Debra's Healthy Bits

H.A.L.T.S. - The Key to Getting Free

Do you have an unhealthy habit you’re struggling with like overeating or smoking? One key to breaking bad habits is H.A.L.T.S. It stands for hungry, angry, lonely, tired and stressed. All of these conditions can leave us vulnerable to temptation and set us up for a relapse.

Jesus even experienced temptation. He said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation because though the spirit is willing, the body is weak.” It’s important to take care of our selves so that when temptations arise we will have the strength to turn away.

H.A.L.T.S. is a simple way to remember to take care of your self. Next time you’re tempted to go back to a habit you’ve committed to break free from stop and ask your self, “Am I hungry, angry, lonely, tired or stressed?” If so, then take time to take care of your needs. Then you’ll have more strength to get free!

Ocean Clean

There’s nothing like a day at the beach to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed! Did you know that a swim in the ocean can also detoxify your body and relieve aches and pains? The high concentration of salt in ocean water actually pulls moisture from your tissues and along with it the toxins that zap your energy.

Not only does the sea soak up toxins from your body but it can be a place of spiritual cleansing and renewal. Micah 7:19 says God will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. So, next time you go for a swim at Siesta, Venice, Lido or any of our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, confess your sins to your creator, and imagine him hurling them to the bottom of the sea. You will be cleansed, body, mind and soul.

Sunshine Makes You Feel Fine

We all know by now that excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer and premature wrinkles, but what about the positive effects of the sun?

Just like plants, we humans need the sun to thrive. Receiving adequate amounts of sunshine and Vitamin D, which our bodies need the sun to make, may prevent many serious disorders including depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and several types of cancer.

So go ahead and soak up a little guilt free sunshine, we are in the sunshine state after all. To get the most of the sun’s healing benefits without damaging your skin avoid going out 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., protect your face with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and don’t over do it. Also, be sure to take Vitamin D on days when you can’t get out.

King Solomon said, “Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.” I think he was onto something.

Wait on the Lord for Strength

Do you ever have trouble finding the energy to nurture your body and soul like you know you should? Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to read the Bible, exercise and prepare healthy meals.

Often we get so caught up in meaningless activity that we don’t take time to just stop to be refreshed and directed by the Lord. When we rely on our own strength and wisdom rather than calling on God we will always wind up spinning our wheels and getting no where. Amazingly, we will find we have more time and energy when we take time out from our busy schedules to talk with God.

Is 40:31 says: Those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Notice how eagles don’t waste energy flapping their wings. They find that perfect wind current to take them where they need to be. Let the Lord be your wind current and accomplish more.

Just Breathe

Just slowing down our breathing can stop many of the harmful effects of stress. Here is a simple technique for deep breathing that will help you relax. It takes a little practice and is easiest to learn lying down. Start by placing your hands on your lower abdomen. Relax all your abdominal muscles. Inhale for seven seconds, filling your lungs from bottom to top. Allow your breath to cause your lower abdomen raise, then your mid abdomen, and finally your chest.

Now, exhale for a count of 10, gently pushing the air out from your lower abdomen first and your chest last, like squeezing a tube of toothpaste from the bottom.

Notice how relaxed you feel after just a few minutes. This is the quickest most effective way to calm your self. Do this exercise for a few minutes every day, especially when you are stressed. Soon, you will find you feel more calm and relaxed.