10). Spend time with family. This may seem obvious, perhaps even ridiculous to mention, but must be stated. So many times it is our families that are neglected during our struggle to continually obtain excellence in our jobs and personal life. What does family mean to you? I have a great old college buddy that I consider "family." Emotionally, he’s as close as a brother. Family is not only blood relatives but also those individuals that have made such a meaningful impact on our lives that the bond with them transcends mere friendship.

9). Spend time with yourself. Solitude is a rare commodity. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Solitude as "a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life." Solitude is more that just "being alone." Rather, it is a contemplative time. A restful aloneness necessary to find the center of our being.

8). Exercise. You see them all the time in the health club or running down the road at all hours of the day and night. Those people who seem to be so "in-touch" with their bodies and willing to work hard to keep themselves in good order. But you don’t have to be a work-out "fanatic" to enjoy exercise. Recent studies have shown that a 30 minute brisk walk 3 times a week gives you many of the same cardiovascular benefits as does running everyday. Additionally, a 30 to 45 minute exercise routine was shown recently to be as effective at reducing moderate depression as antidepressant drugs such as Prozac.

7). Eat Healthy. It is a scientific fact that brain chemistry affects your mood and mental stability. Conversely, brain chemistry is affected by both genetics and your environment, specifically what you eat. High doses of caffeine, nicotine, processed sugar, and saturated fat are terrible for brain chemistry. Each of these give a temporary high, but exact a heavy toll later. If you must have caffeine, try Green tea. It’s been found to have high levels of antioxidants (cancer fighters) as well as caffeine but without the many chemicals found in coffee or sugary sodas. Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and fatty fish like salmon were found to have a positive effect on the nervous system. Your brain will thank you.

6). Surround Yourself With Beauty. Look around your home or office. Is it cold and sterile or warm and inviting? Do you look forward to being in these personal spaces? You spend 1/3 or more of your life in each of your personal spaces, make them sanctuaries of peace and serenity. Inexpensive art prints, pictures, flowers, and plants all help to make the space more accessible and attractive. Unconsciously, it will elevate your mood and keep those who come to see you in better spirits as well.

5). Thank those around you. Buy a set of pretty thank you cards, then when someone does something for you, even if it’s small, send them a thank you. You’ll be surprised at how much people will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Others will be happy to see your attitude change.

4). Spend time with Children and Old Folks. Young children and older people are very much alike. The young have the simple innocent wisdom of seeing the world exactly as it is. Older people have lived the complicated life and now seem more enlightened through experience. Both ends of this spectrum help you appreciate where you are and place those big troubles in a new perspective.

3). Reawaken Old Creative Interests. Were you in band? Did you take piano lessons? Did you once write poetry? Were you an aspiring painter? Creativity engages portions of the brain that are neglected. Those right hemisphere artistic energies help relieve stress by projecting pent up energies into a creative product. So get out those paint brushes, dust off that piano and let the juices flow.

2). Maintain Balance. Find a healthy balance among work, family, and self interests. Find the balance among body, mind, and spirit. What are you neglecting? What areas are you placing too much emphasis? As Yoda said, "Balance, the middle path, these are the ways of the force."

1). Nurture your spirit. Try to live according to your values and beliefs so you can reflect on your actions with pride. Look for a group of like minded believers to share your journey. Treat others well, cherish your loved ones, feel pleased with your good efforts, and appreciate the blessings of this world.