If you want to follow in Jesus’s footsteps then you better start walking. One estimate based on Biblical and historical information estimates that Jesus walked an average of 25 miles a day for a total of 21,525 miles on Earth. Everyone is familiar with the religious teachings of Jesus, but fewer know that he is also one of the greatest role models for a natural lifestyle. We’ve identified the top 10 health and fitness tips from Jesus to motivate you to live a healthy life:
- Take care of your body
Jesus emphasized how important it is that we take care of ourselves- hence the reason for us making a list of health and fitness tips from Jesus. He stressed that we should honor God with our bodies and treat them as temples. Jesus believed that when we take care and nourish our body, it’s pleasing to God since He created us. This could be abstaining from drugs or alcohol, or exercising daily for healthy bones. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Choose a physically active career
Before Jesus began his ministry, it is believed that He was a carpenter. Carpenters do a lot of manual labor like lifting, constructing, and repairing structures. This type of work definitely promotes physical activity in your everyday life. By having a carpentry job, or another other like it, you won’t have to worry about getting your gym session in. You’ll already be working your tail off every day at work! “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?” Matthew 13:55
- Eat healthy whole foods
Throughout his lifetime, Jesus consumed lots of nutrient-rich foods. Because of his non-wealthy upbringing, Jesus ate foods that the poor did. So fruit, lean meats, and whole grains were a staple in his diet. These foods are known to protect your heart against many diseases and cancers. Not to mention they are dense in vitamins and minerals that are going to support a long and healthy life.
- Walk walk walk!
Wherever He went, Jesus walked. Throughout the Bible, Jesus was known to travel on foot to his destinations. There were plenty of places Jesus had to go, from praying on a mountain to preaching at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked A LOT. According to the Bible, researchers estimated that Jesus walked over 21,500 miles during his lifetime! (About the distance around the globe at the equator) Now we’re not saying that you need to walk around the world to be fit, but walking just 30 minutes a day is known to have significant health benefits!
- Be thankful
Firm teaching throughout the Bible is about being thankful. Jesus believed that being thankful was a way of honoring God for all that He was doing through Him. Having a grateful heart is known to have great benefits for your mental health. Not only does thankfulness reduce stress, but it has been linked with boosting your immune system, promoting sleep, and helping the heart. So start a gratitude journal today and see the positive effects this has on your health! “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41-42
- Be generous
Jesus was a great example of putting others first. Besides sacrificing himself on the cross for mankind, he stressed the importance of generosity in his everyday life. Jesus would consistently give himself to the needy. He showed that giving other people your time, energy, and love was essential in life for one’s well being. When you allow yourself to help, serve, or give to others it impacts your health in a variety of ways. Knowing that you’re making an impact in someone else’s life gives you a greater feeling of purpose in your own. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
- Practice forgiveness
We all tend to remember those who have hurt us at some point in our lives. But research shows that holding onto grudges isn’t good for our health. Jesus taught this principle because he understood that we are just human and only God is perfect. So if someone hurts you or makes a mistake, even more than once, He believes it’s best to forgive. Forgiveness brings us an abundant of health benefits like greater psychological well-being, lowered stress levels, and improved relationships. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22
- Engage with your community
The human race wasn’t created to be alone. Not only did Jesus get involved in the community, but he took the time to foster deep relationships with individual people as well. Health research shows that we do best with people by our side. While alive, Jesus consistently engaged in his community. He taught some of his most important principles in front of huge crowds and traveled all over with his disciples. Being apart of a community boosts mood, decreases stress, and helps develop a sense of belonging; all closely tied to better mental health. “But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.” Luke 9:11
- Have a peaceful heart
Jesus understood that life can get hard sometimes, but he also believed that we can turn to Him for spiritual health. Jesus calls everyone who is struggling with difficulties to come to him and take a breather. Prolonged stress wreck havoc on your immune system and greatly reduces your well-being. He wants us to be at peace in our hearts so that our soul can be filled with light and the love of God to impact the world. “Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
- Be spiritual
Although his teachings in the Bible are used in Christian religion, Jesus taught principles that could be incorporated for our health in many spiritual purposes. Things like love, forgiveness, kindness, peace, generosity, mindfulness, and many more impact our overall health profoundly. When we take the time to nourish our minds and bodies through healthy living, we not only take care of our own health but impact those around us too. Once we are the best versions of ourselves our thoughts, actions, and words will ultimately affect our health and the people we interact with.
