3/5
One-on-None: Self Care & MaintenanceIt’s true, practice makes perfect. Think of self-care as nothing more than a way of exploring all the things you can, and should, practice every day to take care of yourself. Think exercise, eating right, connecting with friends, or hobbies.
Reflect on which actions, activities, or practices might be right for you.
Did someone say bowling league is self-care? Best news I’ve heard in months. Sometimes the only journaling a man needs to do is drawing Xs on the scoresheet.
Common Questions
Self-care just means you’re doing things to take care of your body and mind in ways that help you stay steady, healthy, and able to handle what life throws at you. It’s not about spa days or wellness retreats - it’s about getting back to the basics: eating in a way that fuels you, getting decent sleep, moving your body, giving yourself breaks, and connecting with people you trust. The point is to keep your tank from running empty so you can keep showing up at work, at home, in your community, and for yourself.
The key is finding what works for you in all kinds of situations. For example, self-care can be how you go about setting up the environments you’re spending a lot of time in like your home, bed room, garage, workspace, etc. Is it disorganized chaos? Taking the time and putting in the effort to clean and organize can be an underrated, yet powerful form of self-care. It’s harder to catch a fish if you’ve got a cluttered tacklebox. And remember: it’s not just the outcome, but the process of it. That’s a two-piece special.
5–15 minutes
- •
Take a break, step outside, breathe deep, and stretch.
- •
Write down 3 things going right today (small wins).
- •
Call or text a buddy just to check in.
- •
Sit quietly with your coffee—no phone, no news.
30–60 minutes
- •
Go for a walk, bike ride, or work in the yard.
- •
Cook yourself a solid meal instead of grabbing whatever's fast.
- •
Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook that lifts you up.
- •
Work on a hobby—tinkering in the garage, woodworking, fishing prep.
A half day or more
- •
Take a fishing, hunting, or hiking trip.
- •
Plan a project you've been putting off and work on it at your own pace.
- •
Spend time with family or friends doing something simple—like a cookout.
- •
Rest—let yourself nap, catch up on sleep, or just be off the clock.
Pay attention to what leaves you feeling calmer, more rested, or more focused afterward. If it helps you feel a little more like yourself, that’s self-care. Just like building a log cabin, start small to get the foundation, then build up from there.
There’s good news here. You don’t need hours to make yourself a priority with some self-care. Small things add up-like taking a 10-minute walk, shutting down screens 30 minutes before bed, or calling a friend on our commute. Think of it like putting some gas in the tank, not a full engine rebuild.