Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live your best life. Not only does it help improve your physical health, but it can also improve your mental health. Prioritizing self-care can help reduce stress, increase energy, and improve happiness. Self-care items help men’s minds, bodies, and spirits. Believe it or not, a recent study shows that more men practice self-care than women. 39% of men say they consistently make time for it, while only 32% of women do.
We’ve got the scoop for you! Here are some self-care items men should never live without.
1. Candles - the ultimate stress fighter.
Smell is a powerful mood regulator. It stimulates the limbic system, where memory and emotions are processed and regulated, producing serotonin and dopamine hormones to help regulate mood. This strong connection between your emotional state with scents makes candles a more critical part of de-stressing than you probably imagined. Gifting a candle is like handing over a stress reducer! Men gravitate toward natural, earthy smells like those that occur in nature - cedar, pine, and balsam fir. They also gravitate toward scents that bring a positive association to things many men enjoy, like tobacco, bourbon, chai, and coffee. Candles can also be invigorating. Try spearmint, peppermint, and wintergreen for the perfect candle at the home office desk.
2. New, improved grooming!
The world of grooming has come a long way. Foolproof, easy grooming is at your fingertips! It’s time to ditch the same old razor that has been around for years and try the MicroTouch Titanium TRIM; it extends a full 40mm delivering the perfect power position for hard-to-reach areas like the neck, back, and body with zero burns or irritation.
3. Deep Tissue Massage - at home.
The back is the #1 place we carry stress. Everyone should have a few back pain relief products in their arsenal. Try an inexpensive foam roller - it will help to work on the fascia, the connective tissue that encases muscles that can become stiff and cause soreness. For tips on how to use it, easy-to-follow instructions are here.
4. Skincare - it’s not just for women!
Everyone wants to age gracefully. Most men usually don’t take the time to care for their skin, and their thicker, coarser skin is generally not getting the dullness-fighting help it needs. Plus, men produce more sebum than women. Too much of this oily substance made from fat can lead to clogged pores, acne, enlarged pores, and more.
A good moisturizer and sunscreen are easy and simple places to start.
5. Lip Care
The goal of healthy lips starts with a great lip care routine! The key is ingredients that lock moisture in without drying out the lips. Look for: glycerin, mineral oil, and aloe. Skip menthol, camphor, phenol, or any sort of alcohol.
6. MicroTouch Titanium MAX
For beards, mustaches, & beyond, it’s essential to be able to clean up and trim up at home to keep things looking fresh. The MicroTouch Titanium MAX is perfect for ears, nose, brows, sideburns, goatees, beards, and mustaches because of its ultra-thin head, with perfectly-angled, side-mounted blades — it goes where other trimmers can’t. It’s the daily tool that EVERY man needs.
7. A Journal - just try it!
Journaling is proven to help improve mood, help manage stress, and hold yourself accountable to goals. It is something women generally focus on more than men. But maybe a new journal is just what it takes to make it a habit. Start slow - even a sentence of daily gratitude leads to a positive mindset.
8. Daily Vitamins
Vitamins keep us mentally and physically healthy, ensuring our body gets the nutrients our diets sometimes lack. But, only 35.9% of men ages 20 to 39 take their daily vitamins, and 67.3% of men above 60. It’s a daily habit that isn’t always easy to stay on top of. Try to take your vitamins everyday with breakfast to form a new habit! Take note of how your body feels throughout the day. Always check with your doctor to ensure you’re taking the right vitamins for your body.
9. Sleep Essentials - for the best night's sleep.
Sleep is essential for human health, period. In general, women get more sleep than men. Every man should have the essentials that help them reach their best night's sleep. Our favorites are a weighted blanket, a sleep mask to signal your brain to calm down, and a white noise machine to drown out background noises.
Slippers - keep it cozy.
Do slippers count as self-care? We say yes! Cocooning your feet in a good pair of slippers for work-at-home life or lazy Sunday mornings makes life better.
From grooming to stress relief, there you have it—ten things every guy needs to make self-care a priority.