Having a wealth of self-care ideas is crucial for any guy looking to maintain a healthy state of mind and body. Deeply rooted in self-love, self-care involves preserving and enriching your health. Though there are different self-care ideas out there, not all of them are truly universal.
The practice of self-care is subjective in that not all methods can be considered effective. As such, the success of self-care will depend on the person and their outlook on such a practice to begin with. In spite of that, self-care remains to be an important part of self-preservation, especially in today’s culture.
Why Is Self Care Important?
There’s a reason why so many people preach about the importance of self-care. As it is connected with self-love and your own sense of worth, practicing self-care is vital in maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. With that said, it can improve different aspects of your health, ranging from your mental capacities to your more physical capabilities.
For one, you might see a boost in self-confidence after maintaining a healthy practice of self-care. Additionally, your outlook in life might even change for the better after a healthy dose of self-care. All in all, making yourself a priority isn’t a bad thing. Remember: you can’t expect to help others if you don’t even care for yourself.
The Best Self Care Ideas To Try Out
As mentioned, not all self-care ideas will work for everyone. Self-care is something subjective, so it might take a while for you to find a method that works best for you. Nevertheless, there’s no harm in trying out a couple of approaches to self-care, as you can ultimately benefit from it in the long run. Here are some worth checking out.
1. Invest In A Good Beard Kit
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Your facial hair deserves more than just some beard oil. Spend some extra time making your beard look its finest by making use of a good beard grooming kit. Whether it be shaving tools or products to keep your facial hair full and healthy, being well-grooming is an essential step when it comes to self-care.
We like the Viking Revolution Beard Care Kit For Men, as it has everything you’ll ever need to groom and care for your beard. More than just something for your grooming routine, having a beard kit ensures that you get to take care of yourself from the inside out. By making yourself look good, you’ll feel good as well.
2. Work On Your Skincare Routine
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Many women consider skincare as a form of self-care, so who’s to say this can’t apply to men as well? Maintaining a good skincare routine is a great method of taking care of yourself. It’s one of the most popular self-care ideas across the board. In the same way beard grooming can make you feel good, investing in some good skincare can be a really great pick-me-up too.
Delving into skincare might be a bit intimidating for some guys. There’s a multitude of products to choose from, so you might not know where to even start. Look into some skincare sets — like the Brickell Men’s Daily Advanced Face Care Routine I Set — if you want to ease your way into the world of men’s skincare. The Brickell skincare set includes a face wash, a face moisturizer, and a face scrub to get you started. They’re great self-care products on their own, but together, they’re the perfect starter kit to get you started on a personal skincare regime.
3. Read A Good Book
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Self-care ideas don’t always have to be all about maintaining physicality. Give your brain some of its own exercise by picking up a good book. Reading is a great form of self-care for men, as it’s an easy way to unwind and better yourself while still remaining somewhat productive. You can lose yourself in a fantasy novel, find some inspiration in a memoir, or play pretend and solve some crimes through a mystery story. Not sure where to start? Check out our recommendations of books every man should read to find a story you can lose yourself in. You can also reach for an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite if you want something convenient and portable. Having an e-reader can be especially useful if you’re the type of guy who’s always on the go and leads a more active sort of lifestyle.
4. Get Yourself A Weighted Blanket
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Weighted blankets are a popular item that many people use to help themselves relax at the end of a long and stressful day. They make for good presents for guys who suffer from anxiety, as the deep pressure stimulation that weighted blankets provide can help relax the nervous system. Get something like the Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket to add to your collection of self care items and settle in for a relaxing day in the comfort of your bed.
5. Feel Good By Smelling Good
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Perfume is said to have some positive effects on your mood. They can help elevate your confidence and may even reduce stress. Investing in a good perfume might not seem like much in the grand scheme of self-care, though. However, sometimes it’s the littlest of things that can truly help you take care of yourself. Treat yourself to a good perfume like the Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men if you want something a little more versatile that can be used even outside of a self-care routine.
6. Keep Your Space Fragrant
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Smelling good doesn’t have to be limited to just your own body. Take it a step further and get a scented candle to create a cozy living space for the perfect self-care day. We like the Fresh Linen Soy Candle from Lulu Candles as it’s long-lasting and smells fresh. Whether you’re looking for something to help ease your day or just want your home smelling nice and clean, a scented candle will be the perfect addition to your personal collection of self-care products.
7. Take A Bath
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No, we’re not calling you stinky. Baths are actually a superb way to relax after a stressful day at work. They’re one of the easiest self-care ideas, as they can be seamlessly incorporated into your everyday routine. Adding some bath salts can help you revitalize as you unwind and soak in the bathtub. For this, the Village Naturals Therapy Mineral Bath Soak Variety Set is the perfect starting point with bath salts. It’s a set of three that caters to a variety of concerns, whether you want something to help ease your aching muscles or need something to help you sleep better at night.
