Ryan Seacrest is one of the most well-known media personalities. He co-hosted and executive produced Live with Kelly and Ryan, and has hosted American Idol since 2002 and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve for more than a decade. Earlier this year, he was named the new host of the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune, replacing the long-time and cherished Pat Sajak.
In a sit-down interview with Fortune CEO Alan Murray at the Impact Initiative conference this month, Seacrest shared the daily habits that help him stay energized on and off camera.
Break up the day
Seacrest juggles his myriad responsibilities—including a recent venture called Seacrest Studios, which provides hospitals with entertainment for patients—by proactively strategizing how to break up the day.
“I segment my days to be very heavy and efficient, in terms of production,” he said at Fortune’s conference. “I am very focused on what meetings are most important to have. For me, when I’m in a meeting, it’s very efficient.”
He also multitasks by taking meetings on the go.
“When there are phone calls or conference calls that we need to have, I strategically take those when I’m in transit to another job,” he said.
Seacrest also alluded to a technique many productivity experts recommend—time-blocking, which involves switching between intervals of focus and rest. After he powers through meetings, Secrest makes sure he has “free space to exercise, to take a walk, to play with my dog, to eat dinner.”
Cultivate purpose
Seacrest admits he doesn’t manage his energy particularly well but feels lucky that he begins his day excited about the work ahead. Lucky for him, cultivating a positive mindset is a key to finding happiness.
“Fortunately, I wake up with energy. I absolutely love the opportunities that are in front of me. I like people,” he said, adding he always enjoys a fan asking him for a photograph.
A sense of purpose, whether it be for work or outside hobbies and connections, is a cornerstone of happiness and aging well, M.T. Connolly, author of The Measure of Our Age, previously told Fortune.
Prioritize sleep and nutrition
Seacrest said he didn’t know how much sleep he gets a night but said he “sleeps well,” which is key to managing stress and maintaining energy levels through the work day.
He also eats a plant-based diet and only consumes meat when traveling.
“If it’s a great place, and it’s authentic to the region, I’ll have something. But generally fish and a plant-based diet,” he said.
A diet rich in plant-based foods is associated with a lower risk for heart disease and chronic conditions. Whole, plant-based foods also contain a multitude of vitamins and fiber to help people stay energized.
