Wise precautions may be taken by a careful student. Another reason that may bring about illness of the body and cause disturbance of the mind is suppression of desires. We had an in-depth analysis of these desires already, what kind of desires there are, how we can handle them, why they arise, what their nature is, etc. One can substitute a desire with something better, or sublimate it by God-thought, satsanga , etc., as one would deem proper. Physical illness should be avoided.
Nothing can be worse than falling sick, having a headache, fever and lying down on the bed all day.
Some element of hygiene, cleanliness and neatness in dress, diet, occupation, etc., are to be taken notice of. There is another difficulty sometimes that will present itself. You may feel dull and lethargic. With such determination you come and gird up your loins. For several months you go on doing meditation with great feeling in the mind.