Hello again! I hope you have started the process of living healthy from last week’s blog. I want to continue with some more tips this week.

Remember: you only have to make a small change to create a lasting impact on your life!

Action Plan

1. Understand stress. If you hold something heavy for a long period of time, you will eventually hurt. This same principle applies to stress. We just can’t hold it day in and day out. So each day, before you go to sleep, put all your burdens down and give them to the Lord.

2. For those who drink. Know what “one drink” looks like so you don’t consume too much. Make sure you are eating food if you are drinking. Don’t downplay the many risks alcohol can cause for your health and your life.

3. Power down before bed. Turn off your laptop, cell phone, iPad, e-reader and all things electronic that keep you alert and awake. According to the latest National Sleep Foundation poll, about 40% of Americans say they use their cells in bed – mostly to text; lots more people surf the Web, update Facebook and catch up on e-mail within an hour before going to bed. It will make it harder for you to fall to sleep. Instead, read a book, take a warm bath or shower or listen to soothing music.

4. Get enough sleep. Most people have a really hard time falling asleep (see the item above), staying asleep and/or waking up. But sleep is crucial to every aspect of our health. It will even help you lose weight!

5. Don’t forget naps. Yes, it’s ok to nap! So many people feel that they aren’t being productive enough if they stop to take a nap (that’s what I used to think!). But naps can help improve mood, memory, alertness and learning. A 90 minute nap clears the brain’s short-term memory storage center and makes room for new information. Snoozing for 20 minutes improves alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy.

6. Do for others. If you want to get rid of your depression and negativity, then find somebody who needs help. Doing for others is a foundation of Christianity. Our lives are not to be lived just for ourselves but to glorify our Lord and serve His children. Babysit your grandchildren; help your neighbors; volunteer in your community or your church. It won’t be hard to find a place or people who need what you can offer. And it will change your life.

7. Wash your hands. Doctors are now saying that this one simple act can cut down on illness more than any other thing we could do. And while you are at it:

8. Floss and brush your teeth. People who had their teeth cleaned by a dentist had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke.

9. Prayer and meditation. These can reduce anxiety levels by up to 22 percent. God created us to desire a relationship with Him and the best way to have one is to talk and listen to Him!

10. Walk! Doctors are now saying this is the only exercise you will ever need!
“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right leg,” wrote British author George Trevelyan in 1913 about the health benefits of walking. Walking may be the single best, and easiest, exercise you can do to improve your health. Get a good pair of walking shoes; start with short distances or time periods and remember to warm up with slow walking. You can do this!

I know you and I have heard these tips before. But maybe, just maybe you can try one or more of them and change your life! I want you to feel good and to be healthy and to live the life God has planned for you.

Manna from Heaven

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20