MIDMEN - Episode 28 - How To Self Care Against Stress

Middle age hits hard — the body slows down, the mind speeds up, and stress never seems to clock out. In this episode, Paul and Sean crack open the real conversation about self care — what it means, how we’ve screwed it up, and how we can finally get it right.

From weights, martial arts, and recovery to journaling, music, and mental maintenance, the guys dig into how taking care of yourself isn’t weakness — it’s maintenance. They share past failures (protein shakes and burnout included), current routines that work, and honest goals for doing better.

Then it’s time to face the beast: stress.

What it actually does to your body, how it rewires your brain, and why modern life keeps the fight-or-flight switch jammed in the “on” position. From bad coping habits (doom scrolling, drinking, overworking) to healthier ones (the gym, intimacy, family time, even this podcast), the MidMen break down how to transform stress instead of letting it consume you.

The episode closes with a “Solution Recap” — six real takeaways for staying grounded:

1. Work out for life — movement until the end.

2. Purpose is everything. Don’t lose it; find it again if you have to.

3. Connection is therapy. Stay close to those who matter.

4. Keep learning. A still brain atrophies.

5. Stack the deck. Whatever works (and isn’t destructive) — do more of that.

6. Put your mask on first. You can’t save others if you’re falling apart.

Stick around for Micro Moments — a rapid-fire round of funny and heartfelt self-care questions, from “What’s your go-to comfort food?” to “If stress had a smell, what would yours be right now?”

It’s raw, real, and surprisingly hilarious.

Because you can’t fix the world if you don’t fix your oil light first.