John Cena says thinking about death helps him make a bad day shorter

John Cena says thinking about death helps him make a bad day shorter John Cena says people should talk more openly about death. Noam Galai/FilmMagic John Cena, 49, has a trick to put a bad day into perspective.During an appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show," the retired WWE wrestler spoke about how getting older has shifted his perspective on life.When host Drew Barrymore said turning 50 helped quiet her negative self-talk because she realized she had less time, Cena said he, too, had a similar epiphany."We're all going to die. And I don't think we look at that enough, because death — loss — is tragic. It's morbid. It's very sad if you look at it that way. It is absolute and inevitable," Cena told Barrymore.Cena said science may one day extend life or help people avoid the pain of loss, but for now, he sees death as an unavoidable part of being human.People would be "much better off" if they were able to have open conversations about death, he said.Cena added that he's learned not to take the time he has for granted."Me reminding myself that I'm just renting, and we're all going to the same place, allows me to approach every day, if I'm on the wrong side of the bed, to make that wrong side of the bed shorter — because I'm alive," he said.Cena started wrestling professionally in 1999. In 2024, he announced his retirement and wrestled his final match the following year. He previously said he retired from wrestling because he wanted to protect his body and "enjoy a long, good life" outside the ring.In May, Cena told Business Insider that he trains his flexibility by stretching for 45 minutes and enjoys doing squat exercises because they help him improve his balance and stability. He also said his one regret from his WWE days is not seeking help, especially about his health, sooner,"I think it's very important to know that you're not indestructible, you're not alone, and you're not perfect. And anytime you have an ailment, asking for help is not a weakness, that's a strength," Cena said. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Amanda is a senior lifestyle reporter at Business Insider's Singapore bureau.Her reporting explores how people navigate major life transitions, including career changes, relocation, and retirement, with a particular focus on the experiences of those living in Asia. She also writes about travel, culture, wellness, and relationships.In 2025, she won the Singapore Press Club's Rising Stars Young Digital Journalist Award.She previously worked as a writer and video producer at a content marketing agency in Singapore. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BA (Hons) in Sociology.