Man Maintenance: The Stuff Dads Ignore (But Shouldn’t)

He’ll book the car in for a service without blinking, but this kind of tune-up matters more.

Dads are masters of maintenance. He’s the mower, the gutters, the family Wi-Fi, the car with 300,000 kays that’s “still got life in her yet.” But when it comes to maintaining themselves, most blokes treat it like a broken drawer: if you don’t open it, it’s not a problem.

The to-do list never ends. But some jobs shouldn’t be postponed, especially the ones that keep you running. So consider this your gentle reminder (and maybe a bit of a nudge) to do some proper man maintenance.

" Men tend to wait until something’s obviously wrong before they act, but the small, regular check-ups, like blood pressure, skin, and mental health are what keep you out of the workshop later.” 

Dr. Michael Evans, a GP with a focus on men’s health. 

The Small Jobs That Turn Big: Why Men Delay Maintenance

You wouldn’t skip an oil change because you were too busy, yet plenty of dads skip their own basic upkeep. There’s always a reason: work’s flat out, the kids need lifts, or it just feels awkward booking that appointment.

But ignoring the warning lights doesn’t make them disappear. Back pain that’s “just from the weekend’s yard work,” that mole that’s “been there forever,” or the constant exhaustion you brush off as “just tired”, all classic maintenance jobs we delay until something snaps.

The Maintenance Schedule: Quick Health Checks Worth Booking

Here’s the easy stuff that keeps your system running smoothly:

• GP visit: Blood pressure, cholesterol, and a quick once-over. It takes 20 minutes.

• Skin check: Australia’s sun doesn’t muck around.

• Dentist: Every six months. Yes, even if nothing hurts.

• Sleep & diet: Proper rest and real meals, not leftovers and adrenaline.

• Mates: A coffee, a chat, a laugh is the best preventative medicine there is.

None of it’s glamorous, but neither is breaking down on the highway because you “never got around to it.”

Tighten the Bolts: Everyday Upkeep

Man maintenance isn’t a one-off service. It’s checking the gauges before they dip into red, taking a walk after dinner, skipping that third beer, or shutting the laptop before midnight.

You don’t need a total rebuild. Just a few small tweaks, done regularly. Because the bloke who keeps everything else running deserves to stay in good working order himself.

You can replace the mower blades and patch the roof, but there’s no spare part for you, mate. So give yourself the same attention you give everything else that matters before something starts smoking.

DADDING IN ACTION

Make the call, book the check, take the break. That’s man maintenance

Resources:

1. Men’s Health Australia: YouTube channel covering exercise, diet, mental health tips, and practical health advice tailored for men.

   Men’s Health Australia YouTube

1. Man Manual (Latest - 4th edition): A practical, clear handbook for men on health maintenance including physical, mental, and preventative care essentials.

   Man Manual Book Link

1. Blueprint for Men's Health: Focuses on the common health challenges men face and how to prevent and recognize symptoms early.

   Blueprint for Men's Health