How To Be Strong This Summer

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8

Taking care of your body is important. Eating whole food instead of processed food, drinking water instead of soda, exercising instead of prolonged screen time and getting enough sleep are four awesome ways to decrease obesity and increase our immune system. Review these four “Be Strong” tips in the family activity below.

I know a lot of people are saying “be safe” and it’s important to consider your safety in all aspects of life. I’m a self-defense coach, so yes, I can teach you a few things about safety. But I want to encourage you today with tips about “being strong.”

Be Strong.

I want you to be strong in your body, mind and spirit. When you focus on your strength, you’ll be able to make wise decisions about safety too.

God’s word says something amazing about how to “be strong.” When you trust in the Lord, you have less stress. When you have less stress, your anxiety reduces. When your anxiety reduces, your body becomes healthy and your bones grow strong.

Why trust God? Because he loves you! “For this is how God loved the world (put your name here): He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. This is a trustworthy promise for you! Let that sink into your body and bones.

Sit down with your family and discuss the four ways you can be strong:

Four ways to be strong.

Pick one healthy habit to improve this week. Record your progress. Take pictures and share with #TrueGirl #TheGreatFlip.

Eat whole foods. If your food doesn’t grow from the ground or eat from the ground, it’s probably not whole food. Oh, how I wish I could grow Oreos in my garden. :) Learn how to cook something healthy or try a new fruit or vegetable.
Drink water. Reduce your intake of sugar and/or caffeine. Find a water intake calculator and refillable sports bottle to reach your goal. Squeeze fresh lemon in your water. Yum!
Get enough sleep. Tweens and teens need between 9-10 hours of sleep. What time should you go to bed to get enough sleep?
Physical exercise. Reduce screen time and exercise. Start a fitness challenge with your family or friends. Play a sport. Run around the house. Do jumping jacks. Do something active for at least 30 minutes every day. What will you do to achieve this goal?

Learn about the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu with me here at The Great Flip.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan. Not only will you get physically fit, but you will also learn an amazing life skill too! It’s a win-win!

EXTRA CREDIT: Read my blog that was featured on True Girl’s website and learn how trusting in the Lord offers five more ways to be strong. Click here.

Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up at www.thegreatflip.com

Click here to request a free self-defense video and lesson plan!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody