“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2a
This Got My Attention
Most Fitness articles focus on physical fitness. Today I want to focus on mental fitness.
Why? Because our society is filled with mental illness.
According to Barna Research: Forty percent of U.S. adults and 34 percent of practicing Christians say that anxiety or depression impacts their most important relationships. Also, according to Barna: One out of three 18 to 24 year-olds (33%) has some kind of diagnosable mental disorder.
The rate at which mental health has become a huge issue during the last decade is alarming. You can find many stats with a simple internet search. Stress is one of the leading causes of this boom.
A Simple Point and Good Advice
We need to feed our mind regularly on the transforming power of His Word. You can’t pour from an empty cup (body or mind or spirit). We need to fill our whole being with the Words of Wisdom from Scripture.
One of the most underutilized antidepressants is physical exercise. The physical helps the mental and the mental helps the physical. It's hard to speak of one without the other. Proper nutrition fuels our mind and body. Neglecting either one will compromise the other.
The Truth is
We all need to be reminded of why and who are we doing this for?
Our Lord (Faith), our Family, and our Friends. The focus continues to be on others. We need to be the best we can be…for others.
I need to say no to requests or obligations that don’t fit my core values or objectives to serve my Lord, family, and friends.
There are many ways to apply this:
Review your MD5 Life Plan at least once every 3 to 6 months.
Reading – what new book are you reading?
Social Interaction (Not social media) – face to face time to connect with others.
Hobbies – what do you do to unwind from your daily stress?
Prayer – connection with our Father.
Sleep / Rest – our bodies need proper rest to function as God intended. He even gave us a gift of rest called the Sabbath. Take a nap!
Journal – A gratitude journal or prayer journal or just recording your thoughts
Unplug from technology and get outdoors. Just going for a walk can be therapeutic.
Read or listen to something instructional or inspirational each day
Listen to music
Do something creative
Meditate on His Word
I’m grateful for each of you.
Paul Hopp
MD5 Facilitator
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