Heart Photo below by SHUBHAM RAIKWAR on Unsplash
According to Harvard Health, “The heart beats about 2.5 billion times over the average lifetime, pushing millions of gallons of blood to every part of the body.” And Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Needless to say, the heart is an essential component of physical and spiritual health. Heart disease and a hardened spiritual heart impact our ability to live and experience all that God has in store for us so we must be intentional about caring for it.
STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART THROUGH MOVEMENT AND STILLNESS
Remember exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider a brisk walk during your lunch break, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or try a low-impact exercise. We strengthen our spiritual hearts by spending time with God. Yes, both movement and stillness are needed for heart health. Ps 73:26, says, “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Setting aside time to be still with the Lord not only offers strength but transformation as well.
CONSUME GOOD FOOD
Sometimes this is easier said than done considering some communities have food deserts and other barriers to accessing healthy foods. Diets vary from person to person so a great starting point is real food over processed food when possible. We also, consume things other than food that we take in through our eyes and ear gates. Our thoughts affect the health of our hearts so let us be mindful to think on those things things that are lovely, pure, just, and lovely.
REDUCE STRESS TO PROTECT YOUR HEART
Studies suggest that reducing stress may lower the risk of heart disease. Some ways to destress can be as simple as unplugging from social media, reading a book, journaling, or practicing mindful movement. The Bible also addresses stress and anxiety. Ps 94:19 says, When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. And Ps 119:143 says, “Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.” Spending time reading and meditating on God’s word properly positions us to shift our focus from stressors to our savior and that makes all the difference for our physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being.
If you are interested in a low-impact exercise try this 15-min Chair yoga class for heart health.
More from Sherrell Moore-Tucker
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