How to Find Happiness – Staying Active

October 2, 2010 | Posted by peterg

Key to Happiness #12 – Staying Active

We’ve all seen it, maybe even in our own families. Someone retires and within just a few years they deteriorate mentally and physically and die. Their work was their life and their purpose. They no longer had work to give them direction and they did not replace that activity with something else. Their health and their will to live just evaporated. And of course, we all know about the empty nest issue most parents deal with. Their whole purpose was their kids, and one day they realize the kids have grown up…and they’re gone. The house is empty and their lives seem to have lost their purpose.

What happened? Many studies have been done that show that people who stay active physically and mentally are much healthier and happier than those who do not. Should that be a surprise? Not really. At the same time, I’m not saying that we should fill every moment of our days with activities. Everything needs to be done in balance.

Sometimes sickness, depression, loneliness, etc., can make us want to stay in our houses and veg out and do nothing, which only feeds whatever we’re suffering from even more.

Staying active has several parts:

Staying active physically
Staying active mentally
Staying active socially (see previous Happiness articles like “Making New Friends and Meeting New People” and “Giving of your Time”.

Staying active physically:

This is not an easy task, especially when you’re in pain. In my case…and maybe in your case too, doing any kind of exercise after a long day at work is the last thing I want to do. So what do we do? I know that exercise is good for me and a very important part of taking care of this temple of the Holy Spirit, but do I always feel like doing it? No. Oh, I don’t think you have to be too rigid with yourself, but when I feel like that, most of the time I pray to Jesus and ask Him to give me strength. Then, just a block or two into my speed walk (with my two Border Collies) I have totally forgotten how tired and cranky I was!

Again, don’t over-commit…like committing to 7 days per week 2 hours per day. You’d just set yourself up for failure. What you’re trying to do is form a habit. As you go along, you will naturally feel better and end up doing more than just the minimum. For me, getting to the gym is the hard part. Once I’m there, it’s really not that hard. 95% of success is just showing up.

Here are some tips:

Set a schedule. Some days might be easier than others
Start with a light schedule…like 3 days per week for 15 minutes each.
Depending on your physical ability, you might just walk for a couple blocks
Partner up with others…it makes it a lot more fun. I happen to walk with my wife and our dogs. It also provides a great time to talk and spend time together.

Here is what the Bible says about staying active physically:

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Staying active mentally:

Sometimes when I’m tired, I don’t feel like doing anything but vegging out watching TV. I’m not saying that you should never do that…just don’t make it a habit. It’s easy to slide into a routine that includes 2–5 hours of TV per day. Just as with physical activity, it takes effort to get out of that rut. The amazing thing is that when we do keep our minds sharp, we’re happier and more fulfilled…amazing.

There are many things that we can do like read a book, learn something new…like computers, painting, study a new language. I personally like Woodworking. It takes a lot of mental focus and to me it’s a great way to relax. As we learn and/or accomplish something new, it gives us a sense of satisfaction. Just as with physical activity…don’t over-commit. Start small with short term projects. As you get more comfortable with your new activity, you can plan longer term projects.

Here is what the Bible says about exercising your brain:

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. ” Proverbs 3:21-23

“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.” Proverbs 19:8

“Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me.” Psalm 25:4-5

Keys to happiness exercise:

Ask God for help and strength and courage (ask Jesus into your life if you have not done so already. He’s your helper and healer)
Set some time aside every week for physical, mental and communal activities. Start small…don’t over commit.
Partner up with someone if possible

For other great resources on this subject check out Staying Active on WomensHeath.org. For resources on staying active mentally check out Alz.org. For additional info on staying active physically check out www.CDC.org.