I recently stumbled upon some an application for ensuring a life filled with laughter, health and longevity. Grace Grenberg, MS., MA. of Wellness Magazine created a personal fitness tool called B.E.S.T M.E. which is an acronym for a formula to maintain lasting health. Of course lasting wellness is rarely as simple as applying a basic formula, but there’s is worth trying.

B - Be Outrageous. Have fun and see the H.U.M.O.R. in life. Most know that laughter can be a potent medicine for physical, emotional and mental demands. Humor in this case stands for Help Untangle Mounds of Resistance. Simply put, choose to release those feel-good endorphins by laughing at situations (and yourself) instead of stressing.

E - Eat nutritiously to gain useful energy. Remember balance and moderation to manage temptations during stress and celebration. Sugar, salt, fats and caffeine can make food more enjoyable but a little goes a long way. Don’t add the average 4 pounds to your frame this year because it’s harder to remove it.

S - Short circuit stressful situations. Let’s face it. Stress kills. Today I’m writing this post on what would have been my mother’s 63rd birthday. She passed on last year technically due to a massive stroke but really because she was a very energetic person who didn’t de-stress well. Stress and cigarette smoking (her form of stress release) lead to her demise. I urge you to learn from her life as I am. Step back from tense moments, take several deep breaths to calm your nerves and allow oxygenated blood to help regain your balance. Take time to participate in stress-relieving activities like Tai Chi, meditation and yoga.

T - Take time to F.O.C.U.S. on your wants and needs. Sometimes the problem in not getting what we want stems from our not being clear on what we want. Follow the path of various successful entrepreneurs and write down your desires in a wish list with a plan of action for achieving your goals. In short, Formulate your game plan, Own your dream and go for it, Communicate clearly, Use the resources available to you; and remember, Success comes through you and with other people.

M - Monitor and listen to your body–it doesn’t lie. Treat your body like a temple, not a motel. The aging process moves rapidly by eating just any old thing, not resting fully, and filling your body with toxins, like highly processed fast foods and sugary drinks. There comes a time when everyone’s body can’t do what it used to but those who check in with it notice little change and aren’t surprised by it when it happens. Take care of your body early and often (rest, nutritional supplements and moderated exercise) because it’s the only one you’ve got for now.

E - Exercise regularly for your overall wellbeing. This step has been noted in a few of the earlier steps but is important enough to mention again. Stretch, tone and strengthen to maintain a youthful (at least younger than your peers who don’t exercise) disposition and appearance. You’ll feel stronger, sexier, smarter and you may just save money on your car insurance. Okay, maybe not that last one. Anyway, your body will appreciate you, when you’re much older, that you actually gave a care and took the time to invest in yourself.


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