Striving for Simplicity: Taking Care of You

Does God care about how or how we don’t take care of ourselves?  The bottom line is Yes!  He does.  There are many scriptures that talk about this.  We can’t serve him well when we are not kept in good care. 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV

This doesn’t mean routine girlfriend getaways for our mental health.  Nor does it mean constant pampering of oneself in the name of care.   However, it does mean gaining and keeping a healthy body, mind, and spirit.  There are three things I’m addressing in this post:  exercise, diet, and hygiene.  I value having a healthy body and have included this in my daily planner.

Walking and fresh air

In order to gain and maintain a healthy body, we need to exercise.  You don’t need a gym membership or the latest workout clothes and equipment.  A simple walking routine will help with physical fitness and is a great way to clear your mind.   Any purposeful movements can reduce a number of stress hormones and make you feel better!  Getting outside is also a boost by giving you a dose of Vitamin D, which can help to stabilize your moods.   Just regular walking is good for you.  It costs nothing and you can do it with or without company.   

Choosing foods that are good for you

A healthy diet is something we should strive for. There is plenty of information on the internet about healthy food choices.  You know what is good for you and what is not.  Practicing self-control is a big deal.   I have struggled in this area.  Bring on the cheesecake!  Too many bad choices will lead to health problems. An occasional treat won’t hurt you.  It’s when we are constantly overindulging that it becomes a problem.  Self-Control is a fruit of the spirit.  Practice it!  Take care of your body by what you put into it.  You will feel so much better. 

Taking a Shower is on my checklist!

Personal hygiene is also necessary for good health.  Put together some routines for yourself to allow this kind of pampering.  I know when my kids were still babies, I had a hard time establishing my personal routines.  I made checklists for myself.  They were simple but necessary to help me with these seemingly menial tasks of caring for myself.   Yes, seriously, I wrote, “take a shower” on my checklist! 

I’m just saying it is important to your physical and mental health to have good hygiene practices.  There is such a difference in your smile when you brush your teeth and when you know you didn’t.  Know what I’m saying?  I know this is simple.  But that’s what this is all about…striving for simplicity.  Take some time every day to take care of yourself. 

Don’t be extreme

There can be an extreme end to this to which we don’t want to go.  Sometimes women get caught up in the constant pampering of themselves in the name of self-care   They have so many appointments,  hair, eyebrows, lashes, fingernails, feet, waxes, etc. all to the neglect of their families and budget. While there is nothing wrong with getting your hair and nails done, it becomes self-indulgent when it takes precedence over everything else in your life.  All I’m saying here is to be mindful.  Is it all necessary? 

What is necessary are routine dentist appointments, eye appointments, and medical exams.   Long fake eyelashes don’t make up for rotting teeth. Maybe it’s because I’m older that I see things this way, but girls, really, simple is best and prettiest. 

I hope I didn’t lose any of you with this!

What are some things you do to take care of your health?  What are your thoughts about what I’ve shared?

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

3 John 1:2 ESV