Last Friday, we introduced the concept of balance. Throughout our lives, our bodies continually try to bring us back to a state of balance. But our activities, emotions, and stressors continually throw us out of whack. What we experience on the physical level—aches, pains, disease, etc. exists first on the energetic level. We know that E=mc²—Energy and mass are interchangeable. With a balanced lifestyle and even emotions, our physical discomforts can resolve. The secret is in Qigong, and how we live our daily lives.

We are presented with choices every day. If we understand what will benefit us, we can make choices to enhance our health. At a deep level of reality, all living things operate under certain natural laws. Following these laws helps us form a foundation of wellness and balance in our lives. Here are five lifestyle choices the ancients in China tuned into. These tips will help your body recall its own natural healing.

1. Qigong Practice

When anything is sitting in the same place for too long, it gets stiff and stagnant. Through Qigong, or energy practice, we move the body’s Qi to create flow. Your body is about 70 percent water, so soft, slow, water-like forms of movement are the best forms of exercise. Through a consistent and steady Qigong practice, you can increase and balance your Qi. Slowly walking in Nature is another way to allow your body to connect with and receive the healing Qi of the Natural world.

2. Eating for Healing

We eat three meals a day, so eating is the easiest way to make an impact. Balanced eating, or eating for healing, is all about following the seasons. When you eat in harmony with the specific time of year, not only do you eat foods that are available locally, you eat in a way that supports the health of your internal Qi. Food is a powerful tool to create wellness. The Stomach “prefers” warm foods and drinks, especially in the morning. Ice cold drinks, dairy, and raw vegetables can actually unbalance the function of this key digestive organ.

3. Take a Break

Finding balance between work and rest is important to your overall health. Start your work day with the following two-minute meditation: Sit at your desk and simply close your eyes. Breathe in and notice your body relaxing. As you breathe out, allow yourself to release problems, emotions or physical sensations. Return to a calm state via short meditation breaks throughout your day.

4. Early to Bed

Did you know? You expend nearly twice the energy when awake after midnight than you do during the day? Your body has an internal rhythm, and your energy moves deep into your organs during the night, rejuvenating and healing them. So be sure to get your zzz’s!

5. Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Emotions play a large role in your overall wellness. They are the actions of your mind and the manifestation of your consciousness. While emotions are a natural part of life, they need to flow! Emotions are often the energy behind many physical problems.

One traditional healing exercise is called “Smiling from the Heart.” Face a mirror and smile—a real smile from your heart. That’s it! Your Heart is home to your Spirit, and your face reflects this aspect of your soul. This practice promotes the flow of Qi and blood throughout your entire body.