For Men

August 2008

Husband, Provider, Father

As a man you have to wear a lot of different hats. You go to work five days a week, keep the boss happy. Come home, you've got the wife and kids to deal with. Sometimes it seems that no one gets that you are human, you need a chance to relax and take it easy now and then. It feels like all you do is work.
And when you want to stop in with the guys for a beer now and then, it doesn't help. You get home and the wife is mad you're late. The kids whine that you haven't played with them all week. Now you're a few bucks short of getting the bills paid because there isn't enough dollars in the budget for beer and cable TV both. How can you unwind and relax without all the crap that follows?

For a lot of men, the thought of getting off work doing physical labor all day and then going to the gym to work out doesn't sound relaxing at all. After all, the body gets tired. Sitting in front of the television every night gets old, and you feel like life is passing you by- but going out on the town is expensive. Here are some ways you can relax that are healthier and more productive than drinking in a bar or vegging out in front of the tube.

You've heard this before, but sports really is a good way to blow off steam. But it doesn't have to mean punishing your body lifting weights in the gym. Many areas have adult sport teams through your local parks and recreation departments- baseball and basketball, for instance. If you're not a team sports kind of guy, how about swimming, skateboarding or bicycling?

A lot of men relax by hunting and fishing. Getting out in the woods is rejuvenating to the soul. Other fun outdoor sports include hiking, boating and camping. When was the last time you got together with some of your buddies and went camping for a weekend? Every state in the country has outdoor recreation facilities that are accessible and affordable for everyone.

Like to read? Every town has a library. Not just for checking out books, spending an evening reading magazines is relaxing and informative. Most libraries rent videos and audio cd's. Many have 'movie nights' and special presentations for little or no cost to the public.

What about joining a club. There is a club for just about every interest these days. Whether your interest is gold prospecting, photography or breeding weasels, there is bound to be a club for that in your area. Newspapers usually list club meetings and contact info.

If you are fortunate enough to live close to a college or university, these often have educational talks and presentations that are open to the public. How about taking a non-credit adult education class through your local college or public school system just for the fun of it?

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking. But thinking won't get you very far. All it takes is a little action on your part to find affordable ways to relax and unwind that are productive, beneficial and won't give you a hangover the next day. Just get out there and do it. You'll be glad you did.

________________

Dedicated to the hardworking Americans that keep this country running.