My Health Journey (Update)

One year ago, I was struggling mentally and physically. I had no idea that my physical health and mental health were intertwined. Most importantly, my physical health was effecting my mental health and vise versa. Every year, God gives me a word. I truly believe this word is a reflection of how my year is going to look. The word God gave me for 2018 was freedom.

This time last year, I was consistently anxious, lazy, and lacked motivation. I would say I didn’t want to feel anxious anymore and I didn’t want to be unhealthy but I was doing nothing about it. I remember days where I would feel stuck in my head. And because I was so stuck in my head, I didn’t want to be active or leave the house. Basically, I was enjoying my pity party of one. But at the end of the year, I made a declaration. I remember turning to my husband and saying, I’m done! I’m done with fast food, I’m done with being unhealthy, and I’m done with being inconsistent! I want to live a healthy life and in 2018 I will! At the time, I was just thinking about my physical health. I had no idea that because I was choosing to become physically healthy, it would also affect my mental health.

Just by eating healthier and working out, my mind started to change. Now, exercise for me isn’t just about losing weight. Working out gives me joy, mental clarity, and the freedom God promises. One of my favorite things to do is run on the elliptical. As I’m running on the elliptical I listen to worship music. Interesting right? When I first started running, I would listen to music that I thought was going to “pump me up” but it wasn’t working. Randomly, one day, I started listening to worship music and believe it or not, it took my workout to a new level. There would be days that I would run so hard on the elliptical at my apartment complex gym, that it would sound as if the machine was about to break! I could point to the fact that my apartment complex gym probably needs an upgrade but I’m 99% sure it is because I’m able to relate the songs I listen to, to my workout. I realize that my body is God’s temple and by living this healthy life, I am taking care of what he has given me. I’ve also enjoyed having prayer walks/runs with my mom on a regular basis and boot camp workouts with my husband that I call #ChrisfitMondays. During this time we get some serious workouts but find time to pray for each other/encourage each other at the same time.

I’ve learned that I can workout and spend time with God. That is when the mental clarity came, that was when the anxiety started to fade, and that was when my physical health positively started effecting my mental health. I think we put God in a box sometimes. We say “okay God, I’m going to designate this time to you” whether is be in the morning, mid day, or night but rarely do we invite God in to every aspect of our day, which includes working out. While I do have my alone time with God, I definitely invite him into all of my workouts. I know I would NOT be able to run without him, lift weights without him, and I definitely couldn’t do burpees without him (HA!).

For those looking to start a health journey, I encourage you to invite God in. I’m thankful I am not where I was a year ago and next year, I won’t be where I am now. When you’re doing it for and with God, I promise it changes your perspective.

Side note; if you would like a worship workout playlist, let me know! ❤️