Soap Hub Wellness Wednesday: GH Star Josh Swickard Supports Sleeping

Josh Swickard is a busy man. He plays Chase on General Hospital. He’s got a new Netflix movie, A California Christmas: City Lights, coming out, and he’s a new dad to daughter Savannah Kaye. He recently took time to chat with Soap Hub for Wellness Wednesday on how he manages to schedule health and wellness into his life.

GH Star Josh Swickard Talks Working Out And Getting Sleep

Josh Swickard: It’s a challenge for sure. In terms of working out, a lot can depend on my work schedule. I enjoy working out in the morning. Sometimes that doesn’t happen if I have to be on set early. You have to be forgiving. If you miss a day, try not to miss two [in a row]. Some workouts can be intense — lifting weights. Others can be walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes on an incline.

I feel it’s important to do something every day if I can — even if it’s simple movement so I don’t fall out of my rhythm. If I’m five minutes into a workout and then, Savannah wakes up, of course, I go to her. It’s definitely different [now] but you make do. You don’t have an option.

Josh Swickard Talks the Importance of Sleep

Josh Swickard: Sleep is paramount. In our culture, we don’t value it as much as we should. I’ve been listening to a podcast that had a great [talk] about the effects of sleep on the brain. Lately, Lauren [my wife] and I have been trying to go to bed early. If I can get 7.5 hours a night and then sneak in an emergency nap in the afternoon [it’s a good day]. When we first had Savannah and we’d put her down, we’d have some [time for ourselves] and now, when she is set down for the night, we go to bed!

One of His Favorite Podcasts

Josh Swickard: It’s called The Doctor’s Farmacy by Dr. Mark Hyman. He has some really good stuff to say about overall health and wellness. I’m obsessed with health and wellness right now. The Doctor’s Farmacy had a podcast about sleep recently.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Josh Swickard: When I first wake up each day, I try to chug about 20 ounces of water. It’s like putting oil in a car. Everything runs better when you’re hydrated. I drink water. I try to eat healthy. I don’t think there’s one diet that’s best for everyone. My advice is to consult with a doctor. See what foods you might be allergic to and find out what works best for you.

Josh Swickard and wife Lauren Swickard can be seen next in A California Christmas: City Lights, a sequel to last year’s A California Christmas. The film drops on Netflix on Thursday, December 16.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.