It's no secret that a positive outlook supports good health. But how do we foster good mental and spiritual attitudes that will, hopefully, carry over into our physical bodies? Here are some suggestions, based on universal spiritual principles that can be used by anyone, whether or not they are religious.

Develop a passion

We all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and not everyone is lucky enough to have a job they feel passionately about.

So why not develop a passion for nature, for example, that will get you off the couch and out walking everyday? Others find passion in art and never miss an opportunity to check out the latest exhibition.

The particular passion is unimportant; just so you have something that sets your heart racing.

Focus on others

We all have problems and many of them don't have an immediate solution.

Instead of focusing obsessively on problems. It is a relief to think about others.

Suddenly your headaches and upset stomach disappear when you are working as a volunteer or just simply helping out a friend. Anything that gets your mind off the "me, me, me" track can only improve your outlook on life.

Have faith

Faith is a difficult concept for many people, especially those who do not take part in organised religions. You may not be a religious person but you may find faith in many ways. You live in Sri Lanka which is surrounded by natural beauty, that gives you faith that the world is generally a good place. Think about sometimes about family members and loved ones who have passed on, knowing that they would want you to have a happy, healthy life. Those thoughts will increase your faith.

Take a break from the news

Try every year to spend a week where you do not read, watch, or listen to the news.

This is not about sticking your head in the sand. Rather, you will find that you develop information overload after a while and become cynical. Taking a break from being constantly informed helps you refresh your mind and develop some hope in what seems like a very dark time in world history.

All of us deal with the stress of life in different ways - some become workaholics, others curl up into depression. The only sure thing is that we need to take care of whole beings - mind, body, and soul - if we are to have the fullest lives possible.