taking a slow walk around an area of natural beauty so that you can breathe fresh air and reconnect with the earth. Scheduling at least 30 minutes of a calming and balancing practice each day will have a noticeable impact on the way that you feel, so there's no time like the present to begin your journey to achieving tranquility today. Being a man is hard work, so it's vital that you take good care of yourself by following these simple self care recommendations that will be of benefit for both your mind and body. Looking after your own needs will allow you to better meet those of other people, including your children or partner, so start prioritising self care now before it's too late.

Eating A Balanced Diet, Learn To Love Exercise, Find A Good Work/Life Balance, and Take The Time To Relax are recommended in this guide on How to Start Taking Care of your Physical & Mental Wellness.