Every once in a while you come across an idea that’s so simple you wonder why you haven’t been using it all along.
I was chatting with Jody from our Saturday mid day show here on Go Rock when she got back from her honeymoon. We like to touch base about our mood and mental health and she mentioned to me about “The 5”.
It’s not a complicated wellness plan or some guru-approved lifestyle hack. It’s just five areas of life that, when they’re even reasonably balanced, tend to pull everything else into a better place.
Work. Play. Eat. Sleep. Love & Relationships.
Once Jody said it that way, it made a pile of sense to me, but her phrasing of it being "The 5" explained it so simple for me. And hey, I'm a pretty simple guy!
Most of us don’t drift into burnout or anxiety because of one dramatic event. It’s usually a slow creep. A couple of late nights here, skipping meals there, a stretch where work crowds out fun, or relationships start running on autopilot. Before we know it, we feel off, but we can’t quite name why.
That’s where “The 5” makes life easier. It gives you a quick mental dashboard to check what’s running low.
Work is the obvious one. It’s how we contribute, earn, and give our days structure. When work is overwhelming or, on the flip side, not engaging enough, the rest of life gets wobbly. I am a massive workaholic (I'm addicted to workahol). I get way too much pleasure and purpose working at Go Rock. But at least I am aware of it.
Play is the one adults forget. Fun isn’t optional. It’s where your brain exhales. Hobbies, laughing, concerts, sports, whatever lights you up. If life feels grey or heavy, this is usually the first thing to revive.
Eat is more than just nutrition; it’s energy, mood, and stability. Nobody makes great decisions when they’re running on caffeine and vibes. When your food habits are even a tiny bit steadier, everything gets easier. P.S. Lady GoGo told me to drink more water, and she was right. Big difference for me, try it yourself.
Sleep is basically the body’s do-over button. Most people underestimate how much their irritability, worry, or sluggishness is actually just not enough rest. When sleep improves, so does everything else.
And then there’s Love & Relationships. The glue. Family, friends, partners, community. Humans are wired for connection, and even one solid relationship can buffer a mountain of stress. There are all sort of relationships that need 'time in'. Your wife and/or girlfriend for example, or maybe even your wife's girlfriend. Hey, I don't judge.
The magic of “The 5” isn’t perfection. It’s awareness. You don’t need every category firing at 100%. You just need to notice which one’s asking for attention.
Feeling stressed? Maybe sleep’s been short.
Feeling disconnected? Maybe you need more play or more people-time.
Feeling overwhelmed? Work might be spilling outside its lane.
You don’t have to rebuild your life. Just nudge one pillar back into balance, and everything else shifts with it.
It’s straightforward, grounding, and surprisingly effective. Five questions, one quick check-in, and you’re already steering your life in a better direction.
Thank you Jody for the concept. Have a listen to Jody explain it!
