Men’s Health: How to Stay Healthy and Strong

While you strive to put food on the table, you must prioritize your health. And contrary to what many men think, looking after your health doesn't have to involve visiting expensive hospitals, eating expensive meals, or undergoing expensive procedures.

By implementing some essential health-boosting tips and understanding how your body works, you can take steps to improve your overall well-being. Here are some ways to stay healthy and strong.

1. Limit your alcohol intake

Alcohol induces euphoria and relaxation. It can also reduce stress and anxiety. But at the same time, it contains calories and can raise your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Do yourself and your loved ones a big favor, and reduce your alcohol intake. Don't take more than two drinks in a single day.

When you decide to drink, ensure you space them out with water. If you can, we'll advise that you steer clear from alcohol completely, as the more you drink, the greater your chances of developing health complications.

2. Check your mood

It is projected that 1 in 5 Americans will experience mental health conditions in a year. With cases of mental illness rising, it's important to keep an eye out for symptoms and always ask for help when needed.

While it's normal to experience bouts of depression, losing your appetite, interest in your hobbies, sleep, or feeling unhappy for a long time may indicate that you need help. Don't hesitate to contact family or friends when you observe these signs. You can also contact your doctor or call a professional.

3. Check your testosterone levels.

Another effective way to stay healthy and strong as a man is by monitoring your testosterone levels. If you aren't aware, testosterone, a male sex hormone, is responsible for the growth, reproduction, and maintenance of a healthy body.

A high or low testosterone level signifies hormonal imbalance—having too little or too much of one or more hormones. With a testosterone test, you can determine your hormone levels and know what to do afterward.

If the tests signify low testosterone, there are many effective testosterone therapy options to select from. The options are designed to help boost your testosterone levels. On the other hand, if your testosterone levels are high, you'll need to consider medication or lifestyle changes.

4. Reduce screen time

It's not bad to surf the internet once in a while. You could spend a few minutes reading tweets, checking out beautiful pictures on Instagram, watching a few funny videos on TikTok, and messaging some friends on WhatsApp. However, when you spend too much time on these social media platforms, your health bears the brunt. You could develop anxiety, neck pain, weight gain, etc.

Do you think you are using your phone more than you ought to? Try this: monitor screen time every week by downloading time-tracking apps. Ensure you aren't on your phone during mealtimes (as it can distract you from the food and result in overeating), during family time, or before bed. If you want to take things further, you can decide to unplug for a day each week. Instead of staying glued to your phone or computer all the time, why not spend some time with your family or friends and plan a chartered fishing trip? Studies have shown spending time outdoors has health benefits, such as boosting your mood and reducing stress. It also helps you connect with nature and discover new things about yourself and the world around you. This way, you will get to do something fun with your family without using social media the entire time.

5. Reduce your coffee consumption

While some experts recommend taking a few cups of coffee for health benefits, coffee is a stimulant. And like every stimulant, it can raise your heart rate and make you feel on edge. We cannot recommend how much coffee to take.

However, if you are a nervous person or your family has a history of high blood pressure, we recommend taking one cup or less daily. For others, stick with four teas or coffees. But remember that those sugar-packed energy drinks also contain a large amount of caffeine, so be careful of how much you take.

6. Cook your meals

While eating out helps you socialize and eliminates the need to cook, doing it regularly can have adverse effects on your health. Restaurant foods might taste great. However, it is filled with unwanted sodium, sugar, and bad fats that can affect your health. So try to make your meals. You get to save money by doing so.

7. Stay hydrated

Water is life. Unfortunately, many of us don't drink adequate water. Not drinking enough water is associated with many medical conditions:

• Persistent headache

• Weight gain

• Dull skin

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Sluggish bowel function

Aim to take about 2 liters of water each day. Increase your water intake during hot weather. And don't wait till you are thirsty before drinking water. You can take a water bottle with you so you can easily drink from it when needed.

Knowing these health tips alone won’t cut it. For it to be effective, you’ll need to implement it into your daily routine. That’s not all. You’ll also need to be consistent with them. Practice them every day nonstop, and you’ll be happy with the outcome.