God desires that all may go well with us. He created our heart, mind, body and spirit. He gives us relationships to enjoy and a place to call home. Nurturing our spiritual life is important, but it’s just one part. Tending to each area fosters a healthy, fruitful and vibrant life. This is the basis for Christian Holistic Health – fostering wellness in every area of our life.
Christian Holistic Health Guide
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
3 John 1:2
What Christian Holistic Health Is and Isn’t
Christian Holistic health looks at the entire person as one being with many parts. Each part of the persons life contributes to the overall health and wellbeing. Holistic health includes emotional, mental, spirit and physical health. It can also include relationships, environment, work, play and rest.
Holistic health does not mean you change your spiritual beliefs about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It isn’t a specific plan that requires you to cut out food groups, only eat organic or spend a silly amount of money on expensive super foods and supplements (although it can be useful at times!).
God created your body. He knows exactly what you need to help it function well. Your holistic health with God is specific to who you are and what season you’re in. It’s personal and unique to you.
How My Holistic Health Journey with God Began
When I gave my heart to Jesus at 20 years old, I struggled with an eating disorder. My first few years as a Christian still involved diet pills and crash diets. As a young dancer, I strived to lose weight with a diet plan to achieve the svelte dancer body. I had yet to discover how God would gracefully lead me into holistically healthy life.
Overtime, God strengthened my spirit, healed my heart and restored my mind. As He touched each part of my life, the Holy Spirit led me in grace and wisdom on how to care for my physical health. Life was different. No striving, no crazy diets, no fear of food. As He worked on different areas of life, He paved a path for my physical health as well.
Why is Holistic Health Important for Christians?
Picture this. You begin your day with a healthy breakfast, time with God and a some gentle stretches. Well done! You’re looking after your physical and spiritual health. Off to work, you get into the car and immediately hit traffic. Now you’re late for work. Minutes tick by, your boss calls angry you’re late. Stress kicks in. Your stomach begins to tighten. The healthy breakfast you ate, isn’t sitting well.
The emotional and mental duress from an unhealthy work relationship and environment affects your health. You ate a healthy breakfast, but stress prevents you from digesting it well. This is why in 3 John 1:2, God says He desires “that all my go well with you”. One area of our affects the other.
How to get started on Your Holistic Health Journey
Your health with God is a process. It’s great to set and achieve specific goals, but to start let’s ease the pressure a bit. Holistic Health covers many areas.
Pick one area in physical care to get started:
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Water
- Skin Care
- Beauty
- Nutrition
Now that you’ve selected your area of care, pick one action to do this week.
For example, if you chose exercise, your action can be two outdoor walks this week, 20 minutes each. If you choose water, drink 8 glasses a day. Keep track with a daily check list.
Finally, and this is important, pay attention to how your action affects other areas of your life.
How do you feel after walking outside? Did it affect your sleep that night? Do you have more patience with your kids? Do you feel more motivated to eat an apple instead of candy afterwards?
Learning to listen to how we respond to positive healthy choices, builds motivated to make continued positive habits.
Tips For A Holistically Healthy Life With God
How can you start living holistically healthy?
Frequently Asked Questions
The last thing you need to know about holistic health
Holistic health is God designed. He desires for us to have a fruitful life in all areas. Inviting Him into the process will not only improve your health, but it will deeper your relationship with the Lord.
Leave a comment below
What one action are you taking to improve your health?
