1) Eat only when hungry. Food that is fresh, prepared with love is said to be the best. Avoid food which has preservatives, permitted colors and those which has been over cooked, burnt, and seasoned with lot of spices and salt.

2) Sleep when sleepy and try to maintain a regular bed time. The duration of sleep changes depending on each individual, season, mental-physical exertion, after surgery, period of convalescence, after child birth etc. But a healthy person should sleep well (quality of sleep is more important than duration) and on waking up next morning should feel fit and fine- is an indication to show that sleep has been sufficient. Sleeping during daytime is not good if one wants to enjoy perfect health. Daytime sleep interferes with digestion and metabolism. Perfect quality sleep energizes a person.

3) Natural urges like passing stools, urge to urinate, sneeze, yawn, cough, cry, vomit, sleep and hunger are not to be controlled. Controlling the above causes many health problems ? so it is best voided as soon as the urge is felt.

4) Anger, jealousy, greed, unbridled lust and passion, coveting the wealth and property of others; dishonesty ?these types of negative qualities are to be controlled to enjoy peaceful life and is a positive step towards better health. (Health Tips in the coming months will elaborate on the above).

5) Excessive use of sense organs is always to be avoided (eg. watching horror movies daily or looking at lustrous objects always, or hearing jarring sounds or hearing music always with headphones on, etc. constantly are to be avoided, inhaling strong smell frequently is not very good).

6) Prayer should be a part of your daily routine ? this helps keep your immunity in tact.

7) Habits (food habits, daily lifestyle) should be practiced regularly and sincerely as per each constitution (eg. Pitta persons should reduce spices, Kapha person needs to keep warm etc.)

8) Doing any thing in excess should be always avoided (excessive sexual indulgence, frequent snacking, over working, consuming lot of alcohol etc.)

9) Adventure sport, doing daring acts (swimming against water current, driving vehicles very fast, fighting wild animals or taking part in bull fights etc. activities) just for fun are to be avoided if one wants to enjoy perfect health.

10) Doing your duty honestly, sincerely for your employer, family and society helps you stay fit and healthy.

11) Spending your weekend in the company of best books, honest people and/or in relaxing activities like being with nature, or taking part in prayers, meditation, reading scriptures, or chanting are beneficial.

12) Think straight ?eat right is an axiom that one should adopt in life (positive thinking or counting your blessings should be a part of your life and eating should be as per hunger-less in quantity, according to season and what the body really needs)

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.

Copyright ? 2001 Dr. T.R. Priyadarshini, BAMS, MA (Sanskrit); MS (Shalakya), teaches at the Mysore Ayurvedic Medical College and is also involved with clinical & theoretical research. She has been practicing Ayurveda for the past 15 years and may be reached at shantala301@rediffmail.com