We know very well that you kings who are dads do so much for their families. We also know being a dad is a demanding and time-consuming job, from working all day and coming home to play, and it’s easy to get lost in the duties of fatherhood. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself in order to be fully present for your family.
In the past, men have been told to put their own feelings and mental health aside – it’s time to throw that ideology away and prioritize self-care. Today, we’ll discuss self-care ideas for dads and different ways to relax in order to avoid burnout.
Personal Grooming
As a busy dad, it can be hard to find the time to prioritize personal grooming. Scheduling one appointment to get a haircut or a massage or even a facial for yourself monthly is a great place to start. Think about what would make you feel relaxed; is it getting a massage or a haircut? Whatever it may be for you, take that time during your appointment to recharge and rejuvenate. Put your phone away during your appointment and just be present. Try something new if you’re curious, maybe a facial has always piqued your interest. Prioritize what you truly want. Add small steps to your daily routine to feel good without taking up too much time out of your day. Implementing a skincare routine takes a quick five minutes in the morning and at night, and is a confidence-booster.
Taking Care of Your Body
Your body is a temple, so it’s important to treat it as such. Exercise, diet, and sleep all tie into your health and overall well-being. Find a type of exercise that you love and spend at least 30 minutes a day moving your body that way. You don’t have to go on a ten mile run everyday, it can be as simple as taking a walk and spending time in nature. It can be lifting weights at the gym, whatever feels good for you. Exercise provides your body with endorphins, which will elevate your mood and increase your happiness. A major act of self-care is fueling your body properly with balanced and nutritious meals. After a long day of working hard for our family, it’s
time to provide our body with the proper rest and recovery needed. Getting enough sleep is often overlooked when life gets busy and hectic, but it’s crucial to keep our energy levels high. Adequate exercise, diet, and sleep provides us with the energy we need to be there for our families.
Connect with Others
As humans, we are social creatures and drawn to communication with others. Connecting with other dads can help you feel supported from those who have an understanding of the demands of fatherhood. Do some research – maybe there is a dad group in your area where you can meet new people and foster relationships with like-minded people. It’s hard to keep up with friends and maintain relationships when fatherhood gets crazy; a quick text or phone call with a friend can instantly boost your mood. Combine activities to spend time with a friend – invite your friend to hit the gym with you. Therapy is another self-care tool to seek a professional’s outlook and talk about your mental health struggles. Being a dad is a life-changing journey and it can be beneficial to seek therapy to tackle life’s challenges and stressors.
Hobbies
What activities and hobbies feed your soul? Where is your happy place? As a parent, it’s easy to forget our self-identity and what we love to do since we spend so much of our time and energy on our kids. Finding a new hobby or rediscovering an old passion is a pastime that can help dads unwind after a stressful week. Are you a lover of the outdoors and find your peace fishing or hiking? Are you creative and get lost drawing or painting?
Meditation & Journaling
Lastly, exploring meditation and journaling can be a great addition to a dad’s self-care routine. Meditation has incredible health benefits: reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. As mentioned earlier, getting enough sleep is an important part of self-care and meditation can aid in improved sleep quality. Set aside 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening to journal. Journaling can be a method to ease the chaos in our mind and put the thoughts to paper.
We can show up for our families better if we show up for ourselves and take the time to discover what self-care looks like for us.
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