How Friends Can Help Build Preventive Habits Like Eating Better And Staying Active

Last Updated:August 03, 2025, 13:35 IST

Friendship isn’t just about being there during the hard times; it’s about helping each other rise

Let’s be honest! Most of us have, at some point, indulged in unhealthy habits because of our friends. Late-night pizza runs, alcohol-fueled catch-ups, and endless binge-watching sessions with mindless snacking socializing often becomes a gateway to poor choices. But what if we flipped the script?

Imagine using that same social energy to build healthier, preventive habits instead: going for a hike instead of nursing a hangover, cooking nutritious meals together instead of ordering fast food, or turning board game night into a zero-sugar zone.

“That’s where habit buddies come in, friends who actively support each other in making better lifestyle choices, not just for a short-term challenge, but for long-term wellness,” says Tanya Khanna, Nutritionist and Yoga Trainer, Alyve Health.

We often think of personal growth as a solo journey, but real change often starts in pairs. Sometimes, your closest friend becomes the most unexpected catalyst for a healthier life.

Research shows we’re far more likely to stick to good habits when we’re not doing it alone. Whether it’s going for an early morning walk, choosing a healthier meal, or cutting back on weekend drinks everything feels more achievable when done together.

Khanna shares How Friends Help Us Grow Healthy Habits

Shared Accountability

You’re less likely to hit snooze on that yoga class when a friend’s waiting on the mat next to you.

Emotional Support

Healthy changes can feel uncomfortable. A friend can offer a pep talk when your motivation dips.

Celebrating Wins Together

Whether it’s quitting alcohol or finishing 10,000 steps, sharing progress doubles the joy.

Gentle Honesty

A real friend will call you out when you’re slipping and remind you why you started in the first place.

Creating a Positive Environment

Friends influence what you eat, how you spend your time, and what habits become “normal.”

Health Habits You Can Build Together

Cook or meal prep together on weekends

Make dining out more mindful by choosing restaurants with healthier menus

Plan weekend hikes, group cycling, dance classes, or a badminton game

Compete on step counts or app-based fitness challenges

Try alcohol-free weekends with creative, healthy mocktails

Treat yourselves to a spa day instead of a cheat meal

Friendship isn’t just about being there during the hard times; it’s about helping each other rise. True friends grow together. And in doing so, they prevent each other from falling into lifestyles that don’t serve their body, mind, or future.

The truth is, healthy doesn’t have to mean boring and it certainly doesn’t have to be lonely. All it takes is one friend to turn a habit into a lifestyle.

This Friendship Day, ask your closest friend:“Want to grow healthier together?” You might just change each other’s lives.

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

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