Wellness is about taking care of yourself. It is an empowered process that recognizes the connection between your mental and physical well-being. Wellness is not a fad. It can require many changes for most of us, but its implementation is a journey requiring one change at a time. As we improve our living habits, we begin to make good habits a way of life rather than a short-term change.

1. Maintain a great attitude. Your outlook will improve if you:

   • Think positive. See the glass as half full, not half empty. See the good in people rather than the bad.

   • Be optimistic. Expect good things to happen and, more often than not, they will.

   • Lighten up. Have fun. Enjoy even stupid movies. Behave like a child. Learn to play pranks (without hurting or offending people) that will promote laughter.

   • Subscribe to an Internet joke site that will send you a smile each day. Pass on the good ones.

   • Make yourself the top priority. There is value in being a people-pleaser, but only if those people come second. Your needs are paramount. You'll never really be helpful to others unless you feel happy about your own life.

   • Avoid being a control freak. Cut down on the number of decisions you want to make for others. If you have kids, learn to give them more scope as they mature and show increasing responsibility. Learn to ask permission if you have suggestions for others, instead of telling them what to do.

   • Know what gives you pleasure and do it often! Spoil yourself. Indulge. For example, if you have favourite recording artists, buy their latest CDs and play them at every opportunity.

   • Share your spirit, time, and wealth. Learn to give of yourself. Your psychic income will far exceed what you give away.

2. Enhance your relationships with others.

   • Never take for granted the relationships with people you care about. Work at them constantly to improve them.

   • Validate your relationships. Let people know how much you appreciate them. And let them know when they've done something that offends you.

   • Find a confidant who enjoys listening to you when you need a friend. Avoid "confidants" who want to solve your problems or give you uncalled-for advice. Reciprocate when needed. Listen to people who need to vent without interruption. Don't evaluate their concerns; simply understand their feelings.

   • Do things that give you pleasure. Have a chocolate at the end of the day. Have a low-fat pudding occasionally.

   • Spend more time with friends, particularly those to whom you can bare your soul. Focus on people who like to touch and hug — they will provide you with the emotional support often lacking in the superficiality of modern urban living.