Ideas for Taking Some ‘You Time’ For Men
Looking after our mental health and well-being is essential for everyone, but men in particular can find it harder to focus on their own wellbeing and themselves. Like women, men face a good number of barriers practical and psychological barriers such as social judgement. Men’s Mental Health Week (13-18th June) and Movember (November) have helped to promote and normalise healthy and positive discussions of mental health in men. We’ve pulled together our 5 favorite ideas for men to try that are becoming increasingly popular for men to take some time for themselves that can be done both in groups or on your own.
Yoga isn’t just for women, although many classes may make it seem that way! Yoga is a brilliant way of destressing, exercising your body, and relaxing your mind. Many centres and teachers offer male-only classes, such as Falmouth Yoga Space, and most studios offer a great range of beginner classes, suitable for all, including Oceanflow Yoga, with classes you can do from home if you’d prefer. It’s great not just for your mental health but as a fantastic accompaniment to other sports, such as rugby, football, and surfing, giving you plenty of physical benefits too.
The health benefits of regularly getting into the water mean that swimming, particularly outdoor and sea swimming, has grown in popularity in recent years. Good for your mental health as well as your physical health, swimming can have notable positive effects such as improving stress responses, positivity and immunity. Sea swimming allows you to connect with others, nurture your social side, engage with nature, and discover your sense of self. If you’d like to swim with a supportive group, then check out groups like Blue Balls in Cornwall.
While it’s less likely that men will get together to chat with their friends about their worries, there’s a growing network of support groups designed to encourage just that and are a vital resource. Here in Cornwall groups like Man Down Cornwall create safe spaces for men to talk and find support from one another.
Join a walking group, volunteering, focus on a favourite hobby or learning a new skill are great ways of connecting with other people in fun ways. You never know who you might connect with or what you might learn. The NHS has begun social prescribing, with referrals to alternative therapies such as gardening or walking groups, and the benefits to wellbeing are clear to see. Getting involved with a group is a great way of getting out and about and meeting new people.
Practicing mindfulness can be done from the comfort of your own home thanks to popular apps like Calm and Headspace. Both offer free features so you can try them out and see how you get on with them. Great for dealing with stress, anxiety, and helping you to sleep better.
For more mental health and well-being guidance, check out Mind, who have plenty of resources on mental health and well-being on their website