We are going through a difficult time for clergy. There is clear evidence that the stress and demands of ministry are having a significant negative effect on the physical health of clergy. Even if you think that you are not one of those who have bad health, it is important to occasionally stop and ask yourself how you are doing physically and whether you need to alter some practices that might be hard on your health.
While it is obvious, the first action is to have a good physical with a doctor at least once a year. It is not good stewardship of the body in which you were born to neglect this. Most major denominations see this as so important that the medical plans have built in incentives for doing so. Even if you do not have good insurance, it is still cost effective to get the physical.
In addition, when we are honest with ourselves, we are able to identify ways that we could improve our health. Take a piece of paper and write for ten minutes on your personal eating and snacking habits and how they do or do not contribute to your health. Now, do the same with the exercise you are getting. One pastor bought a pedometer and strapped it on each day to note whether his day had been mostly sedentary or whether he had done some good walking. In addition to intentional exercise, we can often get some benefits by choosing to park in spots that allow us to walk further, taking stairs rather than elevators, etc.
If you are not normally inclined to go to a YM or YW or Sports Club for regular exercise, most of those places have trainers at reasonable rates. Having a trainer to whom you are accountable is a good way to establish a good exercise routine. If you are planning to set up a good walking, hiking routine, it is more likely to succeed if you invite a partner to do it with you. That way each of you encourage each other.
Your body is a temple of God. Use it in a way that brings praise.
