Danielle Steel Shares Her Bestselling Wellness Secrets at 74

What does it take to become one of the most recognizable authors in the world? Having written over 150 books, Danielle Steel is an international bestseller and while one can’t take away from the power of her pen, we do wonder if she pays the same amount of attention to detail when it comes to her health.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, the literary giant shared her best wellness secrets and how she stays on top of her health so that she can stay on top of the shelves.

Danielle Steel’s Bestselling Health Tips

1. Stay organized

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The bestselling author shared that when she gets up at 7:30-8 a.m., she already has her plans laid out for the week,

“I’m very organized and very disciplined, and so I always have my schedule all mapped out for the week and different projects I’m working on, things that I need my staff to do.”

Staying organized may sound too anal-retentive for some of us, but the reality is that it can be great for your health. Having your plan mapped out means that there’s a lesser risk of you being stressed and you’ll be able to sleep better because you won’t be tossing and turning about the ‘what-ifs’. What’s more, staying organized can also boost productivity.

2. Start the day with a (virgin) mojito

“Every now and then I order one in a restaurant, and they get it wrong. I think it’s yummy; it’s a really refreshing drink.” – Danielle Steel, 2022

While some people start their mornings with orange juice, the 74-year-old opts for a mojito instead, a virgin one that is. With a mixture of lime juice, fizzy water, and a sprig of mint, Steel pairs this drink with a piece of toast every morning, and then she’s ready for the day ahead.

Limes are incredibly rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Thanks to their high nutritional content, they can help protect your body against free radicals and even boost your immune system. However, as some lime juices may be laced with added sugars, it’s best to avoid processed lime products. Instead, try using them in home-based recipes.

“I gave them both up years ago because they really gave me the shakes and made me feel sick, so I don’t do any caffeine. And I don’t drink alcohol, so I’m even more boring than you thought.”

The “shakes” that the author is referring to is an adrenaline boost caused by caffeine consumption, and it’s also referred to as the “jitters.” By cutting back on caffeine, you not only avoid the jitters, but you’ll also sleep better, reduce your blood pressure and your teeth will thank you.

4. Feed the mind

For creatives, it’s important to be able to sit down and let your mind run wild. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

Steel shared that during the pandemic, she found it very difficult to do this because she never realized how much you rely on outside stimuli: “Going to a restaurant, seeing people, something you see in the street. It feeds the machine, and when you don’t have that, it’s much harder.”

As a result of this ‘deprivation of inspiration’, Steel has made it a priority to push herself and feed her mind. She shares that she always sets aside time with a pen and a pad to come up with ideas for new books, adding that “I don’t wait for them to hit me on the head.”

5. Run Danielle, Run

How does one of the most renowned writers in the world stay active? By putting the pen down and running around.

“During the pandemic, I walked around my apartment because we were totally locked down. I did a mile around my apartment every day, which was ridiculous, but at least it gave me some exercise. “

Steel adds that she makes sure to walk around and also get her steps in, adding that she has a five-story house in San Francisco and that she doesn’t take the elevator; she takes the stairs.

MAIN IMAGE CREDIT:officialdaniellesteel/Instagram