As the new year arrives, many of us plan to build better habits – to take better care of ourselves – mind, body, and spirit. Physical exercise can help all three.

Exercise wakes up the body and mind with physical arousal and keenness of thought. A good workout can also restore spiritual perspective when combined with prayer.

“Prayer walking” mingles physical exercise with spiritual thinking, promoting emotional wholeness. As you walk on the treadmill or jog through the neighborhood, take a few moments to think about God and his interest in your life.

In your mind, list the worries or concerns that you have about today. Now, give them to God. Maybe saying, “Lord I can’t handle (name the hardship) on my own. I trust You to take care of it or give me the wisdom to respond rightly.”

As you continue huffing and puffing, think about the trials you will face tomorrow. Again, list them… and release them to God. Still walking, your heart pumping oxygen and energy to your brain, tension fades and you begin to relax as your feet hit land in soothing rhythm.

Now list the concerns that you have about next year – your family and friends, finances and faith. Breathing deeply, give them to God – the creator of your body, your community, and reality.

Pairing prayer with exercise in this way helps to focus your mind and spirit. It may help you to maintain a stepwise process of analysis – no distracting i-phones or no e-mail – just you and God walking along your pathway of life.