Health is not just about being physically healthy. It also involves having healthier relationships at your work, community, and home. In celebration of International Men’s Health Week, allow us to share some tips on how you can be a better man in various aspects of your life.
A better person
“I have respect for what other people believe. What I believe in my own life is that it’s a search for how I can do things better, whether it’s being a better man or a better father or finding ways for myself to improve.” – Tom Cruise
Becoming a better person is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Here are some ways to develop qualities that will enrich your life and become a better person overall:
- Make health a priority – Being and staying healthy is one of the most important steps towards being a better man. By being healthy, you can avoid health issues that might hamper your ability to work or take care of your family. Create a schedule that sets aside at least 30 minutes a day for exercise. Instead of drinking alcohol whenever you feel like it, reserve it for special occasions. Aside from making drinking more special, limiting alcohol consumption reduces your risk of liver damage and heart disease.
- Practice awareness – Be conscious not just of what is happening around you but about what is happening to yourself. Are you conscious of what you do, what you eat, and what you drink? If you feel that a healthy diet can make a positive impact in your life, start eating clean. If you feel that something is not right with your body, consult a doctor immediately. It is best to detect health issues at the early stages to limit damage to your body.
- Foster a healthy mindset – Your mind is still the sexiest part of your body, and you will attract more favourable situations in your life if you keep a positive mind. Your mental hygiene is as important as your physical health. Be mindful of your thoughts. Be mindful of what you listen to. Do you listen to negativity, or do you feed your mind with things that can nourish it and expand your consciousness?
- Cultivate empathy – We co-exist with other people. In this day and age, one of the biggest sins we can commit is to be insensitive to other people’s feelings, experiences, and situations. When situations get hard, try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes to enhance your communication and overall relationships.
Making space and focusing on bettering yourself as a person would allow you to show up not only for yourself, but for others around you as well.
A better colleague
“A major reason capable people fail to advance is that they don’t work well with their colleagues.” – Lee Iacocca
Do you have peace of mind when you work with others? Being a better colleague is not about advancing your own career, but more about uplifting those around you. Here are some ways to do just that:
- Build strong relationships – Instead of being always stoic, try to smile and greet your colleagues a “good day”. Simple yet friendly gestures can help uplift the mood of the people around you.
- Make reliability your “personal brand” – If you frequently miss deadlines, it’s time for a change. Consistently meeting deadlines breeds confidence and inspires the people around you.
- Embrace accountability – Own up to your mistakes and shortcomings. Instead of coming up with excuses, start thinking of solutions and ways to optimise your work.
- Stay ahead of the curve – Instead of just minding your own business, try to offer help when you can afford to. Guide new office mates who are still learning the ropes. The people that you help now might be the ones to help you when you’re in a tight spot.
- Seize opportunities to lead – Stop being content with your position. Take advantage of growth opportunities. Advancing in your career means you can help more people and provide for your family better.
Ultimately, being a better colleague will transform not only your work experience, but also how your team works. When everyone contributes positively, you can achieve more success together.
A better member of your community
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
Everyone is part of a community. It can be as simple as your neigbourhood, an organisation, or a club related to your passion. Here are some ways to become a better member of your community within or outside your work:
- Draw others in – Instead of keeping to yourself, try to engage with other members of your community. Actively listen to get to know them and understand their needs and perspectives. A close-knit community is crucial in developing the character of your children as they grow.
- Add value – Instead of being passive, try to contribute to your community. Donate to worthwhile causes. Volunteer your help at local events. If you cannot volunteer, show your support by attending with your family. Local events present excellent opportunities to get to know other community members, build connections, and find new friends.
- Support all voices – Embrace diversity, and be welcoming to new members of your community. Some give small welcoming gifts, like a fruit basket, homemade cookies, or a casserole. You can also just be helpful by providing them information when needed. Tell them about the best place for a delicious but affordable dinner. Refer them to your barber or dentist if they don’t have one yet. Be respectful of the different customs and cultures of members of your community.
- Show solidarity – Help your community grow. Make it a habit to shop local. Instead of shopping in large grocery chains, buy from the local market or growers. Patronise productions of your community theatre. Help maintain public spaces safe and clean by picking up after you when you’re in the park, playground, or other shared spaces.
