While everyone feels stress in their life, it’s often men who will suffer in silence while this stress takes over both their mental and physical health. Because so many men were raised not to show weakness, it can be hard for them to seek out the help and support they need when times get rough. Rather than doing this, they try to solve their problems on their own. But without knowing the correct way to do this, they may not be able to get the relief they need.
If this sounds like an issue you’re currently struggling with, here are three healthy ways for men to relieve stress in their lives.
Fix What’s Causing Your Stress
One of the best ways to stop stress at its source is to uncover what it is that’s causing you stress and then address that issue head-on.
According to Dennis Thompson Jr., a contributor to Everyday Health, this solution usually works best when there’s an actual physical problem or person that’s causing you stress. For example, if you have an annoying neighbor or you’re butting heads with your boss. In situations like these, it can be very helpful to try to address the problem, even if it will be awkward or uncomfortable, so that you can have a diminished sense of stress about it.
Spend More Time Outside
Sadly, not everything that’s causing you stress can be handled in the above-mentioned way. When this is the case, it can be helpful to focus more on yourself than on the stress that you’re feeling.
One way to do this, according to Brittany Smith, a contributor to Men’s Journal, is to spend more time outside. Studies have shown that people who spend more time outside have lower levels of stress and other mental health issues. Ideally, the time you spend outside should be in a more natural element rather than just walking around the city in which you live. But if you’re to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, you might be able to feel some of your stress ease. We recommend going hiking, snorkelling with a full face snorkel mask or cycling. If the weather doesn’t allow you to get outside, then consider purchasing an indoor spin bike.
Focus more on the quality of your sleep
The scientific link between stress and sleep has been clearly documented. When we’re stressed, it’s more difficult to sleep. And when we’re sleep deprived, we have more difficult to regulate our mood and access our cognitive potential during the day. One easy thing every man can do to improve their sleep is to avoid looking at any screens for at least an hour or two before going to sleep. Research shows that the blue light from our devices trick our pineal glands into thinking it’s daytime and as a result, we don’t produce sufficient melatonin necessary for a sound sleep. Also, pay attention to your mattress. Is it supportive? Does it have the right level of firmness based on how you sleep? You can find high-quality latex hybrid mattresses that supports your pressure points and keep you cool while you sleep.
Get In An Exercise Routine
In addition to spending time outside, another way you can ease both mental and physical stress is to get some physical activity.
According to Sean Elder, a contributor to WebMD.com, exercise is a major stress reducer. So if you’re currently feeling a lot of stress but haven’t made time in your life for physical activity, this might be one of the first things you should try to combat the stress.
If you’re a man who’s feeling very stressed about the state or situation of your life right now, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find ways of dealing with this stress and improve your mental and physical health.