As a dad, you are busy. You are pulled in every direction all at once. From your partner needing more of your time (as is perfectly normal, of course) to your boss expecting you to check the Slack channel before turning in for the night to housework and taking care of your children, there is hardly enough time to take care of yourself. Flip the script on what self-care for dads means by embracing these reasonable ideas today.
Maintain your vehicle.
Having your car in good condition is a form of self-care. If you question that, consider this: If your car breaks down on the side of the road with your kids inside while on the way to school for the morning drop-off, are you going to feel good about the situation or yourself? Probably not. While you may have the skill set to navigate this certain stressor, why not take the “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” approach?
Do your best to avoid any unnecessary car problems by having it serviced by professionals. Take it in for routine maintenance and checkups based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, any warranty parameters or guides, and based on the mileage or if you notice any problems. This is especially important with high-end vehicles, such as the BMW. You want to ensure your investment pays off for years to come through smooth rides and great times with your family. Basically, you should take care of your car so you can take care of yourself and spend more time driving it instead of sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow.
Be attentive in your relationship.
This one may seem like it is about another person, your spouse or partner, but it is about both of you. When your relationship thrives, so do you. Place value in taking care of one another and attending to each other’s needs. Keep the lines of communication open because neither of you is a mind reader. By paying attention to the other half of your partnership, you can avoid unfortunate miscommunications or prevent disappointment and resentment due to unmet or unrealistic expectations. When you and your partner understand how to communicate and have realistic expectations for your relationship, both of you will feel better.
If you find that your relationship can benefit from professional help, put your pride aside and make an appointment for couples counseling. Sometimes, even the most communicative and seemingly well-adjusted couple may become hung up on specific arguments or trigger points and need an impartial third party (a counselor) to help navigate the way forward.
Connect with your kids at every age and stage.
The way you spend time with your kids makes a difference in how you live your life. When you are frustrated with a headstrong toddler or a teen who truly believes they know everything (even when you know they do not), you can sometimes pull away from them due to sheer frustration without even realizing what is happening. A cycle of worry and exasperation continues as kids grow up and begin to experiment with independence.
Work to maintain positive bonds with your kids by meeting them where they are at. Establish rituals and activities you can do without judgement or sometimes even too much talking. Perhaps you can bake together, play catch, walk the dogs, or play a favorite video game. The point is to connect without an agenda other than to spend time with one another.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/_y5how8-Yp0?si=uFc1hAukjoA-iVZc” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Focus on fitness.
You do not need to spend hours each day focusing on how to make gains or charting your macros or worrying about the size of your lats. No. Instead, and especially as you age, you should prioritize physical fitness. Pay special attention to your cardiovascular health by incorporating exercises that get your blood pumping, such as running, speed walking, biking, or swimming. Remember to add weights, too. Strength training helps tone your body while improving bone health.
Not only does a regular fitness routine help keep your body and mind healthy, but it also sets a good example for the rest of your family, especially your children. Let them see you take care of your body in a positive manner and include them in your exercise routine when you can. By making physical fitness a family affair, you can find more joy in taking care of your body and have fun in the process.
Schedule a Guy’s Weekend.
You might already have a standing date every year to get together with your male friends for some quality guy time. If so, you already know the value of focusing on friendship. If you have never gotten together for a mini vacation with your friends, now is the time to put a date on the calendar.
Contact your close circle of friends and schedule a weekend away together. It does not have to be anything extravagant at all. Look for an ice fishing trip in the winter or find a rental near your favorite pro sports franchise team. Score tickets for a regular game or a big one. Whatever you do, the point is to spend time together and enjoy one another’s company while recharging away from daily life and responsibilities.
Take care of your overall health.
As a busy dad, you ensure everyone else in your life is taken care of. You and your partner make sure annual well-checks are scheduled and on the calendar. Sports physicals? Eye appointments? Dental exams? Yes to all of these important appointments for everyone else. But, what about you? If you have let your healthcare checkups slide and are overdue for certain age-related vaccinations, examinations (colonoscopy?), or just a routine physical, it is time to put yourself on the calendar, too.
Taking care of your body is essential so you can live your life to the fullest. It is also necessary so you can take care of the important people in your life. Start with an appointment with your primary care physician and go from there. You will feel better once you are done.
Go ahead and use these easy tips and make them your own. Taking care of your car, relationship, and health are all important components of living a good life.
Discover more from St. Louis Dad
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.