Optimal Health

Monday, September 30, 2013

What does the Bible say about taking care of our bodies?

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 1:2 ESV

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

Considering that our bodies are God’s temple, honoring our bodies is actually a spiritual practice. How are you caring for your temple? Are you practicing good health habits? Even better, are you practicing optimal health habits?

What is good health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as – “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

What is optimal health?

Optimal health refers to being in peak physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual form, which is fostered through the regular practice of life-enhancing habits, including regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, managing stress, enhancing social networks, pursuing of a spiritual path, and achieving a sense of fulfillment in intellectual and occupational vocations.

Experiencing a balanced life with optimal health involves five key areas. Let’s do a self-check to see where we are in each of the areas.

Five Areas of Health:

Physical health relates to your body, and includes eating habits, exercise, medical self-care and treatment of health problems. Smoking, drugs, and alcohol use have potential negative effects on your health.

Poor Health…………………………………………………………..………………..Optimal Health

Emotional health refers to your state of mind. It is how you react to day-to-day stresses, your sense of worth, and your ability to relax and enjoy leisure.

Poor Health…………………………………………………………..………………..Optimal Health

Social health is the ability to keep healthy interactions with friends, family, neighbors or co-workers.

Poor Health…………………………………………………………..………………..Optimal Health

Spiritual health includes continually drawing closer to Christ, having a sense of purpose in life, the ability to give and receive love and the ability to feel goodwill toward others.

Poor Health…………………………………………………………..………………..Optimal Health

Intellectual health results from the mental stimulation and development we get through our work, school, church, community service, hobbies or cultural pursuits.

Poor Health…………………………………………………………..……………

…..Optimal Heal

Moving forward in our faith means we take steps that draw us closer to Christ. What steps toward optimal health do you need to take?

Select one area where you know you need to make a change in order to achieve optimal health. Focus on one and then add another.

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What is your action plan for optimal health?