We are well into November and while November is known for Thanksgiving, it is also Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is a very serious issue that is being talked about more now and more openly, but we still have some way to go. With people becoming more aware of the importance of mental health, we must become more aware of how we can improve and sustain good Mental health.
Expose Your Manhood
Mental health discussions have had a stigma associated with it. People were afraid of being labeled as “crazy” if they discussed their mental health. Men were afraid to be called weak or weak-minded. We were taught to be tough, roll with the punches, and be strong. Mental health does not discriminate and it can affect any man with any social, or economic status. Prioritizing our mental well-being entails actively engaging in practices that continually contribute to and enhance our positive mental state.
I can certainly vouch for the effectiveness of these practices in improving my mental well-being. Here are the 5 Essential steps for men to boost Positive Mental Health:
- Engage in Prayer, meditation, and positive affirmation
- Embrace Therapy or Seek counsel
- Incorporate physical activity
- Explore a fulfilling hobby for relaxation
- Practice self-compassion and grant yourself grace.
Let’s break each one of these strategies down. Let’s start with the first one which I believe is most important.
Engage in Prayer, meditation, and positive affirmation
Isaiah 54:17 in the bible says No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment. You shall condemn. The mind of a man is one of the most valuable assets that is a constant battleground between good and evil. The devil knows if he can get into the mind of MEN he can cause chaos in the family. One of the ways a man can guard his mental health is through prayer. Don’t let the devil tap dance in your mind. Use prayer to communicate with God to get protection, and use the bible to learn about who God created you to be. If you want to learn more about prayer check out my last blog post about prayer.
When things start getting overwhelming, find time to be still and meditate on scripture, meditate on positive thoughts, and reassure yourself of the promises of God. It’s crucial to step back from the source of stress and instead, channel your focus towards positive imagery, affirmations, and other uplifting practices to remind yourself of your worth and true identity.
Embrace Therapy or Seek counsel
I’m not one of the Christian men that don’t believe in therapy. I think we are supposed to take our burdens to God but we can also go to therapy and seek wise counsel. Getting to link with a licensed therapist can do wonders for one’s mental health. However, I understand that therapy may not feel comfortable for everyone, but the main point of this strategy is to have a trusted someone willing to listen, and reason with you when you are overwhelmed, indecisive, or experiencing some sort of mental breakdown.
The subject of therapy was previously surrounded by taboos, often kept private. Yet, as the mental health landscape expands, there’s a noticeable trend of more men being receptive to therapy. They are now open to addressing past traumas and actively striving for an improved, more healed self. Where therapy is not an option, sharing, venting, and seeking wise counsel from a trusted individual is also a route that can be taken.
Incorporate physical activity
Getting your body moving or getting outside in Nature can be one of the best ways to have a positive impact on your mental health. This is something that should be worked into your daily schedule because exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins. Neurotransmitters called serotonin (a hormone that stabilizes our mood) and norepinephrine (a hormone that increases heart rate and helps break down fat) also increase during exercise. Norepinephrine and serotonin are a great pair. Getting a workout in, a run, or some other form of exercise can be beneficial to your mental state and should be part of your daily routine.
Explore a fulfilling hobby for relaxation
This sought of ties into number 3 (Incorporate physical activity) depending on what your hobby is, but you must find a hobby and healthy habits that can help take your mind off the pressures associated with everyday life. Allocate one or two hours for an activity that is unrelated to your work, spouse, or children, etc. I know we often talk about staying focused and not getting distracted but your hobby should be the perfect distraction that doesn’t add negative stress to your life. It’s okay if your hobby brings out your passion, just not something to add to your daily stress. If it starts feeling like that maybe you should change hobbies or habits.
Practice self-compassion and grant yourself grace
Last but not least. DON’T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF. Most men hold themselves to such high standards and put themselves under so much pressure that they can never live up to the image of themselves they have in their own heads. I urge you to give yourself grace. You are not always going to get it right and you are definitely not perfect. The only perfect man to ever live has already left Earth. I am not talking about making excuses for yourself, but giving yourself grace and understanding a mess up does not make you a mess and you can shake back from any situation with the right moves. So GIVE YOURSELF GRACE!
I cannot stress enough how important men’s mental health is! We have to treat our mental with the same urgency and care we treat our physical health. The mind is as important as the body and should be treated as such. I hope you try any of the 5 Essential steps for men to boost Positive Mental Health.
Comment below any other steps you take to boost your mental health!
The little Engineer that could! Ryian Williams, wears multiple hats as a husband, father, author, speaker, and engineer. Driven by his enthusiasm for coaching and uplifting men, he has embraced the lifelong mission of guiding men toward becoming the most authentic versions of themselves
Great read!
Keep em coming 👏🏽