First off, we’re not mental health professionals. But we know how hard these last few years have been.
At Chattanooga Beard Co., we’ve dealt with burnout and long working hours just as much as the next guy. (And it’s always time well spent because we’re so proud of our products and passionate about your beard success!) But in all sincerity, we’ve been right there juggling the weight of how the pandemic, economy, natural disasters and more have taken their toll.
It’s hard to feel like your best self when your energy is drained by factors outside your control. And while mental health and masculinity have been de-stigmatized to some degree, we still have a long way to go.
Bearded or not, we all need to take care of our well-being. If you’ve been struggling lately, remember you’re not alone. And while there’s no quick fix, there are some self-care tips we’d like to share with you.
Build healthy habits
It might sound cliche, but healthy habits are the foundation of a healthy man.
Establishing a regular routine is important for prioritizing your health, inside and out.
Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble getting there, try shutting off your phone for an hour before hitting the sheets. Screen time can keep your mind in active, daytime mode. And your brain needs the cue that it’s time to log off.
Eat a variety of healthy foods. To stay tough and strong, you’ll need the right mix of protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. (And did you know that fruits,
vegetables, and even nuts can help with beard growth?)
At the same time, don’t be afraid to treat yourself. If you’re craving a pizza or a bag of chips, give yourself the freedom to enjoy it! Remember everything is ok in moderation. And some days, well, they just need a hearty dish of meat and potatoes to get by.
Finally, drink lots of water and exercise when you can. We know it’s tough to get your body moving when you’re not feeling well – but exercise doesn’t have to be hard-core to be hard-core beneficial. Try going for a walk in the woods, meeting up with a friend to run some errands, or just dancing it out to your favorite tunes. You know that phrase, dance like no one’s watching . . . well it means get down with your bad self!
Treat yourself to things that make you feel good
Self-care looks different for every man. You’re the only one who knows what will feel good on any given day. Whether that’s going out with friends or tending to your manscape, do what you need to do.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a new activity to get out of your comfort zone. A hobby that makes you engaged and eager to learn might be exactly what you need to break out of a funk.
On the other hand, maybe you need comfort. (No shame – bearded men have feelings, too!) Revisit a favorite TV show or book, sink into a hot bath, or fire up the grill and cook yourself a special meal.
And try to remember: when you look good, you feel good. As hard as it can be to tumble out of bed (let alone get dressed) when you’re feeling low, pushing yourself to make even a small effort can have a huge impact on your day.
Maybe that means putting on your comfiest pair of underwear or buying a snazzy new shirt. Maybe you experiment with a new hairstyle. Or maybe you just wash your face, scent up with some beard oil, and step out into the world to put your best face (and beard) forward.
Lean on people around you
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we don’t have to be alone – even when we’re at home by ourselves.
Talking with a friend or loved one (even if you don’t mention your mood) can make a difficult day a little brighter. And if you’re comfortable enough to open up, you might be surprised at how empowered you feel.
Support doesn’t have to be face-to-face, either. We’re proud to have built a Facebook community for men across the world who need a place to connect, share, and of course, brag about their beards.
Whether you need facial hair advice, a new friend, or a simple word of kindness, join our close-knit virtual community here.
