3 Physical Exercises for Mental Health in Men

Damn. Mental health is a shit topic. It makes about as much sense to me as tits on a boar hog. However, it seems to need “talkin’ bout”. So.. Let’s talk about it. I consider mental health to be the least important part of my health. Physical, Spiritual, and Mental health in that order. This is not to say it is not important. I simply believe the mental state is derived through training of the physique, and spirit. Am I right? I don’t give a shit. I am a fit man over 40. I choose what is important. It works for me, and helps me deal with the erratic nature of my mind, and the INSANE world we live in today. In this article, I will share 3 physical exercises to provide mental health for men.

3 Physical Exercises for Mental Health in Men

1. Structured Breath exercises(NOT meditation)
2. Structured Movement
3. Unstructured Physical Contact

Structured Breath Exercises

I know meditation is good. There is too much research data to believe otherwise. I simply do not enjoy it. I hate sitting still, and clearing my mind. I have ADHD. Asking me to meditate is like asking me to bang my head on the wall. It is pure torture. However, due to the boundless research, I can't ignore meditation. So, I researched the root of meditation, and now practice my own form of meditation. Structured breath exercises. Example. Sit still. Set an audible metronome to 60 beats per minute. Breathe in through your nose for 6 seconds, and out of your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat for 10 minutes. For my hyper active mind, I have a sound to focus on. A count to keep. A goal to reach. BOOM! I can receive the same benefits of meditation while actually enjoying the time! There are many different types of breath counts and reps schemes. Check out my Men's Mobility App for daily breath lead exercises. 

Structured Movement

A huge part of my mental struggle as I have aged, is accepting my physical changes. I once trained as a strongman. Here are a few numbers from age 25, and a bodyweight of 220 lbs.

405 lbs Deadlift for 60s = 20 reps

12” Log Press  x 1= 260 lbs

Raw Deadlift x 1 = 575 lbs 

Raw Squat x1  = 505 lbs 

Max Atlas Stone at 40” x 1 = 340 lbs Watch Here

Where am I today? 50 lbs.  Doesn't matter what the implement is. 50 lbs is my limit. I have a spine injury that limits my volume. To lift more, is to risk my ability to walk. It fucking sucks… However, I have a solution. Breath lead(see the tie in here), structured exercises for men. I began these exercises the first time my back went out. I was 31. By 35, I was back in the game. This time in functional fitness. 3 years later, I tore a disc in my back. 38, and could not stand up straight. It was weeks before I could shit normal again. I am 40 now. I am a different strong. My joints are strong to help my  posture. My tendons, and ligaments are strong to help my joints. My spine is strong to prevent further nerve compression. All in all relieving what pain is possible. We are not getting younger. Our injuries are compounding. It is not too late to begin. Simply follow the video in this blog(scroll up). Try it 3 times a week. Repeat for 4 weeks. Structured stretching and mobility exercises will prevent you from doing the man thing. You know. Pretending you know what you are doing. Start now.

Unstructured Physical Contact

This section is my favorite! It provides room for me to enjoy the effort of the first 2 points. Let me provide a few of my favorite applications of this principle. Laying my head in my wife's lap. Snuggling up to her in bed on a lazy Saturday morning. Holding her hand while I drive. Snuggling up against one of my German Shepherds. Simple, daily physical contact. Touch starvation can drain us of our confidence, and energy. Male loneliness is the product. Physically touching my loved ones brings me right here; right now. Plus, I am a dude. What better way to express my dudeliness than touching the woman who loves me. This is so important to my physical daily practice that I write down her initials with a check box next to it every day. The following day, I must check it off. If I do not, I can feel the loneliness creeping it. Make contact. Make memories. Make yourself a man.

3 Physical Exercises for Mental Health in Men

1. Structured Breath exercises(NOT meditation)
2. Structured Movement
3. Unstructured Physical Contact

In conclusion, it really is easy to be physically fit at forty. It is not so easy to be a mentally fit man at forty. We are old enough to be confident in our choices. We are wise enough to lead by logic and sense. More importantly, we know when we need help. Check out this manly option for help. Your final task before you go, set aside 20 minutes each day to perform these physical exercises for mental health. Breathe for 5 minutes. Move, and stretch for 10 minutes. Snuggle your loved one for 5 minutes. Get it done. Enjoy the reward!