OMU

Here are some tips to create a morning routine that sticks!
Today is the day to get started on that morning routine. A morning routine gets you set up for success!

Think of your current morning. What is your routine? Do your morning habits set the tone for the rest of your day?
Deep breaths and start your day off with the right peace of mind.
Drink water before coffee. This rehydrates you from the night and jump starts your metabolism.
Stretch or do yoga. If your body isn't right, your mind won't be either.
Take a shower or bath to help relax and feel clean for the day.
Write in your journal. Process your emotions and write them down.
Make your bed. Set the tone by keeping your spaces tidy.

Create habits. Have a set routine that helps you jumpstart your day.

OMU would love to be part of your routine. Check out our body washes and bath soaks on our website.

When we hear the term luxury, most of us think of top brands and glamorous experiences — which is certainly true. Yet somehow, that version of luxury feels very limiting and too scarce. At Omu, we believe that the true luxuries of life lie in the small moments.

Small moments where you feel: authentic, confident, comfortable, limitless, loved, enthusiastic, and inspired. Spend money, or don't. Share it with a group, with a loved one, or keep it for yourself. Plan it out, or go with the flow. Make it a rare treat, or make it a regular routine. Go big, or go small. Luxury should be special AND attainable.

So indulge in a bit of luxury every so often and start noticing those small moments — it's truly one of the best forms of self-care.

Check out our stories for more on the luxuries of life!

Alright you fellow multi-tasking, effiency-driven, 4-hour workweek enthusiasts: What combines excercise, stretching, meditation, and breath work all into one hyper-efficient activity?

If you guessed Playstation, you're way off. The answer is definitely yoga – an energy saving (and energy giving) practice and arguably the ultimate discipline of controling both the body and the mind. Yoga'tta try it.

Need a little help getting started? Try the resources below, look up a local yoga studo, or do a quick YouTube search.

https://www.mensyogajournal.com/blog/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-yoga-for-men
https://manflowyoga.com
https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/beginners-guide-yoga-men/

If you're like us, sometimes having nothing to do and nowhere to be is the perfect recipe for quality self-care. Other times, things like hobbies, physical activity, and creative outlets really give us life and are our favorite go-tos.

It helps that hobbies also improve mental health – they reduce stress, enhance well-being, improve social connection, and decrease anxiety and depression. Need a new hobby? Consider this your permission to adopt another person's favorite activity for a while. Because sometimes other peoples' joy is contagious.

There is power in writing. Think of all the books, literature, and poetry (published and unpublished) out there used as outlets for people to express their feelings and experiences. Personal journals can be that for you. Whether it's your emotions, experiences, events, gratitude, or creativity, write for that daily dose of self-care.

Not sure how to start? We've got a few ideas for you.
• Start small and keep your expectations realistic.
• Try writing in a new environment.
• Writers block? Jot down what you're grateful for.
• Schedule your journaling into your day.
• Look up journal prompts.
• Use bullet points.
• Type (instead of write) to get your ideas out quicker.

Do men and women feel emotions differently? Our culture and stigmas we have put on ourselves is the reason why we think these things. Just because men are told to hide their emotions, doesn’t mean they don’t have them. In fact, men experience emotions at the same level that women do.* But because it’s not socially acceptable for a man to cry when he’s sad, it can make it seem like men don’t experience sadness at all.

Let's help the men around us understand that vulnerabilty is accepted!

Try these three things to learn to become more vulnerable
1. Be honest about the way you are feeling – to yourself and others
2. Find therapeutic hobbies
3. See a therapist

*Read more at: https://sbtreatment.com/blog/men-and-emotions-the-importance-of-becoming-vulnerable/

Yes, exercise is important, but we'd argue that daily movement (even just 15 minutes!) is more beneficial than an extra long session or two at the gym each week. Integrating daily micro habits like quick, feasible exercise not only sets the stage for physical and mental success, it can be a major source of empowerment and sense of accomplishment. Plus, it's totally self-care and we're into that.

Here is what you can do to start getting those 15 minutes in
• Take the stairs
• Walk instead of drive
• Bike to work
• Take a morning or evening walk
• Work outside in your yard
• Walk your dog
• Stretch
• Deskercise
• Park farther away than usual

This is your reminder to drink some water!

If you struggle to get enough water in the day try these ideas...

• Get a reusable bottle and keep it with you
• Replace other drinks with water
• Drink a glass of water with every meal
• Flavor your water
• Set reminders

Stay hydrated out there everyone!

Su***de is a very serious and complicated topic that may take some vulnerability to address, especially for men. Data from the CDC shows that in 2020, the su***de rate among males was 4 times higher than among females. That tells us that this isn't only a world-wide issue, it is a men's issue. We believe that awareness — and spreading awareness — is a big part of the solution. Awareness means facing the facts, recognizing signs of depression in yourself and in others, sharing or researching resources for help, opening up, and offering support.

No one deserves to struggle in silence. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with hopeless feelings or suicidal thoughts, there are effective resources out there worth trying.

Resources:
• 988 - Su***de and Crisis Lifeline
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA) - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
• American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - https://afsp.org/su***de-prevention-resources
• Su***de Prevention Resource Center - https://www.sprc.org
• Therapy - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists


***depreventionday ***depreventionmonth ***deawareness

We often hear the phrase "mental health" but do we really know what it means? Buckle up people, here's an Oxford Dictionary definition for you:

Mental health is "a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being." It also affects how we think, feel, and act. Really anything that involves using your brain to think and do involves mental health. So take charge of your mental health and care for that brain of yours.

How do we do that though? The first step to taking care of your mental health is to evaluate your habits (emotional, psychological, and/or social habits) and notice what areas need improvement. Then set small goals for those improvements and take action! Continually check in with your mental health — it is such an important piece to living a happy life!

What to learn more about mental health? Here's a list from Healthline of top mental health books of 2022. Check it out and share with us what you learn! https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-books

SAFE SPACES – they sometimes get a bad rap. But they are crucial places (physical places or just a state of mind) of refuge and calm when things get rough. Don't underestimate how much they can positively impact your mental health game. Take a second and notice what your safe space(s) are. Don't have one? Create one! Here are some easy guidelines to help you define your safe space:

• A place you feel peace and mindful connection with yourself and others.

• A place you can feel confident in not being exposed to discrimination, criticism, or emotional harrassment.

• A place you feel valued.

• A place you can speak your thoughts and ideas with no judgement.

If these don't work for you, we strongly recommend stepping out in nature – even 5 minutes can do wonders. And finally, know that here at OMU, there is safe space for everyone.

Journal prompt for today! Write down where you see yourself in 1, 5, and 10 years! In addition, write some goals that can help you get where you want to be.