What Dads Can Do to Relieve Their Stress and Have Some Fun

Dads usually have a lot on their plates. Of course, you can say this about any parent. If you're a dad, though, and you have at least one kid, or perhaps two or more, you may feel suffocated or overwhelmed sometimes.

Every parent feels that way at some point. You may feel like you're struggling financially with paying rent or bills but also putting money away in a child's college fund. Perhaps you feel like you do not take any self-care time, and instead, you work many hours every week.

You should exercise self-care, though. You have parental responsibilities, but dads should also not drive themselves crazy.

Let's discuss some ways that dads can relax if they feel the need. You can do so in several different ways, depending on your preferences.

You Can Get a Motorcycle

If you have a little windfall that comes your way at some point, maybe you will get yourself a motorcycle. Perhaps there is a Harley Davidson model in a shop window that you look at longingly all the time. Maybe you should just go for it and get it for yourself.

It's true that motorcycles do have a dangerous reputation. As a parent, understanding the risks of lane splitting becomes crucial if you get a Harley and ride it sometimes. You should also wear a helmet every time you take your hog out of the garage.

You deserve a gift, though, and you should treat yourself. If you ever feel down or overwhelmed, you might take a ride for a while and feel better.

You Can Get a Mani-Pedi

You might know some women who like getting mani-pedis. That means a manicure and a pedicure. However, men can get them too, and that includes dads.

Maybe you have a job where you're on your feet all day. Perhaps you have sore feet, and possibly your job doesn't treat your hands very well either. If you have a blue-collar job, that can wreak havoc with both your feet and hands. 

You might take some self-care time and get a mani-pedi. You can pay someone to soak your feet and hands and treat them well. They can clean the nails and soak them in pleasant-smelling water. You might even get some clear, protective nail polish.

You Can Get a Massage

You can get a massage instead if you like. Look around and see what massage places you have nearby. Check up on them by reading any online reviews you can find. If you find one that's not too expensive and that has solid reviews, give it a try.

You can get a sports massage, a Swedish massage, or a hot stone massage. You can read about them if you're not sure. When you get there, you can also ask the masseuse what they recommend. If you mention any areas that cause you pain, they might suggest a massage variety to help you.

You Can Get Some High-End Food or Drinks

You might get yourself something fancy at the grocery store that you can enjoy when the kids aren't around. Maybe you'll get yourself some duck breast or caviar in your grocery store's fancy section. You might get some venison or something else you like that you feel your kids won't appreciate.

You might also get some expensive craft beer if there's a kind that you like. Maybe you have a local brewery, and they make a nice IPA or a Belgian-style Trippel that's pretty tasty.

You might get a single-malt Scotch like a Talisker or Glenmorangie. You can have a glass on Friday night after working all week. Of course, if you don't like alcohol, you can go with something else.

You Can Have a Guy's Trip

Maybe you can take a weekend and spend it with your guy friends. If you have a spouse or partner, you can ask them whether you might get away for a day or two. Perhaps they will watch the kids while you're gone.

You can tell them you'll watch the kids the following weekend if they also want some time off. If they agree, you can see whether your guy friends can also get a couple of self-care days.

You can head to the woods and do some hunting, fishing, or camping. You might hike around and get some exercise in nature. You may charter a boat and go fishing if you live near a lake or the ocean. You might go out after marlin or some equally challenging game fish.

You can spend the time talking or have some quiet contemplation. Either way, you should come back feeling rested and refreshed.

Have a Spree at Your Favorite Store

You might also do some retail therapy. That's an option if you just got a tax refund, a bonus at work, or some other windfall.

Maybe you like doing DIY projects. If so, perhaps you'll check out the latest tools and other products at Home Depot or Lowes. When you find some things you like, you can buy them, and you can work with them as a hobby.

Maybe you'll set up a workbench downstairs in the basement or in the garage. You can build a birdhouse or a spice rack. Perhaps you'll do something a little more ambitious.

If you feel you should make something for the house, perhaps you'll construct a gazebo or something else the family might enjoy. You can do something for them while still having your alone time.

Dads should always think about themselves while they think about everyone else. You may have some responsibilities that you take very seriously, but you should also not stay in responsible mode every moment. You're still human, and you need your downtime and some little treats every now and then.

Don't carry the world's weight on your shoulders. Find ways you can stay mentally and emotionally healthy, and adversity won't get you down so much.