Exercise

Research suggests that stress can wear down the body’s billions of neuronal connections, and that chronic depression can shrink some areas of the brain. By contrast, physical exercise releases a cascade of chemical substances and growth factors that can reverse this process, helping sustain the brain’s infrastructure. Exercise also improves our cognitive skills (our mental abilities), and, even more so, our emotional health. Numerous studies have found that good life quality depends on the balance between physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Physical exercise is associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and may help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. A physically active life can play an important role in increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol and in decreasing levels of the “bad” one. For people with asthma, it can reduce inflammation in their airways. Resistance exercise training can strengthen bones, improve the cardiovascular system, and lower the risk of the bone disease osteoporosis. Regular exercise can decrease stress levels and improve sleep. Finally, physical exercise produces the bodily chemicals known as endorphins (which can help the body withstand pain, reduce the effects of stress, and strengthen the immune system), and is associated with long-term happiness.

The Bible describes the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Our physical health is reflected in the brain, which is where the Holy Spirit connects with us. Physical exercise is one of the eight “natural remedies” (the others being nutrition, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God). Regular exercise is essential if we want to have a longer, healthier life, and to better serve our Creator and our neighbors.