This article is by Mark Victor Hansen (source: Your Achievement Ezine)

To achieve a balance of body, mind and spirit, we must look at each individually and give each an equal amount of time and concentration. If our bodies need more of our time we become sick or have aches and pains. Our minds let us know we need to focus on them when we can't concentrate or become emotionally distraught. If our spirits are ignored we feel as if we're separated from the world and our Infinite Intelligence – we don't feel connected to anyone or anything and there is a sense of hopelessness. Your life will always let you know if the elements are out of balance.

Physical
To create a healthy body we first need to decide what we consider healthy. It's an individual preference. Maybe for you have well-defined muscles and a low fat percentage is healthy. Others may want to have incredible flexibility and eat a vegetarian diet. Still, others may have unhealthy habits, such as smoking or excess drinking they need to address. It all depends on what each individual deems as healthy.

There are two things that everyone needs to decide upon: exercise and nutrition. We all need to exercise in some way every day. Our bodies need movement and action. If you love to take walks, then take a long walk in the morning with a friend or loved one, or go for a nice walk in the evenings with your dog(s). If the gym is more to your liking - join a local one and make it part of your routine to go there every day. If you're new to exercise or your legs or arms don't function too well, start moving the parts that do work – grab a few light weights and do as much as you can.

No diet works the same for everyone. While some may thrive on a vegan diet, others may be drained of all energy. It all depends on the individual. Get to know your body. If you eat a low carbohydrate diet for a week and feel great, then that's what you should implement as your nutrition plan. If you feel lousy and snap at everyone in your home and office, you'll need to try something else. Personal experience is the best way to discover how your body works best.

Make sure you talk to your physician and ask what the right exercise and nutrition plan is for you.

Mind
Our minds need to be fed just like our bodies. Filling our heads with junk won't inspire us or keep our minds in tip-top shape. The best way I know of doing this is by reading and listening to motivational CDs on a daily basis.

Try to read one book a week. Choose all different genres of books, written by people from all walks of life. Peruse bookstores and look for covers that catch your eye. Reading keeps your mind active and your energy flowing. Recommend books that inspire you to friends, family and co-workers.

The same applies to motivational CDs. There are many wonderful CDs to listen to. Pick a favorite speaker/mentor and listen to everything they've recorded – and not just once. Listen to them over and over until you really believe what they are saying. Once you're finished choose another. Keep going until it is impossible for you to have a negative thought, or you're able to replace them immediately with a positive one.

Spirit
We are all spiritual beings – beings with souls. When we stay in touch with our spirituality we become energized and one with the universe. We feel connected, that we are not alone. We feel whole.

There are many ways to focus on our spirituality. Most of them involve getting quiet. Easy things like walking through a field of flowers or on the beach, watching the stars at night, playing with our pets, meditating for a few minutes every morning, and praying. We each have our preferences when it comes to creating a realm of peace to get in touch with our spirituality. Experiment with these until you find your own.

If we act right and treat ourselves and others right, our right results are guaranteed. - Mark Victor Hansen