Self-care in Winter for Men: Mind, Body, & Skincare

Making New Year’s resolutions is a great way to set goals for yourself and track progress. But why wait for New Year’s Day? To all the guys who need to hear this: taking care of your mind and body isn’t selfish or “less manly” – it’s essential. In this article, we dive into some top self-care tips for men during winter and why they’re a total game changer.

1. Sufficient Sleep

There’s a reason why doctors stress that good quality sleep is important for your overall well-being:

First, it plays a pivotal role in your physical health. It allows the body to repair and rejuvenate, especially after heavy exercise, not only promoting healthy growth and development, but also regulating hormones and supporting immune function.

Second, it contributes to better mental health by stabilising mood, enhancing concentration, and boosting productivity. Ideally, aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep is recommended, and if you find trouble falling asleep, it might be a good idea to reassess your bedtime habits.

For example, try to limit your screen time before going to bed. Studies have shown that blue light emitted from screens can seriously disrupt melatonin levels needed to fall asleep. Opt for reading, light stretching, taking a bath with essential oils, or taking a brief walk instead of using the TV, phone, or tablet.

Bottom line: you want to feel well-rested in the morning and ready for the day, so if there’s anything you can do about it, it should definitely be worth a try.

2. Regular Skincare Routine

Keeping your skin healthy should be part of your daily routine all year round. When it’s cold outside, skin can get easily irritated, leading to itchiness, breakouts and dryness. This is why you should take extra good care of it in the winter months.

Consider moisturising your face more than twice a day if your skin gets dry quickly. Don’t have enough space in your bag or briefcase? Not a problem. Our travel size moisturiser comes in a packaging small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s handy and practical.

Remember – skincare isn’t limited to the face. Keeping your hands and the rest of your body hydrated is equally as important. Our easily-absorbing hand cream and body lotion are designed to deliver all-day hydration. Made with natural origin ingredients, such as aloe vera, they soothe dry skin without feeling sticky or greasy.

With so much information online, it’s important to know what skincare practices actually work and which ones you should avoid. In one of our recent articles, we’ve debunked some common skincare myths that every guy should know about, and you can check those out here.

3. Beard Maintenance

If you’re a man with facial hair, you’ll already know that a proper grooming routine makes all the difference – and we’re not just talking about facial aesthetics.

Taking care of your beard also means taking care of your skin. Applying a beard oil doesn’t just keep the hair follicles and skin underneath feeling moisturised, but also promotes a healthy environment for beard growth. If you keep experiencing itchiness, irritation, or beard dandruff, products like this can truly work wonders.

It goes without saying, regular grooming is a must when it comes to hygiene - however long your beard is. It’s important to keep it clean and free from any debris, food particles, or bacteria that may accumulate throughout the day. While this is only natural, taking preventive measures shouldn’t go amiss. For men with longer beards, having a beard comb and beard balm on the go is the best way to make sure it’s well-groomed and styled to your preference.

At the end of the day, a cared-for beard is a great confidence booster. It conveys a sense of professionalism, and helps create a favourable impression in any social setting. 

4. Regular Exercise Routine

It’s winter. It gets dark early and you don’t feel like doing anything. We’ve all been there. Living a busy life, it’s common to assume that staying active demands a significant amount of time. In reality, keeping fit offers many options, and they can be just as effective as going to the gym:

Home Workouts

Investing in adjustable weights, resistance bands, or a folding treadmill are great ways to keep fit at home, especially if you don’t have access to a nearby sports facility or are running against the clock.

Yoga and Pilates

Often overlooked, Yoga and Pilates are excellent exercises for improving flexibility, balance and core strength. Plus, they can help with stabilising poor posture and a compressed spine. Check your local community for drop-in classes, or simply look online for resources and apps. Many offer guided sessions for beginners to advanced practitioners. Word of advice - don’t underestimate a Pilates class; once you give it a go, you’ll know exactly what we’re on about.

Small Hacks That Make a Difference

Stretching is highly underrated and should take priority, even on a busy day. If you spend many hours sitting in the same position, consider taking a break every hour and do some neck stretches, shoulder rolls, and hip flexor stretches, for example. They help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting and promote better flexibility and comfort while working or studying. 

Overall, exercise is an excellent stress reliever, helps improve sleep quality, and allows you to build discipline and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to improved self-esteem and self-image.

Why Is Self-Care Worth It?

Prioritising self-care helps strike a balance between work, personal life, and overall well-being, preventing burnout and exhaustion. Plus, developing healthy habits contributes to long-term health benefits, leading to a better quality of life as you get older.

Go on, then. Treat yourself.