Cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” has been linked to better health, sounder sleep, less anxiety and depression, higher long-term satisfaction with life and kinder behavior toward others, including romantic partners. But what if you’re not the grateful sort? Here’s some helpful advice! (Photo by redwinegums, used by Creative Commons license)
Give the Gift of Health
Here’s a 16-page PDF booklet entitled “Walking as a Way of Life: Movement for Health and Happiness” by Jay Walljasper. Walking is now being touted as a “wonder drug” to promote health and well-being, as well as to treat and prevent a number of health issues. Best of all it costs little to nothing (excellent […]
5 Ways to Improve Clergy Health
Alarmed with reports that its pastors were significantly less healthy than other professionals, the United Methodist Church commissioned a task force to investigate and suggest solutions. After three years of work, they came back with a report that details important steps. Click above to get to the news article; click here to go to the […]
Visualizing the Need for Sabbath
Not only is Sabbath a commandment, it’s good for our health, relationships, economy, and environment. Unfortunately, the notion of Sabbath is often a countercultural one. Here’s a series of infographics that may help you communicate tangible benefits of Sabbath-keeping. (Photo: hiyori13, Creative Commons)
Simplicity: A Better Normal?
Some may say simplicity is becoming the new normal–the way we must live to ensure a future for those who will come after us and for our entire planet. Another way to look at simplicity is as a “better” normal, as a way to sustain health, well-being, and community. Click here to Read Duane Elgin’s […]
Protecting Pastors from Burnout
Studies have shown that many pastors and church staff are burning out. They feel the pressure to preach and create programs and events that entertain and inspire congregants, many of whom hardly serve in their church. What can be done? Eliminating pastor and church staff burnout requires a change of thinking and behavior. Good reading […]
Exercise Benefits the Brain, Too!
Want to be happier? Exercise. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete or spend hours in the gym. Twenty minutes is enough to trigger the responses in the brain that lead to a better outlook on life. Now that’s good stewardship! (Photo: Stefan Insam, Creative Commons)
Clergy Health: Who Cares for the Caregivers?
Clergy’s practice of putting others first can be detrimental to their own health, say researchers at Duke University. Pastors have been found to have higher-than-average rates of chronic disease and depression. But it may be difficult to get pastors to seek care because they typically default to caring for others first. (Photo by Doug McCaughan, used […]
Work is Overrated, Let’s Cut Ourselves a Break
We American workers have increased our productivity more than 80% since 1973 . . . and we work 10% longer. Since we increased our efficiency by 80%, shouldn’t we be working 80% less, not 10% more? Numerous commentators have opined about how crazy it is that our wages have stagnated while our productivity has soared, but few mention that we also work longer hours. (Photo by 19melissa68, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Rx for Broken Lives and Faltering Faith
As the most obese or overweight people on the planet, Americans know we need to do something about our poor health. But is our spiritual health much better? Fortunately, the Bible tells us clearly how to get into good spiritual shape!