The GWS 2024 Future of Wellness Report cited one of their trends as – From Manning Up to Opening Up. This trend explains how a cultural shift is underway with a rise of social and emotional wellness offerings for men to help them connect with themselves and each other.
Safe to say, the wellness world has long catered to women, offering spaces for emotional exploration and community building. But for men, wellness often meant “manning up” that simply translated into extreme fitness challenges, biohacking, and a relentless pursuit of physical dominance. However, a growing number of retreats are now challenging this narrow definition, and instead focusing on the social and emotional well-being of men.
At the outset, this cultural shift is crucial. For generations, the traditional archetype of masculinity has often emphasized stoicism, suppressing emotions, and prioritizing strength over vulnerability. This emerging trend moves away from outdated notions of masculinity, fostering a more open and supportive environment where men can connect with themselves and each other on a deeper level.
This evolving landscape is witnessing a surge in:
Men’s-only wellness retreats and workshops
These programs provide safe spaces for men to explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Activities may include mindfulness practices, group therapy, outdoor adventures, and workshops on topics like communication, relationships, and fatherhood.
At retreats like EVRYMAN and Junto, emotional intelligence takes center stage. Men learn to identify and express their feelings, fostering deeper connections with themselves and others. Some retreats blend physical and emotional challenges, like Menspedition, where participants conquer mountains while engaging in meditation and cold plunges. These retreats essentially offer a lifeline, providing safe spaces for men to connect, share vulnerabilities, and explore their emotions.
Mental health apps and platforms
Tailored to men, these digital tools offer personalized support, such as guided meditations, mood tracking, and access to therapists specializing in men’s issues.
Mental health apps and platforms are increasingly catering to men’s specific needs, offering tailored digital support. These tools provide personalized experiences, such as guided meditations focused on stress management like Headspace‘s specific men’s content, mood tracking to identify patterns like Moodpath, and convenient access to therapists specializing in men’s issues like Talkspace‘s ability to filter therapists. Some apps, like Calm, offer targeted content addressing challenges men commonly face, such as performance anxiety or relationship difficulties. These platforms aim to destigmatize seeking help and provide accessible, discreet mental health support.
Social media movements
Online communities and social media campaigns are raising awareness about men’s mental health, breaking down stigmas, and encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being.
Social media is proving a powerful tool in shifting the narrative around men’s mental health. Online communities and campaigns are breaking down stigmas and fostering open conversations. #Movember, for example, raises awareness about men’s health issues, including mental health, through its annual mustache-growing challenge. The now defunct Instagram account, @themanupinitiative used to share personal stories and resources, creating a supportive online space. These movements leverage the reach of social media to challenge traditional masculine ideals, encourage help-seeking behavior, and build a sense of community among men facing similar challenges. They demonstrate the power of digital platforms to normalize discussions about emotional well-being.
Still in its nascent stages, as this movement gains momentum, we can expect to see a continued evolution of men’s wellness offerings, with a greater emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and addressing the unique needs of men from different backgrounds and walks of life.
