Sometimes in the busyness of our schedules, it is easy to forget about taking care of our health. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important so that we can do all that God wants us to do in life. Here are some simple suggestions for a healthy lifestyle.

1. Allow God to lead you in your schedule instead of the demands of everyday life. Sometimes we get so busy that we run our bodies down until we physically get sick. Learn to decline from accepting every activity and task that comes your way and discern which ones the Lord would have you do.

2. Sleep regularly. Try to get your body on a regular sleep pattern. Each person is different, but in general, people need around 8 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed. Sleep is important because it allows your body to take a needed break.

3. Drink plenty of pure water. Pure water is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to clean out the toxins in your system. Brita and Pur water filters are two practical alternatives to buying bottled water.

4. Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that even accumulated times of physical movement aids in general health. There are simple things we can do that do like parking our cars in a farther space so that we can walk to the store, or taking a set of stairs even when an escalator is available.

5. Cut down on fats, salt, red meat, sugars, and caffeine. Ooh, that can be tough, but we are not necessarily talking about complete abstinence, but rather reduction and moderation. Choose unsalted popcorn over potato chips and herbal teas over black teas. Try using lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduced fat margarine over butter.

6. Avoid processed food and cook with lots of fresh vegetables and high-fiber foods like grains. Experiment with some new recipes that incorporate brown rice, barley, mutligrains, and fresh vegetables. In our busy society, it is hard to abstain completely from some processed foods, but try to make sure you and your family gets a majority of home-cooked, healthy meals.

7. Finally, when you do get sick, seek God for healing and see a good physician. Trust God that He is able to heal in whatever way He chooses, whether that means with medication or supernaturally. There are many Scriptures that speak of God healing His people. We are told to pray for healing. But modern medicine is also a gift from God, and there are times when God chooses to heal us through medicine or a doctor's care.

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