Dealing with Stress: Mental Health Tips for Men in Their Late 30s
Let’s cut to the chase—hitting your late 30s can feel like a balancing act on a tightrope, with no safety net in sight. Career pressures, family responsibilities, and the creeping realisation that time doesn’t wait for anyone? Yeah, it’s no wonder stress is skyrocketing. For many men, these years can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Stress Isn’t a Weakness—It’s a Signal
First off, let’s get something straight: feeling stressed doesn’t make you weak. If anything, it’s your body’s way of saying, “Mate, something needs to give.” Ignoring it is like leaving your phone on 1% battery—it’s going to shut down eventually. Instead of brushing it off, use stress as a signal to make a change.
Find Your Outlet
We all need an escape valve. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or even picking up a hobby you left behind in your 20s—find something that allows you to unplug. It’s not about pretending the stress isn’t there; it’s about managing it so it doesn’t run your life. Physical activity is a great way to release the tension that builds up after a long day of work, but it doesn’t stop there.
Check Your Inner Dialogue
How often do you catch yourself thinking, “I should be able to handle this,” or “Other people have it worse”? That inner critic can be brutal, and let’s be real—it’s not helping. In fact, it’s piling on more stress. Instead, start practicing self-compassion. Speak to yourself the way you would to a mate who’s struggling. Give yourself a break. This shift in mindset can make all the difference.
Don’t Go it Alone
We’ve all been raised with that “man up” mentality, right? But bottling things up does more harm than good. Opening up to someone you trust—whether it’s a mate, partner, or professional—can ease the burden. You’ll be surprised how much lighter things feel when you’re not carrying the weight solo.
Sleep Isn’t a Luxury, It’s Essential
Let’s not sugarcoat it—your sleep is probably suffering. Stress has a sneaky way of keeping us up at night, making us relive the day’s events or worry about tomorrow. Prioritise your sleep like it’s your most important meeting of the day. Shut down the emails, switch off the notifications, and give yourself time to wind down. Better sleep equals better mental health, no question.
Know When to Seek Help
We can’t tackle stress with just willpower. Sometimes, things feel too heavy to lift on your own, and that’s okay. There’s no shame in reaching out for professional help. Therapy isn’t a last resort; it’s a proactive way to manage your mental health, and it’s a game-changer.
In the End...
Your late 30s are tough, but they’re also an opportunity. You’re in the prime of your life, with enough experience to know what’s what, but young enough to make meaningful changes. Managing stress is part of that process. So, next time stress creeps in, remember—it’s not about “toughing it out,” it’s about making the changes that let you live better, for yourself and the people who count on you.
