Actress Jennylyn Mercado is leading a busy life nowadays. She's starred in teleseryes earlier this year (Captain Barbell and Futbolilits), and now she's added TV host to her celebrity credentials too, thanks to regular stints on talk show Showbiz Central and reality singing competition Protege.

But Jennylyn's commitments don't stop there. She's also a doting mother to her son, Jazz, and the happy girlfriend of TV host Luis Manzano.

With all these and more on her plate, how does Jennylyn manage to keep her life organized? Read on for four useful tips from her.


1. KNOW YOURSELF.

"Mabilis akong magkasakit (I get sick easily)," Jennylyn says. Knowing this, she limits her activities to what her body can actually stand. For her, that means avoiding four straight days sans sleep. "Pag sumusobra na ang work, tipong four days walang tulog, bumibigay na talaga katawan ko. (If there's too much work and I get four days of no sleep, my body just breaks down.)"


2. SET YOUR SCHEDULE.

The actress always meets with her manager to talk shop and fix her schedule. Jennylyn gives herself three days a week to rest and recharge.


3. KEEP YOUR SCHEDULE.

Jennylyn meets her commitments to family time and to work. "Important sa akin ang family, kaya kung family time, family lang talaga. Kung 'me time,' 'me time' talaga. (Family is important to me; that's why if it's family time, that's all I focus on. If it's 'me time,' then it's 'me time.')"


4. ASK FOR HELP.

When things get too hectic, especially at work, Jen turns to her mother to help take care of her son. "And it's perfectly fine kasi mommy ko 'yun, so I am very confident that my son is safe."


For more on Jennylyn Mercado, check out these articles:

• Jennylyn Mercado Surprised Luis Manzano Went Public with Their Relationship
• 5 Life Lessons You Can Learn from Jennylyn Mercado
• Do you believe Jennylyn Mercado’s allegations of neglect on her mother’s part?
• Jennylyn Mercado talks about her breakup with Dennis Trillo in YES! exclusive
• Jennylyn’s Manager: “Jen needs time alone” + 10 Things to Do While Recovering from a Breakup
• Jennylyn Mercado Shares 5 Tips on Staying Positive
• Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo break up + 3 Tips for Keeping Your Fights in Perspective

(First published in Women's Health as a sidebar to "Rocksteady" in March 2010; photo from Ikaw Sana courtesy of GMA-7; adapted for use in Female Network)