10 Ways to Celebrate International Men's Day

“International Men’s Day has the potential to become the global medium to heal our world.” (Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, the modern-day founder of IMD)

Every year, on 19th of November, International Men’s day (IMD) is celebrated. It marks the contributions of Men for the overall society, honoring their hard work, passion, and devotions toward community, family, and economy.

Although life, as we know it, should be celebrated at every moment, it doesn't hurt to do something “worthwhile” on IMD. After all, it is International Men’s day - I mean, what the heck.

Men might not be the most efficient organizers; they cannot keep track of their socks, let alone arranging an annual event about something that acknowledges “manhood”.

90% of men do not know the exact date of International Men’s day, and a comedian named Herring had to step up to “educate” men on the existence of the day.

International men’s day is all about cherishing the contributions of male members of society, and it is celebrated in 80 countries around the world.

Teelucksingh of West Indies, on November 19 1999, incepted the idea to raise awareness about the problems a man faces in today’s world.

Let’s kick-off with our list of 10 ways to celebrate International Men's Day.

1. Donate to causes associated with men’s health

As dreading as it sounds, there are many “male diseases,” such as:

• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Male suicides

Therefore, humans of the world should share their two cents by donating to the causes related to men’s mental & physical health.

Social media users should share infographics about the issues related to men’s health. Here is a royalty-free poster you can use on international men’s day.

2. Arrange an event 

Since you will not have a day off on IMD, you should:

➔ Reach out to old buddies

➔ Motivate your boss to host a virtual game for the team

➔ Or, represent your company in an IMD seminar

3. Celebrate in a special manner like women’s day

 As we all know and appreciate the celebrations of IWD, we should also commemorate International Men's day in the same passion.

➔ Suit up & go out on an all-boys outing

➔ Treat yourself!!!

➔ Have fun while you are at it and live in the moment

4. Acknowledge the contribution of men

There is a plethora of male leaders and influencers. Acknowledge the contribution of those men:

➔ Who contribute to the society / country

➔ Who contribute to the family / marriage / kids

5. Participate in a social event

One of the ten ways to celebrate International Men’s Day is to engage socially in activities that stand against negative stereotypes.

➔ Take part in a seminar / conference

➔ Join a peaceful walk / march / marathon

➔ Participate in a fundraiser

6. Channel your feelings

We live in a society that talks so high about masculinity that makes it difficult for a man to emote. “Men don't cry.” 

On IMD, it is your chance to:

➔ Create art / read literature / photography / write something

➔ Sports / swim / exert your emotions into physical well-being (mind, body, and soul)

➔ Share empathy

Image by Elias Sch. from Pixabay

7. Spend time with your family

Most importantly, spend beautiful time with your family (after all, you are the man of the house).

➔ Teach your kids some life skills as well as how to respect others

➔ Smile at your wife, tell her how crucial she is for your “being”

➔ Visit your parents. Hug your father, kiss your mother

8. Reinvent yourself

On this International Men’s Day, take some time out to rethink your career choice.

➔ Give importance to your happiness

➔ Pass a resolution to lead by example, be impactful for young boys

➔ Motivate yourself to make a change

“I'm starting with the man in the mirror I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer If you want to make the world a better place. Take a look at yourself, and then make a change”

(“Man in the mirror,” Michael Jackson, 1988)

➔ Start with yourself

➔ Stop procrastinating

9. Raise awareness about Domestic Abuse

DV (Domestic Violence) is prevalent in male victims, as well, whether it was getting bashed around, being exposed to parents’ quarrel, or getting sexually assaulted.

Since you are only a Man, you should indulge in the following activities:

➔ Volunteer

➔ Do something for the homeless

➔ Volunteer at a suicide helpline

 

➔ Work on Antisocial Personality Disorder

10. Join Movember

Growing a Moustache in November, decoded as “Movember,” is actually a movement related to the international men’s day.

Facial hair help protect the skin against dangerous UV rays of the sun.

Joining this movement should be on your International Men’s Day’s bucket list. 

Men, same as women, are an integral part of society. International Men’s day is an effort to bring the benefaction of the male members of the society into the spotlight.

Raise a toast!