Nicollette Sheridan's Stress Solutions

As the morning sunlight streams into her airy kitchen, Nicollette Sheridan, 55, gazes out the bay window overlooking her California ranch and smiles. “It’s magical here,” says the England-born actress. “Every window opens up to green trees, birds, mountains, and tranquility.”

Beloved for her roles on Knots Landing, Desperate Housewives and the hit CW reboot of Dynasty, the busy actress, producer and entrepreneur has learned to find balance by cherishing those small moments of serenity. “The simple, honest and real things are most important to me now,” Nicollette shares. “In life, we tend to wear masks at times, and I work hard to drop those masks and see things for what they really are. I’ve also found that keeping an open heart transforms the energy in my home… and in my life!”

Here, the Golden Globe–nominated actress shares her secrets to staying confident and healthy — mind, body and soul!

Quiets worries: Take small steps

“Sometimes fear causes me stress,” Nicollette admits. “Not fear like jumping out of an airplane, but anxiety about everyday things. So when that crops up, I look at it, identify what I’m afraid of and figure out why I’m feeling that way. Then I take a small step to start walking through it. No matter how big the fear you’re facing is, it’s the same formula to get through it: Take small steps and find the positive… and you can overcome anything!”

Secret weapon: All-day hydration

“I start each day with a glass of lemon water with manuka honey and cayenne pepper,” Nicollette says. In the afternoon, her go-to drink includes one grapefruit, two oranges, lemon and half a stem of fresh ginger. “It gives you natural vitamin C and balances your system!”

Awakens joy: Time spent with four-legged friends

“Between my horses and my dog, Oliver, I can’t decide what brings me more joy!” Nicollette says with a smile. “Oliver accompanies me everywhere and is such a source of love and comfort to me. He is an incredible spirit and a love in my life that I hold so dear, but all of my animals help me de-stress in different ways. I have horses, and I ride, clean and muck out their stalls — I even have a tractor! Being with my animals is like jumping into a cool pool of rejuvenation that always brings a smile to my face.”

Feeds the soul: Embracing change

“Change is understandably upsetting to some, but I quite like it,” Nicollette shares. “It’s stimulating, and I’m not afraid to change things up!” In fact, Nicollette did something recently that surprised even her. “I was at a restaurant when suddenly, couples from 65 to 85 years of age got up to dance. It was such a joyful connection that it inspired me to get up and dance myself. These moments are ageless, timeless and beautiful, and if you engage in them, trust me, your spirit will react in an extraordinary way!”

Curbs cravings: Fresh-picked snacks

“I’m very big on everything organic — blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and eggs,” Nicollette says of the staples in her kitchen. “I also use a variety of Indian spices in my cooking because they are wonderful for reducing inflammation. I love cumin, which is good for joint pain. I buy wild salmon for its natural oils and will eat it with yams, which are very good for overall health. Lots of water and raw almonds are my go-to healthy snacks, and lately, since I’ve been hungry right before bed, I’ll snack on a sweet orange like a Cara Cara orange. That always helps curb any late-night cravings!”