Honoring The Strong Ones: Why Men Deserve Rest, Too (Especially in June)

Posted on June 13, 2025

In Today's fast-paced world, Men are often expected to be unshakable. Providers. Problem solvers. The ones who keep going even when they're running on empty.

While strength is admirable, there's a quiet crisis unfolding beneath the surface: many men don't feel they have permission to rest.

Whether they're working long hours, showing up for their families, or pushing through mental and emotional fatigue, the weight they carry often goes unseen. And unlike generations past, today's men are navigating more complex expectations from being emotionally available to staying physically fit, financially steady, and mentally sharp. That's a lot to hold.

That's why June-Men's Health Month and the month of Father's Day-is a powerful time to pause and honor the men in our lives, not just for what they do, but for who they are and what they need.

The Pressure to Be Strong All the Time

From a young age, many men are conditioned to push through pain, suppress emotions, and "man up". While resilience has its place, constant suppression can lead to burnout, fatigue, and even chronic illness.

Men Deserve more than a "thank you" or a toolset for their garage- they deserve space to breathe, recharge, and feel human.

This June, let's shift the narrative. Let's encourage men to rest and replenish in meaningful, enjoyable ways.

Unique Ways for Men to Rest & Replenish (Beyond the Basics)

Here are some fresh, soul-nourishing ideas for rest and replenishment- not the usual "get more sleep'' or "go to the gym" advice, but deeply restorative practices that honor a man's whole being.

1. Forest Bathing or Trail Time (Solo or With a Friend)

Not just hiking- but truly being in nature. No destination, no watch, no goal. Just the slow act of wandering and reconnecting with breath, trees, and silence.

2. Cold Water Therapy or Contrast showers

Alternating between warm and cool water can invigorate circulation and boost mood. It's a powerful practice to reset the nervous system and it can be done right at home.

3. Solo Breakfast or Coffee at Sunrise

There's something grounding about waking early and enjoying the quiet Stillness of dawn with no expectations. No phone. Just Stillness, a warm drink, and presence.

4. Tactile Hobbies

Men often carry mental burdens. Hands-on hobbies like wood carving, leatherwork, pottery, or sketching give the mind a break and bring satisfaction in creating something tangible.

5. Sound Healing or Breath work for Stress Relief

You don't have to be spiritual to benefit from frequency and rhythm. Low, grounding tones or guided breath work can release stored tension in powerful ways- no words needed.

6. A Personal Retreat ( Even Just a Day)

Encourage the idea of a "reset day" whether it's a cabin getaway, a tech-free Sunday, or a few hours of sacred alone time, it's not about escape, it's about re-calibration.

7. Mentorship- Not Just Giving, But Receiving

Men are often mentors to others, but who pours back into them? Encourage them to find a mentor, elder, or therapist to support their emotional and spiritual growth.

8. Time With Animals or Nature-Based Service

Caring for animals or helping on a community garden or restoration project can be deeply therapeutic. It brings men into the moment and into connection with life beyond pressure.

9. Upgrading the Night Wind-Down Ritual

Instead of just zoning out in front of a screen, try dim lighting, calming scents, slow music, and a warm foot soak or neck compress. Small rituals have a big impact.

10. Saying "No" Without Apology

This isn't an activity- it's a practice. Learning to say no without guilt is one of the most powerful ways to create time for rest and protect mental energy.

This June: Give Men the Space to Just Be

• By noticing their efforts.
• By encouraging their well-being.
• By inviting rest, without judgment.

Let's celebrate men not just for what they produce, but for who they are- in all their strength, tenderness, wisdom, and humanity.

Happy Men's Health Month and Father's Day to all the Strong ones. You deserve this time.