A Message to You: Your Health Matters!
As we get back to some normalcy in our daily lives, it will look different for each individual. As you move back into the daily routines such as your jobs, school, traveling, family gatherings, and other activities that involve being with or around groups of people, remember and be mindful to do what is necessary, in order to keep yourself & those around you safe and as healthy as possible.
If being in a mask is necessary, please wear it. Pay no attention to those who ridicule you. Take care of yourself. Also as a reminder, remember to wash and sanitize your hands often, including when you sneeze or cough.
Please stay current with the vaccinations and shots listed below. As we get older, more health issues rise up, if we don't stay on top of things.
As we get back to some normalcy in our daily lives, it will look different for each individual. As you move back into the daily routines such as your jobs, school, traveling, family gatherings, and other activities that involve being with or around groups of people, remember and be mindful to do what is necessary, in order to keep yourself & those around you safe and as healthy as possible.
If being in a mask is necessary, please wear it. Pay no attention to those who ridicule you. Take care of yourself. Also as a reminder, remember to wash and sanitize your hands often, including when you sneeze or cough.
Please stay current with the vaccinations and shots listed below. As we get older, more health issues rise up, if we don't stay on top of things.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARE MONTH
PRAYER PARTNER PROGRAM
Not only does prayer reduce stress, having a prayer partner helps build relationships. Research has shown that strong social relationships and connections are an important part of boosting and maintaining mental health. "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12
SERVICE SATURDAYS (VOLUNTEER DAYS)
Giving back to the community helps us feel better about ourselves and makes us more satisfied with our lives. Some ideas for church wide service days include park clean up, food bank service, caring for the sick or new mothers. "You, my brothers, and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh. rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:1
EXERCISE CLASSES
Exercise is a proven way to improve mental wellbeing. Exercise makes the brain release endorphins-hormones that make you feel good. Those who exercise also feel more confident in their appearance and more comfortable in their own skin. There is a link between physical. wellbeing and mental wellbeing, showing those that take better care of their bodies tend to feel better than those that do not, as well as feel more confident in their appearance and comfortable in their own skin.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
FAMILY PICNICS
Having a family picnic can help improve relationships and connections. Families can also be encouraged to bring family dogs to the picnic-playing with animals is a known stress reliever and mood enhancer. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
HOBBY NIGHTS
Making time for enjoyable activities is a crucial part in self-care and doing so in fellowship with other congregation members can be an even greater boost for mental health! "So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
EDUCATION ON MENTAL ILLNESS
Education from speakers or church leadership can help reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, educate the congregation on where to seek treatment if needed, and equip individuals to properly care for their neighbors that are suffering. See if there is a mental health professional in the congregation that would be willing to share or reach out to local non-profits or health educators through the health department to come and speak to the church. "The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion." Psalm 116:5
WALKING PRAYER GROUPS
A walking prayer group also encourages individuals to pray but does so while encouraging social connections and exercise. Get a group of individuals together to form this walking prayer group-walking through the neighborhood or in a local park, praying together over their community or whatever is in their hearts. "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
COMMUNITY GARDEN
A community garden is a shared garden space, where members of the congregation can plant fruits and vegetables and enjoy the bounty of their work. Having a community garden does require work and commitment but serves as a perfect excuse to get outside and an encouragement to eat more fruits and veggies. Chances are that the garden will also promote relationships with congregation members using their green thumbs together. "God said, 'I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food." Genesis 1:29
HOST AA OR OTHER 12 STEP SUPPORT GROUPS
Because churches often have classrooms or even auditoriums that are not being used during weeknights, they are a great place to host AA or other similar 12 step meetings. Of course, the church will only need to provide space, while the meetings will be held by meeting members. Making this type of meeting accessible in the community may help congregation members that may be suffering from addiction - and substance use has been seen to severely impact mental health negatively. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the resting of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO GET YOUR:
- Flu Shot
- COVID19 Test (if necessary)
- COVID19 Vaccine
- COVID Updated Booster
- Shingles Shot
- Pneumonia Shot
COVID, Updated COVID Boosters, and Flu Vaccines are available at your local pharmacies, Douglas County Health Department, and your doctor's office. Shingle Shots are available at the local pharmacy or doctor's office only.
Continue getting regular checkups to help stay on top of your health.