Mission Not Impossible
We often think it impossible to live whole, productive lives–living well in all aspects: spirit, mind, and body. Even if we have tried and failed, We must not give up. It is not impossible. This mission is entirely possible and attainable.
Encourage wellness in the mind and spirit by exhibiting gratefulness. Being grateful and taking a positive position rather than a negative one can encourage, lighten, and give us joy. This joy can be shared with others and will hopefully encourage those around us. We can pass on gratefulness, joy, and positivity in our attitude, speech, and actions. This leads to feeling better in the body. It promotes a healthier lifestyle, boosts the immune system, fights stress and pain, and supports longevity. Wellness in the mind and spirit floods the body with what it needs to be well!
In what other ways can we encourage wellness in the body? The first step should be a visit to your doctor. If you haven’t had a physical in 2022, call and schedule it. During a physical, your primary care doctor can evaluate your health and monitor trends in your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, etc. By reviewing your condition annually, your doctor can tell you if your levels are trending higher or lower than they should. You can then take the appropriate steps to improve. Many persons in the beginning stages of diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic conditions still feel very well. Don’t wait until you are sick to go to the doctor. Preventative maintenance has untold value.
You must also eat well, concentrating on whole, unprocessed foods. We are bombarded with rich and sugary foods at this time of the year, but try to strive for balance and keep your daily calorie allotment in mind. If you have a heavier lunch, have soup and salad for dinner. When you can, try to limit empty carbs and sugar. Eating a clean, healthy diet along with increasing exercise will put you well on your way. Eating well may reverse diabetes, lower bad cholesterol, and eliminate high blood pressure.
Check with your doctor and begin to incorporate exercise. No need to join a gym just yet—buy some barbells and start at home with arm curls, split squats, lunges, leg raises, planks, and stretches. Try my workout and modify it based on your needs: https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ. Start slowly and build in intensity. Walking is one of the best aerobic exercises you can do. It is low impact and can strengthen your bones, muscles, and cardiovascular system. Gift yourself with wellness—it’s possible and attainable!
Live well and prosper.
Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.
He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the
author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication,
Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.
