I continue to be struck with the realization that there are many great elements that all fit together like a puzzle for us to enjoy good health. These elements can look different for each of us depending on our season, situation, and needs.
Currently, these are My Top 10 Health Focus Points:
- Spend time in the quiet, talking to God, meditating, listening, and reading His Word (my mental/emotional/spiritual health very much effects my physical health)
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat nourishing food, with a big focus on consuming many fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Be intentional about getting enough sleep
- Prioritize rest (which is different from sleep, although they do go together)
- Get sunshine/Vitamin D as much as possible (my body struggles without it!)
- Visit natural doctor and/or chiropractor regularly for help in cleansing and supplementing what my body needs
- Visit my massage therapist monthly for overall wellness
- Be open to learning more (I’m currently reading and researching the concept and practice of Earthing)
I believe we can all go for a time without focusing on every single “good health” thing there is. I believe we go through seasons where some elements are easier or harder than others. I believe there is more out there to learn and just about the time we think we’ve heard and tried it all, we will hear of something new.
Balance.
How to balance? I’m not sure there is a perfect solution, and I know for a fact that there’s not a one-size-fits-all action for us to take.
What I do know is that when I focus on taking care of myself and strive toward good health, I’m able to focus on and enjoy my family in a much better way. Then I’m able to look outward to the needs of others and love people as I hear God calling and leading.
For me, that’s where it’s at. I take care of myself so I can enjoy, love, and care for others.
Spring is a time for fresh starts.
I’m wondering if you’d like to join me in a time of renewal? As we swing from winter into spring and see new life sprouting up all around us, can we also take part in a fresh outlook at our health?
Join the April Health Challenge!
After a winter full of ministry, celebrations, and running almost constantly – I found God leading me to spend time the month of April seeking refreshment. I’m not sure what the day-to-day will look like for me, mostly because I’m striving for calm and choosing to listen to God’s leading on where to focus.
Perhaps my focus this month will center more on mental health more than physical. But along with that, I will strive to nourish my physical body in all the ways it craves. It all goes together.
Is there an area of health you need to focus on right now?
When you consider all the areas of good health, what rises to the top as an element you need to be more intentional about? Is there something you’ve let go that you need to pick back up? How do you feel emotionally? Physically? Are you sluggish, run-down, sad, exhausted, grumpy, or burned out? Have you been sitting too much, on the go too much, or ignoring the need to care for yourself in any way?
What steps might you take toward good health this April?
I caution you – don’t make a decision based on a knee jerk reaction. Don’t try to guess. Don’t try to tackle it all if you’ve been neglecting too many areas.
Spend time in prayer. Ask God to reveal your need and to show you where to start.
How to Join the April Health Challenge
Click here and sign up to join – easy as that.
I’ll be blogging my way through my own personal health challenge this month. In addition, I’m putting together informational posts and extra resources (sent only to those who join the April Health Challenge) to encourage you toward good health.
Pass it on!
Can you think of people in your life who might find this challenge refreshing and encouraging? The more the merrier in this challenge, so I ask you to share this on your facebook page, tweet it, email it – do whatever you do that will invite to your friends to join us in this! The thought of finding better health and refreshment this month brings me such joy. But knowing many others will take part too? That makes me excited!
Let’s get the word out and encourage good health this spring!
Who’s In?
You’ve gotta sign up here to join, but I’d also love it if you leave a comment on this post to tell me more about who you are and what you’re hoping to get out of this April Health Challenge.
I can’t wait to share this time with you and be encouraged by you – knowing we’re all in this together, striving toward better overall health. Are you in?!!
I’m sharing on my FB page! This is just what I’ve been looking for! Thanks!!
I shared with a friend through email. I plan on eating healthier by significantly cutting back on sugar, eating a lot more raw fruits and veggies, drinking more water, and exercising at least 3 days a week.
Thank you for this challenge! Many blessings to you:)
I am all signed up and I have already sent a link to a friend to spread the word. I have a couple more friends I will be sharing this with this morning. I have been on a long health journey to heal chronic Lyme. The Lord is slowly healing my body and I am gaining strength each day. My goal is to get back on my rebounder, go hiking more and actually help in the garden this year. We already eat very healthy and my treatment is natural…..no nasty meds. This twenty year battle should be over by the end of summer. God is so good!
I am in , God is good and lead me to you
Such a blessing. This just what I needed. Yesterday I was so frustrated because I threw out so much bad produce due to lack of meal planning and always being on the go. I have let myself become lax in healthy eating and daily exercising the past couple of months. I know how important it is to ask God for help and let Him lead me. I just have to listen more.
I invited my sister to join me!
I’m sharing on fb! I’m challenging myself get outside every day, and changing my diet to eliminate cow dairy foods for my baby’s health.
