"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should..." (1 Cor. 9:27 NIV)
In our daily Praise, is God calling you to be a better custodian of your body, which some refer to as your temple? Being still, we often hear a word that connects us with a higher power. As believers in the word, many have prayed for better health and the health of our loved ones and friends. What should we expect as we praise the Lord for everything? Most of us expect quick results. For some of us, if there are no immediate benefits, we move on to something else. The disciple Paul believed that once we are rooted in the principle of faith and belief in prayers, beautiful changes happen in us and those we pray for. The apostle Paul stresses, "Test yourselves and judge yourselves to find out whether you are living in faith" (Cor. 13:4). That's with everything, especially having faith and building a better and healthier body. When we choose our foodstuff,
there is a rhythm that the body produces that keeps all systems in order. The body responds like a good melody on a grand piano. Eating and having a balanced diet with various fruits, apples, berries, bananas, pineapples, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, squash, green peppers, and other fresh produce will assist and balance all body systems. Sirach said, "there is no greater treasure than a healthy body, no greater pleasure than a Joyful heart" (Sir. 30:15).
When we think of exercise, we think of it as a valuable lifestyle. In many ways, the lack of exercise may cause many diseases and illnesses. Moving daily for health is vital for all ages. Walking, cycling, tennis, running, swimming, and playing organized sports are good ways to maintain a healthier body. The body works more efficiently when it's being challenged. No matter how you choose to have fun, give a gift every day to your body, make the time for it, and lose yourself in the activity you enjoy the most.
When we hear "a good night sleep" is golden, it is true. Being able to sleep is another aspect of a healthy lifestyle. If we lack sleep, there is no way we can benefit from exercise. Many studies point to sleep as a necessary element for our body to heal. A good night's sleep is golden, worth millions to us all. We need a good night's sleep to help our system relax and repair itself. My day is chaotic if I don't sleep at least six hours a night. Rest has so many good natural remedies for our entire body. Close the curtain, turn off the television, stay away from those phones, and give yourself the gift of a good night's sleep.
Mental health affects how we feel, think, and act. Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and drug addiction are what some face every day. A healthy brain provides a healthy and vital mind free of instabilities. Mental health is one of the significant elements of a healthy lifestyle. Psychologically fit produces sound and good reason and judgment. However, the brain must be healthy for these processes to be valuable. The brain receives information through our senses of sight, hearing, feeling, taste, and smell. Therefore, this old slogan reminds me, "A healthy mind lives in a healthy body." More than anything, guard and protect your mind for life flows from it" (Pro. 4:23).
A healthier life reconnects us with what matters most; our families, communities, and this big, beautiful world we all share. God gave us a beautiful gift, the gift of life. God's gift is the most precious.
Author: Robin Willis is a native Washingtonian who received a B.A. in Health Education from the District of Columbia Teachers College. Willis has a Master's in Mental Health and Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia and graduated in 1989.