Fitness: The 3rd Essential YOU Need to Flourish!
What does FITNESS mean? Is it simply making sure your body gets a workout? Lifting weights? Walking miles without your hips, knees, or feet threatening to give out? Well, yes. But Fitness is much more.
FITNESS refers to our overall health and well-being: Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally. If we want to FLOURISH, we need to take care of all three.
I try to work out at a gym three times a week. As a long-term diabetic, I know I need to do this even if I don’t want to! I also know that stewing over something that upsets me isn’t mentally or emotionally healthy!
No one’s life is always smooth and easy—but God has made it possible for us to FLOURISH as we deepen our FAITH, prioritize supportive FRIENDSHIPS, and improve the FITNESS of our bodies, minds, and emotions.
Are you wondering how to do this? Here are some basic ways you can increase your wellbeing. The more you practice them, the more you’ll Flourish!
Your body is a gift. And God has given you the responsibility to treasure and take care of it.
Information about how to flourish physically is everywhere. It can be overwhelming, but have you ever thought about WHY you need to take care of your body? Because, despite replacement parts, it’s the only one you will ever have.
What’s needed for your body to flourish? Here are some small habits that make a big difference as you age:
FITNESS refers to our overall health and well-being: Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally. If we want to FLOURISH, we need to take care of all three.
I try to work out at a gym three times a week. As a long-term diabetic, I know I need to do this even if I don’t want to! I also know that stewing over something that upsets me isn’t mentally or emotionally healthy!
No one’s life is always smooth and easy—but God has made it possible for us to FLOURISH as we deepen our FAITH, prioritize supportive FRIENDSHIPS, and improve the FITNESS of our bodies, minds, and emotions.
Are you wondering how to do this? Here are some basic ways you can increase your wellbeing. The more you practice them, the more you’ll Flourish!
- Take Care of Your Body
Your body is a gift. And God has given you the responsibility to treasure and take care of it.
Information about how to flourish physically is everywhere. It can be overwhelming, but have you ever thought about WHY you need to take care of your body? Because, despite replacement parts, it’s the only one you will ever have.
What’s needed for your body to flourish? Here are some small habits that make a big difference as you age:
- Regular exercise: move your body—walk, stretch, lift, whatever works for you.
- Get your blood pressure checked—and other parts of your body as you age!
- See your dentist regularly and don’t forget to floss!
- Eat healthy food: plenty of vegetables, fruits, and protein but: don’t over-eat.
- Get adequate sleep. Just as exercise and nutrition are known factors for good health, research shows the importance of at least 7-8 hours’ sleep each night for the brain to function well.
- Take Care of Your Mind
God has given you a brain! An ability to learn, to think, to reason, to understand and make decisions that reflect His will for your life. You flourish when you value and use the mind God gave you. How can you do this? Here are three attitudes and actions that lead to flourishing:
EXPAND YOUR LIFE
Look at your life and ask yourself, “Am I living in a rut? A pattern that is without stimulation, excitement, growth or fulfillment? Am I challenging myself to learn something new? Or am I settling for something that smothers me or dulls God’s voice?"
EXPLORE
Refuse to stagnate mentally by beginning to seek God’s direction for how your mind and abilities can serve His purposes. Note what interests you, what dream or longing He has implanted in you. Explore what this might look like. Take a few steps forward, make inquiries, and let God stretch you.
EMBRACE
Growth comes through risk taking. If you refuse to risk and attempt the new, life shrinks into a shadow of what it could be. Trying new things can feel scary—but that’s how you grow and flourish.
For help in finding your passion and how God has shaped you to serve Him, check out my book: “Go for It—Make Your Life Count for God.”
Available here: https://www.amazon.com/Go-Make-Your-Life-Count/dp/1944430644
- Pay Attention to Your Emotions
Happy occasions can flood us with excitement and joy. But painful situations can produce emotions that bring discouragement, depression, ruined relationships and even suicidal thoughts.
Taking care of your emotional health requires the same honesty that King David expressed so fully in the Psalms (34:1-10; 40:1-5; 42) Instead of ignoring, hiding, burying, or minimizing your feelings, get curious:
Notice what stresses you:
- Is it a new season of life?
- Health issues?
- Family conflict?
- New work or ministry responsibilities?
- What’s stressing me out? Be honest with yourself and God.
- How is it affecting me? Be specific: What is the physical impact? The emotional toll? The spiritual fall out?
- How is my reaction to this stress affecting people around me?
- Ask yourself: What’s behind why I’m responding like this? What other choices can I make?
- Is there someone I trust and can talk to who will help me start flourishing?
Flourishing, thriving, having a sense of joy and wellbeing don’t suddenly descend, it comes as you say, “Yes, Lord, draw me closer, fill me with your Spirit, and help me act on what You are saying to me.”
Will you do that?
Blessings,
Poppy
Scripture links:
Psalm 139:14
Romans 12:2
Psalms 34:1-10; 40:1-5; 42
Go for It—Make Your Life Count for God available here: https://www.amazon.com/Go-Make-Your-Life-Count/dp/1944430644