Dads: What Does Self-Care Look Like to You? [Poll]

Any mom will tell you that they need time for self-care, but we think to be GR8, both parents need self-care. And that means Dads too. Self-care is essential to your mental and physical well-being, as well as your sense of happiness. Without self-care, your relationships with your children and your partner can be damaged or less than satisfactory. That’s why we rejoice that self-care is finally coming to men.

GR8 Dads, what do you do for self-care? Take the poll and read more about self-care for dads.

Dads Also Benefit from Self-Care

Dads, just like moms, have a host of obligations in life that they often forget to look after themselves. And when things get busy, it’s easy to get stuck in survival mode, just grinding through each day. Good self-care lets you be there for your loved ones. Caregivers need self-care in order to take care of others better, and that includes dads.

When you neglect to take care of yourself, you are less able to handle the stress that comes your way. You may feel physically drained and lack passion for things you used to love to do. The flip side is that when you practice self-care, you are stronger and more prepared to handle life’s stressors, big and small when you feel your best mentally and physically. Self-care means something different to different people, and if a massage isn’t your idea of a good time, then do what is.

What Is Self-Care for Dads?

As mentioned, self-care can mean something different for everyone. The main goal is to do what energizes your body, recharges your mind, and helps you be your best self. Making time for yourself every day is critical, and taking care of both your mind and body will make you a better father and husband.

6 Self Care Tips for Dad

Exercise Regularly

When you take care of your body, it shows how much you care about yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to be ripped with a six-pack. It means you need to keep your body fit and healthy. Exercise will not only strengthen the muscles that people can see, but it will also strengthen the muscle people can’t see—your heart. Other benefits of exercise include helping to lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and the risk of diabetes.

But that’s not all, exercise is good for more than just your physical health. It can be a great release of tension and stress and can help clear your mind.

Get a Massage

Yeah, I was only kidding when I inferred dads might not like a massage. Maybe it will take some convincing, but once you try it, you may find you enjoy a good massage. Massages get all of the kinks out of your back, neck, or wherever you hold your tension. You’ll be more relaxed and ready to face the next challenge after a massage.

Watch What You Eat

Watching what you eat goes hand-in-hand with getting regular exercise. A balanced diet gives you the fuel you need to stay energized and healthy. And that’s one of the best things you can do for your family. That doesn’t mean no fun foods, just keep indulgences for special occasions.

Spend Time with Your Family

Set up a game night or movie night to spend time with your family. When you are busy working all week, dedicating weekend time to family activities is a great way to reconnect. Take some time during the week to read before bed, play games, or watch a favorite TV show together. Schedule a Friday night movie night. The key is to do something everyone enjoys and turn off the cell phones for a few hours.

Talk It Out

If you cringe, as many men do, at the thought of talking, don’t worry. Learning to communicate can take practice, but communication is so vital for healthy relationships.

Indulge in Things You Enjoy

This can be anything. As a dad, you spend a lot of time working and helping to create a good life for your family. You may forget about doing things for yourself. Do you like to tinker with cars? Play golf? Go fishing? Watch the big game from the comfort of your couch or with a crowd at a sports bar? Make sure you do those things you enjoy.

The bottom line, GR8 dads, it to find whatever self-care you works for you, do and do it often.