8 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Life Rhythm

Traffic lights are a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, they are essential for keeping cars safe on the road and pedestrians safe in the crosswalk. But on the other hand, they can be a source of frustration for me, especially if I am running late!

You know, life rhythms can be affected by our internal traffic lights as well, especially in the times we are living in currently.

Here we are, two years after the start of the global pandemic, and quite honestly, I am still trying to find my life rhythm. How about you?

Transition is hard, and unless we are being proactive in our holistic health, it can lead to burnout fast.

More obviously, I immediately think of the back and forth of in-session and remote mandates for schools, our offices, and church services. Not only are our schedules affected, but our emotions and mental health as well.

Dr. Johnny Parker, the Spiritual Cares Director of our counseling department at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, created a tool that promotes holistic health and rhythm well-being. These personal reflection questions give you an awareness of where you are thriving and surviving.

So let’s look at these five questions together as we consider our own lives

Life Dimensions Survey

The following set of questions is helpful in measuring how you are navigating through life. Each question will pertain to one aspect of your holistic being: physical, emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual.

As you consider each one, rate yourself on a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being empty and 10 being full.

1. Physical: How would you rate your ability to rest, exercise, and relax your body during the last five to seven days?

2. Emotional: How would you assess your level of joy over the last five to seven days?

As you consider this question, consider your joy, not feelings of happiness. Joy flows from deep down in your soul!

3. Relational: How would you rate your level of connectedness between you and your closest relationships over the last five to seven days?

These relationships could be those with your spouse, children, parents, and even your closest friends.

4. Mental: How would you rate your level of dwelling on what is true, good, and victorious during the last five to seven days?

5. Spiritual: How would you assess your level of daily surrender to God during the last five to seven days?

Now, add all your score from all five areas.

Green (35 and over): If your score was 35 and over, great job! You seem to have a healthy pace in your life’s rhythm – keep going!

For more personal reflection, consider the following: “What is contributing to you being in this place?” 

Yellow (25 to 34): If your score was 25 to 34, slow down. Pay attention to what is going on in your life.

For more personal reflection, consider the following: “Where in your life do you need to slow down?”

Red (24 and under): Stop and take a breath. Regroup.

For more personal reflection, consider the following: “What in your life is causing the disconnect? How do you intend to make changes?”

8 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Life Rhythm

 So how do you create and maintain a life rhythm balance, and what kinds of things help to promote overall harmony?

 Here are eight ways you can cultivate healthy rhythms in your own life.

1. Pray 

Making sure you instill a lifestyle of prayer not only takes the focus off of your troubles but also invites God into the anxious thoughts you are experiencing. Prayer leaves room for Him to move the only way He can.

2. Keep A Schedule

Keeping an organized schedule allows your mind to stay on top of what needs to be done. Not only that, but it will help you to remain honest and intentional when life gets crazy!

3. Connection with Family and Friends

Who doesn’t love a good support system when everything else seems out of hand? By spending time with those you are closest to, you gain the support and encouragement that may help you move forward. 

4. Focus On What Is Important

Let’s face it – the world is a noisy place! So, to alleviate any additional stress, focus on what you are choosing to say “yes” to in this season. Trust me; your mind will thank you.

5. Quiet Time With God

It is so important to spend time in God’s word, especially now that the world is in such disarray. Commit to renewing your mind through scripture.

6. Exercise

Moving your body for as little as fifteen to twenty minutes a day will do wonders! Not only will you have more energy, but it is great for your mental health.

7. Worship

Turn on Spotify and spend some time in worship. This will put your thoughts on the goodness of God when the storm is raging around you.

 8. Grieve

We have been through a LOT. Grieving what was before the pandemic, what was during the pandemic, and now as we are coming out of the pandemic, is necessary. Journal, process with a friend and grieve before God.

If you are struggling with your healthy life rhythms, which action will you implement in your own life?

And if you are struggling, don’t quit. The light will eventually turn green again.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8, AMP