I was recently asked whether homeopathy could heal a case of ME (chronic fatigue syndrome), and I think the person asking may have been surprised that I said no. In fact, of course, it’s not the homeopathy that does the healing, it’s the patients themselves – in my view, helped by the homeopathy, of course. It’s my belief that we’re all built to a self-healing blueprint, and as long as there’s enough vitality in the system, we can heal, balance and repair, given the right conditions. Homeopathy’s done wonders for me, and has helped me to manage the symptoms I’ve experienced since I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis back in 1995, but I’ve also taken a creative attitude towards staying as well as I can, and over the years have established what works for me.

These are ten of my own personal top tips for a healthy life, and principles I use when working with clients as a wellbeing coach – of course, many are startlingly obvious, but it’s amazing how easy it is to neglect even things we know we’d benefit from. Please remember that not all of these tips may be suitable for you, so do check with your homeopath or another healthcare professional before you make changes to your diet or lifestyle:

1. Drink pure still water (plenty, but not too much – about 1.5 litres a day is about right for most people). Water is what your body has evolved to run on, and in my view, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee and even the new flavoured waters just aren’t the same.

2. As much as you can (aim for 80% of the time), eat a natural, unprocessed, varied and wholefood diet. Many people feel well on a diet that’s close to what a very successful hunter-gatherer would have eaten, in the pre-farming days, with perhaps some extra wholegrains and plenty of good oils. This means game and other lean meats, fish (preferably small, oily fish like sardines, to avoid excess toxins found in larger fish), eggs, raw and unsalted nuts, raw seeds, sprouts, a wide array of fruits, salads and vegetables (berries are particularly good, as they’re full of antioxidants), and some grains like oats (good old-fashioned porridge for breakfast is cheap, warming in the winter, and is reputed to help lower cholesterol – a winning formula). Cold-pressed organic oils are a good addition to the diet (I take cold water fish oils and hemp oil).

3. If you have health problems, consider supplementing your conventional advice and treatment with an energy medicine like homeopathy or acupuncture, from a fully-qualified, experienced and insured practitioner. We don’t yet know for sure how homeopathy works, but in my experience, the right homeopathic remedy, given at the right time, seems to spark self-healing. If your body has gone off-track and you have troubling symptoms, it can be worthwhile taking the time with a homeopath to give attention to the underlying causes of your ill-health.

4. Work towards something that will give your life meaning. This is a very small sentence, but can be harder said than done. However, as the saying goes, “if you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life” (because your job won’t seem like work).

5. Establish connections to your local community: humans are largely tribal creatures, so you’re likely to feel happier (and therefore more well) if you feel part of a community. When I was recovering from my first, and most serious, attack of multiple sclerosis, I started volunteering for a local charity, and I’m sure that feeling useful and part of a group really helped me.

6. Remember to laugh regularly (and if necessary rent a funny DVD or video to make sure that you do laugh).

7. Keep in touch with a small circle of good friends: studies have shown that a strong network of friends makes us more likely to live longer.

8. Move your body to the best of your ability. If you can run, swim or cycle, do so. Even if you can’t do these things, move as much as you can: human beings evolved to be active, not to drive around at high speed in little tin boxes!

9. Take time out from the rat-race for yourself, ideally in the surroundings of nature: research has shown that regular “green walks” in the countryside can reduce depression.

10. Establish some sort of spiritual practice, whatever your religion, or even if you have none. I’m not a Buddhist, but I’ve found Buddhist practices like mindfulness and meditation help me to unwind and develop a strong inner life.

Your own personal tools for maintaining your health and happiness may well be different to mine, but are still well worth thinking about. After all, if you have a car, you probably devote at least some thought, time and money towards keeping it in good repair, and you certainly refuel it with the right fuel. Don’t you deserve the same?

For more information about how homeopathy may be able to help you to improve your health and wellbeing, visit www.phoenixhomeopathy.com.

Disclaimer: Any views or advice in this weblog should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Prescribed medication should not be stopped or varied without conventional medical advice. Please remember that homeopathic remedies and other health measures should be individually-selected to match the whole person, not just the unwelcome symptom. Seek professional advice rather than self-prescribing if your complaint is chronic, severe or long-standing, or if you are pregnant, elderly or on orthodox medications.