"Body, mind and spirit is the tripod of life," says Charak in his ancient Ayurvedic medicine text.

We need to nurture and nourish each component of our being if we wish to keep a happy, healthy balance of energy and fitness.

One common example is back pain. Recent research and my own observation in my medical practice show that back pain can be precipitated and aggravated by stress and anxiety. Irritable bowel is also stress-related.

When you are under stress, your digestion is poor and you get bloating of the abdomen and acid heartburn. The bowel goes into spasm and causes intermittent colic.

The mind and spirit are independent in every situation in life. Working long hours, for example, without having fun can destroy your motivation and enthusiasm.

It can dampen your spirit. You start getting headaches and suffer other aches and pains. This is an indication of how each aspect of our being requires nurturing.

Good time management at work and in the rest of our lives can help maintain a positive balance of energy and enthusiasm.

Regularly enjoying a bit of fun helps keep up the spirits.

Living in a state of constant conflict is not healthy. It is important to address issues as they arise and resolve them quickly.

As many philosophers have pointed out, life is for living. The past is not real so let it go. This moment is real so live it happily and to the full.

We need to laugh more every day. Laughter is the best medicine. It produces happy molecules in the brain called endorphins which reduce our perception of pain and suffering and lift our mood.

A doctor in Bombay, India, has pioneered the concept of laughter clubs where people meet every day, look into each other's eyes and just start laughing.

You do not need a reason to laugh. Look at children, they are naturally joyous and forgive and forget easily.

A happy soul is a healthy body. Why not try to be happy? Even in tragic moments, we can pray to the creator to give us strength and equanimity and restore peace in our hearts.

As we do not know what the future holds for us, the only thing we can do is enjoy our efforts at building a happy future for ourselves and our loved ones.

In their wisdom, philosophers advise us not to worry about outcomes but to celebrate our achievements and enjoy our efforts.

Maybe this attitude will help us keep a healthy, happy balance in our lives.

Dr Milind Jani works as a conventional and
holistic GP and Dr Asmita Jani as Ayurvedic Consultant from 3 Eaton Gardens, Hove.

Call them on: 01273 777448 or email: milind.jani@ntlworld.com