What do you do if you are ill? First you might rest and listen to what your body is telling you through its symptoms. Sometimes it takes a little time for an illness to declare itself or reveal what it is. But if you think you have a life-threatening illness or know you suffer from a chronic illness, you will want to see your doctor. You have to take care of yourself, do whatever you can, and seek professional help if necessary.

According to the principles of the Law of Attraction, the key to a long and healthy life lies in what you believe about yourself. According to some scientific studies and cultural beliefs, lifestyle choices and genetic factors are not the only indicators for longevity and health. Your dad may have lived to see his hundredth birthday or perhaps your mother died of breast cancer in her early forties, but that does not mean that you will have the same fate.

Here are some ways to get healthy: Eat right, get plenty of rest, quit smoking, and follow your doctor's advice before undertaking an exercise regimen. But also remember the healing power of the mind. Your optimistic outlook, positive thinking, and reduction of stress should make up part of a regular regimen for becoming healthy and staying that way.

Martin Seligman, who investigates positive thinking and optimism at the University of Pennsylvania, noted in an October 2007 Newsweek article that optimistic people may be inspired to take better care of themselves because they believe that their self-care efforts result in good health. Seligman also stated that optimists are inclined to build better social networks than pessimists, a factor associated with longevity.