Men Must Learn to Adjust

Man carries a great responsibility wherever he is. With the Covid-19 with us, this has greatly affected men. It has brought lots of disruption from the routine we used to have. Hence as men we need to adjust our way of doing things and our overall attitude in life.

Due to disrupted livelihoods and the ability to provide we must learn to handle the overall challenge as men. This is the moment to show yourself as a man. 1Kings 2:2 “As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and be courageous like a man.

Our jobs are at stake, businesses have suffered losses and some have closed. Most men are concerned about their ability to provide and take care of their loved ones.

Due to the pandemic relationships have been affected. Men who used to leave home very early in the morning and come back home late have difficulties relating with their spouses and children. They were not used to this life style and the freedom in the house has been curtailed by the man being around. He has to learn to adjust. By isolating men from some core and key relationships whose contacts fueled them emotionally and socially, their sense of cohesiveness is lost. Colleagues, friends, fans, customers and some family are no longer accessible.

Men are being forced to have to learn to work and live under new circumstances. Those working from home do not enjoy working because of the many disruptions particularly from their young kids.

I also noted that due to the reduced salaries or incomes, some have been unable to pay their rents. Others have been forced to go to small houses or moved to other places where rents are lower. This has also affected their families. But adjustments have to be made. The man must take the lead.

Confining men in low-aggression environments is a major challenge. Aggression and challenge are a key factor in drawing out male performance. It’s important for men to have a constant push and pull to compete and win. Having to work from home does not draw that out. It pushes it down, and motivation becomes a challenge.

Men are affected by exposing them to high and sensitive emotional environments for extended periods. Spending time at home is emotionally draining for men because male brains have a much lower capacity for the constant, inward looking emotional space that’s the home.

There is so much worry and anxiety that comes with uncertainty that tends to pile on especially when we both are in trouble, and when we can’t see our options clearly. We are affected much by having poor sleep, tension, heart issues, digestion, loss of sex drive and muscular pain.

Some men are feeling completely affected by a sense of hopelessness and despair. Especially people in already tough circumstances. Outbursts of anger, frustration and pain usually is taken out on those closest and weakest among us. So domestic violence and abuse is on the increase.

Apathy and an unwillingness to do anything is on the rise because life seems meaningless. Some have given up and committed suicide and some have run away from their homes.

We need to adjust with the times. Though times are tough, the tough get going. Maintain contact with other men especially older father figures. Reach out to the significant men in your life, but also be there for men who look up and need you. Do physical exercises and lots of walking. Make a choice to exercise and keep your body and mind healthy.

Make future plans that will help you adjust accordingly. Think the future. Have the big picture. The future will come whether we are ready or not, our responsibility is to keep leading. You cannot abdicate your leadership role, so make a plan nonetheless, and have those close to you help you do it, but make a Post-pandemic plan to move ahead. For most men, it’s a plan that just might get you out of a depressive state.

Finally

What lessons have we learnt from the pandemic? We need to adjust in such a way as to get our feet back on track. There is always hope. Never give up. There are many things we were doing that were draining our resources and not adding value to our lives. Make an about turn and seek to look for opportunities that will change your life and those that are close to you. You are important and that you will make it. The key word is ADJUST.