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LONG, PERSONAL THREAD: 2020 started off great. @KerriSchmanek and I bought a house, and I was enjoying my second season as a full-time reporter covering the Sixers. Life was nearly perfect.
While the pandemic cost me my dream job, I’m more lucky than anything else. I was not in a good place mentally or physically before COVID affected my life in any way.
I was never able to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Covering a professional team is consuming and it was difficult to always meet the demand. It obviously had an affect on me mentally, but I also ignored my physical health.
I hadn’t been to a doctor in seven years. You read that correctly. I was incredibly lucky to still have access to health insurance after not having it for years and finally stopped being stupid and listened to my girlfriend.
Shocker, my physical health was not OK. My blood pressure was 150/100. For those of you that don’t know, that’s a pretty dangerous level. It was the combination of anxiety, genetics, a terrible diet and lack of exercise.
It was a much-needed wake-up call. I started eating better and using the legit equipment collection Kerri had assembled in her home gym. A month later at my follow-up visit, my blood pressure was way down.
But not only was I physically healthier, but I noticed my mental health improved. I felt better mentally because I was finally taking care of myself and the release of working out while blaring metal, post hardcore and hip-hop is immeasurable.
I’m not that guy who is going to post shirtless pics of himself or workout videos. I have a beer belly because ... well, I love beer. And there are weeks where I only workout twice and others where I push myself for fours days.
I guess the point is to remind everyone to take care of themselves, especially after this year. The best thing you can do for others is offer them the best version of yourself. If you’re not taking care of yourself mentally and physically, how can you help others in that regard?
I fully acknowledge how lucky and privileged I am to have health insurance (which shouldn’t be a privilege but that’s a different subject) and a girlfriend that cares about my well being and isn’t afraid to give me shit when needed.
So, in 2021, do you. Don’t put off that doctor’s appointment or therapy session. Be the best version of you and surround yourself with people that bring that out of you. 
