Becoming a better man

by The Onlooker

Since the 1960s there have been persistent calls across the globe for the creation of an International Men’s Day.

Many questioned why women have an international day and men don’t. An international day for men is now a reality after those years of lobbying from men. Every year 19 November is recognised as International Men’s Day.

This International Men’s Day sparked some deep thoughts in me. Over, the course of my life in Grenada, I have been hearing terrible things about men: Men are dogs, men are bad, men wicked, men nasty, the list can go on. As a child, I have been fascinated by reversing those curses. Why can’t men be described as being awesome, wonderful, great, kind, clean, happy? I committed myself to using my life as an example that men can be better than the stereotypes that currently exist in Grenada.

I hope that International Men’s Day becomes International Men’s Year. Our men need to be celebrated, supported, motivated to better every day. Our men also have to take responsibility and take their well-being into their own hands. Men have to take charge of their destiny.

There are many things that men can do on their own which can have a positive impact on their life. In this article, I am going to share a few simple tips that everyman can implement in their life today and see immense benefits within weeks.

10 tips to help you become a better man

• Drink more water

Water is critical to the best health in the body. If you want to stay strong, build your stamina, and perform better you should drink enough water daily. Science says a man should drink about (3.7 litres) of water a day. This is about 2 and a half of the tall $5 bottles of water sold in the shops.

• Eat better

If you want to have more power and vitality in your life. It is advised that you eat more vegetables and fruits. Make your plate more colourful with some of the natural, local foods in Grenada.

• Be active

Exercise can boost your sex life. When we are not in the best physical shape we are sometimes too tired and unable to perform at our best during sex. Consistent physical activity can boost your energy labels, increase your overall self-confidence and ultimately make your sex life better.

• Get sleep

After a hard day of work, you need to get enough sleep. Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up and ready to take on another day. Healthy sleep patterns also help the body remain healthy and fight off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly. On average a man should get 7 and 9 hours of sleep.

• Invest in your self-care

Great personal hygiene involves keeping all parts of the external body clean and healthy. Present yourself in the cleanest and best way possible. Your image matters and it shapes the way others perceive and treat you.

• Take in less alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes

A sound night’s sleep. Brighter skin. More time and energy. Cutting back on alcohol and other substances can have positive effects on the way you look and feel, often within just a few days. And at the same time, you’ll be reducing your longer-term risk of serious illnesses such as cancer and liver and heart disease.

• Be kind

We all know the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. This is no joke and it makes your life a million times better. When you treat people kindly you create positive relationships with them. This means you will then have more positive and pleasant interactions which in turn will more a happier healthier life experience.

• Be responsible

To be responsible you have to develop the habit of doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. You set to prioritize and set goals and take action to achieve them. You have to prioritize the things that are valuable in life, for example, your health, your kids, your girlfriend/ wife, etc. If we take care of our commitments, even if it is something we might like to ignore, we feel better about ourselves. Each step we take towards being responsible and productive helps to raise our self-esteem and our relationships with friends, family and co-workers improve ten-fold.

• Be respectful

Respect is one of the greatest virtues of life. There is a saying that goes to gain respect you have to first give it. Respect is critical and it means we accept people for who they are. We don’t always have to agree but we can do so we peace and grace. We should respect other people’s boundaries. For example, if a young lady does not want to talk to you or have sex with you. You should respect her decision and not try to force yourself onto her. Try…

• Be a great father

Research shows that children do better in school, demonstrate better mental wellbeing and turn out to be more successful in their adult life when they have a father that is present and actively involved in their life.  If you are a father, spending quality time with your children should be a top priority as well as ensuring you provide the best possible life for them.