For Men Only: 15 Ways to Stay On Top of Your Game
Mind Your (Table) Manners
Put your best fork forward at meal time. Good table manners show that you're a class act and you think your friends are, too. Top table manners to cultivate include maintaining good posture, chewing with your mouth closed, using your napkin, and excusing yourself from the table when you get up.
Smell Good
A nice, clean smell can make you feel good, and that confidence boost can make you look better to others. Wear clean clothes. Shower daily, and always after a workout. Find cologne, shampoo, soap, and deodorant with scents that you like. For fresh breath, brush, floss, rinse, and follow your dentist's advice. If you wear a scent, only use a little.
Be Prompt
Being on time shows people you're in control and that you respect them and their time. Use datebooks and set pings to remind you of meetings and tasks. Prepare for big events and meetings the night before. Try to figure out how much time a task will take. Plan for bumps that might throw you off, like rush-hour traffic. Give yourself more time than you think you'll need.
Practice Manly Limits
Knowing when enough is enough shows you're in control. Overdo it and you will feel the effects. If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than two drinks a day -- and of course, never drive after drinking. If you find it hard to set limits with alcohol, talk with your doctor or a counselor.
More Reading on Men's Health and Wellness
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on March 07, 2013
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SOURCES:
American Heart Association: "No-Fad Diet Tips."
AmeriCorps: "Volunteering Produces Health Benefits."
CDC: "Physical Activity and Health," "Wash Your Hands."
City of Cleveland: "Your Vacation is Crucial to Your Health."
Cleveland Clinic: "Get Your Life in Balance: Here's how to be a success in all areas of your life."
Corporation for National and Community Service: "The Health Benefits of Volunteering."
Duckworth, A. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2007.
Ekman, P. Psychological Science, September 1993.
Emily Post: "Top Ten Table Manners."
Forni, P. Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, Martin's Press, 2002.
Harvard Health Publications: "Laugh and be thankful -- it's good for the heart."
Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine: "Associations Between Positive Emotion and Recovery of Functional Status Following Stroke."
Joy Hatch, life coach, Eugene, Oregon.
Kleinke, C. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1998.
Marquette University: "Dress for Success - Men and Women."
Mental Health America: "Stay Positive."
Palo Alto Medical Foundation: "Strange Smells."
Psychology Today: "The First Impression," "Fragrant Attraction."
Stepcase Lifehack: "How to Be On Time Every time," "Punctuality Counts."
The Denenberg Report: "How Civility, Good Manners and Politeness Work Miracles For Others and For Yourself As Well: The Case for Civility and Its Impressive Catalog of Health and Other Benefits."
The University of Oklahoma College of Law: "Dress for Success - Male."
Tulane University: "Dinner Etiquette Made Simple."
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Laughter is the 'Best Medicine' for Your Heart."
Utah State University: "Table Manners That Matter."
Wishard Health Services: "Smiling and Simply Having a Positive Attitude Can Improve Quality of Life."
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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