Strengthen the Dwelling of the Lord// Tips for a Healthier Body

It's that time of year, when the cold and flu comes around.
 How many of you just can't afford to be sick right now? I know I am much too busy to deal with sniffles, coughs, fevers, and aches.
 Of course, we can use the usual precautions; vitamins, supplements, ect.
What about being healthy, in general, during any season?
I personally have some health issues that I can't really do too much about. I have had seasonal allergies since I was a baby, and although I have learned that some vitamins and supplements can help keep it bearable, nothing makes it go away.
 So I know that there are issues a person can't do anything about. Some things just hold us back from being 'healthy' by people's standards.
 But there are some things we can do, to keep our body functioning the way God intended it to, and help us to feel good and look good.
 Besides the VERY obvious things like healthy hygiene, avoiding terrible things like drugs and alcohol, and keeping yourself from other wicked habits, there are small things you can do to keep yourself healthier for much longer.
 Here are some tips: 

Get outside. 
How many times do you take a walk outdoors? Sit on the front porch or back patio with your coffee or tea, letting the sun kiss your skin or the cold air nip at your cheeks?
 No matter the weather, a person should try to get outdoors every once in a while.
Vitamin D is something your body really needs, and nothing can give it to you like the warming rays of the sun.
 Raining? No problem. You have a jacket with a hood, haven't you? No? Get one.
I'm not saying to truck outside in the pouring rain and lightening, every single day.
 But when you're feeling down, droopy, lazy... Fresh air is so good for you. Not only for your physical welfare, but your mental.
There's nothing more refreshing than a cold breeze. It uplifts your body and soul.

Water
Now I want you to think. How many glasses of water do you consume in a day? One? Two?
 I can't even begin to tell you all the benefits of filling your body with good, clean water.
It hydrates your skin, which chases away acne, hydrates your body.
 If you're big into following model or celebrity lives, you'll find that they love their water.
I've watched 'morning routine' videos of models and they drink enough water to float a battleship.
 The first thing they do when they wake is drink a glass of water. Then they brush their teeth. Then they go downstairs. Drink some more water. Make breakfast. Drink some more water. Eat breakfast. Drink some more water. 
 Girls, I'm not exaggerating. It's pretty crazy.
I'm not saying you have to be so extreme, but the point is, drinking plenty of water is very good for you body, and guess what? It'll help keep those munchies under control.

Speaking of munchies...
 Now here's something most people don't like to hear, but it must be said.
Less 'snacky foods'
 I know you love your doughnuts, and your cakes, and your fancy coffees from the coffee shop, and I'm not saying to do away with them entirely.
 But keep it in moderation.
How many times a week do you gobble down just one cookie? Everyday? That's still seven cookies, even if you've spaced them out. Not bad, but you could do better.
 One coffee a day? That's seven coffees a week.
I'm not gonna lie. I love chocolate, (I NEED chocolate) and I love pretzels, and pies....but I have learned that if I don't keep those cravings under control, I just feel nasty.
 If I've been eating more 'Cheese Nips' than normal, I feel bloated, off-balance, and even my skin reacts as acne begins running up my jawline. It's not a pretty picture.
 There are plenty of diets out there that promise you'll feel better, and some help temporarily, but to truly look and feel better, it's a complete lifestyle change.
 My dad was diagnosed diabetic, and struggled to keep his sugars under control. It wasn't until he and my mom began to follow the THM (Trim Healthy Mama) diet that he began to improve drastically.
 It's a very good diet, and I feel like it makes sense, but I personally have not felt the need to change the way I eat that much. Yet.
 I guess what I'm saying is, you don't necessarily have to follow a certain diet. 
  I try to give myself one day a week where I let myself eat whatever I want. A lot of people will tell you that isn't very good, but it has helped me to lose weight and feel better.
 And a lot of times, on my cheat day, I don't even want to eat any junk, because I know what it will do to me.
 So all in all, if you cut way back on your sugar and junk (chips, pretzels, COFFEE) you'll see results, even without a fancy diet.

Exercise
 I know, I know, you hate working out. Or you don't have time.
But do you realize how much better you would feel if your body got a little healthy exercise at least once a week?
 There's more to working out than losing weight. It exercises your lungs and your heart, which will better your health in general, and more fit your body is, the less tired it is when you have to do something a little more strenuous than usual.
 So here are my tips for getting more exercise in your day.
Are you a chatty person who likes to call her friends? When you make or get a phone call, throw on your jacket and take a walk outside, even if it's back and forth from your porch to your driveway. You'll be surprised how much walking you've done in just thirty minutes (or however long the call is).
Couch potato? You really should break that habit, but did you know there are exercises that you can do on the couch? Youtube them. I dare you.
 The next time you're binge-watching Doctor Who or whatever kids watch nowadays, do some jumping jacks. Sit-ups.
You'll be distracted by the movie and almost forget you're working out.
And then of course, there's the usual hiking, walking down the road, push ups, crunches.
 My brother has a punching bag that I will wander out to hit for a while, but I think it just works away my stress more than anything. But hey, that's good, too. 
 Push yourself a little more with each workout, and you'll feel so much better when it's all over.

Get Off Your Phone
 We are all guilty of this terrible habit.
You sit down on the couch with a smoothie, and naturally you grab your phone to take a pic. The next thing you know you're scrolling through Instagram. Facebook. Twitter. Whatever social media apps there are out there. (I don't keep track, nor do I really care)
 You spend at least thirty minutes a day on Youtube. You snap your friends because your bored. You watch some random documentary on fish that somebody shared on FB. You go to a family gathering and play games on your phone, instead socializing with the people you love the most.
 Hours of screen time. And that is very unhealthy, for both your body and your mind.
The damaging rays are harsh on your skin, and your brain. You feel like a walking zombie afterwards, and are cranky and out of sorts.
 Who do you tell good morning first? Your family or your phone?
What's the last thing you see before turning out the light? Your phone screen?
All I can say about this is STOP and think the next time you reach for that phone, Ipad, laptop... do I really need to be on here? Can it wait?


Again, as I say every time. I am not condemning anyone with this post. I am simply giving tips for a healthier lifestyle and hope you realize, I fail in these areas as much as the other person.

Have lovely day, friend!

Remember, you're the daughter of a King. You're a princess, you're beautiful and you're loved.