The only wellness hack you’ll ever need
Over the past ten years, I’ve experimented with different healing modalities, diets, and movement practices. I’ve been a vegan and a carnivore, an athlete and a yogi, a weightlifter and a pickleball enthusiast. I’ve explored everything from explanations from quantum mechanics to fully esoteric philosophies, seeking answers to life’s biggest questions. And what I’ve found is that the wellness world often presents conflicting information—whether it’s about diet, exercise, or meditation techniques. What I’ve found is that there is truly only one real “hack” to wellness.
hello, friends. John Quirk here! For those who don’t know me, I’m the founder of SoCal Wellness Retreat, based out of sunny San Diego, California. I also once had a podcast called Fire Your Job, Find Your Passion, where I explored my journey from a toxic work environment and life I didn’t love to discovering my true calling in the world of wellness.
Recently, though, I’ve felt the urge to shift away from that story—not because it isn’t valuable, but because I’ve grown beyond it. Yes, getting fired from what I thought was my dream job in 2014 was a turning point. It forced me to re-evaluate my life, dive deep into healing, and embark on a journey of self-discovery through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and plant medicine. But now, I feel called to evolve, to share insights and practical wisdom with those seeking clarity in their own wellness paths.
That brings me to this moment—the inaugural episode of my new podcast: The Not So Woo-Woo Guru. As someone who has dabbled in the mystical and metaphysical, I’ve come to realize that not everything on the wellness path resonates with me. I’ve tried to emulate amazing teachers, but at the end of the day, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity.
Take something as simple as eating citrus after a meal. I started doing this because it felt good—it satisfied my cravings and reminded me of eating sushi with my dad, where they’d always serve orange slices at the end. Curious, I looked up the science behind it. Half of the sources said it was great for digestion, while the other half warned it could cause acid reflux. That moment reaffirmed a fundamental truth: wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all.
I even had an Ayurvedic practitioner once tell me, “Ayurveda is the science of ‘it depends.’” That resonated deeply. So much of health and wellness is contextual—what works for one person might not work for another. While science can give us guidelines, the real magic lies in tuning into ourselves, becoming more self-aware, and learning what genuinely makes us feel good.
And that’s why meditation has been such a game-changer for me. It’s a practice that helps me observe my thoughts without attachment, trust my intuition, and cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness. All the best spiritual and self-help teachings ultimately point back to the same idea: the answers lie within us.
There’s a misconception that we need to constantly seek external validation—whether from science, gurus, or the latest wellness trends. But the truth is, the most effective wellness “hack” is simply becoming more of yourself. When you align with what truly resonates with you, you naturally cultivate health, happiness, and a sense of purpose.
In fact, studies show that authenticity is the highest vibrational state we can embody—far surpassing even love. When you’re living in alignment with who you truly are, your energy field expands, influencing those around you in powerful ways. This isn’t just philosophical; it’s backed by science. Epigenetics tells us that less than 10% of disease is inherited, while the majority of our health outcomes are shaped by our thoughts, emotions, and lifestyle choices.
So, if you’ve been feeling lost or overwhelmed by all the wellness advice out there, I encourage you to simplify. Meditate. Move your body in ways that feel good. Eat foods that nourish you—not because someone told you to, but because they truly make you feel alive. Trust yourself.
If mindfulness has been challenging for you, you’re not alone. I used to be completely disconnected, waking up to my phone, drowning in stress, and relying on caffeine and alcohol to get through the day. When I first tried meditating, I couldn’t even sit still for eight minutes. But over time, I realized it wasn’t about being perfect—it was about showing up for myself, consistently, with curiosity and compassion.
So here’s my invitation to you: start prioritizing time to go inward. Even if it’s just five minutes in the morning and five minutes before bed. Notice how it shifts your perspective, how it influences your decisions, and how it helps you move through life with greater ease and confidence.
If you need resources, I have some guided meditations on Insight Timer, and I’d love to connect if you’re looking for support. But more than anything, I want to remind you: you don’t need another wellness guru to tell you what’s best for you. You are your own best teacher.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening. And most importantly, thank you for being you. Links to my podcast and to insight timer are below.
With love and authenticity, John Quirk