GuideStone has challenged its employees to make wellness a regular part of their lives. We’re focusing on a balanced approach to wellness that includes body, mind and spirit, and we’d like you to join us.

Body
People of all ages can improve their overall health and well-being by becoming physically active. Conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which can largely be prevented or controlled by lifestyle changes, account for a significant portion of the prescription drug and health care costs of Americans each year.

Regular physical activity has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints; reduces falls among older adults; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits and medications.

Mind
When it comes to your brain, the old adage of “use it or lose it” might actually be true. Evidence shows that individuals who continue to engage in stimulating mental activities throughout their adult life show fewer, less severe signs of age-related memory loss. Participation in activities like working crossword puzzles, reading newspapers, playing puzzle games and going to museums are even believed to lower an individual’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Other research suggests that the more formal education a person has, the better his or her memory and mental functions are even when plaques associated with Alzheimer’s are present in the brain.

Spirit
Just like physical muscles, spiritual muscles need regular exercise to stay healthy. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) tells us to Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

• Read the Bible daily. To enjoy a well-balanced, fulfilled spiritual life we must search the Scriptures. For they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day. (Acts 17:11, NIV)
  
• Pray daily. In the hustle and bustle of your life, be sure that you do not neglect spending time talking and listening to God.
  
• Be of service to others. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10, NIV) Whether it’s praying for the needs of others, teaching a Sunday school class, visiting someone who’s lonely or any number of other areas of service, somewhere there’s a need that only you can fill.

The challenge
Will you accept the challenge to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle that includes your body, mind and spirit? The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we must be good stewards of the gifts of God.

GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.