Essentials for Wellness

I originally wrote this way back in 2005 for the e-zine I published for many years, THE CROSSROADS JOURNAL.  (E-zines, short for 'electronic magazines,' were the forerunners of blogs!)  As I update these thoughts today, I'm feeling a bit convicted of some changes that I need to consider. 

You, too?

Linda

#1.  NOURISHMENT
Check out your kitchen cabinets and the fridge. Lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, bottled water and juices? Or piles of processed foods and bags of junk food that raise your cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight? No wonder we're so lethargic! If you don't bring the junk food into the house, you and your family are much less likely to eat it. Add 6-8 glasses of water each day to hydrate your system.

#2.  EXERCISE

You don't need to purchase an expensive membership at the health club or spends lots of money on equipment that will end up becoming a clothes rack.  Get yourself some decent walking shoes and hit the road, the track, or the park.  15-20 minutes a day, three days a week is a good start.

#3.  SLEEP
Most adults need 8 hours a night. Many of us exist on 4-6. (The key word there is "exist.") If you want to thrive, you need deep restorative sleep that will re-energize your body - on a daily basis, not just the weekend. Simply turn off the TV - and go to bed.

#4. MEDICAL CARE
When was the last time you had a full physical exam? Been to the dentist this year? Had your meds re-evaluated recently? Scheduled those tests and procedures that should have been taken care of months ago? Go ahead and make the calls you need to make and line those appointments up - for you and the ones you care for.

#5.  GET A LIFE

More and more of us have few interests beyond the technology around us ... bigger screens, updated computers, techno-toys.  When was the last time you checked books out of the library?  Considered painting, gardening, hiking, photography, skating, scrapbooking, volunteer work, joining a team?  Is this the time to go back to school?  Or are you hearing God's call for you to minister to others?  Get off the couch and do something!

#6.  PEOPLE
Who builds you up, encourages you, strengthens you?  Who's fun, lifts your spirits, makes you want to be a better person?  Give them a call and make plans to get together.  Laughter provides renewed energy and perspective to life.  Sitting around waiting for someone to call you?  You will, most likely, be disappointed.

#7.  SPIRITUAL LIFE

Interaction with God is the foundation for all healthy, balanced living.  Time meditating on the truths of His Word, praying, and journaling gives insight, perspective, correction, comfort, guidance, and wisdom.  When's your best time of day?  Reserve a portion of that for interaction with Him.

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health
and that all may go well with you,
even as your soul is getting along well"

- 3 John 2.