Recognising International Men’s Day the Inspired Way

International Men’s Day is significant because it shines a light on the often-overlooked aspects of men’s health, well-being, and positive contributions to society. It’s a day to celebrate men’s roles, acknowledge their challenges, and encourage open conversations around mental health, equality, and personal growth. 

By understanding its importance, we can work toward a more supportive and balanced world for everyone. It also reminds us to appreciate the men in our lives, promote healthy masculinity, and inspire them to prioritise their physical and emotional wellness. 

Let’s learn more about why this day truly matters.

When is International Men’s Day?

International Men’s Day is celebrated every year on 19th November. It’s a day dedicated to highlighting men’s health, promoting positive masculinity, and appreciating the contributions men make to families and society. The day also raises awareness around issues like mental health, fatherhood, and gender equality. Many communities organise events, talks, and campaigns to mark the occasion.

History of International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day traces its roots back to the early 1990s, when Thomas Oaster, then director of the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies, encouraged several countries, including the US, Australia, and Malta- to hold events celebrating men and their contributions. While interest faded in most places after a couple of years, Malta continued to observe the day.

The modern form of International Men’s Day began in 1999, thanks to Jerome Teelucksingh from the University of the West Indies. He chose November 19 to mark both his father’s birthday—a man he viewed as a strong role model, and a historic moment when a local football team brought national unity to Trinidad and Tobago.

Since then, the day has grown into a global observance dedicated to promoting positive masculinity, celebrating male role models, and drawing attention to men’s health and well-being. It serves not as a response to International Women’s Day, but as a complementary effort to address issues that uniquely impact men.

Why International Men’s Day Truly Matters

International Men’s Day reminds us to appreciate the men in our lives and recognise the challenges they face in health, emotions, and society. It encourages more understanding, support, and open conversations around their well-being.

Now, here are a few reasons why International Men’s Day is significant:

Here are a few reasons why International Men’s Day is significant:

1. It’s a Day to Celebrate All Men

The popular phrase “every day is International Men’s Day” may be true in some cases but the fact remains that not all men are honoured equally. International Men’s Day serves as a reminder that men come in all shapes and sizes and they all deserve to be heard.

2. It’s a Day for Helping People

Men are under a lot of social pressure – for instance, they’re supposed to be the givers and should avoid asking for help or expressing their emotions. The goal of International Men’s Day is to confront these issues and redefine masculinity.

3. It’s All About Gender Equality

Gender equality is a good objective to aim towards and International Men’s Day serves as a reminder to make an extra effort to foster positive relationships across the gender spectrum.

Tips to Improve Men’s Mental Health

To commemorate International Men’s Day 2025 on November 19th, we’ve compiled a list of tips that may benefit you or the men in your life. Although men and women face many of the same issues in life, males face certain unique challenges, especially when it comes to mental health.

Although changing a lifetime’s conditioning is difficult, there are certain things you can do to help yourselves or other men and boys you know with their mental health, such as:

1. Get Talking

Whether it’s your parents, companion, friend, or counsellor, it’s critical to find at least one person with whom you can open up. Consider reaching out to them this men’s day. This should be regardless of whether you’re dealing with a mental health condition, some health issue, or any other situation that’s weighing on your mind.

2. Avoid Using Alcohol and Drugs to Cope

Many people consume alcohol or even use recreational drugs to unwind or have enjoyment. However, some men tend to abuse these substances and use them as a coping mechanism during stress or other adversity.

Try to be more cautious of your drinking habits. Try to determine whether you’re simply having a good time or burying unresolved issues.

3. Find an Activity You Enjoy

Modern life may be chaotic and hectic, leaving some of us exhausted and stressed. As a result, it’s necessary to find an activity that will allow us to relax and unwind on our own time. It’s strongly recommended that you discover your own fun and stress-relieving hobby to help you feel your best, whether it’s trying out or cooking new cuisines, learning a new skill like mountain climbing, or reading an insightful book or novel.

4. Get Moving

The workout should not be something we ‘need to’ or ‘should’ do, so choose things you enjoy doing – don’t sweat it out at the gym when you’d rather be playing soccer or swimming laps. Even 10 minutes of moderate exercise can boost our energy levels, improve our cognitive performance, and keep us in a good mood. 

Regardless of the activities, this has a lot of potential to improve men’s wellness. Moreover,  people who engage in regular physical activity have higher self-esteem, less stress, and less anxiety, according to research. Regular exercisers may also be less prone to acquire mental health issues and if they happen to have one, they may be able to manage it better.

5. Get Better Sleep

Sleep and mental health are inextricably linked. Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis might make you feel less exhausted through the day, more capable of coping with everyday chores, optimistic with strong self-esteem, and less anxious or agitated.

Restrict your late-night device usage, do some exercise during the day, eat a balanced diet, and make your bedroom a sleep oasis to get a normal 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

6. Eat Well

Even when you’re sleeping, your brain works hard to allow you to think, move, breathe, and survive. As a result, it stands to reason that how you fuel your brain, such as what you eat or drink, will have an impact on its performance and eventually, your mood and mental health.

A diet high in convenience and refined meals, such as sugary snacks and processed foods, can be damaging to the brain. On the other hand, a nutritious diet with fruits and greens can nourish your brain with vitamins and minerals.

In fact, a high-refined sugar diet has been related to poor brain function and anxiety in several studies. Eat a diversified diet rich in vitamins that you require to thrive. What you put in your body has such a big impact on your overall well being – this must be a no-brainer.

7. Break the Monotony

Although our routines help us be more productive and increase our feelings of comfort and safety, a breath of fresh air can help to liven up a dull schedule. Change up your running routine, go on a road trip, go for a walk in a new park, hang some new art, or try a new restaurant, and actually celebrate men’s day everyday.

8. Set Realistic Goals

Decide what you want to accomplish academically, economically, and emotionally, then lay down the steps to get there. Dream big but stay grounded and don’t overbook yourself. As you get closer to your objective, you’ll feel a fantastic sense of fulfilment and self-worth. Make sure that from this International Men’s Day, you start working towards your goals while ensuring you’re not being hard on yourself.

9. Get Back to Nature

According to a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, depression is connected to a sedentary life. So, ditch the binge-watching and go for a walk instead.

You get brownie points if you can find a tree. Human contact with nature is very helpful as a part of a strategy to address mental health issues such as depression, according to a study published in the journal Health Promotion International. The study also discovered that a lack of touch with nature is linked to a decline in physical fitness. So, jogging in a park can contribute immensely towards men’s health.

10. Learn to Ask for Help

For many men, not understanding how to ask for help is a huge issue in many aspects of their health.

From avoiding to visit the doctor’s for sickness to refusing to admit or work on mental health concerns, this evasion issue is not going to help anyone – men in particular. So, the next time you feel physically or psychologically unwell, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor and get the care you need starting this International Men’s Day. Because if you just assume you won’t reach a brighter place, problems could get a lot worse.

Conclusion

It’s difficult to think about mental wellness. Moreover, realising that you’re having trouble or might need assistance isn’t always easy – especially for males. It is, nonetheless, better to speak up. Whether you seek aid from a friend or a family member or see a doctor, there is help available. Furthermore, there are various techniques to manage your mental health on your own.

So, this International Men’s Day 2025, make sure to take care of your mental and physical health and if you know someone who’s struggling, be there for them and help them cope up with the same!