The Importance of Well-Being

It's not much good to be an ardent student of the occult, or of any spiritual practice or endeavor, if your life is a mess. These are some of the things I have learned at the school of hard-knocks:

1. Life is not a party. It's important to keep regular hours most of the time, and to get plenty of sleep. The old adage about burning a candle at both ends is true.
2. Your body is an engine, and it runs on food. What you put into your body has a lot of influence on your well-being. Stay away from junk foods, high cholesterol, etc. Drink lots of water. Keep sugars intake low. Snack on raw nuts, carrots, etc. Don't over-eat.
3. If you don't use it, you lose it - exercise is important. You shouldn't exercise to the point where it's like beating up your body, though. Simple walking is under-appreciated. If nothing else, take the stairs whenever you can, and don't look for the closest parking spot.
4. Too much excitement is not a good thing. The brain/mind needs periods of tranquilty to restore its natural balance. Don't fill up any empty moments with the radio or tv. Meditating 5 minutes a day is better than an hour a week.
5. Relationships are important, probably one of the central keys to well being. Good company will encourage you in good ways. (But don't look for magickal companions, the stress is too great.)