Exercise was not a problem for Elijah. He walked from place to place during his ministry days. The same was true for Jesus and his disciples.
Contemporary health experts and cardiologists recommend we walk a minimum of 10,000 steps each day for maximum health results. Some people use watches or other devices that help count the number of steps they take each day.
The importance of regular exercise as a means to combat anxiety and depression cannot be overstated. It is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Exercising relieves stress like nothing else. It also improves the memory, strengthens your heart, helps you sleep better, and encourages a positive mental attitude. It can help reduce your waistline, build your physique, and instill within you a sense of well-being.
Regular exercise can add years to your life. Plus, it can make your present years more meaningful and enjoyable. Find some way to move your body, and just do it! Dance. Jog. Swim. There are many online exercise videos available. You can also do resistance training in your own home.
Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressants. And you don’t have to be concerned about the potential negative side effects. Since the onset of COVID-19 in the U.S., prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications have risen over 34 percent. Americans are becoming increasingly anxious. But as Christ-followers, we are commanded not to be anxious (Philippians 4:6).
After Elijah’s soul was restored, he was once again used mightily by the Lord. God wanted Elijah to select and train Elisha to succeed him. But Elijah couldn’t accomplish this next task without a healthy body and soul. Elijah’s example demonstrates the interconnectedness of the body, soul, and spirit. It’s an example we should all follow.
During this time of social distancing, let’s strive to become more like Elijah. To go outside and walk. To breathe fresh air. To move the body God has given us. When our souls are restored, our Father will use us again.