Martha Stewart: How Martha retains her Martha-ness

SEVERAL TIMES a day I'm asked to describe the daily routine that permits me to do all I do - maintaining a very busy schedule while still feeling good. I thought I would, once and for all, attempt to write it all down and share it with you here.

1. SKIN CARE: Skin care is vital, and my routine includes a thorough cleansing every morning and night. Toners, enriching day and night creams, and serums keep my skin elastic and supple and glowing. Sunblocks, balms and skin healers are also necessary as preventive treatments.

2. GYM: My home gym is furnished with aerobic machines, weights and Cybex machines, and has a lovely view of the farm, a television so I can watch the news while running on the treadmill, and yoga equipment. The importance of aerobic exercise cannot be overemphasized. Aerobics keep weight down and stamina up.

3. MORNING JUICE: Every morning I drink about 8 ounces of what I call "green juice." I use a juicer to make a blend of spinach, celery, cucumber, carrot and some fruit - pear, apple, pomegranate, plum, peach, a bit of orange peel and a small piece of ginger. The more of these ingredients that come from my organic garden, the better. I actually feel a jolt of energy when I imbibe these drinks.

4. CALENDAR: An organized calendar with every meeting, trip and appointment carefully listed and timed enables me to accomplish a lot each day. Each appointment is listed with phone numbers of all the principals. Addresses include cross streets so no time is wasted in finding a location.

5. WALKING: My favorite outdoor activity has always been hiking or walking. Good footwear, good socks and a jacket with pockets (for water and a cell phone) are crucial items of clothing.

6. EXERCISE: Weights are all-important for bone health and body toning, and yoga is essential for calming the mind and strengthening the body's core. I love weights for arms and shoulders, and my Pilates ring for strengthening thighs, arms and chest. A yoga block, a ring and a yoga strap come with me wherever I go, so I can at least get a bit of a workout when I'm on the road.

7. WATER: I have three offices in addition to my home office. Alongside every one of my computers I keep a pitcher of mineral water infused with lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber and mint. I find that I drink more if the pitcher is there as a reminder.

8. HAIR CARE: Because I have my hair styled so often, I wash it almost every day. I use a variety of shampoos and conditioners to keep my hair from becoming dry or brittle. Sometimes I visit my colorist for a glossing, which seems to infuse my hair with a new vitality.

9. DAILY MAINTENANCE: Skin care is not the only daily routine one must adhere to. An electric toothbrush is essential for gum care and shiny white teeth, along with a good dental-care program (twice a year cleanings and checkups). Mouthwash and salt-water gargles are also helpful in keeping colds and sore throats from developing. Feet, hands, arms and legs should also be cared for.

10. RELAXATION: I do try to find some time, perhaps not every day but as often as possible, to curl up with a new book - often downloaded onto my Kindle - or to watch a movie. A great cup of tea or even a homemade cappuccino (one shot of espresso only) is an added perk and pleasure.

Last but not least, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of children, spouses, significant others and pets in our daily lives. They are the real reason we do what we do outside the home, in our work and in our play. And a few minutes of every day are spent on the phone catching up with close friends. *

Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. Questions also also be sent by electronic mail to: mslletters

@marthastewart.com. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.