Taking good care of yourself and your health is very important. The Bible and scientific insights both show the power of healthy habits. In this blog you will discover 25 practical tips for a healthy lifestyle, based on Biblical principles. This advice will help you develop a healthy, balanced lifestyle. From the importance of getting a good night's sleep to making time for socializing - these habits can strengthen your body and soul, helping you not only stay physically healthy, but also grow mentally and spiritually.

1. Start with rest

   In the creation story you read: “And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:5. The day begins in the evening and not upon rising in the morning. So you start the day with rest: a calming ritual before bedtime and (aim for) 8 hours of sleep.

   
   

2. Sleep in darkness

   Studies show that sleeping in the light has a negative impact on your health. Light at night can disrupt your circadian rhythm. This, in turn, can lead to health problems, including cancer, sleep disorders, obesity and mental issues. The best thing for your well-being is to sleep a dark room. This will benefit your sleep quality and physical health.

   
   

3. Use natural fabrics

   Make sure your bedding and clothing are made of natural, breathable materials. Examples include cotton, linen, silk and hemp. Avoid artificial fabrics, such as acrylic, nylon and polyester.

   
   

4. Start with God

   Start your day with God through prayer and Bible reading. It deepens your relationship with the Lord and gives you the opportunity to ask His help for the things you will do during the day.

   "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee." Psalms 143:8.

   
   

5. Cold shower

   End your hot shower with 30 seconds of cold water for an energy boost. The cold has a stimulating effect on both your physical and mental health.

   
   

6. Clothing

   Wear clean clothing that fits temperature and does not pinch. Also, choose natural materials as much as possible. Your clothes should keep you from being too hot or too cold. In addition, it is important that you can move comfortably and breathe freely.

   
   

7. Drink water

   Drink water when you wake up to replenish what you have lost during the night. Drink plenty of water when you wake up (and throughout the day) to keep your body hydrated. Drinking enough water is important for many aspects of your health. From your mental well-being and blood circulation to your digestion and urinary system.

   
   

8. Be positive

   Start your day with a smile. Choose optimism for a healthy lifestyle.  “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.

   
   

9. Ventilation

   Open your comforter, window and curtains. Let fresh air and daylight enter your bedroom and the rest of your home. Ventilation is simple, but very important for good air quality.

   
   

10. Sunrise

    Let the first daylight enter your eyes and reset your circadian rhythm. For most people, the day-night rhythm is just over 24 hours. Sunlight in the morning is your body's signal that it is day. Time to wake up, get going and automatically reset your internal clock to the real time. Genesis 1:14: "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years."

    
    

11. Whole food, plant based

    Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Therefore, eat a full breakfast with fiber, fruit and protein. Take generous portions, so you won't have cravings after just one or two hours.

    
    

12. Walking

    Walk daily. If necessary, find a way to build more steps into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park a little farther away or take a walk during your break. Schedule walks into your weekly schedule. The best time to walk is after your meal.

    
    

13. Eating and drinking

    Drink water between your meals rather than during meals. Drinking during meals dilutes digestive juices and makes food stay in the stomach longer. It slows gastric emptying and can cause symptoms of heartburn. Therefore, drink from 1.5 hours after your meal until half an hour before your next meal.

    
    

14. Eat enough veggies

    Vegetables are healthy and packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Choose different colors of vegetables because different colors mean different antioxidants. Don't limit eating vegetables to dinner. It is also a great fit for lunch. For example, have a soup, salad or add raw vegetables to your spread.

    
    

15. Natural remedies

    Support or restore your health as needed with natural remedies and supplements. "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them." Ministry of Healing, chapter 8. The eight health laws mentioned in the quote are (almost) always helpful.

    
    

16. Arise

    'Arise' and 'stand up' occurs nearly 200 times in the Bible. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for your health, muscles, heart and posture. Get up at least once or twice an hour and get moving for a while.

    
    

17. In contact with God's creation

    Go green and get in touch with nature. Creation brings you closer to the Creator. Nature also invites you to get moving. Biking or walking in a green environment has a greater positive effect on your well-being than exercising indoors or in an urban environment.

    
    

18. Eat legumes

    This group of foods should not be missing from a healthy lifestyle. Peas, lentils and beans are packed with protein, fiber and other good nutrients.

    
    

19. Stay in touch

    Make time for social interaction: within your family, with relatives, friends and fellow believers. We are not made to be alone. Genesis 2:18: "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone."

    
    

20. Plants indoors

    Provide greenery in and around the home. Plants in the home help purify the air, flowers make you happy, and gardening is one of the best forms of exercise.

    
    

21. Reduce the use of screens

    Excessive use of screens can lead to health problems. It is fine if there are moments of doing nothing. This gives space to think and rest. Blue light is often cited as a reason for not being able to sleep after screen use. However, what we see and do on screens has a greater impact on sleep. Therefore, be conscious about your screen use in the evening.

    
    

22. Be grateful

    Dwell daily on things you are thankful for. “Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise.” Ministry of Healing, chapter 18. In addition to increasing your well-being, gratitude also leads to deepening your relationship with God. It allows you to experience His peace. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

    
    

23. Forgive

    "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Ephesians 4:26. Anger or resentment over something that has been done to you (unjustly) can hold you in a grip. Being able to forgive the other person can be liberating. If necessary, ask a fellow believer for help. And remember that forgiving something is not the same as approving something.

    
    

24. Temperance

    Stop or reduce the use of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Although these are generally accepted substances, they have stimulating effects and do not serve health.

    
    

25. Trust God

    Trust in God can help us to a great extent in dealing with problems. No matter who you are, no matter how big your problems are, God is close to you. He is full of love for you and always ready to listen to you and help you. Trusting God makes us more resilient, gives strength and peace. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Psalms 4:8.

    
    

    What healthy lifestyle tips do you apply?

    Applying these habits in your daily life can be a powerful way to improve your health and also deepen your relationship with God. Gratitude, healthy eating or taking care of your home, all contribute to a life that promotes your well-being. Trust God's leading and make these 25 tips a part of your daily life. That way you can begin each day with renewed strength and peace.