Taking Care of Yourself
Post by Ben - 2/20/2025
My inclination is to say, like all men in their 40s, that self care sounds like a bunch of hogwash meant to sell overpowering and overpriced stuff. On the other hand, I have a suspiciously nice record player. I think the buzz over the branding for ‘self care’ gets in the way and for the most part it is just taking a little break and being nice to yourself. It’s a way of remembering that you can feel good and deserve something enjoyable. It’s not just about buying things, but setting aside some time to feel a little more relaxed and maybe indulging in something you wouldn’t normally do. Leave the kids with someone and go do something for yourself. I like to include a stop at a brewery. One of the problems I have is figuring out what to do, so to help myself and you too, here are some ideas for taking care of yourself and then getting a beer (this structure may vary):
Do something nice for your body and then drink a beer. Whether you run, do yoga, or love a boot camp, there are so many options everyday of the week to take a moment to move your one body and then enjoy a beer. We will be publishing a more exhaustive list soon and you can always check on run clubs, but check out these highlights:
Mondays in the Spring - NoDa Social Ride - Starts at Divine Barrel and ends at Salud
Wednesday - Yoga at Lenny Boy
Thursday - Tone and Tap HIIT Workout at Petty Theives
Get some pampering, then get a beer. This can be a manicure, pedicure, haircut, shave, massage, you name it. I know there are barber shops that will give you a beer or a nice pour of whiskey, and the salon has that prosecco, but I like to split the two experiences. Your beer/drink won’t taste like acetone or that weird blue liquid for cleaning combs if you go to the brewery, and you get to feel the effects of your pampering while doing something else fun.
Learn something and then get a beer. Take the train uptown and visit a museum. The Mint and the Bechtler are always great options, but since February is Black History Month, explore the Gannt Center for African-American Arts + Culture or the Levine Museum of the New South. Then, hit Resident Culture in Seventh Street Market before hopping the train back to your neighborhood. It’s an adventure.
Get out of Charlotte. You don’t need to go far, just explore outside your neighborhood or the city limits. Explore Fort Mill and go to Amor Artis. If you have the time, hike Crowders and then get a beer at Keepsake, or paddleboard in the lake and go to Royal Bliss.
Volunteer and then get a beer. There are lots of options, pick one that aligns with your values and do it, but it feels good to help others and get out of your routine. Catawba Riverkeeper is always picking up trash; spend some time outside, then you can go to Confluence in Cramerton for art and beer or hit up the local spots wherever the river takes you.
Rally Pickleball in South End
This would be a good idea for some self care. Once, I went out and played music bingo. I hated every second, but I tried something new and had a nice beer and didn’t look at my phone the whole time (even though people were Shazaming the songs — which feels wrong?). Pretty good, overall. I never have to do that again. I don’t know what you are into and I don’t know what will be your music bingo, but I know I always have a good time if I do something and then get a beer.