6 Ways To Prioritize Your Mental Health as a Man

The month of June is men's mental health awareness month and society's attention is being brought again to the fact that men's mental health should also be prioritized just like women’s.
For years, men have struggled with expressing their feelings and talking about their mental health in order not to appear 'weak’. This toxic view of masculinity has led to many men experiencing depression and other mental health issues which they cannot or refuse to talk about. The results of this is that men hardly express their true feelings and emotions and are less likely to seek help even when they need it. As studies has shown, 44% of men are not willing to discuss their mental health. Therefore, it is very important that you learn how to take care of your mental health. In this blog, you will learn 6 ways you can take care of your mental health as a man.
1. Speak up: Whenever you are depressed or suffer from any mental health illness, do not be afraid to speak out and tell people about it. Talk to your family members, friends and family or talk to a therapist. Don't suppress your emotions or internalize it. Your mental health matters and you must treat it as so. Speak openly about your emotions.
2. Ask for help from others: Your mental wellbeing matters so you should not be shy or embarrassed to seek help from others. It is okay to depend on others. Do not try to bear the burden alone or by yourself. Learn how to rely on your family and Partner. Society's views that men should not rely on others is wrong and detrimental to your mental health.

Accept that it is okay to ask for assistance. Understand that it is okay to ask for help. Accept that it is okay to open yourself to others. Understand that it is okay to admit that you can't do it alone.

3. Learn to strike a positive work-life balance: Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of men's mental health issues is work. The need to prove themselves in line with society's expectations that men are strong, dominant and can do all things is seriously affecting the mental health of the men in our society today. This is why many are so obsessed with their work and
have allowed it to consume them at the expense of their physical and mental wellbeing. It is therefore important that you learn to take breaks from your work. Take time for your self- care. Stop trying to meet society's expectations at the risk of your own mental health.

4. Make positive lifestyle changes: A good way to prioritize your mental health as a man is to make healthy and beneficial lifestyle changes for yourself. Some of such lifestyle changes include:

  • Partaking in activities that helps you to relax like exercise, sports, meditation etc.
  • Getting quality sleep.
  • Stop or limit your use of alcohol and drugs.
  • Making healthy meal choices.

5. Cultivate healthy relationships: Surround yourself with people that truly care about your mental health. Move with people that support and respect your feelings and emotions. Move with people that validate your emotions not downplay them. Be with people that accept you and make it okay to for you to say ‘I am not fine.’
Reduce your interactions with people who say words that reflect toxic masculinity like: 'Be a man.' 'Real men don't cry.' ''African men no dey cry.'

6. Talk to a therapist: Many men do not know how to be vulnerable. They are afraid to tell others about their feelings or emotions in order not to appear 'weak'. Therefore, you may need the help of a therapist to guide you in expressing your feelings and being your most authentic self. Talking to a therapist would help you correct and overcome the effects of toxic mindsets and words you have heard for years.

Conclusion
Your mental health matters as a man. Do not allow society's expectations and stereotypes limit or stop you from expressing your emotions and seeking help. At Mycarebuddy, we are passionate about men's mental health. We are ready to listen to you and help you to take care of your mental health. Connect with us today

by Sarah Agagu

5 Effective Ways You Can Manage Stress as a Working Nigerian Student

Student life can be very hectic especially as a student who has to learn how to strike a balance between academic life and social life. It is even more overwhelming if you are working and studying at the same time.

The stress of trying to meet up with classes, keeping up with your peers and running a business or working in an organization can pose a lot of pressure to a student and cause stress and anxiety.
In this blog post, you will learn 5 effective ways you can handle stress as a working Nigerian student.
5 Effective Ways You Can Manage Stress as a Working Nigerian Student:

1. Daily Goal Setting: This is an effective way to manage and reduce stress as a working Nigeria student. By listing out your goals for the day, you are able to focus more, manage your time and handle your school responsibilities and work duties better.
How to Set Daily Goals:

  • Get a journal.
  • Identify your priorities.
  • Set specific and realistic goals.
  • Allocate time for carrying out those goals.
  • Stay consistent.
  • Be flexible and willing to adjust when the need arises.

2. Quality Sleep: Sleeping well is another effective way of handling stress from working and studying at the same time. Getting enough quality sleep helps you to concentrate, energizes you and improves your mood. However, not getting enough sleep will not only affect you physically but mentally, ultimately leaving you more stressed out.
How to ensure you sleep better:

  • Create a sleep routine or schedule.
  • Limit the use of your phone at night.
  • Invest in budget-friendly yet quality mattress and pillows.
  • Reduce noise/sounds during bedtime.
3. Physical Exercise: Exercising regularly is very effective for managing and reducing stress as a working student. From attending classes, doing assignments, and working at the same time, you might find it difficult to make time to exercise. However, there are certain simple exercises you can fit into your day as you handle your academic responsibilities and work duties.

Some of them include:

  • Going for morning/evening walks.
  • Taking the stairs.
  • Stretching during study/work breaks.
  • Riding/Walking to work or classes.

4. Balanced Diet: Eating regular balanced meals will help you to work better and concentrate. It will also energize you and reduce your stress levels. Unfortunately, many Nigerian students prefer to eat junk foods or do not make time to eat enough.
To maintain a balanced diet:

  • Eat more vegetables and fruits.
  • Drink water regularly.
  • Reduce the amount of junk food you eat.

5. Seeking Professional Support and Counseling: It can very overwhelming trying to handle school life and work as well. Therefore, it is good to meet with counsellors and therapists where you can pour out your feelings and emotions and get encouragements and directions on how to cope.
Here are 3 things you must consider when choosing a therapist/counsellor:

  • Are they licensed/accredited professionals?
  • Do they allow flexible therapy options like online therapy?
  • Is it affordable?

Conclusion
Handling your school life alongside trying to make ends meet can place a lot of burden on your mental state and leave you stressed out. But through daily goal setting, regular exercise, quality sleep, healthy eating and seeking professional support, you will be more equipped to manage and reduce those pressures.

At Mycarebuddy, we support students by providing therapy services to guide them on coping with academic responsibilities and other life challenges. Click here to learn more about how we can help you manage and reduce stress as a working Nigerian
student.

by Sarah Agagu