Getting the whole family to eat better. Mine is to eat more veggies, drink water and exercise.
I’ve been having quite a few health issues and I’d really like to concentrate on eating well and taking care of myself so I can heal!
Mom of 5 including a 3 mo. old. Recharge, rest, sleep, exercise… all in very short supply these days, but will see what I can do. Thanks for the challenge and the generous giveaway!
I am going to get back into the habit of physical exercise ……..something I have let go of for awhile. Want to find joy in it again..Thanks for the encouragement. I have shared with two friends.
I’m a mom to little ones and I’m feeling pretty exhausted trying to take care of everything and everybody. Therefore, my first goal is to make rest a priority. Beyond that, I’d like to eat better and exercise. Thanks for this challenge – it sounds like just what I need!
I shared the challenge on Pinterest!
I’m with you on the first 7. The one I have the most problems with is the first one. Its so hard for me to turn off. Yesterday it was a rare nice day. I was sitting and taking in some Vitamin D and it occurred to me that it is the only time I can sit and do nothing. As strange as it may sound, I need to work on doing nothing more often.
What comes to mind is let go and let God. I need to trust him more and stop feeling like I have to run everything.
I plan to invite a friend to join me when I Skype with her tomorrow night. For me, I need to lose weight to do a better job controlling my silent acid reflux. So I plan to continue exercising at least 3 times per week, continue cutting back on treats, and I will add portion control as a new endeavor. I eat healthy, but need to eat smaller portions. Thank you for encouraging and inspiring us! :-)
I’ve been on a wellness path for the past several months and it’s been a struggle. I am fighting depressing and also trying to improve my physical health. I would love to be part of a group and have some sisters to come alongside of me.
I was reading your post, agreed with your list of top things to do for health, and thinking “I don’t need this, I already do most of those things, THEN, I read this: “I caution you – don’t make a decision based on a knee jerk reaction. Don’t try to guess.” and then THIS: “Spend time in prayer. Ask God to reveal your need and to show you where to start.” and I knew that I needed to sign up. I do all those things (mostly), even spending time with God, but I’ve never really asked HIM what I should do to be healthy. Duh. I’m looking forward to the challenge and starting it with listening for His voice regarding my health. Thank you for leading us.
All of the above… I had baby #3 12 weeks ago and I really miss the gym. Still recovering, but slowly trying to get back into a routine with eating well, exercising and taking care of me, as well as everyone else! I do love this season of my life though, even though things are crazy. Just trying to enjoy my babes! Thanks for the encouragement! Looking forward to lots of sunshine soon!!
Awesome! I’m working on more sleep right now and really doing my best to lose 10 pounds this month. This is just one more incentive for that :)
My focus will be eating more Real Food.
Also praying for my husband daily is something I want to strive for.
I need to work on being less stressed. I know I feel better when I can get outside but today it was in the 22 degrees and snowing so that didn’t happen! But mostly, I think I will make better choices with food, sleep better and remember to exercise if I trim down the stressors.
I’ve struggled with stopping the sugar for awhile now and hope this will give the extra push I need. I also want to get more exercise and more time with God, as well as eat more veggies. Thanks for the added incentive, Laura. I emailed some friends about this.
We have young children, I homeschool, and really need this accountability to get to bed earlier!!! Thank you so much.
I just signed up! Looking forward to an April refresh. The baby is 5 weeks old today and I need to do a reset and start getting out on my walks again and cut back on sneaking the kids’ Easter candy. :-)
I turned 60 this past October. Turning 60 made me sit up and take notice of my health. My mother lived to be 83 and I knew that I would not if I did not change my lifestyle. Since last May I’ve lost 90 lbs. and have about 20 more I want to lose. I also just had ‘surprise’ gall bladder this past Friday. I know that this surgery would have been a lot worse if I had not already started on getting healthy. I hope this challenge will help me to continue to get where I want to be.
So glad that I read this today!! And so thankful for the comment you made about not starting with everything if you feel you have been neglecting everything, but to pray and seek God’s guidance on where to start! So that’s what I am going to do — ask God to show me which of the many areas I need to focus on first. I am passing this on to a few friends through email — super excited!! :)
Perfect timing! Our family has just recently started focusing on helping my husband get healthy but I need it as well. Eating better, exercise, and all that clutter! Can’t stand the clutter but here it is anyway. Thank you for the encouragement to just take care of it and go ahead and throw things out. I know I’ll feel tons better!
I need to do better about daily time with God and exercise. I shared on FB!
I’m trying to add a large glass of water with lemon before I eat anything else, and trying to wait an hour or so before eating breakfast so my body can cleanse.
Sharing with my daughter and daughter-in-law. Trying to lose wt and get off meds. Lost 27# so far, 33 more to go. Plan to eat more fruits and vegetables, less sugars and walk outdoors more.