Julianne Hough's Wellness Routine Starts with One Simple Habit

Julianne Hough’s approach to wellness is refreshingly uncomplicated, built around a single daily choice that supports both her body and mindset from the inside out.

Whenever Julianne Hough is asked about her beauty or wellness secrets, her answer rarely changes. The dancer, actress, and television personality doesn’t point to an elaborate routine or an exclusive product. Instead, she always comes back to one foundational habit that shapes the rest of her day.

Hydration Comes Before Everything Else

Before workouts, skincare, or even caffeine, Hough prioritizes drinking water. She believes wellness starts from the inside out, and hydration plays a central role in how she fuels her body and maintains her energy.

Rather than reaching for coffee first thing in the morning, Hough makes a conscious effort to drink water as soon as she wakes up. This daily practice helps her feel grounded and refreshed before the demands of the day begin. It’s a habit she returns to consistently, regardless of how busy her schedule becomes.

Her focus on hydration isn’t about following trends. It’s about supporting her body in the most basic, sustainable way possible.

Sharing a Message She Already Lives By

Hough’s commitment to hydration recently took on a larger platform when she was named an ambassador and celebrity partner for Icelandic Glacial water’s "You Are What You Drink, Be Exceptional" campaign.

The partnership aligns naturally with her personal philosophy and long-standing approach to wellness.

"'Be Exceptional' is something that I live my life by," Hough says. "We get to choose every day if we're going to be exceptional. And, by the way, exceptional doesn't mean perfect. Exceptional means giving your best that day, and your best might be 60 percent, and that's exceptional."

Mornings Without Phones or Distractions

Hydration isn’t the only habit Hough prioritizes at the start of her day. She’s also mindful about how she eases into her mornings mentally.

Instead of immediately reaching for her phone when she wakes up, Hough makes a point of staying offline. By avoiding instant notifications and screen time, she creates space to be present, connect with her body, and set a calm tone for the day ahead.

Movement That Feels Natural

Of course, movement has always been a central part of Hough’s life. Dancing isn’t just a workout for her, it’s second nature.

She has shared that dancing and ballroom have been her whole world, shaping her discipline, creativity, and physical awareness from a young age. Rather than viewing movement as a task, Hough approaches it as an extension of who she is, making it an effortless part of her overall wellness.

A Career Rooted in Dance and Discipline

Hough’s relationship with dance became widely known when she joined "Dancing With the Stars" in 2007 as a professional dancer during Season 4. She made an immediate impact, winning both her first and second seasons on the show.

She continued competing through Season 8 before stepping away ahead of fall 2009’s Season 9. Over the following years, Hough returned for special performances and made history in 2013 as the first former professional dancer to come back as a guest judge, appearing in Seasons 17 and 18.

Her role on the show continued to evolve. Between 2014 and 2017, she held a permanent judging position for five seasons, Seasons 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24, before exiting once again.

After several additional guest judging appearances, Hough returned full time in 2023 as a co-host for Season 32 alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.

Julianne Hough’s simple wellness routine isn’t defined by extremes or rigid rules. Instead, it’s built on everyday choices, drinking water first, limiting morning distractions, and staying connected to movement she loves.

By keeping her habits simple and intentional, Hough shows that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes, it really does start with one glass of water.

Hough’s approach to wellness echoes a similar philosophy embraced by other high-profile figures, including Gisele Bundchen. The supermodel has long emphasized mindful habits, from intentional movement and clean eating to daily rituals that support both physical and mental balance, reinforcing the idea that lasting wellness often comes from consistency rather than complexity.