Healing Through Lifestyle: Discovering the 8 Laws of Health
For 36 years of my life, I never really thought deeply about taking care of my health. Like many people, I only started becoming more aware when I became a mother of young children. Having them made me realize that my health is not only important for me, but also for my family who depends on me.
Recently, I had a health checkup, and the doctor gave me some concerning news. I was advised that I might need medication. Honestly, who would want to start taking medicine right away? Diabetes runs in our family, so as a way of prevention, I make sure to have regular checkups and monitor my health every three months.
At that moment, I made a personal decision. I did not want to immediately rely on medication because I was worried about possible side effects. I want to make it clear that I am not against medicine or medical treatment. I respect doctors and the role of medicine in saving lives. This is simply my personal choice to focus more on improving my lifestyle and doing my part in preventing health problems.
This reminded me of the Health Ministry lessons in our church. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have a health message that teaches the importance of caring for our body.
One topic that inspired me is the 8 Laws of Health, also known as N.E.W.S.T.A.R.T.
I want to share these principles because I believe that small lifestyle changes can create a big impact on our overall well-being.
N – Nutrition**
*The first law is about proper nutrition.
Improving your diet starts by setting your own nutrition goals. These goals depend on your personal needs, health condition, and lifestyle.
Learn the difference between what is a “sometimes food” and what your body truly needs. We should not eat until we feel completely stuffed. If we want to enjoy treats, they should still be balanced and not destroy our health goals.
It is also important to understand our eating patterns. Are our meal times regular or irregular? In my opinion, consistency helps our body function better.
📌Remember: not everything that tastes good is nutritious. Sometimes we associate healthy food only with taste, but true nutrition goes beyond flavor.
Consider these reminders:
- Avoid too much processed food with added sugars.
- The way we cook our food matters.
- Learn to read food labels and check preservatives.
- Practice eating more whole foods and a plant-based diet.
E – Exercise***
Exercise* is another important law of health.
Regular physical activity supports many systems of our body, including:
- Cardiovascular health
- Muscular strength
- Brain and nervous system function
- Metabolism
- Bone health
- Hormonal balance
When we exercise daily, we give our body the support it needs to stay strong and active.
Exercise does not always mean intense workouts. Even simple movements like walking, stretching, dancing, or doing household activities can contribute to better health.
W – Water**
Water* makes up around* 60–65%* of our body, and every organ depends on proper hydration.
Water helps our body remove waste and supports many important functions. Severe dehydration can become dangerous, which is why drinking enough water is essential.
A simple guide for daily water intake is:
Body weight (kg) × 30 ml of water
- Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways we can care for our body.
S – Sunlight**
***Sunlight is a natural gift that provides health benefits.
Proper exposure to sunlight helps our skin produce Vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption and bone health.
Sunlight also has natural properties that can help reduce harmful bacteria and support our body’s defenses.
Of course, balance is important. We should enjoy sunlight safely and avoid excessive exposure.
T – Temperance**
Temperance means using good things in moderation and avoiding harmful excess.
It is about maintaining balance in every area of life:
- Studying
- Working
- Eating
- Having fun
- Sleeping
- Relationships and personal choices
A balanced life requires discipline. Time management is one key to practicing temperance because how we spend our time affects our health.
A – Air**
***Air is essential because our body needs oxygen to survive.
Fresh and clean air supports our respiratory system and overall health. The quality of the air we breathe can affect our sleep, energy, and well-being.
We should make sure that the air around us is clean and safe. Keeping our environment well-ventilated and using tools like air purifiers when needed can help improve air quality.
R – Rest**
***Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Sometimes we even feel guilty for taking a few minutes to do nothing, but our body and mind need time to recover.
Lack of rest can contribute to chronic fatigue and other health problems. Our brain also needs moments of peace and recovery.
Rest is the time when our body heals and repairs damaged tissues. Whenever possible, give yourself permission to pause and recharge.
T – Trust in God**
The last law is about trusting God.
Worry is the opposite of trust. Life will always bring pressure, deadlines, and challenges, but too much stress can affect our decisions, including our food choices and lifestyle habits.
Stress can also affect our mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Learning to trust God helps us find peace even during difficult seasons. When we surrender our worries and trust His plans, we allow ourselves to experience healing from the inside out.
Closing Thoughts
My journey toward better health is still a work in progress. I am not perfect, and I am still learning every day. But becoming a mother opened my eyes to the importance of caring for the body that God has given me.
The 8 Laws of Health taught me that prevention starts with the choices we make every day. Health is not only about avoiding sickness; it is about creating a lifestyle that allows us to live with more energy, purpose, and gratitude.
- Taking care of ourselves is also a way of loving our family. When we choose healthier habits today, we are investing in a better tomorrow.
- May we all continue learning, growing, and choosing a healthier lifestyle — one small step at a time.
Source inspiration: Health Ministry lessons based on the N.E.W.S.T.A.R.T. principles (adapted from Stephen Ayere’s presentation shared through Slideshare).
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