Celebrating International Men's Day with the Theme: Helping Men and Boys

The theme "Helping Men and Boys" is quite timely, particularly because men's and boys' mental health continues to be a significant cause for concern, mainly because of societal pressure. That is why this day is set aside to honour men's contributions to their society, neighbourhood, family, marriage, and environment. It is therefore imperative that you celebrate this day.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate:

1. Donate to a charity for men: You can give to organisations that support men's health and welfare, such as those fighting testicular or prostrate cancer, mental health issues and domestic abuse, to mention a few. An example of such an organisation is Men On Blue.
   Please note that it is important to do proper research and background checks before donating to any organisation.
   
2. Find out more about the men in your own life. Recognise their accomplishments and contributions, pay attention to their stories, and most importantly, check in with them to learn how they are doing.
   
3. Spend quality time with your family and friends. Teach your kids some life skills such as swimming, the importance of cleaning, as well as how to respect others. You can also use this day to play video games with your friends or go for an only men’s brunch date.
   
4. Channel your feelings: Men sometimes find it challenging to express their feelings since society has associated sharing emotions with weakness rather than strength. This is one of the major reasons International Men’s Day is celebrated: to change the narrative. To better express your feelings, here are some things you can do:

• Make art:  Art is vital for physical, emotional, and mental welfare since it enhances the environment and helps reduce stress and suffering. Numerous studies have shown that being around art, whether it be making it, viewing it, or simply being in its presence, makes people feel better.
• Read literature: Today is a perfect day to read a book that will fascinate, instruct, and inspire you personally. I recommend "The mask of masculinity", by Lewis Howes. It talks about the ultimate hollowness of the Material Mask some men put up, the man who values material possessions above all else, the men who never express genuine emotion, and the destructiveness of the invincible and aggressive masks worn by men who take irrational risks or who can never back down from a confrontation. You can get it on Amazon or get any other book of your choice.
• Write something: One of the main mental health benefits of writing is that it can help you to gain clarity. Writing can also be used as a form of self-care, providing an outlet for emotions that might otherwise build up inside.
• Meditate: Your mental well-being and general health can both be improved by the sense of calm, peace, and balance that meditation can bring you. Redirecting your attention to something peaceful can help you unwind and manage stress. You can learn to keep your focus and maintain inner serenity by practising meditation.

5. Participate in social events: To celebrate International Men’s Day, you can engage socially in activities that stand against negative stereotypes such as:

• Take part in a seminar/conference: If you are in Lagos, then you can register here for the He Conference happening at Tolulope Odugbemi Hall, the University of Lagos by 3 pm on November 19th. The conference is free.
• Join a peaceful walk/march/marathon

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