building blocks of a healthy body and soul I am lucky that I am a creature of habit. I don’t usually do things randomly. I like to have a plan and I’m pretty good at sticking with the plan. A habit is “a settled or regular tendency or practice.” Habits are the things we do again and again until they become such a part of our life that we don’t even notice we are doing them. So it seems to me that a key to living a healthy life is to establish some healthy habits for both the body and the soul. One “body” habit that I have settled on, is to start my day with a healthy breakfast. My current choice is avocado toast. It works for me. One soul habit I follow is to always “go Biblical before I go digital.” (a phrase my pastor uses) which simply means when I first wake up, I read my Bible before I look at anything else on my phone or computer. It’s a discipline, and it’s a good one.
The new year is a good time for all of us to stop and think about the habits we have adopted. All habits aren’t good for us, so it’s a good time to assess. What do I need to change? What do I need to add? What do I need to drop altogether. It’s not about resolutions; it’s about choosing healthy habits. And we do choose them – they don’t just “happen to us.” And just as good habits can create health for the body and the soul, bad habits can tear down health. When you are assessing habits, think about these areas of life:
Soul Health habits – how are you nourishing your soul, drawing closer to God, moving forward in the sanctifying process? What soul habits will
Body Health Habits – Do you need to ramp up your cardiovascular health? Do you need to build more muscle strength? What about balance? Posture? Flexibility? What do you need to focus on? And then there are nutritional habits—what do you need to add to or subtract from your food choices. And don’t forget water. Are you drinking enough?
Mental Health Habits – Are you keeping your mind sharp? What are you reading to improve your knowledge? Are you sharpening your mind with intelligent conversations with others? How are you developing good discernment?
Emotional Health Habits – How are you restoring your soul? Are you getting enough rest for your soul as well as your body? Do your meds-no.com need changing?
Relational Health Habits – Are you spending quality time with family and friends? Are you prioritizing what is important and not missing special moments? What needs to change?
Ok, I know this is a lot to think about. Take it one step at a time and just write down good “new habit” thoughts as they come to your mind—then put those thoughts into action. Each new year is a good time to assess, a good time to try something new, a good time to start over. Creating new habits is not a task on a list; it’s developing a lifestyle of health for the body and the soul.
by Jeannie Blocher, Fort Wayne, IN
Jeannie and her husband Roy Blocher founded Body & Soul® in 1981 and she currently serves as the Director of Spiritual Impact, leading a dedicated team of Instructors in creating spiritual resources for the ministry. Jeannie loves spending time with family, which now includes 9 grandchildren, spread over three states. She loves encouraging both family and Body & Soul® friends to grow in faith & fitness!