8. Eat Healthy
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Self-care products can only do so much when you’re not actively trying to take care of your body’s physicality. Something that can help you get on track in a small but simple way is food subscription boxes. They’re great for introducing you to new treats, especially if you’re the kind of guy who’s big on snacks. Want to take it a step further? Take a look at our paleo vs keto guide if you’re looking for a diet that can help get your healthy lifestyle on track.
9. Try Aromatherapy
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If you want a pleasant-smelling home but are looking for more benefits beyond a scented candle, try going for some essential oils. They’re versatile and can be used to target different concerns. Not only are they great at keeping your living space smelling good, but they’re also a more natural alternative to addressing various ailments. They can be used in diffusers or applied directly onto your body.
You can start off with a simple bottle of essential oil to help ease your way into the world of aromatherapy. Alternatively, you can reach for a pre-packaged set like the Lagunamoon Essential Oils Gift Set for a good selection that can help you get started right away. Check out our men’s guide to aromatherapy to learn more on the benefits of aromatherapy and why it’s an excellent addition to your self-care routine.
10. Get A Massage
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Massages are the quintessential self-care treatment for anyone looking to destress. They’re not the most accessible of self-care ideas though, as you might have to book a masseuse or make an appointment at your local spa. Nevertheless, there are ways to get around this issue. Ask your partner if they’re willing to give you a massage, especially if you’ve had quite the rough day at work. If this isn’t a viable option for you, get a portable massager like the RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Deep Tissue Massager. Paired with some aromatherapy after a long soak in the tub, giving yourself a massage will be the perfect way to end the day and wrap up your self-care activities.
11. Write Things Down
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Keep a journal to practice mindfulness and chronicle not just your everyday life, but your feelings as well. Not only can this help you process emotions in a healthy manner, but it can also help you maintain a routine of self-reflection. Doing so can aid in identifying signs of burnout or stress, which can be crucial when you’re being more mindful about self-care. You don’t need anything fancy; just pick up a simple notebook and start jotting things down. You’ll find yourself feeling refreshed, both mentally and emotionally.
12. Plan A Vacation
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Sometimes the best self-care ideas involve new sceneries and a change of pace. Travelling is a great form of self-care and can be beneficial to your mental health. We highly recommend going out to see the world if travel is a feasible option for you. Your next vacation doesn’t even have to be an extravagant trip either. Something as simple as booking a room at a hotel for a staycation or going on a road trip for a taste of the van life can be an excellent way of practicing self-care.
13. Take A Nap
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Fit in a nap into your schedule and you’ll find yourself feeling more energized throughout the day. Naps might not seem to be much when it comes to self-care ideas, but studies show that they can help boost creativity and reduce stress. Make your naps all the more fulfilling with a body pillow like the Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Body Pillow. You’ll be left feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever the day has in store for you.
14. Take A Break From Social Media
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As fun as it may be to mindlessly scroll on social media platforms, too much of it in your life can become exhausting and toxic. Pull away from your phone from time to time and don’t get too caught up with what you see online. Better yet, go off social media altogether, even if it’s just temporarily. Taking a break from your online life will do you good. You might even find yourself with more time to pursue other hobbies once you’ve cut down on your online activities.
15. Make Yourself A Cup Of Tea
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You might be itching for a cup of joe, but why not switch things up a bit by going for a cup of tea instead? Tea contains a lot of antioxidants and won’t leave you as high strung as coffee would due to its lesser caffeine content. There are so many teas to choose from, with each providing different benefits that range from helping with skin problems to enhancing your immune system.
To get started on your tea collection, we recommend going for a variety pack to help you try out different types and flavors. For this, the Taylors of Harrogate Classic Tea Variety Box comes highly recommended, as its line-up of flavorful teas can cater to many preferences that suit a variety of needs.
16. Play Some Video Games
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Video games don’t have to be considered mindless fun if they bring you joy. That’s why it’s called self-care, after all. You’re taking care of yourself by staying happy. Playing games can be great for letting off some steam or even finding some peace, depending on what sort of game you go for.
You can play games on your mobile phone or stay at home with your gaming PC set-up. Or, go for a convenient handheld device like the Nintendo Switch Lite if you want something powerful but portable. It’s easy to bring around and great for when you’re on the go. Plus, it’s got a good library of games for you to choose from. You’re sure to find something that suits your play style with a Nintendo Switch Lite.
