There are lots of ways to help your man de-stress, activities you should really consider. We all have hard days, days when we want to curl up with a good book and a chocolate bar and never leave the couch again, but while you know how to cope with your own work-day disasters, do you know the ways to help your man relax? He might pass on the book and Godiva, but you need to help him unwind. If you’re at a loss, keep reading. Here are 8 tried-and-true techniques to help your man de-stress.
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1. Listen up
While some men tend to keep all their stress bottled up, other prefer to groan, whinge, complain or grouse. If your man is what we’ll call a “sharer,” maybe all he needs to unwind is a good listener, someone who’ll hear his complaints without interruption, and the occasional “that’s awful” or “what a jerk!” comment. Can that listener be you? Turn off the TV, look him in the eye, give him your full attention, and let him unload. This truly is one of the easiest, and most effective, ways to help your man de-stress.
2. Don’t Offer Advice Unless…
It’s going to be so tempting to jump in and offer your man some advice about his jerky co-workers or loathsome boss, but unless he asks for it, keep quiet. He may not be looking for a solution to a problem just yet, and interrupting him might just put him off. Just commiserate, until he asks for advice or until you just can’t stand it anymore.
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3. Run with Him
My sweetheart likes to work out his problems and stress with a long hard run. If you think exercise might help your man, grab his running shoes, and maybe yours too. Exercise is another great way to help your man de-stress… and in both ways — the cardio exercise and the stress relief — it will help his heart.
4. Run Him a Bath
Not much of a runner? Then try running him a bath instead. That’s right — go full-on Geisha girl and run him a soothing bath with lavender oil and shampoo his hair, massage his back, maybe even dim the lights. Hey, the hot bath trick works for us, so it might just be one of the other ways to help your man de-stress, right?
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When it comes to helping your man de-stress, running him a bath can be a great way to show your love and care. Taking the time to fill his tub with warm water and adding a few drops of lavender oil can be a great way to create a calming atmosphere. You can also shampoo his hair, massage his back, and dim the lights to add to the calming effect.
The benefits of a hot bath go beyond just relaxation. Studies have shown that a hot bath can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It can also help reduce muscle tension and joint pain. Additionally, a hot bath can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
When running a bath for your man, make sure the water is not too hot. It should be warm enough to help him relax, but not too hot to cause discomfort. You can also add Epsom salt to the bathwater to help ease any aches and pains.
After the bath, make sure to wrap him up in a towel and give him a hug. This will help him feel loved and appreciated, and it will also help him relax even more. You can also give him a massage to further help him relax.
5. Make Him a Meal
Two words: comfort food. If your man is feeling stress, another way to help your man de-stress is to cook him one of his favorite (even if it’s fattening) meals. Lasagna with garlic bread, pork chops and smashed potatoes, whatever it is, make him a plate and watch his stress melt away like the butter on his peas.
6. Give Him a Mini-spa
If he liked the hot bath, and dinner was a hit, why not up the relaxation ante with a mini-spa? Massage his hands with lotion, give him a mini-pedi (without polish, of course), maybe even try a scalp massage or facial. Because of the physical contact, it's one of the most intimate ways to help your man relax.
7. Have a Low-key Night
If your man had a rough week at the office, he may not feel up to a night out at the club on Friday night. He might just want to snuggle up on the couch with the remote in hand and nothing much on his mind. Bring him his sweatpants and a beer, and either go out with the girls, or stay home with him. Don’t pressure him or make him feel bad for wanting to stay home; remember that this veg-time might be the best way to help your man de-stress.
8. Sexy Time?
Stress can quite effectively kill a man’s libido, making him feel even worse. If he’s not initiating sex, he may just need a little reminder that you still find him attractive and desirable. Send him a slightly suggestive text message or two to prepare him, then maul him when he comes home. If he’s not in the mood, respect that and don’t take it personally. You tried… and whether he went for it or not, he appreciated the gesture. And the lap dance.
There are so many ways to help your man de-stress, and now that you’ve read a sampling of them (my own favorites!), his idiot friends, co-worker drama, thesis hiccups, and boss-induced stress don’t stand a chance! Which of these ideas works best on your man? Or do you have another way to help your man de-stress that works like a charm? Do tell!
Comments
Cassie: When ever my man is stressed we take a shower together!! It is a great thing to do when you need to unwind!:)
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