Stress and Cancer: What You Don’t Know Might Be Hurting You + My Go-To Night Routine

Today Mr. Worldwide is BACK! Darren returns to the mic with stories, updates, and a deeper look into the symptoms he was experiencing prior to his recent surgeries — many of which were linked to one powerful root cause: stress.

In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Jen and Darren explore how stress shows up in unexpected ways, especially after a cancer diagnosis. You might not feel anxious or panicked, but instead you’re dealing with brain fog, cravings, irritability, skin issues, or trouble sleeping — all while thinking you're "doing fine."

Whether you're navigating life after a diagnosis or just feeling off, this episode is here to remind you: you're not alone, and there are things you can do to feel better.

🎧 Tune in for laughter, real talk, and tools that can make a difference — one small shift at a time.

My Nighttime Wind Down Routine for Better Sleep

Creating a calm, consistent evening routine has been a game changer for my sleep, hormones, and overall mood. Here’s what my wind-down routine typically looks like:

1. Dim the lights
   I turn off all bright overhead lights and use low, warm lighting in the evening. This signals to my body that it’s time to start winding down.

2. Eat dinner earlier
   I try to finish eating at least 2–3 hours before bed. Research shows this gives your body time to digest, supports metabolic health, and improves sleep quality.

3. Take a post-dinner walk
   After dinner, I head out for a 20-minute walk. It helps with digestion, lowers blood sugar, and clears my mind after a long day.

4. Comfy + calming
   I change into cozy clothes and sip on a calming tea. I also make a magnesium drink with fresh lemon — sometimes I add tart cherry juice for a natural source of melatonin.

5. Take nighttime supplements
   I take my night supplement to support restful sleep and recovery.

6. Unplug from screens
   I avoid screens at least one hour before bed. Blue light can mess with melatonin and disrupt your body’s natural sleep rhythm. I’ll usually swap screen time for reading, breathwork, or journaling.

7. Quick breathwork session
   I do a few minutes of breathwork — either box breathing or 4-7-8 — to calm my nervous system and shift into rest mode.