Healthy Habits Men Can Learn From Women

Let’s shine a light on some of the most important health lessons men can pick up from women to help boost their overall health and physical fitness. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Prioritizing Heart Health

Typically, men tend to overdo things when it comes to easing stress and building muscle. But hey, women are more inclined to go for relaxing hobbies that help lower heart rate, which, in turn, helps reduce stress. Now that’s what I call smart thinking.

So, fancy cutting down on your stress levels? Instead of hitting the gym again, why not try some relaxing recreational activities? It’s all about striking a balance, you know? Consider ditching those super intense gym sessions for something a little more chilled out, like yoga, to take care of your body. It’s a solid move for your physical health.

2. Paying Attention to Your Biological Clock

Women are taught that as they age, they need to be more careful about their health. Turns out, guys also need to tune into their biological clocks, and that’s something men can learn from women.

See, the thing is, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly in men, especially during periods of stress or lifestyle changes. I mean, who has time to focus on their health when work’s piling up? But that’s where women kinda have the upper hand. They’re more likely to notice those subtle changes, those health-related signals that pop up as they age. Women are more likely to pay attention to what their bodies are telling them, and it’s a fantastic thing that men could pick up on.

And get this: Studies show that older dads are more likely to have kids with conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and learning disabilities. Just sayin’.

So, to stay on top of your game, listen to your body. Note any changes in your appearance (I’m talking about those new moles, funky skin changes, or changes in your hair color) and get checked for potential signs of health conditions, especially skin cancer.

3. Getting Enough Sleep

Women tend to sleep more than men. Seriously, they clock in around eight hours a night, while everyone needs between seven and nine hours of shut-eye.

That’s another lesson that men can learn from women! To nail this habit, make sure your bedroom is dark and cool, and steer clear of electronics (phones, tablets) right before bed.

4. Expressing Feelings

Lots of women feel comfy chatting and crying to share their problems with their friends, but men are often scared of opening up and sharing their true feelings.

Listen, talking about your problems helps you deal with stress and connect with others, and crying can actually help your body ease tension. So, next time you’re feeling down, don’t bottle it up; find someone to talk to!

In instances of overwhelming emotions, such as grief or intense stress, seeking professional support might also be a very good idea. Grief, in particular, is a complex and deeply personal experience. While expressing emotions is healthy, sometimes the depth of grief requires professional guidance to navigate effectively.

So, why not follow in the footsteps of ladies who chat about all kinds of stuff, good days, bad days, whatever, and don’t let emotions build up!

5. Following a Healthy Lifestyle

Women often follow a bunch of healthy habits. And, yup, that’s another great example that men can learn from women. These include things like:

Cutting Back on Cigarettes

Around 20 out of every 100 men smoke, whereas only 15 out of 100 women do.

Whether you’re a heavy smoker or just puff on the odd cigarette, now’s the time to chat with your doctor about ways to quit smoking.

Staying Out of the Sun

Men often spend more time in the sun and use less sunscreen, if any.

Using sunscreen the right way, and staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day, is another healthy habit that men can learn from women. Slather on the sunscreen to protect your skin every two hours!

Washing Hands

Women tend to wash their hands more often and more carefully than men, especially after being out and about. Plus, they tend to use more soap too.

If you want to dodge germs and bugs, wash those hands!

Choosing Healthy Food

Men tend to chow down on meat, white bread, and processed foods, whereas women are more likely to eat lots of fruit and veggies.

Okay, so maybe you aren’t a fan of eating veggies, but don’t let that put you off!

Doing Exercise

Men often do more exercise than women to bulk up and get in shape.

Even so, there’s a whole range of health perks from the kinds of workouts that women enjoy.

To boost your mental and emotional well-being, pair your regular workouts with other exercises, like Pilates, yoga, or Tai Chi.

These exercises come with a ton of benefits, from helping you maintain your physical fitness and boost your metabolism to improving your flexibility, strength, posture, and stress levels.

6. Paying Attention to General Appearance

Care about your looks or not, using the right skincare is important for your health, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing skin conditions.

It can also prevent health issues, like preventing dry skin and skin tags.

Again, this isn’t just a woman thing; it’s just another habit that men can pick up from women.

7. Spending Less Time on Screens

Men usually spend longer glued to their screens than women, whether it’s surfing the net on their phone or catching up on emails.

What lots of men don’t realize is that staring at screens for long periods may expose them to lots of blue light, and that exposure can prevent the production of melatonin, which can lead to sleep problems. Blue light is a range of the visible light spectrum, which is found in office and fluorescent lighting, that is similar to ultraviolet (UV) light.

8. Visiting the Doctor

When women read about health scares or hear general health advice that applies to them, they’re more likely to head to the doctor to find out more. However, men tend to do the opposite. They dodge check-ups completely, and women are better at this.

There’s one simple way to stay healthy and that’s by seeing your doctor and getting regular check-ups.

9. Proper Use of Seatbelts

Men often don’t bother strapping themselves in when they’re in the car or driving short distances.

But stats show seatbelts can lower the chances of death if you’re in a crash, especially if you’re older. So, look twice before you drive and make sure you buckle up so you don’t become a statistic.

Key takeaways

Prioritize heart health by incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine.
Pay attention to changes in your body and seek professional help when needed.
Follow a balanced lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.

FAQ, Myth & Facts

Is it true that women are naturally healthier than men?

Not necessarily. While women often prioritize certain health habits, men can certainly adopt similar practices to improve their overall well-being. It’s about lifestyle choices, not inherent advantages.

Do men really need to worry about skincare?

Absolutely! Skincare isn’t just for women. Men can benefit from a simple skincare routine to protect their skin from sun damage, prevent dryness, and address specific concerns like acne or aging.

Is it okay for men to cry?

Of course! Expressing emotions, including crying, is a healthy and normal human response. Bottling up feelings can lead to stress and other mental health issues. Sharing your feelings can foster stronger connections and relieve emotional tension.

Myth: Men who visit the doctor are weak.

Fact: Seeking medical advice is a sign of strength and responsibility. Regular check-ups can help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and better outcomes.

Here’s a perspective from a group of guys I know:

“We always thought looking after ourselves was, well, not very ‘manly’. But seeing the women in our lives so proactive about their health? It made us think. Now we’re all trying to be a bit more like them – more aware, more open, and definitely more likely to book that check-up.”

And a woman I talked to said:

“My husband used to brush off any little ache or pain. But then he saw me diligently going for my screenings and check-ups, and it kind of clicked. Now, he’s all about preventive care. It’s been a great change for him, and honestly, a relief for me!”

And another person I talked to mentioned:

“It’s all about balance, right? I used to think exercise was just about lifting heavy and pushing hard. But the women in my yoga class? They’re strong, flexible, and so much more in tune with their bodies. I’m learning a lot from them about listening to my body and finding that balance.”

So, yeah, maybe we all – me included – can learn a thing or two from the opposite sex when it comes to staying healthy. Maybe it’s about time we started paying a little more attention to what women are doing right and incorporating those lessons into our own lives, don’t you think?