Vol. 4, No. 1 • Fall 1999

Secrets of the Good Life

Improving the health and tone of our bodies is only half
the secret of a long life. Taking care of our minds and nourishing
our spiritual sides help reduce stress levels and boost our immune systems. Here are a few thoughts to consider:

• Loosen technology’s grip on your life. Your fax, cellular phone, voice mail, e-mail, and beeper are meant to make your life easier, not more hectic. Reserve certain times of the day to respond to messages, and share on-call times with others so you have some protected time.
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary loads of bad news. Consider reading the paper rather than watching TV news, which tends to focus on the sensational. Choose your movies carefully—films today are longer and feature more violence and disturbing imagery. Reduce the negative gossiping and bad-mouthing you do and hear.
  
  
• Make a pact with yourself to enjoy life’s pleasures in moderation. Avoid unhealthy temptations such as high-fat ice cream and smoking. However, don’t deprive yourself of all sweets if you enjoy them; consider having a once-a-week treat.
  
  
• Explore preventative health measures. Eat a low-fat diet, rich in veggies and fruits, and utilize mind/body therapies and exercise to reduce stress.
  
  
• Connect with your spiritual side. Spiritual people sense that their lives and the universe have a meaning and purpose, and they discover ways to express this meaning. Spirituality has definite health benefits linked to longevity—the ability to accept loss and remain optimistic.

Source: Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier’s “Secrets of the Good Life,” Bottom Line/Personal, March 15, 1997, cited in Protection Connection, Vol. 6, No. 3, published by the Protective Services Training Institute of Texas.

Copyright © 2000 Jordan Institute for Families