Recently there has been more talk about men’s mental health. This is after the increased number of suicide cases in young and middle-aged men reported by media outlets. Typically, women talk to each other about almost everything. While this sometimes is seen to be a bad thing, it is also strength. Women are able to reduce stress more easily because they discuss their problems with others. However, the same is not very common in men.
Many men confess that despite spending time with friends, they hardly speak out their problems. Some would argue that this is a side effect of toxic masculinity but society socializes men to hide struggles. Many men see discussions of struggles as a sign of weakness. As a result, men suffer in silence. Continued stress results in health issues such as heart problems, blood pressure, fatigue, and depression. A person’s relationships and work productivity suffer from stress. Here are ways for men to reduce stress.
- Address the source of the stress
It might seem obvious but people try to escape the stress before attempting to solve it. Identifying the source of the problem is the first step in solving the issue. It could be pressure from work. In this case, one can find ways to mitigate this such as better time management, a break from work or alternative jobs. If the problem is relationship related then one can find a solution. Identifying the stress trigger helps you solve the problem.
- Exercise
Exercise is a good way to reduce stress. Many men favour exercise as an outlet for their frustrations. Exercising helps, the body produce endorphins, which decrease anxiety. Any type of exercise is helpful. It could be a run, jogging for a set number of minutes or lifting weights. Fortunately, there is a wide array of exercises to choose from to fit your preferences. The next time your stress levels go high, pick one and help yourself. Health: 7 Benefits Of Deep Breathing Exercises
- Art
There is an observation about good art that links to sadness. Many great artists produced their masterpieces while experiencing a dark moment in their lives. Art is a form of expression. Whether you paint, sing, write or cook, these are good stress outlets.
- Give yourself a break
When you are stressed all you might need to destress is just take a break from the situation or do an activity. Take a break from the stress source by changing scenes. Take a walk in a quiet place. Have coffee or lunch at a different location. If the stress is severe, take a holiday for a couple of days to regroup. The mental break from the stressful environment will help lower the stress level.
- Avoid sources of stress
Some stressful situations happen frequently. For example, you could have people who irritate you. This is preventable stress and you can avoid people who increase your stress levels if possible.
- Sleep
A good night’s sleep is a remedy to much in life. Sleeping continuously for about six hours is recommended. Sleep helps your brain rest. The rest is important in handling stress since it helps your body recover from the effect of the stress. Health: 10 Dangers Of Insufficient Sleep
- Indulge in a leisure activity
The goal is to reduce your stress levels and indulging in a leisure activity accomplishes this. Play a video game, watch a movie or play, listen to music or play a board game. Indulging in alcohol is however not recommended since it is a depressant.
- Acknowledge the situation
In addiction recovery programs, they use the Serenity prayer. Some problems have solutions while some do not. It is important to differentiate sources of stress that can be changed and those that cannot. If the weather is ruining your event and this is causing your stress, look for a way to enjoy the moment regardless of the situation.
- Talk to someone
Men talk all the time but they hardly talk about their problems. Some situations, however, require external input. Find a trustworthy friend to talk to or enrol the services of a psychiatrist. While this may feel uncomfortable, it is beneficial to your mental health. How To Cope With Depression.
Here is another article you should check out – 20 Science-Backed Ways to Reduce Stress
Check out Lessons Learnt From Michael Oyier About Depression
