It was been found that men who are struggling with their mental health are not only less likely to seek professional support than women, but are also less likely to talk to friends and family about the problems they are facing. In fact, there is sadly a stigma in today’s society in regard to men being open about their emotions, and investing time in their mental well-being.
As a Dad, it is often a challenge to balance the responsibilities at work and at home. It can sometimes feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day, and it is hard to deal with the guilt that comes from letting certain areas of your life dominate your focus. Consequently, it is even harder to imagine prioritizing yourself. Although this is difficult, it is also really important. In order to be the best husband, father, and employee you are capable of being, it is vital that you first take care of yourself. Here are some tips that any Dad can use to invest in his mental well-being.
Get more sleep
Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. A lack of shut-eye can damage your health, reduce your job performance, and can even result in mood swings. For any dad these side-effects are a serious problem. Whilst it may be tempting to cram as much as possible into your day, it will be better in the long run if you go to bed. Depending on the sleeping habits of your kids, this may be more difficult for some parents than others, however this could always act as incentive to persevere in your attempts to get your kids to bed!
Massage therapy
If you have a hectic schedule, you may think that you don’t have time to indulge in a massage. However, this is actually a really great way to switch off. Instead of desperately trying to find rare moments of relaxation throughout the week, why not condense your time out into one intense experience. A Heaven and Earth massage works immediately to relieve your tension. It will provide an outlet from the demands of modern life, and even give you a boost of energy.
Exercise classes
Stereotypically, exercise classes are targeted at women, with most men encouraged to use the gym. Although the gym is an excellent way to keep fit and release endorphins, unlike the classes, it does not possess as much of a social element. Why not break down the stereotype and look for classes that interest you. It is a great way to meet new people or catch up with old friends who might also be interested. Not only this, but most gyms have crèches or children’s classes so that parents don’t have to worry about childcare. This is a time effective solution as you can combine exercising with socialising.
Find someone to talk to
Sometimes a change in lifestyle is not enough to improve your outlook. In some situations it may help to reach out to a professional for advice and support. You could also try talking to other Dads, or lookout for online communities of people facing the same kind of demands as you.