Many times we think our different parts (our mind, body and spirit) as separate, unconnected. We don’t realize how we feel in one area affects the others. But they do! They are as intimately connected as our fingers are to our hands. So it makes sense that improving our spiritual health by praying often can overhaul our emotional and physical health, too.
So how does praying often, connecting to God make such a difference in our physical and emotional health? By creating joy. When we show up day after day, strengthening our ties to God, he rewards us by showering us with Fruits of the Spirit, one of them being joy. Have you ever felt bad when feeling one of these Fruits? Pretty tough, huh? God designed us to thrive on joy. Therefore, the closer we are to God, the more joy we experience, the better we feel-spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Western medicine and science are now proving what man-kind has known for thousands of years. Joy improves our health on many levels-without the side effects or cost of medications. According to a 2005 Time article, when we experience joy, the front left side of the brain lights up. This area helps us make better, healthier more rational decisions. Saying, “No, thank you.” to that 2nd piece of pie. Going for that bike ride on your way home from work because you know you’ll sleep better.
Joy also lights up the reward center of our brain, lowering our negative stress response and cortisol levels. All this to allow our health to spiral upward, naturally reaching toward God. One reason I chose Enjoy the Journey as my tag line.
Joy’s Health Benefits:
- Increases immunity
- Increases energy
- Increases dopamine & serotonin
- Increased sense of wellbeing
- Decreased heart rate
- Decreased cardiovascular disease
- Decreased stress and cortisol
- Protection against high blood pressure, diabetes, colds and flu
Experiencing joy when we’re stressed out is like trying to see through swarming gnats. We swat and flounder, not knowing which way to turn. Praying often and Joy Journaling can help us pave a path to peace and health. Before you go to bed, write down 3 things that brought you joy during the day. In a few days to a week, you’ll really see yourself smiling more–at the little things. The sunrise, the crunch of a refreshing cucumber, the vibrant colors God created for us to see as we walk, a stranger smiling back at us.
Over time, as you notice your mood improving, you’ll notice your body changing, too. Stress causes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and high numbers on the scale! Joy does just the opposite-without the side effects blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol medicines cause. Joy may not change your current circumstances (maybe your car is in the shop for the 3rd time in 6 weeks -my current reality!) but you don’t get too worked up about it-or stay worked up about it. Joy lets us feel inner peace, allowing all our systems hum along in harmony, with ease instead of dis-ease.
Learn more about how I use journaling for health with my free Journaling Guide.
Have you tried Joy Journaling yet? Let me know about your experience!
Enjoy the Journey!
Are you looking for a partner to help you create and maintain ways to pray often, eat well and move more? Do you know what to do, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve started this journey several times and end up abandoning your your new-found habits. I am accepting new clients who are ready to improve their health as they strengthen their connection to God. Contact me at support@juliegrunklee.com to learn more and set up a free 20 minute discovery call.
- References
- Time
- Healthline
Disclaimer: Information on this site is not intended to nor is a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention for any medical condition and is not to be construed as such. Individual articles are the opinion of Julie Grunklee or guest author unless otherwise noted. Information provided by this site is for informational purposes only. We cannot guarantee information on this site reflects the most up-to-date medical research. All information is provided without any representation or warranties of any kind. Please consult your primary care provider or licensed health care provider with any questions you regarding your health, including nutrition, exercise, stress-reduction or spirituality practices. Do not watch and/or listen to the guided mediations while driving or operating dangerous machinery or any place it is not safe for you to relax and fall asleep. Some links throughout the site, and in posts, may be affiliate links. By clicking on a link and making a purchase, I may receive a small commission, but your price will not change. All products, stores, restaurants, and other services, I either personally use or highly recommend.
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