Paula's keys to summer bliss!

Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer, actress and dancer, Paula Abdul, 60, shares her tips for staying healthy, happy and peaceful all season long

- Bonnie Siegler

Known for her girlish grin and contagious laugh, beloved “triple threat” Paula Abdul is perpetually on the move and making moves…but that wasn’t a given just a decade ago. “I was diagnosed with reflex sympathetic syndrome, a chronic condition characterized by burning pain in the extremities,” Paula shares with FIRST. “It is a painful disorder with no cure at the time…it was a truly terrible moment, and I didn’t know what the future would hold.”

But thankfully, by switching to an alkaline diet, trying various therapies and staying positive, Paula pushed through. “I’m in remission, and I count my blessings every day—and I have many! Recently, Richard Branson, creator of Virgin Galactic space flights, called to ask if I’d give permission to name his next rocket ‘Straight Up!’ after my song. That was a home run for me!” Here, Paula’s secrets to filling each day with health, happiness and your own “home runs.”

Boosts energy: Moving to the beat

“They say music is the king of all languages, but I think dance is!” says Paula, who dances almost every day. “You don’t have to dance in Italian or Japanese: You just dance! Bodies in motion stay in motion, and it keeps your joints lubricated too.” Bonus: Dance can also slash chronic pain by 39% and reduce blood pressure by 54%.

Radiance secret: Cold water facial

“My mom had a trick: splashing cool water on your face! It helps skin glow,” Paula shares. “That, and changing up my skin-care routine. If my skin gets used to a product, I try a new one so it’s more receptive”