The self-care movement has taken women’s lifestyle magazines, brands, and influencer accounts by storm over the last several years, but guys don’t seem to share much of the self-care spotlight. But the truth is, men need time to relax and recharge just as much as women do! And with the ongoing spread of the coronavirus pandemic threatening the physical and emotional health of people around the world, taking the time to prioritize self-care is more important than ever before.
To help you begin your wellness journey, we’ve created a list of the top wellness trends for men to try in 2020.
CBD for stress and pain relief
CBD has become one of the most popular natural treatments for stress and pain over the last few years, with no regard to gender boundaries whatsoever. From CBD bath bombs and face masks to CBDfx vape juices and tinctures, there are plenty of ways men and women can leverage the benefits of this natural compound.
What’s especially awesome about CBD is that it contains the powerful perks of the cannabis plant, but doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that its counterpart, THC, does. If you’ve felt anxious using cannabis in the past, CBD is the perfect alternative to try. In addition to stress and pain relief, CBD has been found to help with social anxiety, improve mental focus and clarity, and boost mood.
Percussive therapy for post-workout recovery
If fitness is at the top of your to-do list in 2020, you probably don’t want anything getting in between you and your workout. Unfortunately, soreness and muscle tension is a natural result of yesterday’s workout but can become a big roadblock for today and tomorrow’s. That’s where percussive therapy comes in handy.
Percussive therapy uses massage guns to apply deep pressure instead of vibration to the muscles after a workout. By targeting deep tissue, percussive therapy can help alleviate muscle tension, reduce soreness, and ultimately, make you feel better equipped to tackle your upcoming workouts.
Low ABV indulgences
2020 is all about developing the best version of yourself, which means prioritizing your physical and mental health above all else. While drinking plays such a prominent role in modern culture and social settings, many men are turning to low ABV spirits to find better balance as they imbibe with friends. Worry not guys, these drinks are both sophisticated and delicious, so you’ll still feel like part of the party while still being able to put yourself and your health first.
Check out these thirst-quenching low ABV alternatives:
- Low ABV wines
- Hard Seltzer
- Hard Kombucha
- Low ABV beer
Targeted skincare for men
Although many skin care products primarily appeal to female audiences, there are more and more products debuting with male audiences in mind. Men’s skincare comes down to three key points: clarity, anti-aging, and hydration. These three elements are essential to skin health and appearance.
If you’re not sure where to start with skincare, check out this basic routine to help you get started:
- Use a facial cleanser to wash face (AM/PM)
- Fight aging with an eye cream (PM)
- Moisturize to preserve hydration (AM/PM)
- Use SPF to protect yourself from the sun and skin damage (AM)
As you learn more about skincare and identify your “problem areas,” you might incorporate some weekly treatments like face masks or micro needling into your routine.
Outdoor sports for adrenaline and exercise
Many of your favourite athletic activities and events may be postponed for 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you have to put off that adrenaline rush until next year. There are tons of outdoor activities that can be done safely and socially-distantly.
Cycling is an excellent hobby to stay fit without coming into contact with a lot of people. It offers plenty of benefits to your health, wallet, and the environment. Cycling regularly helps improve health and lung health, increase stamina, and boost mood. If you love a challenge, you take it up a notch by trying interval training, with the assistance of a cycling power meter and fitness tracker, and reap more fitness benefits.
There’s a reason bike commuters are some of the happiest commuters. Commuting by bike means you get more daily exercise, save on fuel or fare, reduce your carbon footprint, help the environment, and avoid crowds in trains and bus stops if you commute by bike. It saves you time, money, and headaches. Other sports you can do are:
- Climbing
- Skiing
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Mountain biking
Wrapping Up
There’s no doubt that 2020 has taken a toll on us all. Whether or not you’ve prioritized self-care in the past, there’s really no time like the present to start valuing your physical and mental wellness. With these five wellness trends for men, you can decompress, elevate your workout, approach indulgences with balance, boost your skin health, and achieve that adrenaline rush you’ve been waiting for.
Which of these trends will you try first? Let us know in the comment section below!
