Eat, hydrate, sleep, chill, move - the only 5 habits you need for real beauty and wellness
True wellness isn’t built on fads or fleeting trends—it’s grounded in daily habits that nourish both body and mind. By embracing five essential pillars—mindful eating, proper hydration, quality sleep, stress management, and regular exercise—anyone can unlock a more balanced, energised, and resilient lifestyle.
These simple yet powerful routines form the backbone of a holistic approach to health. When practised consistently, they pave the way for noticeable improvements in physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional wellbeing—proving that sustainable health begins with everyday choices.
Healthcare professional and wellness advocate Dr Shazril Shaharuddin shared that he believes in the power of consistency, stating that consistently practising these five habits is enough to maintain good health.
As a social media influencer as well, he said that when individuals prioritise these five areas, the positive effects will naturally follow.
“For instance, if any of my followers or patients come to me saying they’re experiencing breakouts, the first thing I do is check on these five habits.
“Are you eating properly? Have you been skipping meals? Are you consuming too much sugar or caffeine? Are you drinking enough water?”
“Did you get six to seven hours of sleep? And lastly, have you exercised recently? If someone tells me they’ve only had three or four hours of sleep due to exams, deadlines, stress, or a breakup, then it becomes quite clear why they’re experiencing those symptoms,” he said during a panel session, ‘Fireside Chat: The Holistic Health-Beauty Connection with Dr Shazril & Yasmin Khalid’ held recently in conjunction with the Guardian Awards: Beauty & Wellbeing 2025
Dr Shazril added that if someone doesn’t have time to meet all five habits, they can supplement their lifestyle with vitamins and nutrients.
He believes in the benefits of supplements, especially as modern lifestyles are fast-paced and often lack balance, so supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps.
He strongly supports the holistic approach and said that even if one’s diet is supported by the right supplements, symptoms like dry or breakout-prone skin might still indicate a lack of sleep or hydration.
He emphasised that insufficient sleep—less than the recommended six to seven hours—can lead to issues like acne and dull skin.
“If you’re experiencing any of these issues, make sure to take care of the five key areas. It may be challenging, but with small consistent efforts, you’ll start to see the glow,” he said.
He also stressed that collagen is highly beneficial, but it requires consistency.
It must be taken daily for at least two weeks to see results, though some may experience benefits sooner while others may take longer.
Dr Shazril further advised that women should consult a doctor before taking supplements, especially collagen, as certain health conditions—like fibroids—may make some products unsuitable.
He pointed out that although free health screenings are available in Malaysia, many people avoid them out of fear of discovering hidden health issues.
“It’s often said that it’s better not to know, but please consult a doctor before taking any supplements, even if it’s just vitamin B.
“It’s important to check your kidney function because long-term supplement use can affect various organs,” he said.
He encouraged everyone to get at least a basic medical check-up. If a doctor gives the green light, then supplements can be taken safely.
Meanwhile, skincare enthusiast, content creator, and lawyer Yasmin Khalid shared her perspective, stating that striving for perfection isn’t the goal, instead, it’s about making consistent efforts to improve, starting with small and manageable steps.
As Guardian’s Face of Healthy Beauty 2019, she emphasised the importance of breaking big goals into clear, actionable steps.
“For example, if you want to be healthy, whether it’s for your skin, your overall health, or your inner well-being, you start by taking care of the basics. For my skin, that means moisturising and prepping it properly before makeup.
“When it comes to health, I make sure to stay hydrated and sometimes take extra supplements, especially during times when I can’t get proper nutrition for extended periods,” she said during the panel discussion.
Yasmin also shared that while she eats more these days, she makes intentional changes by incorporating more fibre-rich foods in moderate portions.
She said that these small dietary adjustments have helped her feel healthier overall.
As a quick health boost, she includes collagen and protein powder in her daily routine to ensure she meets her body’s nutritional needs.
She believes that beauty comes from within, and that self-confidence plays a vital role.
For her, confidence stems from how she carries herself, her appearance, and her knowledge—adding that Guardian’s range of products has helped her along this journey.
“I would encourage everyone to really understand themselves before trying different products.
There are so many options available, but take the time to discover what truly suits you—what makes you feel good and what you’re comfortable using on your skin and hair,” she added.
She urged self-reflection and suggested asking friends or family for feedback, as we may not always know what looks best on us.
She added that it’s important to feel good about yourself before trying to empower others.
“Empower yourself first—do what makes you feel good and don’t worry about what others say. When you feel good on the inside, it truly shines through on the outside.”
“Taking care of yourself and recognising your values is what helps you become the best version of yourself,” she said.
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