SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY

Beloved for her breakout role as Sami Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, Alison Sweeney became so popular at just age 16 that she brought home four Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Fan-Voted Daytime Emmy.

- BONNIE SIEGLER

"I have to credit my parents: I'm grateful and lucky that they encouraged me to pursue acting as a career. It was my dream," Alison shares with FIRST. Turning her dreams into reality is a talent of the now-48-year-old star, who has only gotten busier-and more in demand!-since her soaps days. Today, the former Biggest Loser host is a mom to two children, has been married for 24 years, acts as an ambassador for Stand Up 2 Cancer and has become a Hallmark Channel favorite with her Hannah Swensen Mysteries, which blends a helping of yummy mystery with a dash of fun baking. How does she do it? Here, Alison's strategies to staying healthy, calm and confident while juggling it all.

WHAT FEEDS MY SPIRIT

Quality time with family

"I love to cook and bake at home: It's a great way to enjoy just being with loved ones," smiles Alison, who spends time in the kitchen with her children, Ben and Megan. Alison also unwinds by bingeing television shows with her husband, David. "I love when we are engrossed in them together. Right now, we're into House of the Dragon. We also take walks on the trails near our home with our two dogs, or just stroll around the neighborhood. It's so relaxing."

WHAT KEEPS ME GOING

Easy acts of self-love