Why do so many men shy away from talking about their health? In fact, for some, visiting the doctor is akin to admitting weakness. They would rather suffer in silence to maintain a “tough guy” image. This could be one of the reasons men live, on average, six years fewer than women.
But the truth is that staying in peak health is actually a core part of being a man. A man is expected to be strong, virile, and ready to handle business. The good news is that making small intentional changes in your lifestyle can go a long way toward keeping you strong, healthy, and at your best.
Read on as we discuss some of the habits that can make a real difference.
Stay Physically Active
Physical activity is one of the best things a man can do to stay in peak health. No, you don’t have to sign up for the next Michigan marathon. Even little physical exercise here and there can have significant health benefits.
You could hit the gym, even if it’s once every week. You can also do long walks on the weekend, take up swimming, jogging, or even dancing.
So, how often should you do this? Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. The trick is to keep things simple. Find something you actually enjoy doing, even if it’s playing basketball or football on weekends. The goal is to move your body as much as possible.
Get Adequate Sleep
Many men brag about surviving on only five hours of sleep every night, like it’s a badge of honor. Popular American comedian Jay Leno is one example. He revealed to People Magazine sometime in 2024 that he sleeps just four hours a night. Well, every man has his own, but experts don’t encourage this.
Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Anything less consistently, and you may start experiencing higher stress levels, slower metabolism, impaired memory, and a host of health complications.
If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, then making some small changes in your nightly routine might help. Most importantly, limit nighttime coffee.
Keep Doctor’s Appointments
Many men try to avoid the doctor’s office as much as possible. They very rarely go for a checkup until something feels very off. Unfortunately, this can be a dangerous attitude.
Visiting the doctor regularly will help you catch issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate conditions, diabetes, or heart conditions early. And of course, early detection means that you can get effective treatment quickly.
Even if you’ve never had a sick day off work, once you hit 40, consider adding regular screening to your routine.
Prioritize Mental Health
As men, it’s important that we realize that mental health is as important as physical health. Sadly, men pay even less attention to their mental health than they do to their physical health. According to the Harvard Health Gazette, one in ten men will experience signs of mental health problems like anxiety and depression, but not up to half seek treatment.
But it shouldn’t be this way. Prioritizing mental health, even if it means something as simple as practicing mindfulness and journaling, or advanced intervention like talking to a therapist, can make a huge difference.
If stress is the problem, and you’re not able to get professional help immediately. Exploring alternative options like CBD or low-THC can be a part of your stress-management routine.
The good news? If you’re in southwest Michigan, recreational cannabis has been legal since 2018. New Buffalo has emerged as a leading market, with Axios predicting that it may hurt the Illinois sales in the future. Vibe Dispensaries suggests that wellness products like these can help in times of high stress.
Just remember: quality matters. Always purchase from a trusted source, such as a licensed New Buffalo dispensary, so you know what you’re getting is both safe and regulated.
Adopt Positive Eating Habits
Paying attention to what goes into your body pays. This basically means that you should eat healthily. Admittedly, doing so can be difficult, what with limited budgets and busy schedules, but it’s important to try.
Incidentally, positive eating habits don’t have to be expensive. As much as possible, focus on whole foods: healthy fats, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars when you can.
If you think this is difficult, consider the alternative: poor nutrition, according to the CDC, increases the risk of depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and a host of other chronic conditions.
Part of adopting healthy eating habits also means reducing alcohol and quitting smoking altogether. Excess alcohol affects liver function, sleep quality, and even testosterone levels, while smoking can be linked to virtually every preventable health condition in men.
Build a Healthy Lifestyle That Lasts
Peak health isn’t something you achieve at one go and forget about it. It’s a lifestyle. It’s something you do intentionally, and consistently, because there’s no finish line.
The trick, however, is to take small steps. Look for what fits naturally into your routine, and gradually build on it. Before you know it, these habits will become a part of you, and you’ll start seeing real benefits.
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