As daily life speeds up exponentially, there has been a remarkable surge in awareness about mental health as a vital component for overall wellness. Unfortunately, this subject still gets overlooked and stigmatised among men – who are expected to be strong yet emotional-less whilst being exceptionally resilient. This pressure leads to unnecessary stress that eventually harms their mental state.
Workplaces often place immense pressure on employees, with long hours spent trying to meet deadlines and fulfil their duties. The workplace pressure can be multiplied for men working in demanding positions, which can create an unhealthy environment where they struggle with mental health challenges but may resist seeking assistance due to the perceived stigma associated with asking for support when needed. The constant pressure to perform at a high level can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, severely affecting mental health.
We must take steps towards promoting healthier discussions about mental well-being among men regardless of occupation. The weight of social expectations can be crushing for men as they try to juggle work and family responsibilities. Often being the sole providers for their households means that failing to meet these obligations brings about guilt or shame.
A sense of being trapped then sets in as there is simply no available time outside of work and caretaking duties – this takes its toll on crucial aspects such as personal hobbies or spending quality time with friends. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or burnout frequently arise from trying too hard to manage everything. In the face of mounting pressures at work and home, men often have no choice but to let go of friendships as they navigate each day. But losing out on social bonds results in feelings of loneliness that emerge with detrimental effects on one’s mental well-being and can worsen a bad situation.
Get Outdoors And Enjoy Nature
One way to help address the mental health challenges is to prioritise self- self-care actions, such as outdoor activities, that could help combat this fallout. Studies indicate that exposure to nature significantly benefits mental health – it alleviates anxiety/depression symptoms while enhancing mood and lowering stress hormone levels.
Nature offers endless possibilities for people who want to experience something new while getting fresh air – such as hiking and walking! Outdoor activities like these keep our bodies healthy and help bolster our psychological well-being. The rewarding sense of achievement attained through completing hikes are enough to give us the confidence we never knew we had before. Often lessening symptoms of anxiety & depression.
Frequent hiking and walking can cultivate positive effects on both mental and physical health, studies have shown. Not only can these activities lower the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, but they also help keep weight gain in check. In addition to preventing physical problems, exercise can positively impact sleep quality which is integral to good mental health.
Men who work demanding jobs requiring high cognitive function stand to benefit from a study indicating that walking in natural spots helps improve creativity alongside attention and working memory. To prioritise self-care and spend more time outdoors, men need to make it a priority. Scheduling outdoor activities is just as important as scheduling work or family time.
Prioritise Yourself
Here are some tips to help you prioritise yourself and spend time outdoors:
- Make it a priority. It should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Like you make time for work and family, make time for yourself and your mental health.
- Starting small can help ease into spending more time outside, with short walks around the neighbourhood gradually increasing in length and intensity.
- Find a buddy. Hiking or walking with a friend or family member can make the experience more enjoyable and help keep you accountable, and it quickly becomes a routine.
- Disconnect. Leave your phone and other electronic devices at home or in your car. Being fully present in nature can help you relax and recharge.
- Practice mindfulness. As you walk or hike, pay attention to your surroundings, including the sights, sounds, and smells. Focus on your breathing, your body’s physical sensations, and those around you.
Metal well-being
If you’re wondering whether your mental well-being is at risk, there are several tell-tale signs to look out for.
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
- Feeling anxious or worried
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional and remember it is OK to ask for help; it is a sign of strength, not weakness, and once addressed, it will lead to an improved quality of life and overall well-being. The NHS site can provide you with invaluable information.
Some self-help strategies can also positively affect your well-being (but please remember they do not subsite speaking and gaining help from a healthcare professional). These include:
- Prioritising personal care requirements such as getting enough rest and consuming a balanced diet.
- Introduce relaxing techniques such as engaging in yoga sessions or meditating for inner peace daily.
- Establishing a conducive support system amongst loved ones.
- Avoiding any forms of substance misuse
It’s no secret that society places immense pressure on men to always appear strong and put-together – even when struggling with crippling anxiety or depression behind closed doors. But by shifting the narrative around what it means to be “tough,” we can encourage more men to prioritise their well-being through self-care practices like therapy, meditation, or exercise. In turn, this improves individual outcomes and benefits society by reducing productivity loss due to untreated mental illness.
The stigma surrounding seeking help for mental health issues must end.
