Life rules!

My last post was a re-posted of Dr. David Servan-Schreiber’s food rules. Today, his non-food rules, suggestions for living a more meaningful and happier life. Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., is the author of "Anticancer: A New Way of Life," who says the combination of both lists will help people avoid or slow down cancers. Here is the non-food list, in his own words:

NON FOOD RULES

1. Get physical: Make time to exercise, be it walking, dancing or running. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week. This can be as easy as just walking part of the way to the office, or the grocery store. A dog is often a better walking partner than an exercise buddy. Choose an activity you enjoy; if you're having fun, you're more likely to stick with it.

2. Let the sun shine in: Try to get at least 20 minutes of daily sun exposure (torso, arms and legs) without sunscreen, preferably at noon in the summer (but take care to avoid sunburns!). This will boost your body's natural production of Vitamin D. As an alternative: discuss the option of taking a Vitamin D3 supplement with your doctor.

3. Banish bad chemicals: Avoid exposure to common household contaminants. You should air our your dry-cleaning for two hours before storing or wearing it; use organic cleaning products (or wear gloves); don't heat liquids or food in hard plastics; avoid cosmetics with parabens and phthalates; don't use chemical pesticides in your house or garden; replace your scratched Teflon pans; filter your tap water (or used bottled water) if you live in a contaminated area; don't keep your cell phone close to you when it is turned on.

4. Reach out (and touch someone!): Reach out to at least two friends for support (logistical and emotional) during times of stress, even if it's through the Internet. But if they're within arms reach, go ahead and hug them, often!

5. Remember to breathe: Learn a basic breathing relaxation technique to let out some steam whenever you start to feel stressed.

6. Get involved: Find out how you can best give something back to your local community, then give it.

7. Cultivate happiness like a garden: Make sure you do one thing you love for yourself on most days (it doesn't have to take long!).

My goal for this week is No. 5 from Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s list: Learn a basic breathing relaxation technique to let out some steam whenever you start to feel stressed. I actually bought an Andrew Weil breathing technique CD a few years ago, and although enjoyed using it for a few weeks, life got in the way and it was put aside. I think it's time to dust if off. Now all I have to do is find it and start breathing.

And building on Clean Eating magazine’s list of "How to Eat and Live Clean," I am sharing another one of the mag’s 13 suggestions. This week: Reduce your carbon footprint. Clean Eating suggests eating produce that is seasonal and local, since it is less taxing on your wallet and on the environment.