Physical Health
When we talk about caring for our whole self, we can’t ignore our physical health. For many of us, this is actually the area we feel the most comfortable talking about. But sometimes that comfort can cause us to overlook what is really going on underneath the surface.
We may think we have it handled, while our bodies are quietly carrying stress, tension, exhaustion, or the weight of constant transitions and full schedules.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. For me, that is not about shame, comparison, or unrealistic expectations. There are so many parts of our physical health that are outside of our control. But we are invited to be mindful, intentional, and compassionate toward the bodies God has given us. Caring for our physical health goes far beyond diet and exercise. It includes rest, awareness, transitions, and margin.
One of the most overlooked sources of physical tension is transition. Sometimes these are big life moments like a new job, a move, or a child entering a new season. But often they are small daily shifts. The few minutes you sit in your car before walking inside after a long day. The deep breath you take before a hard conversation. The moment your body hesitates because it needs time to catch up with your schedule.
Transitions and margin go hand in hand. When we move from one responsibility to another without pause, our bodies stay in a constant state of stress. Our bodies need space to recover, reset, and breathe.
Caring for our physical health is not about pressure. It is about stewardship. It is about honoring God by being attentive to the signals our bodies send and by creating rhythms that allow us to live and serve from a place of health rather than depletion.
A Simple Tool to Start This Week: The Body Scan
A body scan is a gentle way to reconnect with what your body may be trying to tell you.
Try this:
• Find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down comfortably
• Take a few slow, deep breaths to settle your nervous system
• Slowly bring your attention to different parts of your body from head to toe
• Notice any tightness, tension, pain, or fatigue without judgment
• As you notice each area, imagine breathing into that space and allowing it to soften
• When you finish, take one more deep breath and thank God for the body He has given you and the wisdom it carries
Reflection Questions for This Week
• Where is my body holding the most tension right now?
• What transitions in my day feel rushed or heavy?
• Where do I need to create more margin, even if it is just five minutes?
• What is one small way I can honor my physical health today?
This month we are caring for our whole self together. Physical health is not about perfection. It is about awareness, compassion, and small intentional steps that lead to long-term wholeness.
I would love to hear from you. What is one small way you are caring for your physical health this week?