The Unwind is Yahoo Life’s well-being series in which experts, influencers, and celebrities share their approaches to wellness and mental health, from self-care rituals to setting healthy boundaries to the mantras that keep them afloat.
John Legend knows the importance of taking breaks from social media for his well-being.
“I used to be active on social media, especially Twitter, but I realized it became too toxic,” says the acclaimed singer and Voice star. “The constant exposure to incoming discourse was overwhelming. For the sake of my mental health, I decided to step away.”
Legend describes himself as naturally calm, but admits that managing stress becomes challenging with four children — Luna (7), Miles (5), Esti (8 months), and Wren (4 months). However, he emphasizes that the chaos at home is a source of joy.
“Our house is always an adventure with four kids and two babies. It adds more energy and excitement,” he explains. “We’re social people who love cooking and entertaining. We thrive in that kind of chaos.”
In addition to prioritizing his mental well-being, Legend focuses on his physical health through regular exercise and a balanced diet. He incorporates cardio and weight training into his daily routine, usually in the family’s garage gym before taking the kids to school. Given his family history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, Legend also monitors his health closely and practices moderation when it comes to food and alcohol.
Moreover, Legend recently teamed up with Pfizer to promote COVID-19 vaccination ahead of the holiday season. He firmly believes in the importance of vaccines, emphasizing the need to protect his family and encourage others to do the same. Although he understands skepticism, Legend advises people to consult medical professionals and rely on expert advice rather than misinformation spread on social media.
