Stewarding My Health

These are some of the small changes I have made so far in my life to support my health, reduce toxin exposure, and live more intentionally. More to come!

Natural Fabric Choices

• Cotton pajamas

• Cotton underwear

• Cotton bedding

• Natural fibers over synthetic fabrics

Why: Natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, silk, cashmere, and more support our bodies by reducing synthetic microplastics and chemical exposure through our clothing during both use and washing. Natural fibers are also more breathable, comfortable, and increase your energy supply! If possible get GOTS certified cotton to ensure that it is organic, without chemicals and meets the strict standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard.

Sunlight 

• Getting sunlight soon after waking (ideally within the first half hour)

• Watching sunsets/getting evening sun when possible

• Supporting a healthy sleep-wake rhythm

• Avoiding sunscreen (unless it is natural and you need it) 

Why: Natural light helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, which plays a role in sleep, energy levels, hormone function, and overall well-being. Morning sunlight is especially helpful for signaling to the body that it's time to be awake and alert. It is also important to have a consistent sleep schedule (ex. 10pm sleep - 6am wake) because this will help your body function efficiently and improve energy levels. I always avoid sunscreen (unless it is totally natural and I NEED it) because certain chemicals very popular in sunscreen have been proven to harm your skin and even be a leading cause for skin cancer. 

Fresh Air

• Opening windows in your bedroom for at least 10 mins/day to bring in fresh air

• Air purifiers inside diffusing thieves or purification essential oil to clean the air 

• Lot's of plants inside to purify the air (snake plants are best for filtering air)

Why: Fresh air is one of the most important things that your body needs, it stimulates energy, balances mood, and can even strengthen your immune system. Breathing in clean air is so important and most people don't understand the health effects that their air quality might be having on them (especially if there is mold in your air). For example, poor air quality can cause the cold, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, asthma, heart strain, chronic lung disease, and even cancer in some cases.

Cleaner Food Choices

• Prioritizing whole foods

• Eating foods with simple ingredient lists (build a habit of knowing what your eating)

• Limiting ultra-processed foods

• Avoiding artificial food dyes and coloring

• Cooking from scratch when possible

Why: Whole foods provide more nutrients and fewer unnecessary additives. While convenience foods can have a place, it is important to understand that we will feel our best when our food comes from simple ingredients. Also, food cooked at home tastes much better once you realize what is actually in fast foods and ultra processed foods. Next, artificial dyes don't provide nutritional value, and there are behavioral and health effects that must be considered when ingesting these dyes. It is true what you eat is what you become; eat healthy --> become healthy!

Healthy Drinks

• Drinking mainly water

• Avoiding soda/pop and coffee

• Completely avoiding energy drinks

• Limiting sugary beverages

Why: Staying hydrated with water supports nearly every function in the body and is vital. I also avoid excess sugar, mold, caffeine, chemicals, and artificial ingredients found in sodas, energy drinks, and coffee. I am learning how to like tea because there are many health benefits that can come from herbal teas (but I will likely make my own tea mixes and use a metal tea strainer when I get to that point). Also, electrocytes (as long as they are from a natural, trustworthy brand can be beneficial) as well as adding salt to your water to enhance your bodies hydration!

Safer Food Storage

• Using glass containers

• Reducing plastic use for food storage

• Using glass, metal, BPA free, water bottles

Why: Glass is durable, reusable, and doesn't contain microplastics. I also love that it doesn't contain the chemicals found in plastics and can safely go from the fridge to the microwave or oven (depending on the container). Also, most water bottles that you find will have at least some plastic even if it is just the mouthpiece, so finding ones that are BPA free is crucial. 

Natural Oils & Ingredients

• Using coconut oil for various purposes (cooking, moisturizing, skincare, household, etc.)

• Reading ingredient labels (again)

• Choosing products with fewer unnecessary ingredients and chemicals

• Choosing olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, etc. over vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.

