An Introduction to the Eight Laws of Health

Hope for the Journey is focused on your health in 2021. We're sharing helpful content that will aid you in caring for your body and mind. Throughout the year, we will discuss each of the eight laws of health and provide helpful tips and resources along the way. Are you ready to live a healthier lifestyle?

1. Fresh Air

Oxygen is the most essential element. Fresh air has many health benefits including:

- providing clarity to the mind, improving concentration, and boosting learning abilities,

- soothing nerves, providing a sense of happiness + well-being by altering brain levels of serotonin, and

- helping to circulate the blood throughout your body's systems.

2. Sunshine

Sunshine is one of nature's most healing agents; it naturally calms the nerves and destroys bacteria. It can help prevent or even heal infections. It is important to frequently obtain the sunshine that our bodies need to maintain good health. Be sure to always wear sunscreen and protect your skin from harmful rays.

3. Abstemiousness

Abstemiousness means temperance. Temperance is self-discipline or self-control. Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit of which God would have us develop in all areas of our lives, including eating, drinking, sleeping, dressing, working, and playing. Practicing temperance rewards us with mental and moral vigor, resulting in godly balance.

4. Rest

Rest replenishes our body. The proper quantity and quality of sleep is vital to a healthful lifestyle. Sleep gives the body time to expel toxins and wastes, and to heal and repair the natural forces that have been used, abused and damaged during the day. Quality sleep replenishes the energy used and rejuvenates the system.

5. Exercise

Regular exercise accompanied with a healthy diet improves our health and reduces the risk of developing diseases. Exercise provides a powerful increase of oxygen to the body and can have immediate and long-term health benefits and will improve your quality of life. To maintain health and reduce your risk of illness, a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intense exercise is required daily. Walking is one of the simplest and best exercises, and is inexpensive! Walking out-doors in the open air at a brisk pace is most beneficial.

6. Water

Clean, pure water is indispensable in the daily task of keeping our bodies in health or in recovering health when it is lost. Drinking water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues from the constant bombardment of toxins, germs, viruses, chemicals and other pollutants; no other liquid can do this task.

7. Nutrition

A healthy diet of fresh, organic plant-based foods is best. Your diet should consist of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, water, carbohydrates, calcium, protein, fats, and fiber. Food is to be our medicine.

8. Trust in God

There may be times when we may not discern or understand His wisdom in certain events, but it is on these occasions that we especially have to trust His will and have faith that He is working things out to His glory. We must remain faithful in our journey.

"Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you…" Exodus 23:25

If you or someone you love was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, please contact Hope for the Journey. Our team of experts, survivors, and volunteers provide much needed support during her fight. No woman should have to fight alone.