Mentally we gain emotional control and diminish depression and anxiety. But this is simply not so. We have all heard that exercise is the most underutilized anti-depressant and if you haven’t, you have now. When I work out I can always tell when I start getting to the feel good zone, I get warm, my lungs clear, tension begins to subside and I begin to feel more energized. A healthy spiritual lifestyle requires daily reminders of Gods grace and goodness to us. Reduce Stress: Because our bodies feel better when we work out, our minds do too and we are less stressed. Just as our body works best when we employ healthy habits such as eating the right foods and practicing regular exercise, healthy habits serve to feed and strengthen our faith. But my instructor shared a few words of wisdom. It’s said that the reduction of insulin resistance, production of BDNF and other physiological changes during exercise are the key factors in improving our memory. Finally, watch what you do outside of the gym (e.g. Clear Head: Because stress and depression can cloud our minds and judgement, exercising to remove them permits a clear head. Slows Aging: Physically, we all know exercise can slow down the way our bodies age. All Rights Reserved. And I know I am not going to get the results I want if I don’t simply show up! 5. That’s actually why I wrote this article on why its better to meditate after you exercise. As with all goals, it is important to periodically check how you are doing against your intentions and make changes when necessary. It can be easier said then done though, I know, but the rewards can truly be worth it. Self-Confidence: If we look better we feel better. 32. If I am working out for the mental benefits, I need to just get moving no matter what because I know I cannot rely on my emotional state (which is probably pretty poor at the time if I am exercising to improve my mind or gain emotional control) to get to the treadmill. We might take a look around the Internet or Pinterest and decide to try that ten-day cleanse we’ve heard so much about or go vegan for a month. Leah Baugh Gain Willpower: Willpower is self-control and training yourself for improvement. It says here that aerobic exercise speeds up your breathing and heart rate which stimulate the intestinal muscles thus helping you have bowel movements more easily and softly. Ask Dr. Land: Why is Thanksgiving such an important opportunity? 9. 15:56–58). How will you measure your growth (e.g. Improves Cognition: Working out has proven to improve blood flow to the brain thus improving cognitive abilities in children and adults. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. Connect with God by Getting Fit,Joy Allmond - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. November 30, 2015 by admin. 25. Second step: do not blog at work, get internet at home. If you’re in a bad mood or stressed, or your all high-strung and the last thing you want to do or think about is working out, work out! Firstly, get an assessment done frequently. Though imperfect, the analogy of healthy habits can be applied to the Christian life. Please click here to learn how. Sometimes, I never have the energy to work out, but it is the working out that will give me energy I crave. Pristine healthy is an aspiration almost as high as financial independence for many of us. 1:10–16). Alleviates Pain: Exercise has shown to cut arthritic pain and body stiffness. More Sociable: Working out gives us the confidence we need to be more sociable and able to make friends. Set yourself a goal and ask God to help you grow in Him. Perhaps you are one of those who believe that because you attend church is evidence of your maturity or an indicator of your spiritual development. Excessive sweating can cause acne though so I recommend to workout with no makeup on. To be properly fed, Christians need to regularly pray, attend a gospel-centered church, and read God’s Word to spiritually feed themselves with good food. 12. 10. It is time for a pulse check.