Secrets to Living Well

The following article is from CNN

(CNN) -- We asked readers to share their secrets for living well and received many wonderful tales. Whether it's using your mind to cure what ails you or just making sure to laugh and smile -- you'll find some ideas that might help see you through the decades. Here is a sampling of responses, some of which have been edited for clarity and length.

Mind over body

I always use my mind to control my body. I have had AIDS since November 1993. I always picture in my mind a scene of me running a marathon or climbing a high mountain. I figure if you can give yourself a heart attack with worry and stress then you must be able to reverse it also using the same mind. Your life and health is a reflection of what you are thinking, including the subconscious mind. So always think positive thoughts of a healthy life and almost by magic your body will respond accordingly. Try it! What have you got to lose except some hefty medical bills!
Jerry Avila, Dallas, Texas

Live and let live. Disapproving of the choices that others make will drain your vitality. Develop friendships with kind, fun-loving people of all ages. Rescue stray animals. Go out of your way to be kind to other humans. Making life easier for others will make your life richer and more meaningful.
Teresa Thomason, Athens, Georgia

I'm 56 and look and feel like I'm in my mid-40s. My secret, I believe, is good genes for one, drink lots of water, exercise and think young. That doesn't necessarily mean dress inappropriately for your age, but to keep your mind active, stay in tune to what is going on in the world and try to stay as "flexible" as possible in mind and body.
HB, Oceanside, California

I'm 84 and can't believe it. I sustained a spinal cord injury in 1989 and, while I lost mobility, I gained insight into what's important in life. My appreciation of my mental acumen and to appreciate the physical functions I still have. Family and good friends loom very big, AND MY COMPUTER.
Beatrice Rosenberg, Shrewsbury, New Jersey
All things in balance

Life is like a seesaw: when one end is weighted down with negative circumstances, it must be balanced with happiness. Do whatever it is that brings you joy. I write, read, and, at the moment, sew quilts. The many colors and the creative high it gives me is a good balance for whatever negatives life may bring me.
Johanna Brewer, Sherman, Texas

Fad diets are never the way to go in order to maintain a healthy weight and overall health. All types of food and even desserts in moderation are the only way to go. After all, a little fat in the diet helps people digest meals better. It's the way our bodies were intended to be run. Exercise should be fun and rewarding as well as a good stress reliever. But above all, a positive mental attitude, enthusiasm, and perseverance in everything you do are the key to good health and a good life!
Alison Hall, McLean, Virginia

I think to live well we must have balance in our lives. Positive energy should be created from faith, daily self-introspection, and good nutritional and fitness habits. Practiced on a daily basis, we can continue to feel good about ourselves; thus giving us zeal to live a long, healthy life.
John Harrison, Scranton, Pennsylvania

Avoiding stress
The secret is to get up early, do some form of exercise, running preferred, and free your life of stress...stress is the killer. And stay away from Big Macs and Whoppers.
Stephen Swafford, North Lauderdale, Florida

In our pursuit to find the answers to all our problems in science we forget that a lot of things are, in fact, in our control.
I was suffering from a stomach ailment for a very long time and the high flying doctor that I used to consult put me on all kinds of medicines for a year. Finally I got fed up and consulted another doctor, who ran a couple of tests and said that there was no way medicines could solve my problems and asked me to work on ways to reduce stress. Over a period of time I worked on reducing my stress levels and noticed that it did make a difference.
Sinosh Nair, Mumbai, India
Just good advice

-Walk instead of driving.

-Take the stairs instead of the escalator.

-Drink tea instead of coffee.

-Drink wine instead of beer.

-Stretch while waiting in line.
Kathleen, Montreal, Quebec

An enjoyable job, a loving wife and weekly sex.
John Percival, Phoenix, Arizona

Never smoke. Drink only moderately. Keep working, read as much as you can. Laugh a lot, and don't take yourself so seriously. Make young friends and marry a younger man!! He'll keep you in shape, one way or another!!
F. Pollard, Peoria, Illinois

Water is the key

I haven't been sick in years and I believe it's due to the fact that I drink more water. Drink plain water -- not sodas, sweet juices or flavored drinks -- just plain water. Not very many people know that when you are thirsty, that is the point you are dehydrated. You should never feel thirst to stay healthy. I've been doing it for years and now am proud to say I've avoided getting colds, the flu or other illness at my ripe old age of 52. If you drink coffee, make sure you drink a glass of water before and another one about one hour later.
Ana Calderon, Montebello, California

Keeping a good sense of humor

I walk three miles almost every day on gently rolling slopes in my neighborhood with a group of friends who have a terrific sense of humor. Besides the humor, we counsel one another and gossip. It's called Walk Talk and nothing leaves the walk. It takes about an hour and then we disperse for the day. I wouldn't miss the camaraderie for anything. Lucille, Wimberley, Texas

My secret for a healthier and happy life is to not take life so seriously. Try to stay in a relaxed and happy mood. Smile and laugh as much as you can. Trust me, it will work!
Adriana Ramirez, Rosemead, California

My advice for living well is to laugh often (deep belly laughs)! Engage in regular exercise that is enjoyable, not tedious (I bike, rollerblade, ski, do yoga, and spin class) at least 5-6 days a week. Eat well, but in moderation. Learn something new whenever you can. Travel and see the world. Have at least one cat. Stay out of the sun and take your vitamins. Have a few good friends that you can talk about anything with. Love your children and your partner with your whole heart.
Susan Miller, Warwick, New York

I don't sleep for two or three days straight and instead read hundreds of pages of law casebooks. Then, instead of walking every day, I drive four blocks to the law building, where I drink a cup of coffee and have Pop-Tarts (which are highly valued for their antioxidant qualities). Then...oh, wait. Did you say, "living well?" I'm a 27-year-old law student. I don't know anything about living well. Sorry to bother everyone. Carry on.
Tyler, Iowa City, Iowa