More and more scientists are realizing that to keep people healthy, a lifestyle approach is necessary. Pills and dietary pyramids and other half-measures promoted by well meaning practitioners can’t do the job of keeping us healthy. Only a lifestyle approach (including all that we do in a day) can promote health.

A general overview of the elements of a good lifestyle must include, among other things, proper nutrition, physical exercise, and stress management. With these three elements, we can construct a healthy lifestyle that will lead us to attain our best in all we do. Proper nutrition must produce a lean, energetic body. Physical exercise – at least an hour per day – must lead to strong muscles and bones. Stress management must be effective in its ability to handle the many stresses that our society heaps upon us daily. Once we obtain these three abilities, we must hone them into effective habits that enhance our lives. Maintenance of these habits is our daily chore to keep our lives happy and effective. Here are a few ways to enhance the three main elements.

1. Make a list of the things that you will do to promote the three areas. For example, you might list the food items that are healthy; effective exercises; and cultivate personal stress management techniques.
2. Update this list on a weekly (or monthly) basis. Be on the lookout for better items that would make your lifestyle more effective.
3. Ask significant others to help you by suggesting ways to improve. Sometimes it is easier for others to see how we are doing.
4. Always strive to do better in making your life more meaningful. Sometimes we do not realize how effective we are to those around us. Our example may be very important to those who observe our actions.