So often now, whenever I ask someone how they are doing, I hear one of two responses: "busy" or "tired." How did we all get so run down lately?

A friend of mine just got back from London and she told me how the pace of the world over there is so unbelievably slower than here in the U.S.

I believe it.

So how does exhaustion affect your attitude? The better question is what doesn't it affect? When you're tired, aren't you just cranky in general? My junior year roommate's motto was "there is nothing so bad going on that a nap won't help." I've tested it. For the most part, it's true. When I'm rested, I am better able to handle life in general.

Here are 6 simple tips to get (and stay) rested:

1. Keep a regular bedtime. I realized this sounds very preschool level, but it's true. When I go to bed at a decent hour every night, I'm much more productive the next day. My body is also more regulated since I'm not switching up my sleep schedule every night.

2. Evaluate your schedule. Do you say yes because otherwise you'll "feel bad?" Say yes only when you really mean it. Get rid of some stuff that you're just doing to impress others or that you signed up for out of guilt.

3. Quit the caffeine (or at least cut back). I realized a couple of months ago that when I drink pop or coffee after a certain time, I have a harder time falling asleep. So I've cut back and that has helped quite a bit.

4. Meditate. Regular relaxation and peaceful meditation helps to clear the mind and put your head to rest.

5. Take the TV out of the bedroom. If you're like me, you love to fall asleep to the TV playing softly. But the rest you get while listening to a television program is not energizing. Your brain gets disrupted. Take the TV out of there and leave your bedroom for sleeping.

6. Exercise. Part of a balanced life, which results in a better attitude, includes a regular exercise schedule. From yoga to jogging, walking to pilates, getting out there and moving not only makes you feel better, but it will help regulate your sleep schedule and bring a more positive attitude.