If you aren't much into calorie restriction in your pursuit of a long life, there are other practices you can adopt. Mark Liponis, M.D., says in his book Ultralongevity that the best way to live a long and healthy life is to have a healthy immune system. Translation: You want a quiet, peaceful immune system, not an overactive one. In the spirit of longevity, then, here are seven steps for soothing your system.

• Breathe. Yes, if you're reading this, you are in fact breathing. But are you doing it right? The goal is to calm your breathing to two breaths per minute or less. Learn how to master this step here.
  
  

• Eat. Eating is stressful to our immune systems. Germs, parasites, toxins, poisons, and other dangerous stuff gain access to our bodies when we eat. Grazing on healthy foods is the preferred eating pattern. More here.

• Sleep. Chances are, you're not getting enough sleep. Bad news, because any lack of quality sleep robs the immune system. Time to learn how to sleep effectively. Keep reading.
  
  

• Dance. The gym does a body good. So does dancing. There's something about rhythmic movement that is even better than random, non-rhythmic, even aerobic exercise, says Liponis. See what else he has to say here.
  
  

• Love. Love is some pretty good medicine. Give it a try after you read this.
  
  

• Soothe. When you feel stressed, so does your immune system. Massage, flowers, a hot bath, calm music -- they all soothe. Give them a try. Here's why.
  
  

• Enhance. Liponis is talking supplements here -- but only as an adjunct to the previous six steps. See what he recommends here.