Wellness is not a mystery – there are simple things you can do to improve your chances of good health, and here are a few useful principles to guide your healthy lifestyle by.

Eat right. You wouldn’t put regular gas in a race car, and you shouldn’t put unhealthy foods into your body. Pick fresh, whole foods, especially vegetables and fruits, and then add other foods as desired. Take a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, and whether you eat three squares or many smaller meals, get into a rhythm so your body knows how to process what you eat.

Exercise. You’ll have to move your body if you expect it to work right. It doesn’t have to be weightlifting or running a marathon – three 30-minute walks each week can improve your circulation, your breathing and your strength.

Rest. Work hard and play hard, but give yourself a chance to refresh and recuperate. Choose a consistent sleeping routine, and if you miss any sleep, make it up in the following days whenever possible. Check your sleep equipment, too – if you need a better mattress or pillows, there are wonderful products available at reasonable prices. Ask your doctor of chiropractic for a recommendation so you sleep your best.

Reduce stress. Even better, don’t get stressed in the first place. Take things in stride, most things are not as bad (or as good) as they seem – lighten up, laugh more and if you do feel a little stress coming on, then do something to dissipate the harmful emotions. You can meditate, stretch, pray, do yoga or martial arts, get a massage, participate in a relaxing hobby or a host of other stress-reducing activities. Random acts of kindness work pretty well, too.

Get regular tune-ups. Just like your car, your body needs to be adjusted from time to time. We all need periodic check-ups to catch problems early and get the appropriate care when necessary. Consult your chiropractor about which wellness professionals you need to keep your body working at peak efficiency – you’ll be glad you did!