(ThyBlackMan.com) Most men take on more work related stress than women. Whether your work day requires physical labor or boardroom battles, it is imperative that you find moments throughout your day, to take care of yourself. Self-care is more than having fancy spa days and for most men, self-care looks somewhat different than it is for women.
Here are 10 self-care practices that every man can do, while at work:
1. Take a 5 to 10-minutes break, periodically. Walking away from a stressful project or just moving those muscles around periodically, will reduce work related stress.
2. Go for a brief walk outside and get some fresh air. Breathing fresh air, helps refocus our minds and changes the 
atmosphere even if it’s brief, that will allow for a renewed mind, for new thoughts and creativity.
3. Pour a cup of green tea and relax. Instead of drinking several cups of coffee that has plenty of caffeine, rich creams and sugar in it, pour a cup of green tea which is healthier for you and relaxes your mind, body and soul.
4. Do a quick exercise in your office or at a nearby gym. This can be a set of pushups, running in place, walking in circles or go to the nearest gym and get a 30-minutes workout in.
5. Talk about your stressful day with someone you trust. It’s a great idea to talk about what exactly is stressing you out. Don’t believe the hype that men shouldn’t talk about their feelings or emotions. Talk to a licensed professional or someone you trust when you’re triggered to possibly be in a stressful situation.
6. Eat a healthy lunch. You are what you eat. Eating healthier lunch cuisines lessens that fatigue feeling you get after eating that double cheeseburger for lunch. The blood in your body flows better and you are giving your body the nutrients it needs to get you through the day and to be your best self.
7. Read a book that stimulates your mind during your lunch hour. While eating your healthy lunch, instead of talking about work during lunch, opt to read a book for pleasure or a book that will teach you a new skill.
8. Call your spouse/partner and speak their love language. Randomly call or text your spouse/partner throughout the day and profess your love to them, tell them you miss them, offer to order out for dinner so that you and them can spend some quality time together. You will be highly appreciated when you get home, if you are coming from a place of genuine love and care.
9. Engage with your colleagues. Don’t just sit in your cubicle or in your office all day shut off from the world. Get up and go engage in conversations with your colleagues, even colleagues that don’t work in your department. You don’t have to become best friends with them but, it doesn’t hurt to engage with them every now and then.
10. Learn to say “No.” Saying “no” will definitely help reduce stress in the workplace. Just because you’re asked to do something, doesn’t mean you have to do it. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. Prioritize your day, by saying “no” to those things that will only add stress to your life, if you do it.
Self-care is all about taking care of you, first. It’s not gender based or just a list of things to do and men need self-care more than women because of the notion to be the bread winners in the household and/or to work extremely hard at what you do to become successful. These self-care practices will not only keep you healthy and motivated to succeed in life, but they will also help you maintain a balanced lifestyle even in the workplace.
Staff Writer; Felicia T. Simpson
One may also connect with this sister online over at; FTSimpson.com.
