Embracing Mental Hygiene as Men (Revisited)
By LaBarron Burwell
(This article was originally published in June 2024 on the FEAP Website for Men’s Mental Health Month, and has been revised for Men’s Health Awareness Month)
November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, making it a great time to reflect on the unique mental health challenges men face. This month encourages us to consider mental health holistically, including the benefits of therapy, medication, and the importance of mental hygiene. Mental hygiene involves daily habits that strengthen mental resilience, enhance clarity, and improve cognitive skills—building a solid foundation for overall mental well-being.
What is Mental Hygiene
Mental Hygiene is about cultivating habits that support mental well-being on a daily basis. Just like brushing your teeth or washing your hands, mental hygiene involves simple, regular actions that help prevent bigger problems later. By making these practices part of your routine, you become more resilient, better at handling stress, and improve your mental health overall. Mental Hygiene also puts power into the individuals' hands. To know, you can make a positive impact on your mood, is powerful and builds self-efficacy.
The Unique Challenges Men Face
Men often encounter mental health challenges that can be compounded by societal expectations and stigmas. Traditional notions of masculinity may discourage men from expressing their emotions, seeking help, and maintaining good Mental Hygiene. This can lead to feelings of burnout and isolation. In fact, men are statistically less likely to seek professional help for mental health concerns, which can result in untreated anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Practicing good mental hygiene not only helps you but also sets a positive example for other men. When more men take care of their mental health, it helps create a culture that values well-being, reduces stigma, and benefits everyone.
This article will mostly focus on ways to integrate healthy habits into your life but I also want to encourage anyone reading this to seek support when needed. There are people at UVA, especially FEAP, who are here to support you through tough times.
What are Some Ways that I Can Practice Mental Hygiene?
Here are some practical steps you can incorporate into your daily routines to promote Mental Hygiene:
Mindfulness and Meditation
Start Small: Dedicate 5-10 minutes to mindfulness or meditation in the morning. You can explore the FEAP Soundcloud or the Tune as You Go catalog to lead you through meditation practices.
Take Mindfulness Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to focus on your breath or observe your surroundings without judgment. This can help reset your mind and reduce stress. You can learn more about rest and restoration using by trying out FEAP’s 21 Ways in 21 Days to Rest and Restore.
Physical Activity
Move Daily: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This could be a brisk walk around Grounds, a quick workout at the gym, or a yoga session at home. Don’t underestimate the impact that 10 pushups will have on your mood.
Commute Actively: If possible, walk or bike to work. This not only promotes physical health but also offers a mental break and time to clear your mind. You can also park further from you destination to sneak in some activity.
Sleep Hygiene
Wind Down Before Bed: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine. Say out loud “I am about to get ready for bed”. This statement serves as a trigger to start winding down! Reduce screens and opt for reading, gentle stretching, or listening to soothing music.
Have a Consistent Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your body's internal clock. Learn more about getting the most out of rest by watching this webinar with Anna Delong.
Social Connections
Stay Connected: Make time to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Social interactions are vital for emotional support and can boost your mood.
Join Groups: Participate in clubs or organizations at UVA that align with your interests. Engaging in shared activities fosters a sense of community and belonging. Learn more about activities on the FEAP Website, the Hoos Well Webpage, and the University Events Calendar.
Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Mental Hygiene
One of the most significant barriers to men seeking mental health support is the stigma surrounding it. To combat this, it’s essential to foster an environment at UVA where open discussions about mental health are encouraged and normalized. Men should feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. By embracing Mental Hygiene, we can create a culture that supports mental well-being and reduces stigma.
Embracing Mental Hygiene at UVA
As members of the UVA community, it’s essential to recognize that mental health is an ongoing journey. While therapy and medication are valuable tools, embracing Mental Hygiene empowers us to take proactive steps towards better mental health. By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can enhance our self-efficacy, build resilience, and create a supportive environment for ourselves and our colleagues.
This Men’s Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to incorporating mental hygiene into our routines. Together, we can foster a culture of well-being at the University of Virginia, empowering every individual to prioritize their mental health.
For more resources and support, UVA employees can reach out to FEAP. Let's make mental health a daily priority, not just this month, but every day. Finally, you can learn even more about mental hygiene by watching my March 2024 webinar.
Contact FEAP
FEAP (8am-5pm M-F): 434-243-2643 (uvafeap.com)
FEAP After-Hours Support: 434-243-2643
About the Author
LaBarron Burwell
A seasoned FEAP consultant specializing in wellness/well-being programming, LaBarron is certified in wellness, mental health, and personal training. Emphasizing in "Mental Hygiene" and holistic well-being, his well-rounded, Positive Intelligence-based approach makes him an engaging FEAP consultant.