FitCeleb, singer and songwriter Vanessa Carlton, 27, recently spoke with Shape Magazine about her lifestyle as an avid runner, jogging up to five miles six times a week.

"I have only so many hours in the day, so when I exercise, I want to sweat hard. But I also think it's helpful to relax," says Vanessa.

Here are some of Vanessa's strategies to keep both her body and brain in top condition:

Let your environment inspire you: "A few months ago I went to India to learn how to meditate. But because I'm used to moving all the time, I found it difficult. So when I got home, I compromised with walking meditations. Everyday I wander the streets with my dog, Lord Victor, pausing to jot down lyrics to songs in my notebook."

Take on a challenge: "In 2005, a friend of mine who volunteers with Musicians on Call, a nonprofit organization that brings music to hospitalized patients' bedsides, asked me to run the New York Marathon for the charity. I knew training would be hard, but I decided to go for it. The race itself was as much a mental test as a physical one. It helped me see what I'm made of; I'd definitely do it again."

Share your experience: "It's hard to find mentors, but when you do, it can pay off big time. Mine is Stevie Nicks, whom I met a few years ago. She taught me to reach out to younger female artists and help them find their way. I'm a big advocate now of women helping each other and exchanging ideas. It makes everyone better in the end."