When it comes to improving our health, we tend to focus on the state of our bodies. But it turns out that the other domains of health and fitness — mental, emotional, social, spiritual — are just as important.

Actively developing skills and awareness in all these areas can have a huge, positive effect on our current health status, and on our ability to change our bodies and lives for the better.

That's because at a cellular and neurological level, our bodies are constantly responding to our daily experiences, interactions and state of mind.

Research has shown, for example, that our risks of heart disease are influenced by emotional stress; that the quality of our thoughts affects our immunity; that having good social support radically improves both our health and our life expectancy.

Research has also shown us that learning to appreciate positive experiences, rather than focusing on negative ones, has the power to transform the quality of our lives.

By examining our own thoughts, feelings and beliefs, we're able to make more informed, conscious choices. By developing our stores of personal wisdom, we become more empowered to pursue lives of purpose and meaning. All of which gives us a much better shot at becoming our healthiest and happiest selves.