Make sure you are ready for International Men’s Day on 19th November 2018…….
When was the last time you gave yourself a break? New research from Rooi has found that 37% of men feel burned out from work, when compared to 34% of women. Unfortunately, there’s a growing bank of research that suggests that our increasingly hectic lives are putting us under immense stress. Men across the UK are at an increasing risk of various physical health issues triggered by widespread stress. Whilst you may think of it as just a psychological reaction, the domino effect on our bodies quickly take their toll. From issues at home to work-related concerns, International Men’s Day (November 19th) is he perfect time to remove the stigma surrounding relaxation to give you a bit of ‘me time’. Candles, duvet days and spa visits may not seem like your usual way to chill, but it’s for your own good! So many of us have forgotten how to relax, which is shocking considering our health depends on it.
Psychiatrist Dr Sandeep Ranote said that there are ‘five Cs’ that can help to bring clarity and relaxation to even the biggest sceptics:
- Culture & creativity – Unleash your creativity with arts and craft. Whether it’s painting or making music, having a creative outlet gives us a new space to express our emotions.
- Cool down/comfort time – Turn off your laptop and get into your PJs. It might not feel normal at first, but once you ease into it you’ll love it. Light a few candles and lie back without distractions. Lavender candles are renowned for relaxing the mind, but if you’re looking for a more masculine scent, go for musk or tobacco & patchouli.
- Chat & cathartic connection – When things get too much it’s easy to try and hide them away. It’s time to start confronting the issues and get them off your chest. Everyone has a friend who has an uncanny knack for calming them down. After a long day at work, speak to them and unload your thoughts and stresses upon them.
- Calisthenics – Hit the gym or go for a walk. You don’t have to be Mo Farah to get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing. Get your body moving and watch as the stress evaporates.
- Cuisine – Avoid MSG-filled snacks and go back to basics. Your body will thank you for eating more natural foods and you’re likely to feel much happier and healthy by avoiding junk food.
Professor Dinesh Bhugra, President of the World Psychiatric Association, explained that men have a tendency to bottle up things that are bothering them.
“Stress can produce various hormonal and enzyme levels and can contribute to physical illnesses such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or even diabetes. Also men and women perceive potential threats differently, and therefore they respond differently. However, often men will not acknowledge that they are stressed because of their masculine attitudes and cultural expectations.”
It’s arguably an aversion to relaxation methods and opening up to others that makes some men carry stress around with them until they boil over. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you’re stressed and taking a step back. Hey, if bubble baths are good enough for Chandler Bing, they’re good enough for us too! There’s a relaxation method for everyone and we all need to find what’s right for us. Take things down to zero for a day every once in a while, sit back and relax
Updated: Nov 2017
