Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
Spring is finally here. With spring some people do Spring Cleaning. Cleaning out old and worn out stuff. Our community governments help with that by having free pick up days for this. This is good. It is also good to do some “Spring Cleaning” for our bodies, minds, and spirits.
The best way for find happiness is to make practical, everyday changes. Make conscious choices to appreciate the people in your life and make time to do the things you’re best at. Here are some suggestions gleaned from various sources on how to improve your emotional, mental, and physical well-being, which leads to enjoying life.
- Start the day with a smile. Your facial expression is traditionally thought of as a window to how you feel.
- Spend time with interesting people. People with a wide circle of friends tend to live longer.
- Take a break. Taking a break that is different from the ordinary lets you “hang loose,” and it can do wonders for your well-being.
- Get a pet. Owning a pet has health benefits such as reducing your blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. It also provides love and companionship
- Reduce Stress. Even a mild stress-induced mood disorder can ravage your immune system. Find ways to ground yourself and to let off steam constructively such as sports, exercise, a hobby, and spending time with friends and loved ones.
- Learn new things. Reading, traveling, taking fun classes, attending guest lectures, and meeting new people can bolster your self-esteem and interest in the world.
- Find a hobby. Find a hobby or activity that you love. It helps to get you “into the flow.”
- Bolster your immune system. Eating good food such as fruit, vegetables, grains and fish will provide good nutrients, vitamins and mineral interactions that processed foods lack.
- Exercise. Exercising affects the release of endorphins, which transmit messages to the brain, translating into positive feelings. It also combats depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and bolsters your immune system.
- Sleep well. While you sleep your body produces cells that fight infection, inflammation and stress.
- Go to church. Spiritual well-being is important to your mental and physical health. Following the tenets of helping others puts a purpose in our lives that is key to enjoying life.
- Pray. Praying for ourselves and others is healthy. Turning our problems over to God reduces stress. This really works.
- Believe in miracles. There are a lot of small miracles happening. Some big ones, too.
When we don’t feel good, it is hard to do good. Taking care of our mind, body, and soul is critical to our well-being. I preach how we are obligated as Christians to put others before ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we neglect taking care of ourselves. So let us all strive to love more, to serve more, and to take care of ourselves more.
May God bless and keep you.
In Christ’s Love,
Father Russ
