From Missy:

I am honored to have the opportunity to write a guest post for Steph. I have learned some wonderful tips from reading Steph’s blog and find her video posts incredibly helpful. If you’ve read my blog, you would know that I am all about maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle. I would love to share 10 tips I have for stepping it up in your life and living a happy, stress-free life.

1. Find a fitness activity you enjoy: I used to do 45 minutes on the elliptical about 5 days a week. It became incredibly boring and I started to dread going to the gym at all. Eventually I started to try out different exercise classes at my gym . I found a new love for kickboxing and spin and realized working out could be fun!

2. Take 20 minutes to yourself a day: I am constantly on-the-go. I spend 2 hours commuting to work, 9 hours sitting at a desk, and the rest of my night working out or socializing with friends. It is important to take time each day to relax, read a good book, stretch, or just relax on the couch. It decreases stress levels and gives me some time to think and stay sane.

3. Pursue an advance degree or certification: I graduated from college in 2007 with a Marketing degree and am not at all satisfied with my current job (a receptionist). I am highly interested in nutrition and healthy living so I will be attending the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to get my health counselor certification. My life will feel much more fulfilling learning and doing something I love each day.

4. Take up a new hobby: I started blogging a year ago and have no idea how I ever lived without it. It allows me to express my feelings, meet new people, learn new information, and stimulate my brain each and every day.

5. Reward yourself: Everyone deserves a treat or reward every now and then. I am stressed and busy all the time as I’m sure many of you are too. I find it completely necessary to get a manicure or massage once or twice a month. Enjoying a cookie or brownie every once in a while is important too! These things keep me happy and give me something to look forward to.

6. Make a new playlist: Music is absolutely necessary to keep me going on the elliptical or treadmill. I download new albums from ITunes, make new playlists, or subscribe to new podcasts almost every week. New tunes get my heart pumping and keep me motivated!

7. Join a meetup group or sports team: This is a great way to meet new people, get extra activity in, or learn something new. I try to meet up with other bloggers a few times a month. I love socializing with others that have similar interests to me.

8. Get organized: I know that when my room is a mess, my desk is cluttered, and I can’t find anything, I feel stressed! I feel like my life is out of control! I take some time each day to clean my room, make to-do lists, and keep track of bills/bank accounts. Keeping my life in order is very important in staying happy.

9. Eat real food: Eating chemicals and artificial sweeteners in processed food bothers my stomach and makes me feel tired and bloated. I try to eat as many whole foods as possible to keep my energy levels up and to feel better each day.

10. Smile: It will brighten your face, make you feel happier, appear friendlier, and will spread to others.

Try out these 10 tips and I can guarantee you will live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Visit MissyMaintains.com for more great tips!