International Men’s Day 2014: Top 7 tips to be a real man Right from scoring a hot date during college to bigger concerns of life including having a successful career, stable income, paying bills, marriage, family issues, etc., men are surrounded by problems and responsibilities that unfortunately keep multiplying with every phase of their life. Men may be perceived to be physically stronger than women, but their general careless attitude and negligence towards life gradually takes a toll on their health. Today, on the occasion of International Men’s Day, we offer some lifestyle tips for men to live healthier and longer. Quit Tobacco: Whether you started smoking due to peer pressure or because you find it to be the easiest ways to relieve stress, it is best you start trying to quit the cancer stick. Smoking increases your risk of several disease including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It can also affect your sex life. Remember, quitting will be difficult initially, but in the long run it will help you be a healthier and happier person. Control how much you drink: Most men resort to alcohol under pressure, work related stress and family issues. While moderate drinking, once in a while, at is still acceptable, uncontrolled, excessive drinking can hamper your health, social-well being, family relationships as well as professional life. Time to quit? Don’t you think so? Stay fit: Make a long-term exercise plan for yourself and persist it. For most people, it’s enough to exercise half to an hour everyday for building a healthy body. You can choose any aerobic exercise such as biking, jogging and walking as you like. Eat right: Men do have a naturally stronger metabolism and appetite compared to women but that should not become an excuse to eat unhealthy. Men need nutritious food rich in vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals as much as women do. So avoid junk food and follow a healthy diet that has enough grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, lentils and pulses in it. Get regular check ups: Being born as a man doesn’t shield you from illnesses. So stop ignoring your health and avoiding doctor visits. While women have more health concerns to worry about as they through the various stages of their life like puberty, pregnancy and menopause, men should be worried about certain problems that are likely to occur as they grow older as well. Remember prevention is always better than cure. Give yourself a break: Men always have a list of things they want or have to do — a new home, a new car, growth at their job, etc., but they forget the one important thing they need — a break. You need to understand that you don’t have superpowers to get everything done at once. Although you need to chase higher salaries for financial security, money can’t buy you peace of mind. So, give yourself a break, relax and de-stress and watch yourself perform better in all spheres of life. Here are some expert tips for you to beat stress Learn to share and express: Men have a low emotional quotient and are less likely to share their problems with anyone. This eventually gives rise to emotional turmoil that culminates into mental health issues like clinical depression or a self devastating path like drug abuse. No matter how small a problem is bothering you, share it with you family or close friends. It will give you the mental strength to overcome the hurdles in your way and come up as a winner.
