When most people think about getting healthy, the focus is usually on themselves: living longer, feeling better, or avoiding illness. But what if the real reason to prioritize your health isn’t just for you—it’s for the people you care about?
“Illness starts with I, wellness starts with we,” bestselling author Mark Hyman, M.D., told Simon on this week’s edition of A Bit of Optimism.
Think about it: when you’re run-down, sluggish, or just feeling lousy, it’s hard to be a great parent, friend, or partner. You can’t be fully present. And if you’re dealing with chronic health issues, those closest to you are affected, too.
Simon sums it up: “I choose to eat well, not for me, but so I can be a better friend, a better parent, a better partner.”
“You’re Only As Healthy As Your Five Closest Friends”
Hyman shared research that underscores how interconnected our health really is. Studies show that when one person in a group makes a healthy change—like quitting smoking or eating better—their friends are more likely to follow. “You’re only as healthy as your five closest friends,” he said.
But there’s a flip side, too. Hyman highlights that loneliness is as dangerous as smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. And it’s everywhere—making it harder for people to maintain good mental health.
Here’s the kicker: poor health and isolation feed into each other. If you’re not feeling your best, it’s harder to connect with others. And without those connections, your mental and physical health can suffer. It’s a vicious cycle, but one, Hyman says, we can break by treating wellness as a team sport.
Healthy Habits as Acts of Service
This mindset shift—from taking care of yourself for your sake to doing it as an act of service—can be powerful. When you eat better, exercise, or get enough sleep, you’re not just doing it to avoid diabetes or live longer (although those are nice perks). You’re doing it so you can be the parent who’s patient, the friend who listens, or the partner who’s truly present.
So, the next time you’re thinking about skipping that workout or grabbing junk food, ask yourself: how will this choice impact the people I care about? Because staying healthy isn’t just about living longer—it’s about showing up, fully and wholeheartedly, for the people who matter most.
For the full conversation between Dr. Hyman and Simon Sinek, check out A Bit of Optimism. It’s an inspiring reminder that our health choices echo far beyond ourselves.
