Life has been rather crazy for me lately. From the whole book writing, editing and publishing (by the way… we’re 23 days away from the launch!), to family stuff, to personal life stuff to watching all kinds of sports, I’ve been busy.

I’ve even joined to staff of a really cool web site (which I’ll tell you more about once I have my first article up). That said, stress is always going to be a part of my life. It just is. I work hard, but I do try and play hard. This year I’m doing, er, trying to do a better job of taking care of myself. Here are my suggestions:

Work Out

I know it sounds easy, but it does take energy. But it will also give you energy. I am working on running 30 miles per month, which amounts to about eight per week. I’m also doing more actual work out stuff; I’m lifting weights, doing a bit more cardio and just general making my body healthier.

Eat Better

Along with working out more, I’m eating better. While I will always have an affinity for cookies and peanut butter and chocolate, I am eating more vegetables. I’m cooking more meat and eating it with said vegetables. And my protein intake ahs been much steadier.

Me Time

For the first four weeks of the year, I read an average of four nights a week. It started with Andre Agassi’s book Open and now I’m onto blick my Malcom Gladwell. Both great reads. Most importantly, it’s my down time. It’s my me time. I can’t do much thinking while I’m running or working out. I do think a lot, but I can’t write it down so I try to limit my creative thinking. But this “me time” is where I let my mind run wild or just completely shut down and relax.

What are you doing for yourself?

(fickr photo via laughingsquid)