The medical world might have us believe that prescription drugs are the answer to our ailments. However, there are simple steps to strip the grip of stress and fear and heal our bodies naturally. In my previous blog, I discussed the effects of stress on our nervous system and how ongoing tension can lead to chronic pain and illness.

Now, I’ll share more about what we can do to support our bodies’ healing process.

1. Journaling– Honestly writing down our deepest and darkest thoughts is a therapeutic way to sort through jumbled emotions and struggles. We can be completely truthful about things we would never share with anyone but God. He knows it all anyway! He is our safe place and our Confidante. Journaling digs deep, bringing our beliefs to a conscious level, allowing us to work through negative emotions.

“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul is in anguish.” Psalm 6: 2, 3.  King David was clearly in distress physically and spiritually! But he poured his suffering out to God.

2. Sleep, Diet, and Exercise– These three lifestyle components must be addressed to heal our bodies. As most of us know, 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal for our bodies to rest and recover. (For sleep struggles in menopause, consider having your hormone levels checked, and find a natural remedy for sleep aid.)

*Eat as much organic produce and protein as your budget allows (pesticides and chemicals are causing gut and other health issues), but don’t STRESS over this! Do your best, eliminate processed food, and minimize sugar intake.

*Exercise was difficult for me when I battled fatigue, and headaches, as I was fearful of reoccurring or worsening the symptoms. I learned to ease back into it with short 10- 20 minute walks. Being in nature and praising God for His glorious creation brings healing. Telling myself that exercise is good for me, taking deep breaths as I moved my legs, and noticing the details of the trees, birds, and puffy white clouds is stress-relieving.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19.

3. Gratitude– A thankful heart is a healthy heart. It’s difficult for negativity to dwell in our headspace if we are in a constant state of praising God. We have so much to be thankful for! From the roof over our head to the shoes on our feet, and everything in between. We can praise God for who He is and thank Him for the many blessings in our lives. Praise and gratitude have been linked to reducing anxiety and stress, better sleep, and increased optimism. As you journal, be sure to include all that you are grateful for.

Psalm 9:1 says, “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.”

4. Laughter- There’s nothing like a good belly laugh to release tension and lighten our mood! Did you know laughter releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals in our brain) and can improve mental clarity? Other benefits of laughter include boosting our immune system, lessening pain perception, and burning calories. Let’s get laughing! Even forced laughter has proven advantages.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

5. Prayer and Meditation– This should be number one on my list, as it’s the one I am most committed to. Prayer is our gateway to God and a lifeline for communicating with Him. Laying our burdens down at His feet and making our requests known to Him brings us peace. Meditating on His word and memorizing scripture is how we can hide the truth in our hearts and train our minds to have the proper perspective. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:23, “to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” He can’t help or heal us unless we are marinating in His truth. Scripture, stillness, and solitude are the key to soul rest and neuro rest.

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

6. Patience and Self-Compassion – Healing takes time, and retraining our minds is a gradual process. Think about what you’re thinking about and take your thoughts about yourself captive making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinth 10:5) Go easy on yourself and allow God to do His perfect work in you as you commit your journey to Him. Negative self-talk is detrimental to your mindset and can hinder your ability to break free from stress and fear.

“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Our Creator has impeccably designed our body. And with the right conditions, it’s capable of healing itself. When we leave the “fight or flight” zone and enter into “rest and repair,” we will find that our bodies are resilient. With the proper nutrients, movement, and mindset, our Healer can have His way in our heart, mind, and body.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:2-4.