Let’s face it, when it comes to self-care, many men think it’s something that comes with bath bombs, candles, and spa robes. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) But true self-care goes way beyond a bubble bath — it’s about keeping your body strong, your mind sharp, and your spirit grounded.
Here’s the truth:
men’s health matters and taking care of yourself doesn’t make you soft — it makes you
smart. Whether you’re a husband, father, coach, or career man, the people who depend on you need you to feel your best. And that starts with a little everyday maintenance. In the same way you’d tune up your car, sharpen your tools, or oil a squeaky door.
MIND, BODY & BEYOND
Holistic health isn’t just about eating your veggies or hitting the gym (though those are great starts). It’s about viewing your entire body — mind, muscles, and emotions — as a system that works together. When one area is out of balance, the others soon follow.
That’s why a true self-care routine for men includes rest, movement, nutrition, mental resets, and connection.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t ignore the check engine light on your truck, so why ignore your body’s signals?
THE 3 S’s: SLEEP, STRENGTH & STRESS
Sleep like a champ. Most men run on less sleep than they think they need. Your body does its repair work at night, rebuilding muscle, balancing hormones, and clearing stress chemicals. Set a goal for 7–8 hours. Bonus Tip: diffuse
doTERRA Serenity® or
Cedarwood essential oil at bedtime for deeper sleep.
Move with purpose. Whether it’s lifting weights, hiking with your kids, or joining a recreational league, regular movement keeps you physically strong and mentally grounded. Want an energy boost without caffeine? Inhale
Peppermint and
Wild Orange essential oils from your hands before a workout — it’s natural pre-workout energy boost without the crash.
Manage stress like a pro. Chronic stress drives up cortisol, drains your energy, and affects mood, focus, and even muscle recovery. Try a few minutes of deep breathing each day or practice gratitude with your morning coffee (simply think or write down at least one thing you’re grateful for). A swipe of
Adaptive® Calming Blend on your wrists can help take the edge off stressful days.
“MANLY” NATURAL SOLUTIONS
If you like practical, results-driven habits, these natural approaches can make a big difference:
Fuel your body right. Instead of skipping breakfast or grabbing drive-thru, blend a smoothie with protein, greens, and a drop of
Tangerine or
Grapefruit essential oil for natural flavor and detox support. I recently found a 3 ingredient protein powder that my son (18 and in college) is a fan of:
Prime Protein by Equip. (No, I’m not an affiliate for them either, this is just a clean product that has 21 grams of protein and actually tastes good).
Recover faster. Use
Deep Blue Stick + Copaiba after a workout or long day. The quick-drying Deep Blue Stick is soothing, convenient, and effective for use before, during, and after workouts, delivering temporary relief to minor aches and muscle and joint pains associated with simple backache, arthritis, sprains, strains, and bruises. It provides moisturizing emollients that leave skin feeling soft and non-greasy. Plus, it’s FSA and HSA eligible!
Upgrade your grooming. Swap out chemical-laden products for clean, toxin-free options. Making your own is always a good option, so you can control the ingredients (see recipes below). However, I understand you (or your partner) might not be into that kind of thing, so if you’re not into DIYing your own products, you can try
Leaf Shave Oil. Bottom line, you want to stay away from aerosol cans and ingredients like: fragrance (“parfum”), parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine (TEA) or diethanolamine (DEA), phthalates, polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and even alcohol.
Stay sharp. Ten minutes of morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, boosts alertness, and supports hormone balance — especially testosterone and cortisol. If you can handle it, cold exposure boosts circulation, dopamine, and focus, while reducing inflammation and muscle soreness. Start with 30 seconds of cold water at the end of your shower and work your way up. And if you’re really “manly” diffuse a couple drops each of
Rosemary and Peppermint in your workspace for focus and mental clarity.
Boost your mood. Once again sunshine comes into play – getting outdoors in the sunshine, fresh air and greenery are proven to lift serotonin levels and reduce stress hormones. Think hiking, fishing, golfing, or even the nagging yardwork you know needs to be done. Aroma can alter mood quickly. So if you’re not into firing up the diffuser, simple put a drop of essential oil in your hands and deeply inhale – you’ll feel the difference within seconds.
Shinrin-Yoku,
Northern Escape, or Wild Orange (I call happiness in a bottle) are just a few that you might like.
FAMILY-FOCUSED SELF-CARE
Self-care doesn’t have to be solo. In fact, bringing your family into your wellness habits can make them more fun and more sustainable.
Weekend Adventures: Take your spouse or kids on a hike or bike ride. Nature reduces stress hormones and builds connection — plus, fresh air is free therapy.
Stretch Sessions: Do stretching at home with your partner or gather the kids and make it a whole family event (Google partner stretches to do at home for some safe ideas). It’s a great way to release tension, share time, and get the conversation flowing.
Cook Together: Grill up lean proteins and seasonal veggies. Bake some better-for-you goodies. Or do a cooking challenge and have each person participating give another member of the house 1-3 ingredients that they must use in their portion of the meal. Everybody has to get creative and you all try to excel since you’ll be eating the meal together.
Tech-Free Time: Declare one evening a week as a “no-screen zone.” Play a board game, light a candle, or talk about your week. (Yes, even men benefit from open communication!)
MAINTENANCE MODE
Just like a machine, your body and mind run best with regular upkeep. Schedule your checkups, move your body daily, and don’t skip your recovery time.
And remember: self-care is about how you stay strong for the people you love. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence.
So fellas, here’s your challenge — take care of your body like it’s your favorite project. Tune it, fuel it, stretch it, rest it, and give it a little TLC. You’ll feel better, perform better, and be more equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
Because real men don’t just power through — they power up through self-care.
xoDanette