17. Dress To Impress
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Dress up even when you have nowhere fancy to go. Getting all dressed up can really lift your spirits and make you feel all the more suave and handsome. You might seem like you’re overdressed, but will that really be a problem when you feel like a million bucks in your clothing? Clothes can affect your mood, so wear something that you not only look good in, but feel good in as well. If you’re in the need for some outfit ideas, you can check out our list of casual fashion trends for some inspiration on how to elevate your personal style.
18. Get A Haircut
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Perhaps it’s time for a change, or maybe you’re just in need of a trim. Either way, getting a haircut is a simple way to effectively refresh your look no matter what your style is. The whole haircut ritual is a self-care experience in itself, so the only thing stopping you is picking out a new cut at this point.
If, however, you’re more of a DIY guy, we suggest getting yourself some good clippers. The Remington PG6025 All-in-1 Grooming Kit is perfect for this. It’s lithium-powered and comes with eight different attachments. As such, you can use it not only on your head of hair, but for your beard and even nose hairs as well.
19. Go Out With Your Friends
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What better way to enjoy your free time than to plan a night out with the guys? Some men, especially extroverted ones, really thrive in the company of others. Thus, making plans with some buddies can be an awesome form of self-care.
You can be as simple or as complex as you’d like with regards to how you’d like to hang out with your friends. Furthermore, some of the other self-care ideas on this list are excellent when done in the company of other people. Plan a guys night out for the perfect opportunity to put all your fashionable clothes to good use. If you and your friends are more of the homebody type, you can set up a Super Smash Bros. tournament at home with a Nintendo Switch and really duke it out to your heart’s content.
20. Adhere To A Healthy Sleep Schedule
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As great as naps are, sometimes maintaining a proper sleep schedule is what your body really needs. Good sleep is crucial to anyone’s wellbeing, so it should come as no surprise that it’s a priority among self-care ideas as well. Maintaining a solid sleep schedule helps keep your days more scheduled as well, which can help you avoid stress as you plow through other tasks throughout the day. Use whatever is at your disposal to ensure you get a good night’s sleep, whether that be essential oils or even sleeping masks. You’ll feel well-rested and better prepared to face what the day throws at you.
21. Switch Up Your Workout With Some Yoga
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Yoga is a great form of exercise as it can improve on strength and physical stamina. More than that, it’s a great opportunity for you to meditate and clear your head. Exercise is a popular form of self-care in itself, but yoga in particular can really help you find balance in both body and mind. So, set up a yoga mat and get started on some yoga poses. Through yoga, you’ll be able to take care of both your physical and mental state with ease and clarity.
22. Watch Your Favorite Movie
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Think of your favorite movie as if it were comfort food for your mind. If it’s a source of comfort and joy, then who’s to say rewatching a good flick is detrimental to productivity? One of the simplest self-care tips we can give you is to do activities that make you happy. Sometimes, a nice film can be the key to such joy. If it’s all in the name of self-care, then go ahead and plan a movie marathon with your friends, significant other, or even just yourself. Self-care takes on different shapes and sizes, so for movie buffs, this will be the ideal method of self-care for you to try.
23. Spend Some Time Alone
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For the introverts, some solid time by yourself can be crucial when it comes to recharging. Don’t be afraid to decline invites to parties or other get-togethers. If you need to focus on yourself first and foremost, then there’s no shame in that. Though some self-care ideas can be done with other people, sometimes the best company you can find is yourself, and that’s totally okay. There’s no harm in wanting to be on your own for a while, especially if it means getting to relax and re-energize yourself.
24. Buy That Thing You’ve Been Eyeing For A While Now
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Sometimes, the best self-care ideas come not in the form of thoughtful activities, but gifts for yourself. Been eyeing those fancy pair of kicks? Or have those high-tech headphones been haunting you for some time now? Go ahead and splurge if you’ve got the budget for it. Treat yourself because you deserve it. Just keep in mind not to go overboard with using self-care as an excuse. Like with most things, splurging should be done in moderation. Too much of a good thing might turn into something harmful instead of helpful to your wellbeing.
25. Seek Help When You Need It
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The best gift you can give yourself is to actually be willing to self-improve and ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your loved ones. Self-care ideas are more than just a relaxing day of grooming or showering yourself with pampering gifts. You properly take care of yourself by listening to yourself and prioritizing your needs. If that’s something you can’t do on your own, then there’s no shame in that. Listen to your mind and body. This, in the end, is the best form of self-care you can give yourself.
Self-care ideas can manifest differently from person to person. For some guys, giving themselves a gift is their preferred form of self-care. For others, simply meditating can suffice. Regardless, one method of self-care is not superior over the other. What’s important is that you’re actually taking care of yourself.
Regardless of how you go about it, self-care is an important practice that anyone can benefit from. So, go out there and live your life. Just don’t forget to stop and take a breather and take care of yourself every now and then.
