There’s a moment—right after I’ve washed my face, run beard oil through my whiskers, and patted on a bit of moisturiser—where I just pause. I look in the mirror, not to judge or critique, but to check in. “How are we doing today?” It’s a small ritual. Takes maybe five minutes. But those five minutes have become one of the most grounding parts of my day.

And it turns out, I’m not alone.

In a world that’s constantly shouting for our attention—emails, deadlines, the 24-hour news cycle, even your mate Steve who won’t stop texting about the pub—grooming routines offer a kind of quiet rebellion. A daily ritual where, just for a moment, it’s about you. Not your inbox. Not your boss. Not the school run. You.

It’s Not Just Vanity. It’s Sanity.

Let’s get this out of the way: self-care isn’t just bath bombs and scented candles (though, no judgement if that’s your thing). For men especially, there’s often this weird stigma around taking care of ourselves—like applying moisturiser means you’ve somehow betrayed the Brotherhood of Blokes.

But let’s be real. Grooming isn’t about vanity. It’s about agency.

When everything around you feels like it’s spinning out of control, that morning beard trim or evening face wash becomes an anchor. It’s a choice. A habit. A little slice of order in an otherwise chaotic world. As Dr. Laurie Santos from Yale (yep, that happiness expert) says, “Small rituals help us feel in control and reduce anxiety. They’re like mental bookmarks.”

The Science of Soap and Sanity

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health, men who engage in consistent personal grooming routines report higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of daily stress. The researchers suggest that these routines help reinforce a sense of identity and control—two things we all need, especially when life feels like it’s been run over by a cement mixer.

Even more interesting? The study found that men who spent just 10–15 minutes a day on grooming were more likely to report feeling “grounded” or “balanced” by the end of the week.

And here’s the kicker: it didn’t really matter what they did. Beard trim, hot towel, cologne, cold shower—what mattered was that they did it. Regularly. Intentionally. Without rushing.

A Ritual, Not a Chore

You know those days when you wake up feeling like a zombie who forgot how to sleep? Yeah, me too. But over time, I noticed that if I dragged myself into the bathroom and did my little routine—splash of cold water, beard balm, bit of cologne—I felt a bit more human.

There’s something ancient about rituals. Something primal. Think of monks shaving their heads in silence, or warriors painting their faces before battle. In a way, your grooming routine is your own modern-day version of that. You’re preparing yourself—not necessarily for battle, but for meetings, commutes, awkward small talk, whatever the day throws your way.

And that mindset shift can be powerful. Grooming becomes less about looking good for others and more about showing up for yourself.

Mental Health Isn’t Always Loud

We talk a lot about mental health now, thankfully. But the truth is, not every struggle looks like someone crying into a pillow. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Quiet. It looks like not showering for three days. Avoiding mirrors. Letting your beard grow wild not because you’re going for a Viking look, but because you just don’t have the energy.

If that’s you—mate, you’re not alone. And no, a bit of grooming won’t magically fix deep-rooted depression or anxiety. But it can be a step. A crack in the fog. A reminder that you matter enough to take five minutes for yourself.

So What Does a “Mental Health Routine” Look Like?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s what’s worked for me and a few mates:

Morning Splash: Cold water on the face. It wakes you up better than a double espresso.
Beard Check-In: Whether you go full lumberjack or clean-cut, spend a few minutes tending to it. It’s oddly meditative.
Moisturise, Mate: Skin is your biggest organ. Treat it like you actually live in it.
Scent Ritual: Choose a scent that makes you feel something. Confidence. Calm. Nostalgia. Whatever works.
Mirror Time: Not for judging. Just for being present. Ask yourself how you’re doing. Really.

In the End, It’s About Respect

Respecting yourself enough to care. Respecting your body, your mind, and your face—even if it’s got a bit of stubble or a stress pimple.

At Grizzly Adam, we talk a lot about beards, balms, and oils. But really, what we care about is you. The guy behind the beard. The man trying to make it through another Monday. The dad who barely has time to breathe. The twenty-something just trying to figure it all out.

So if no one’s told you this today: you’re doing alright. And taking five minutes for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s smart. It’s strong. It’s self-care.

Final Thought

Maybe tomorrow morning, before you reach for your phone, try reaching for your comb instead. Feel the bristles. Smell the oil. Look in the mirror. Say “Alright, let’s go.”

You’d be amazed how much of a difference that tiny act of intention can make.

And hey—if you need a few new tools for the job, you know where to find us. 😉

Stay well,
Team Grizzly Adam