In your 30s, many pieces of your life fall into place as you take on greater responsibility at home or at work. Be sure to preserve time for yourself as demands become more pressing, and enjoy the opportunities that lie before you.

Mind

• Go the distance. At this time in your life, perhaps you have developed an understanding of your chosen career path. Find ways to develop your strengths and chosen field even more by enrolling in courses, seeking out a mentor, and joining professional organizations.
• Step up. For many people the 30s represent an opportunity for civic leadership. Join a club or organization in your community.
• Take control of media. Make thoughtful choices about television and music that help expand your knowledge – and help educate your kids. Take time to discuss the music, TV and movies you enjoy together.

Body

• Keep your skin healthy. You may start to see signs of aging on your skin in your 30s. Keeping a healthy diet and exercise regimen, drinking eight glasses of water per day, and using sunscreen will keep your skin healthier – and looking younger.
• Find the folate. If you are considering having children, make sure you are getting enough folic acid from dark green, leafy vegetables and a supplement as recommended by your doctor. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects in a developing fetus, but it's also important for women who may become pregnant.
• Build better eating habits. In your 30s, you may see your metabolism slowing slightly, and you may be exercising less frequently. These factors may lead to weight gain. The USDA recommends a calorie intake of 2,000 to 2,400 calories among active women in their 20s, but only 1,800 to 2,200 for women in their 30s. It’s important to develop new, better eating habits now.
• Keep muscles strong. Your bone density has reached its peak at age 30. Now retain the density you have with strength/weight training two or three times per week.

Spirit

• Learn to take time. Take 15 minutes per day for yoga, meditation, prayer or simply breathing deeply. Create a quiet space. Tell your family about your quiet time and ask them to respect it.
• Create your own "board of directors," a group of five to seven trusted friends and advisers who can help you make difficult decisions in times of change. Make a list of the people who you ask for personal, child-rearing or professional advice, and reach out to them when new opportunities arise – or it’s time to initiate a new direction in your life.