Love You?

Happy Valentine's Day!  It's all about loving our spouses, our kids, friends, family, and others, right?  How about yourself, do you love yourself?  Well, I am here to tell you, you need to love yourself.  Of course, love God first and most, but then love yourself.  I don't mean to be self-centered, I mean to respect yourself, protect yourself, and care for yourself.  Guess what?  It's ok!

Have you ever been on an airplane and heard the flight attendant say, "In the event of a change in cabin pressure, panels above your head will open revealing oxygen masks.  Pull the mask down toward you to activate the flow of oxygen.  Cover your nose and mouth with the mask.  Place the elastic band around your head ad continue to breathe normally.  Remember to secure your own mask before assisting others."

If you don't take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically, you won't be able to take care of anyone else healthy or correctly.  OK, so what does this look like?.......

Spiritual Health
Try and block out 10-20 minutes a day to pray, listen, meditate, journal, read the Word, and be alone in silence.  If you can't wake up any earlier, be creative and think of times that you are alone (the bathroom, driving in the care, exercising, etc.). 

       John 15:4 Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot      produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me."

 

Emotional Health
Positive spiritual and physical health can really help your emotional health.  And if there are emotional wounds that  you have, meeting with a counselor or therapist can be very helpful.

Philippians 4:6-8  "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  And now,.... let me say one more thing....  Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.  Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

 

Physical Health
Many of us feel guilty for taking time to improve ourselves, but exercise not only is good for your physical health but also your mental health.  You really should try and work your way up to vigorous exercise (that means huffing and puffing!) of strength and cardio 20-30 minutes, at least three to four times a week.  If you don't have a lot of time all at once, break it down and do 5 minutes at a time throughout the day to add up to 20-30 minutes.

Eating healthy is another way to help your physical health.  Make small changes that will last a lifetime.  Cut out the unhealthy snacks, a lot of sugar, and make sure to eat at least 6-9 servings of fruits and vegetables along with protein, good fats, and complex carbohydrates. 

Getting enough sleep is very important too.  Most people need at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  "Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body."

So go ahead, love yourself!  Be the example of how to take care of yourself, so that you can love others.

For exercises and healthy tips to help you get started go to www.get2thecorefitness.com.