Males have been behind most of the nationally recognized mass shootings in the last few years. With each new tragedy comes a widespread conversation, using buzzword terms like “toxic masculinity” and “toxic anger”. People want to discuss why it is that these men are angry enough to take multiple lives. Men have testosterone, it is true. Men are more prone to violent and angry reactions than emotionally regulated reactions, until they learn how to manage their thoughts and feelings. Men also have a tremendous pressure on their shoulders about who they should be, what they should do, how they should act, and why other people should respect their dominance. What men aren’t taught is to compare only against themselves. Men aren’t taught how to have feelings, how to stop, breathe, contemplate, and regulate the chemical reactions going on inside their bodies. Men are told that “boys will be boys” and “men will be men”. Men aren’t given guidance on what they can do to channel and release all of the energy, passion, and emotion they have in healthy ways. Men are lacking in emotional intelligence, which includes how to regulate their reactions to all of their life experiences. When men go to treatment at a program like the one we offer at Tree House, they learn all of the healthy and positive ways to reduce their ego, change their pride, and channel their masculinity in a healthy way.
Fitness therapy
Exercise is one of the best ways for men to put all of their energy to work. From mixed martial arts to endurance training, lifting weights to cardio, yoga to surfing, men need to get their body moving every single day. They burn up energy, focus their attention, and compete against themselves for progress.
Nature therapy
Spending time in nature connects a man to his true nature. The outdoors is the world’s greatest gym for focusing attention and challenging the body. Simultaneously, being active outside helps men regulate their emotions, bringing a sense of wonderment and calm into their lives.
Team sports
Good sportsmanship is a lifestyle and a philosophy. Respecting others, communicating, and pushing ego aside is essential for being part of a team. Team sports and team building activities force men to step out of themselves and into the team mindset where everyone is a consideration.
Mindfulness and meditation
Both mindfulness and meditation are proven to help reduce the effects of anger by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and suppressing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is connected to the fight or flight response which comes with anger.
Recovery for men needs to be mind, body, and spirit. At Tree House Recovery we are building men from the ground up with sustainable changes to create a sustainable recovery. Call us today for information on our treatment programs and how we can help you find freedom from addiction: (855) 202-2138
