The Impact our Environment has on our Health
The C.R.E.A.T.I.O.N. acronym model looks at various aspects that contribute to health. Previous articles have addressed “C” for Choice and “R” for Rest, and today we look at “E” for Environment as it pertains to our physical surroundings and the mindset we create.
By Dr. Melinda Hopkins
As we embark on a new semester, the air on our college campus will be charged with anticipation and the promise of academic achievement. In the pursuit of knowledge and success, it’s easy to get entangled in the rigors of academia, often sidelining our well-being. However, let this semester mark a transformative journey, where we prioritize balance and harmony by integrating the principles of faith, wellness, and academic excellence.
Our college experience is not confined to classrooms and textbooks; it extends into the very air we breathe, the communities we foster, and the wellness of our minds and bodies. Balancing academic success with personal wellness and environmental responsibility is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a calling to be mindful stewards of our own lives and the world around us.
In times of academic stress and personal challenges, turning to our faith can provide solace and guidance. Jesus, the embodiment of love and compassion, offers us a model of balance and harmony. His teachings encourage us to love ourselves and others, to find rest in Him, and to recognize the interconnectedness of our actions with the world we inhabit.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
As we dive into the semester’s challenges, incorporating prayer can be a powerful source of strength. Prayer provides a moment of reflection, a chance to express gratitude, and an opportunity to seek guidance from our Creator.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The pursuit of academic excellence should not come at the expense of our physical and mental well-being. Balancing rest, nutrition, and exercise is not a luxury but a necessity for a healthy, thriving academic experience.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Our academic journey is not detached from our faith; rather, it is an extension of the gifts and talents with which we have been entrusted. Approaching our studies with diligence and commitment is an expression of gratitude for the opportunities and blessings that we’ve been given. Academic success becomes a form of worship when we use our knowledge to contribute positively to the world.
Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
As we navigate the semester’s challenges, let’s foster a faith community that supports and uplifts one another. Engaging in prayer groups, Bible studies, and fellowship can provide a sense of belonging and a reminder that we are not alone on this journey. Together, we can encourage each other to strike a balance between our academic pursuits, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
Further Researched Reading:
Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing
The Physical and Mental Benefits of Getting Outside in the Winter – University of Utah
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