Why: I enjoy having simple, multipurpose products in my home. Coconut oil can be useful for moisturizing, cooking, oil pulling, skincare, and much more. Choosing products that are multi-purpose helps reduce the number of products you need to buy. There are alos many health benefits to using coconut, olive, and castor oil whereas there are many negative health effects to using seed oils.

Skincare & Haircare

• Looking for cleaner ingredients

• Avoiding perfume and heavily fragranced products

• Choosing products that work well without excessive chemicals 

• Using natural options (tallow, coconut oil, rosemary, etc.)

Why: Our skin is our largest organ, and I prefer using products with ingredients I recognize and understand. My goal isn't perfection but being more intentional about what I use daily. Even though I don't strictly use only natural products on my skin I have done my best to switch out the popular products that I use for natural alternatives. For example, beef tallow on my skin, natural mascara, coconut oil or natural face wash, clean shampoo/conditioner, and overall just wearing less makeup and unhealthy/unnecessary products. I have also completely stopped wearing perfume (even though it smells so good) because synthetic fragrance completely disrupt your hormones and cause brain fog, energy loss, as well as other unfortunate side affects.

Reducing Screen Stress

• Wearing blue-light glasses

• Using screen filters

• Limiting screens before bed

• Keeping devices out of the bedroom especially when charging

Why: Screens are a major part of modern life. Reducing bright blue light throughout the day and especially in the evening can help keep your eyes healthy, create a more relaxing environment before bed, and encourage healthier screen habits. Personally, I have a desk job and work on a computer most of the time so screen avoidance isn't possible but I do wear blue light glasses when in front of a screen for a long period of time. I also have warm light/night light filters on all my screens to make them orange and cut out as much blue light as I can. I definitely notice the difference in my energy levels, mental cognitive function, and brain fog when I don't do these things. 

Time Outdoors

• Grounding/earthing

• Walking barefoot in safe natural areas

• Spending time in nature regularly

Why: I believe that grounding is very beneficial for so many reasons, but beyond any claims about grounding itself, being outside helps me slow down, enjoy nature, reduce stress, and spend less time indoors and on screens. The sun can also help regulate your circadian rythym and balance your energy for the whole day!

Movement

• Daily rebounding (lymphatic drainage)

• Stretching

• Working out weekly (x4-6 times depending on schedule and cycle)

• Prayer walks

Why: Daily movement not only helps build self discipline, but it also improves physical and mental health. Working out regularly has many benefits including boosting energy, reducing risk of chronic health conditions, enhances your mood, and and promotes a more restful sleep. Lymphatic drainage can be beneficial because it reduces bloating, increases energy, improves your immune system, and actually improves your overall muscle function. 

Caring for My Mind & Spirit

• Daily prayer

• Reading Scripture every morning

• Spending quiet time with God

• Gratitude and reflection

• Taking breaks from social media

Why: God is number one and should be in every Christian's life. I believe that true health extends beyond physical wellness. Just as our bodies need nourishment, our minds and spirits do as well. Starting my day in God's Word helps ground me in truth before the distractions and demands of the day begin. Prayer and quiet time with God bring peace, perspective, and a reminder of where my identity and hope are found.

Practicing gratitude helps me focus on God's blessings rather than constantly striving for more, while reflection allows me to recognize His faithfulness in both the ordinary and difficult seasons of life. Taking breaks from social media also helps reduce comparison, information overload, and unnecessary stress, creating more space for what truly matters.

For me, these habits are some of the most important ones on this list because they influence every other area of my life. Caring for my spiritual health helps me steward my physical, mental, and emotional health with greater wisdom and purpose.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 

- 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

This section also ties beautifully into your overall theme of stewardship—that healthy living isn't ultimately about chasing perfection, but faithfully caring for the body, mind, and spirit God has entrusted to us.

Closing Thoughts

These habits are not rules, and I don't believe anyone needs to do all of them to be healthy. They're simply choices I've made after researching different aspects of health and wellness. My goal is not perfection but stewardship—taking care of the body God has given me through small, intentional decisions made consistently over time.