Nov 30, 2022

Decide To Try

A few Simple Things to Enrich Our Health

Add more steps to our day. According to research, the average American sits much too often. The recommended goal is 10,000 steps daily to boost our heart, mental and physical health. We can do little things like parking at the end of the parking lot and walking a few extra steps. Not only does it improve our health, it’s also likely to protect our vehicles from other drivers who routinely are rushing and may accidently swing car doors open causing damage to adjacent vehicles. Other possible activities may include jumping jacks, walking in place, taking stairs instead of the elevator or escalator even if it’s only one or two floors. We can push ourselves to do just a little more!
Secondly, we can take a few minutes each day just for us. Let’s get away from social media, get away from inside or outside work, from entertainment, and anyone who requires anything from us for just a few minutes. Yes, God should always be our priority! Can we find a few minutes each day to bask in HIS glory and take time JUST for us -just for us? We are God’s anointed vessels. He wants to care for us AND we can’t care for others until we’ve cared for ourselves! No, it’s NOT selfish it’s being God centered!
We all know that we need sleep in order to be productive. Even God rested. Rest time is when our bodies are mostly recovering and healing. 7 to 9 hours per night is the recommendation for focus, energy, and even-temper. Sleep helps to reduce our stress hormones, prevents overeating, sugar cravings, inflammation, AND mood swings. Getting the proper amount of sleep is vitally essential!
We hear it over and over again. Water has so many benefits. It flushes out toxins from our bodies, keeps our muscles from fatigue, regulates our bowels, and refreshes our bodies’ largest organ, the skin. A reusable water bottle can be our best friend during anytime day or night.
Deep breathing and positive energy can help us cope with anxiety and stress. 1 or 2 minutes of breathing can help center us. During deep breathing we eliminate distractions, release negative thoughts, improve our self-awareness, and calm our racing minds. The more we practice deep breathing; the easier it becomes.
Without a doubt, our spirits are lifted when we feel good about ourselves. So, when we make it a point to wear something that makes us feel great, we are more excited and more confident. When we dress for ourselves, we’re dressing for others without even trying. Wearing something that makes us feel fantastic sends out warm and confidence vibes to others which makes them feel good also.
Even if healthy meals are not the norm, we can purpose to have at least 1 healthy meal or snack every day. Adding a banana to our fruit bowl, or an additional vegetable to our chicken caesar salad like asparagus or celery are two excellent choices. We can be healthier when we use our power to make a few minor changes.
In the words of one author, “Figuring out what's going to help you feel the most balanced, and the least stressed, is the best way to get on top of your physical and mental health." We need to listen to our bodies and our emotions. Do we really need that 2nd bag of chips, or is our body telling us that we need a TALL glass of water instead? When we’re feeling exhausted, is it time to decline another project? Or when we’re feeling distant from others, is it time to reach out to a close friend or family member for some special social time? Let’s stop ignoring our instincts and feelings that God instilled in us. We are His chosen vessels designed for His Divine purpose; therefore, we must GROW in the newness of life.
Leatha Foreman 11/30/22