More men are embracing the benefits of better physical health and how it can lead to reduced mental health issues. But with so many ridiculous expectations about what it means to be a ‘real man’, many are still resistant to going to a gym or interacting with large groups of other males.
Here are a few tips and hacks to help shake off those preconceived notions and improve your physical and mental well-being at the same time!
Find physical activities that make you happy
The first step is to discover which physical activities you enjoy doing most so that your exercise feels less of a chore. Personal training with a coach in London is a great way of getting motivated to be out and about, doing things you enjoy while keeping fit!
Get a good night’s sleep
The benefits of good sleep cannot be overstated. If you can reach a point where you’re regularly managing to achieve 7-9 hours of sleep then your body and brain will be running at their most effective.
Do you find it difficult to sleep? Not a problem! Exercise and weights will tire you out more and help to put you more naturally to sleep. Over time, you’ll find it easier to go to bed each night and easier to get out of bed in the morning.
Challenge your body and the norms of society
If you’re not accustomed to working out regularly, or the benefits it has for people’s overall mental health, then you’re going to feel some discomfort at first. Just like your muscles are adjusting to weightlifting and exercise, your mind is also having to combat intrusive thoughts and the standards to which men are held in the modern world.
It’s not an easy thing to do, but if you’re able to apply a positive mental attitude to both of these pivotal aspects of your health, you’ll be able to handle societal norms, your own intrusive thoughts, and any physical tasks that are put in front of you.
Talk about your feelings with other men
A healthy mind and body should be working together to make your exercise regime as effective as possible. And a positive and encouraging environment is the key to achieving this. Try to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with, and put time aside to chat as a group about how you’re all feeling.
Stop comparing yourself to other men
In a world of superhero physiques, bulging biceps, and larger-than-life characters online, it’s easy to feel like you just don’t quite measure up to today’s standards of masculinity. But the reality of the world is that everyone is different, and your goals should be a priority. This means working as hard as you can to be the best version of yourself possible, and no one else.
Don’t be a man – just be yourself
What matters most in all of this is discovering who you really are, away from the world’s expectations of you. Keeping clear goals and celebrating smaller personal and physical achievements will maintain your positive trajectory, and help you to shake off the expectations of being a man, and simply be yourself.