Your actions can shape the environment you live in. Your contributions to your community, no matter how big or small, can create a ripple of positivity that will eventually benefit you and your family in the long term.
A better family man
“Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.” — Frank Pittman
Being nurturing is not gender specific. Don’t make it an excuse that men cannot nurture their families because it’s a woman’s job. A man’s nurturing abilities can look different than a woman’s, but both are equally important. Here are some ways to promote a harmonious life at home:
- Live in the moment – Always spend even a few minutes of undivided time with your family. Ask them about their day or if they have anything interesting to share. Avoid bringing home work because it will eat up your time. Turn off phone notifications to avoid distractions when you can.
- Be dependable – Deliver on promises. Show up for school plays or PTA meetings. Attend family gatherings no matter how small they are. Plan one-on-one times with your children to strengthen your bond and show them how important they are to you.
- Listen to your loved ones – Actively listen to your children and partner. Listen to their stories and show them that you are interested in what they are doing. Try to see things through the point of view of your partner or children. Don’t dismiss their concerns offhand.
- Try to show up – Celebrate your children’s accomplishments and be supportive. Show them that you are proud of their accomplishments no matter how big or small they are. Support them in their dreams and aspirations. Act as a safety net. Show them that you will love and protect when they’re feeling imperfect or vulnerable.
- Lead by example – Children look up to their parents, so be worthy of being emulated. Strive to get rid of bad habits that your children might imitate. If you smoke a lot, quit before your children get into the habit of smoking. Demonstrate composure by staying calm and focused during disagreements or conflicts. Demonstrate humility by apologising for mistakes.
As a man, it’s your job to do the groundwork and build the foundation of your family. Remember: your family is your pride. By committing yourself fully to your family, you create a legacy that will echo through many generations to come.
A better partner
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho
Who doesn’t want a perfect life as a couple? While “perfect” doesn’t exist, we can always be better than we currently are. Relationships thrive on mutual respect, effort, and understanding. Below are some ways to create a relationship that is both enriching and fulfilling:
- Play your part – Do your part as a man (or say, as a head of the family). Even if you feel tired from work, do your share of household chores if you can. If possible, help your partner in doing the dishes or laundry. Aside from lightening the load, you can maximise the time by catching up with your partner. If you are prone to breaking promises, now is the best time to stop. Show that you are reliable and trustworthy by delivering on what you promised. If you can’t keep a promise, then don’t make one.
- Practice openness – Make an effort to really listen and understand your wife. Check in with your wife and really mean it. Don’t ask how she is doing just for the sake of asking. Communicate honestly but gently. Avoid speaking harshly. Avoid being sarcastic. Instead of finding blame, find solutions or a common ground. Be open. Do not keep things from your wife. For example, tell your wife if you are suffering from a sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE). Your wife is your closest ally and can help you find ways of treating your dysfunctions. Ask your wife to help you find a licensed medical professional who can provide custom treatment for your ED or PE. Keep in mind that sexual health issues impact both you and your wife, so allow her to help you in finding an effective treatment method.
- Find ways to make your love flourish – Find new ways of showing your love. If you are always going to the same restaurant for a quiet dinner, find a new restaurant you can try. Try new experiences together. Surprise your partner with small gifts, like a new novel from her favourite author or a new product from her favourite bakery. These gifts, no matter how small they are, show that you think of your partner and appreciate everything they are doing.
Your partner is not just a side character in your life. They are the main characters who are there to celebrate with you during your wins and stay with you during life’s storms. Become a better man, and the Universe will bless you with more love, peace of mind, and happiness.
Conclusion
This International Men’s Health Week, work hard to be a better version of yourself. Be a better officemate, neighbour, family member, and partner. Show the world that you can be more than who you are. Improve yourself. Be healthier, happier and kinder so that when people look at you, they won’t just be seeing a man but a person worth praising and emulating.
Are you dealing with bedroom issues like ED and PE? Let’s make you better in bed, too. Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) offers custom treatment for pesky bedroom issues that target the underlying cause. Contact MHC to book a FREE consultation with our expert team and make better nights possible.
