Unveiling the 6 Healthy Habits of a Legendary Globe-Trotting Explorer

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When we think of America's greatest women explorers, we often overlook those who have made significant contributions to exploration. Instead, we tend to focus on figures such as Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, or Jane Goodall, known for her groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees. However, it's important to recognize the valuable contributions of women in fields such as astronautics and primatology. The images of rocket liftoffs and the fascinating behavior of our primate relatives often capture our attention and admiration.

88-year-old oceanographer Sylvia Earle, the first woman to serve as chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a world record holder for the deepest untethered walk on the ocean floor, explained that when divers and submersibles go underwater, onlookers only hear a plunk and see ripples in the water. However, what they are missing is the vast and magical universe that human existence depends on, with the ocean making up 97% of the biosphere. She emphasized the importance of taking care of the ocean, stating that if we don't, nothing else matters in the end. Earle has been recognized as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress and was anointed Time magazine's first Hero for the Planet. She is also affectionately known as "Her Deepness."

Fifteen years ago, Earle established Mission Blue, dedicated to establishing a network of protected marine areas. She continues to lead global efforts for ocean conservation. In October, she traveled to New York, Montana, Los Angeles, Iceland, the Cayman Islands, and Mozambique, conducting research and giving speeches. She plans to return to the Galapagos Islands in February 2024, a location she has studied since 1966 on over 30 expeditions.

Despite her demanding schedule, Earle prioritizes her health and strength. CNN asked her to share her tips for maintaining good health, which can be applied to anyone striving for exceptional stamina, whether it's for fitness, diet, or environmental conservation.

This conversation has been condensed for length and clarity.

Sylvia Earle, the US oceanographer and biologist who was named Time magazine's first Hero for the Planet in 1998, is pictured smiling during her visit to the Oceanografic museum inside the City of Arts and the Sciences in Valencia, Spain, on November 6. Kai Foersterling/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock.

CNN: With over 7,500 hours logged underwater and at least another 100 hours planned by mid-2024, how do you prepare for the physical challenges?

Sylvia Earle: I stay active by running through airports, lifting heavy suitcases, and putting them in the overhead bins. (Earle chuckled.) I don't follow a specific routine and have never been to a gym. I consider the world my exercise space.

CNN: What are your hobbies?

Earle: I enjoy gardening. It's incredibly satisfying to witness the transformation of a tiny zucchini seed into a thriving, delicious green vegetable. It allows me to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

CNN: You mentioned growing your own vegetables. What do you eat?

CNN

How much ultraprocessed food are you eating?

Earle: Yes, I have been a vegetarian for a long time. I do occasionally consume dairy products, but for the most part, I am mindful of what I eat because it affects my long-term health and well-being.

Earle: When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey, we ate fish. We didnt eat a lot of it, but wed go to the Jersey Shore and eat flounder, crabs, oysters and clams.

CNN: What changed for you?

Earle: I choose not to include any wildlife or sea life on my menu for several reasons. I have a deep respect for these creatures and am hesitant to consume them without knowing what they have been eating. Additionally, it is an ethical and health choice for me. From a scientific standpoint, it is important to treasure wild animals in the sea for their role in maintaining the planet. The ocean plays a crucial role in governing climate and shaping planetary chemistry. It's a devastating reality that half of the coral reefs are gone, and we need to take action to protect the ocean.

Earle: I find solace in immersing myself in the natural world, away from the distractions of daily life. While most of my family resides in California, I also have relatives in Canada and Florida.

CNN: How much value do you place on your relationships with friends and family?

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Earle: My parents always supported me and loved me unconditionally, and I'm lucky to have that same kind of support from my kids and grandkids. It's a sense of "no matter what, we love you." While I enjoy the company of others, I also appreciate time alone. I've spent a lot of time exploring the depths of the ocean in one-person subs, descending 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) beneath the surface. When people ask if I feel lonely, I find it perplexing because on Earth, life is everywhere, and we are all connected to it. I am connected to it.

Earle: Sometimes, when I'm feeling down, or feeling pessimistic about the world, I choose to step outside. I seek out reasons to feel hopeful. Miracles are happening all around us. I see tiny flowers blooming in unexpected places. Sometimes we get so caught up in the routine of daily life that we forget how extraordinary it is to be alive. Just think about the alternative – what if we didn't exist at all? I wish there was a way to show everyone how amazing it is that life exists, and that humans exist with the ability to marvel at it.

In August 2004, Earle was spotted 20 meters (66 feet) underwater at Magic Point, off the tip of Malabar Headland National Park in Sydney, with a Port Jackson shark.

Image credit: Edwina Pickles/The Sydney Morning Herald/Fairfax Media/Getty Images

CNN: Do you believe that curiosity is crucial for your energy?

Earle: Absolutely, for everyone. Diving is all about mentality. You just need to be open to new experiences. Many people will say, "You can't do this. You're too tall. You're too short. You're too old. You're too young. Your skin color is wrong. You speak the wrong language." The skeptics are everywhere.

CNN: In addition to diving, youve started three companies to fuel ocean exploration and conservation. When do you sleep?

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Earle: I make an effort to ensure I get a decent amount of sleep. Eight hours is ideal, seven is acceptable, and six is sufficient. I used to believe I could function on much less, but I now understand the importance of allowing my body to rest and recuperate from daily activities.

CNN: Does your age impact the time you spend in the water or your role at Mission Blue?

Earle prefers not to dwell on his age and instead focuses on continuing to do what needs to be done. For more from author and Emmy award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert, find her on Twitter at @agilbertwriter.