Its common knowledge that regular exercise produces endorphins in the body; chemicals that positively affect your mood and improve your mindset. For many of us who gym, jog or dance you know exactly what I'm talking about when you exercise you feel good!

But when we mention health in the church it's easy to forget that God's temple includes so much more than the physical. Mental and spiritual well-being is also at the heart of God’s health message for us.

Often times these areas are dismissed or considered small things that can be wished away but this couldn’t be further from the truth. God has instructed us to love ourselves - a command that often gets misunderstood or shelved at the back of our agenda but loving yourself is not self-indulgent or selfish in the way that some may presume, it's necessary for your sanity!

There’s a poem that reads:

‘Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel light even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.’

Take a breath from the chaos that is life and remember to treat yourself kindly.

Health is so much more than what meets the eye and though you may eat all the right things, sleep at the right time and keep fit if you’re not taking care of your mental and spiritual well-being you are doing yourself and God an injustice.

Practical Steps: Learn to treat yourself kindly - spend quality ‘alone time’, try new things, go on small adventures, treat yourself and most importantly spend some time in prayer and meditation with God daily - it actually works miracles for your health!

I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to restore my joy and health - Psalm 119:93