The 8 Daily Habits Of Healthy People

When we think of the pinnacle of health, we often picture a zen yogi going on hikes and drinking their green juice. Although that may be the case for some people, not every healthy person has the same daily habits, and it can be intriguing to want to know what a day in the life of an extremely healthy person is.

Every person is different, but when it comes to healthy habits, it seems like people in good shape seem to adapt some similar practices. To get an idea of what constitutes a healthy person, I consulted with a number of health experts to shed light on some of the daily habits of the healthiest people.

1. They Get Plenty Of Sleep

“Most Americans are sleep-deprived, adding more stress to the body during the day,” says wellbeing expert Jackie Ruka. “There is no such thing as making up for lost sleep. The best way to gain rest is to get in the habit of going to bed at the same time every night and waking at the same time every morning.”

2. They Drink Lots Of Water

“Their drink of choice is water,” says Rebecca Lewis, RD of HelloFresh. “Fruit juice, alcohol, soda, coffee – all of these are fine in moderation. That said, the best daily choice to keep our bodies hydrated, our skin glowing, and our brain at peak performance is to consume enough water during the day.

The recommendation is for 64 fluid oz (that’s eight, 8oz glasses per day).”

3. They Surround Themselves With Positive People

“Successful, healthy people surround themselves with positive people,” says Ruka. “[These people should] lift you up and encourage your ideas and projects. Positive people are people you learn from and also practice daily healthy habits, such as positive thinking. Positive people encourage forward motion.”

4. They Detox From Electronics

It’s okay to stay off your phone here and there. “Get out of the habit of waking up to email and your phone,” says Ruka. “Throughout the day, take 15 minute tech breaks. Healthy people turn off the phone at meals, on dates, with family and when driving.”

5. They Eat From The Earth

Healthy people eat clean, whole non-processed foods as often as possible. “This includes a balance of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein,” says Lewis. “Generally speaking, the more colorful the more nutrient dense!  Fruits and veggies are packed with essential vitamins, mineral, and antioxidants.” Indeed, research shows that eating a Mediterranean diet, which is a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and the occasional lean meat, leads to a longer and healthier life.

6. They Express Gratitude

Studies show that people who express gratitude are more optimistic and feel better about their lives. “There is no better cure than giving thanks for what you already have instead of focusing on the small percent of what you don’t,” says Lewis. “Moreover, sharing that gratitude with others bonds you to a community that then helps each other out.”

7. They Have An Outlet For Their Emotions

“Healthy people create an outlet for their feelings,” says psychotherapist Sharon C. Martin, LCSW. “This could be a journal, talking to a therapist, or creating music or art. When emotions are ‘stuffed’ inside and not allowed to be felt and resolved, they manifest as emotional problems like anxiety and depression or physical problems like headaches, insomnia, and stomachaches.”

8. They Exercise

Even if they’re not doing a full routine at the gym, healthy people find time to exercise daily, whether it’s a walk around the block or a four mile run. Exercising daily can have a number of positive health effects, including weight control, prevention of major diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, protection against anxiety and depression, and more.