BODY & HEALTH

As stewards of the temple of our bodies, it is our duty to prioritize our health and well-being. By taking care of our physical health, we are fulfilling the biblical principle of self-care and showing reverence for the gifts God has given us. Embracing a lifestyle of wellness and fitness not only strengthens our bodies, but also enhances our spiritual and emotional well-being, enabling us to live our best lives with purpose and intention. According to the Bible: 

As a key component in striving for a fulfilling life, taking care of the body, health, and mind is essential. Optimal physical functioning is achieved through incorporating regular fitness and healthy lifestyle practices into your daily routine. By prioritizing the body, mind, and spirit, you ensure the trifecta is in balance and contributing to your overall well-being.

*Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician.

FITNESS

AGILITY

It is all too common for some women to lead sedentary lifestyles, spending long hours sitting at a desk, and limiting our mobility, flexibility, and agility. But, waking up with aches and pains can bring down our mood and outlook on life. To combat this, we need to make simple, daily changes like walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, or parking a bit further away from the grocery store. Regular, 15-30 minute walking sessions, and 10 minutes of stretching each day, can greatly improve our flexibility and keep our ligaments limber. By incorporating daily fitness into our routine, we increase our agility and improve our overall well-being.

LONGEVITY

As modern medicine has confirmed, our bodies are capable of a long lifespan, with a minimum potential of 110 years. Yet, the reality is that the average person passes away before reaching their 82nd birthday. This is due to unhealthy diets, lifestyle choices, and negative mentalities. However, by making a conscious effort to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise, you can significantly increase the potential for a longer and healthier life. Adopting healthier habits and maintaining them is the key to unlocking your full potential for longevity.

SELF CARE

As women, taking care of ourselves is paramount to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Self-care is a critical component of a well-rounded lifestyle, encompassing everything from physical fitness to personal grooming. Self-care consists of some of the following:

• Fitness - Daily exercise routine
• Pampering - Facials/Massages/Mani & Pedi 
• Daily Hygiene - Keeping clean teeth, fixing your hair, keeping your nails and toes clean and cute (If you cannot afford these luxuries...you can always pamper yourself at home)
• Appearance - Wearing nice clothes and shoes (Doesn't have to be expensive just pull yourself together and look cute)

Presenting a polished appearance plays a role in boosting our confidence and radiance from within. Remember, self-care doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Minor adjustments in your daily routine can have a profound effect on your overall well-being and how you project yourself to those around you.

HEALTH

The maintenance of good health is a priority when it comes to taking care of your body. It is not inevitable to experience pain and hardship in life. To live life to the fullest and intentionally, it is crucial to be mindful of what you consume and engage in practices that promote physical well-being. Making positive changes to your lifestyle is a key factor in preserving health. Imbalanced health can affect not only the body but also the mind and spirit. However, for those who have conditions beyond their control, it is important to adhere to medical guidance and cultivate a positive outlook through prayer and mental fortitude.

WELLNESS VS DIETING

When it comes to weight management, temporary solutions such as fad diets may provide short-term results, but they are not sustainable in the long run. The reality is, the lifestyles many of us lead do not support a healthy weight, which is why it is crucial to adopt a healthy and balanced eating approach as a lifestyle, rather than just a temporary solution. Wellness should be a way of life, not just a momentary endeavor.

When it comes to adopting a healthy eating lifestyle, it's important to make informed choices and set boundaries for yourself. This includes some of the following:

• Limiting or eliminating alcohol and tobacco products
• Selecting a dietary plan that aligns with your values and beliefs such as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, etc.
  
• Monitoring daily calorie intake
• Incorporating more whole and nutritious foods into your diet and reducing your intake of unhealthy fats, processed foods, high sodium and sugar
• Hydration is also key and it is recommended to aim for drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water per day to support optimal organ function 

THE HEALING POTENTIAL OF YOUR BODY

It's a fact that our bodies possess the ability to heal themselves. In the pursuit of balance and homeostasis, our bodies work to repair themselves, even in the face of diagnoses or negative perceptions. However, in cases of damage to certain organs, such as from excessive alcohol consumption, medical intervention may be necessary. For those seeking alternative methods, various therapies and natural remedies such as hypnotherapy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, stretch therapy, and essential oils, have been proven to be both effective and scientifically sound.

As always, consult with your physician before trying any form of alternative medicine. Remember, let's stay healthy and fit so that we can always be ready for anything that life throws our way!

Contributing Writer: Valerie Flowers

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