Echo Health – How to Cope With Manxiety

By Barry Nelson

Men aren’t coping very well with the stresses and strains of everyday life, according to recent surveys. In the run-up to Father’s Day, Hannah Stephenson considers ways to boost their health and self-esteem

THINK twice before you buy your dad a run-of-the-mill present this Fathers’ Day – whatever his age, it seems he’d probably prefer a bungee jump experience to some new aftershave.

Men are increasingly craving adventure to help shake off the challenges of modern life, according to new research by Bournville chocolate. Whether it’s a racing car experience or a white-knuckle ride at a theme park, many men are chasing an adrenaline injection to release the stress of everyday life.

“It seems that hard work and technology conflict with men’s instinct for adventure, ” says psychologist Dr Phillip Hodson. “They would much rather get in touch with their masculine roots, stop being passive observers and take part in the action.” The term “manxiety” has emerged to describe conflicted feelings, as men face more pressures at work and at play.

They’ve have morphed from masculine to maudlin, according to a recent report by Brylcreem, with 75 per cent of men surveyed saying that blokes are less macho now than they were 80 years ago.

This may be because of the change in women’s financial and social roles. Whatever the cause, to manage “status anxiety”, the male of the species can now make the most of an explosion of leisure opportunities.

“With sports theme parks making even extreme activities convenient, men will venture into more realms than were previously available to the mainstream, from surfing to rock climbing, ” a Manxiety report commissioned by Sure For Men suggests.

Adventure may be appealing, yet some recent pursuits to gain adrenaline rushes have ended in disaster, particularly the increasingly popular activity of tombstoning, where people jump off cliffs or structures into the sea.

Two men in their 20s were left paralysed after tombstoning last month. More recently, a 14-year-old boy sustained spinal injuries after landing on rocks when tombstoning off Plymouth Hoe.

The appeal could be that stressful outdoor activities reduce overall stress in daily life, according to US research. The effects of an adrenaline surge include hyper-arousal, increased blood flow, heightened pulse rate and increased physical performance, which can be an enjoyable and invigorating state of mind and body.

An adrenaline rush is usually accompanied by an increase in endorphin activity and endorphins are responsible for feelings of well-being, as well as pain relief.

For those men who want to relieve stress without taking part in dangerous pursuits, there are other exercise-based stress relievers that can help release tension in your body and clear your mind, while also making your body healthier and more attractive.

As Men’s Health Week kicks off (June 9-15), if guys want a pursuit which is going to give them a legal high, promote inner calm, boost energy and lower depression, then music, laughter and dogs may be the way to go, according to the latest issue of Men’s Health magazine.

We’ve joined forces with them to put together some safe ways to beat stress:

MUSIC Studies show that matching the bpm (beats per minute) of your favourite tunes to your heart rate during exercise gives you an endorphin rush. Upbeat music can turn a boring slog into a mood lifter, so download some uplifting tunes.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITY An Australian study which monitored moods of athletes found they were less depressed, anxious, hostile and tired after running outdoors, but complained of feeling tired after running on a treadmill, despite being played outdoor noises. So if you’re in the mood for a run, go to the park, not the gym.

CHOCOLATE HIGH Indulge in chocolate, which contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid used by the brain to make the good neurotransmitter serotonin. Enhanced serotonin function typically diminishes anxiety. But obviously, eat it in moderation.

HOT AND COLD Sauna and ice swimming in places such as Helsinki may be just the ticket. Research at the University of Oulu in Finland found that dizzying heat reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while sudden freezing temperatures help repair torn muscles and improve your body’s antioxidant capabilities.

CURRY FAVOUR Just thinking about your favourite curry can get your heart rate going, according to a study by Nottingham Trent University. Researchers saw an increase in blood pressure and heart rate similar to sexual arousal. Further US research found that capsaicin in chilli peppers triggers a huge endorphin release.

PETS Owning a dog can beat depression and boost your sense of wellbeing, according to research from the University of Leicester Medical School. The study found that animalfacilitated therapy was an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.

LAUGHTER They say it’s the best medicine and researchers in California found that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, increases muscle flexion and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells and antibodies, while also triggering an endorphin release.

HEAD MASSAGE Head massages are believed to lower stress levels and anxiety. To find your nearest qualified practitioner, visit www. massagetherapy. co. uk ASHTANGA RUSH Raising the body’s temperature through vigorous exercise prompts a surge of opiate-like hormones – and Ashtanga is one of the most vigorous forms of yoga. Not only will you increase your fitness but you’ll feel great afterwards, thanks to the endorphins which are released through stretching. Ask at your nearest leisure centre for local classes. Couch potatoes will need a less energetic form of yoga to start.

ADRENALINE FIXES Ifmusic and laughter fail to ignite your inner hunter-gatherer and you’re still fighting a large bout of “manxiety”, try these:

ROCK HUGGING This is the most extreme form of climbing – free- soloing – which forgoes the use of any equipment. It is guaranteed to spark a massive adrenaline kick, but it would surely be safer to release that pent-up stress by going on a climbing day with ropes and harnesses included. For more information visit www. ukclimbing. com BASE JUMPING Only real thrill-seekers who are experienced parachutists should apply. BASE (Building Antenna Span Earth) jumping is the sport of parachuting from fixed objects. Beginning with a parachute packed into a closed container, the athlete jumps from the object and opens the canopy to stop the fall, then gliding to a landing.

Chimneys, pylons, roller-coasters and cranes are all used as jump platforms.

Such risk-taking activities are believed to help boost low levels of dopamine.

Dopamine creates motivation, goal-oriented behaviour and ecstasy, according to US research. For details visit www. basejumper. org The July issue of Men’s Health magazine is out now

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