Happy Sabbath Church,
Let's discuss taking care of our minds. Philippians 4:6, 7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Therefore, trusting God, having a relationship with him is the beginning of taking care of our minds.
Some ways to lead into that is to want to better mental heath, simple steps can make a difference. Writing in a gratitude journal, 5 minutes per day, can significantly decrease stress and negative emotions and increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Having strong social connections with friends and/or family decreases stress, anxiety, depression, and risk of suicide. Taking slow deep breaths lowers stress hormones and boosts feel-good endorphins. Slowly count to 4 as you inhale, then exhale slowly to the same count.
Spending time outdoors, moderate exercise, being part of a religious group and having pets can also improve mental focus and attention.
Older people who engage in hobbies, such as gardening, knitting, painting, and playing games, report more life satisfaction and less depression. Also, music makes you happier by promoting a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter, dopamine. It can improve sleep quality and mental alertness. Progressive music relaxation manages symptoms of anxiety as effectively as acupuncture. Try lying down, then starting with your toes, tense and relax each muscle group, continuing all the way up to your head.
Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Jesus encourages us to focus on today, trusting God with the future and avoiding unnecessary worry is key to a healthy life while we wait His return.
Happy trusting in Him,
Sandra Jackson
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