Review: Optimal Health

The book 40 Days to Better Living: Optimal Health by Dr. Scott Morris takes a different approach to helping people improve their health. With plenty of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and real stories of those who have found a better life, this simple book inspires readers to customize their own path to wellness by using the 7-Step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

• Nutrition: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits



• Friends and family: giving and receiving support through relationships



• Emotional life: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself



• Work: appreciating your skills, talents, and gifts



• Movement: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity



• Medical care: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care·



• Faith life: building a relationship with God, neighbors, and self

It is a small book, just right for taking with you on the go. It has a morning reflection and an evening wrap-up for each day for 40 days, and a lot of scripture references and personal stories. I SO believe in this kind of complete approach to health - it's all about balance. Each day this book challenges you, or encourages you with suggestions for each of the 7 areas listed above.

I like this book, I'm in the middle of it now, and I have enjoyed the little reminders and I love integrating faith and health and nutrition - it just makes sense. I think it is geared for those who are just beginning to seek a more healthy life, or for older people. It is low intensity in the daily suggestions, for example it will recommend you try giving up soft drinks for a day, 10 minutes a day of moderate activity, or suggest unique little things that you can do throughout your day that you might never have thought of.

My favorite part of this book is that it also encourages you to journal. The book asks you regularly to make lists, set goals, or record fitness or nutrition information and ideas. I kind of expanded this in a separate journal where I have more room and I have gotten a lot out of it. There is some space to write in the book if you want to.

Overall, I LOVE the concept of this book. This is the first in a series of these books to be released bimonthly beginning this month. The remaining titles are subject specific like weight management, diabetes, anxiety, aging, depression, and many more. This book is produced by Dr. Morris and the staff of the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee, a really unique faith-based clinic.

Go HERE to see a trailer about the book and you can find more information about the author and the Church Health Center. You can buy the book for $7.99 HERE.

I was given 40 Days to Better Living: Optimal Health by the Church Health Center and B&B Media Group for the purposes of review only.