Everyone wants to feel better and be more alive, but I have found some people just do not know where to start. Remember, we have to go from A to B first, one step at a time. Some may not get to X or Y, but we are improving. We want to love you along each step. David Letterman has his top ten list so I thought I would put out a top ten list for better health. This list may not be as hilarious, but I think almost everyone can find one item on the list to start on and move through the list. This list, if applied, will definitely improve health and perhaps get you off a medication or two. I guarantee you will feel better. Just pick one item and make this a habit then move to the next. Asking God to help you is so important as we want to change for the “right” reasons. Don’t forget, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.”

#1  Drink Water
More than 70% of our body is water.  Water is involved in every chemical reaction and yet a majority are at some level dehydrated.

#2  Get Adequate Rest
We were designed to rest. Our circadian rhythms are very important and are disrupted when we stay up too late at night. Without rest, stress is put on the system. Our society is on the go 24/7/365.The body is constantly working, especially the brain. Without adequate rest, the body is compromised. Make time for you. Go to bed earlier. Take a day a week off. Do not forget vacations.

#3  Movement
We were designed to move and not sit. When we move, the entire chemistry of the body improves. When we fail to get enough movement, the metabolism suffers. Build to 45 minutes to an hour a day in six-minute intervals with some resistance training.

#4  Enjoy The Sunshine
The body needs vitamin D for our mental health, bones, and other important chemical reactions. This hormone is now deficient in many as we stay inside too much. Try spending 30 minutes in the sun three or four days a week or consider a supplement.

#5  Eat More Plants
Plants are filled with disease fighting and health building nutrients and fiber. Try eating 3 to 5 servings of real food a day. There is real truth to, “Eating an apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”

#6  Be Happy And Have Fun
More happiness. More endorphins, less stress and less pain. It is hard to feel stress when you are having a “belly” laugh.

#7  Be Creative
Brain health is improved when we spend more time being creative and less time being entertained. Write a letter instead of watching TV.

#8   Watch Out For Toxins!
Too much fat, processed food, high fructose corn syrup, and additives are not good. Our body does not handle these substances well. Read the labels of what you put in your mouth. 

#9  Breathe Deeply
Take the time to take in 10 breaths, hold for 5 seconds and blow out slowly. Feel the stress being relieved.

#10 Find Someone To Love
There are health benefits in serving our fellow humans. Give someone a hug or help out a neighbor and see how you feel. I guarantee you will feel a lift.

Let us know how we can better serve you by emailing us at Development@HeartwiseMinistries.org. We want to encourage you as you move towards better health, and we pray that you will find ultimate healing through a relationship with Christ. God bless.