If you had told me last week after my meltdown with the poor Department of Labor phone representative would spark a major life change, I would have laughed. But here we are. Trying to juggle a stressful job search, a growing business, and sudden interest from women sent me into a tailspin.
I realized I was trying to do too much. Since my lay-off, I’d stopped properly taking care of myself. My breakdown was a wake-up call — my body and mind screaming, “Enough is enough!” I knew I had to change and get back to basics.
What does that mean, exactly? For me, it meant rediscovering simple habits that nourish my body and soul. Prioritizing sleep, eating real food, moving my body, and staying hydrated. Returning to my meditation practice, a ritual I’d neglected for too long.
I’m talking about enjoying simple pleasures — watching WWE Summerslam to connect with my inner child, listening to beautiful music, and spending quality time with The Pete.
I didn’t expect much to change beyond my stress levels, but as I recommitted to these basics, something amazing happened. My job search gained momentum, my business landed a new client, and I even started losing weight. By taking care of myself first, everything else began to fall into place.
In this hustle culture, it’s easy to forget that our most basic needs are the foundation for everything else. We need rest, nourishment, movement, and connection to thrive. Neglecting these essentials sets us up for burnout and breakdown.
My instinct in stressful situations is to go into “bunker mode” — isolate and hide. But after my lay-off in June, my first instinct was to start going to church. I desperately needed community and fellowship, and I’m already developing relationships there.
The recent attention from women has been a delightful distraction, but it’s also a reminder to stay grounded. Getting back to basics isn’t about giving up on my ambitions; it’s about finding balance and remembering who the f*** I am. Who I am and who I’m being are why these things are happening for me, even the attention from the ladies.
Here’s my invitation to you: What are the basic habits that nourish your body and soul? Are you getting enough sleep? Eating real food? Moving your body? Staying hydrated? Taking time for mindfulness? If not, I encourage you to get back to basics. You might be surprised at how much it transforms your life.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or a therapist, just a guy who learned a valuable lesson the hard way. If you’re struggling with serious stress or mental health issues, please seek professional help.
