7 Keys to Christian Health

Christian health is about having a strong relationship with God and about keeping your body and mind in the best possible shape. This article provides an overview of the most important elements to improving your health, both physically and spiritually, as a Christian.

1.   Pray. Your relationship with God is the most important element of your health and wellness. To maintain and improve your health, you must maintain and improve your relationship with God. This is primarily accomplished through prayer. Pray to God regularly and sincerely, expressing your gratitude for the many blessings in your life, and seeking the wisdom and strength to face adversity and to make needed changes in your life. Prayer can also be especially valuable in making other health improvements, such as eating better, exercising more, and dealing with temptation. Read more about prayer for health here.

2.   Exercise. Physical exercise is essential to taking good care of your body, and it is an easily overlooked element of Christian health. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and you should honor God by keeping that temple in the best possible shape. There are many possible benefits to regular exercise – lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, a stronger immune system, improved circulation, improved digestion, and lower stress, to name just a few. Exercise can also help you to have more energy and look and feel better. If you do not get much exercise currently, start with this article on Christian fitness. If you already get some exercise, here is a discussion about increasing your level of activity.

3.   Eat Less. Overeating is an extremely common problem, and not just for people who are overweight. Moderation – not eating too much – is central to maintaining good health (and to losing weight, if that is a goal of yours). It is important to learn how much you should eat in a day, based on your own specific factors. Then you must learn about appropriate portion sizes, so that you can be mindful about how much you are eating throughout your day. Use this article on practicing moderation as your starting point.

4.   Eat Better. In addition to making sure you eat the right quantity, you also need to be sure to eat foods that are the right quality. You could spend a lifetime studying various approaches to diet and nutrition – the amount of information out there can be paralyzing. Fortunately, you don’t need to become an expert. You simply need to understand the basics of nutrition. With a little advance planning, it is not hard to make sure that your meals are nutritious as well as delicious. This article will tell you most of what you need to know.

5.   Conquer Temptation. A healthy lifestyle requires consistency, but temptation needs only a few unguarded moments to derail your efforts. Temptation is especially dangerous when it comes to eating well and getting enough exercise. But remember that God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. You should learn to recognize and resist temptation before you have succumbed to it. As you battle temptation, however, be sure to forgive yourself if you do make a mistake.

6.   Nurture Relationships. One of the surest ways to happiness is to have positive relationships in your life. You should make every effort to nurture relationships with your friends, spouse, family, co-workers, and church and other community members. Don’t take these people for granted – make time to relax, laugh, and play with those you love. And as mentioned above, also be sure to nurture your relationship with God through frequent prayer. Finally, if you are trying to diet or start a new exercise program, it can be valuable to undertake those efforts with a few well-chosen friends or family members.

7.   Rest. There is no question that sleep and rest are central to your health and wellness. Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to serious health problems, and being in constant “go” mode every day can dull your senses and skills. Make it a priority to get enough sleep, on a regular basis, and you will enjoy more energy and alertness during the day, which will make you happier and more productive. Also, make it a priority to take a bit of time off each week, even if only for a few hours. This will reduce your stress level, improve your outlook, and restore your creative problem-solving abilities. Read more about the importance of sleeping and resting to rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to Christian health!