Wellness Resource Hub
Our Goal: Your Health!
We want you to succeed in life… ALL of your life! Not just as you serve SHC or in ministry environments. We want you to win with your family, and to succeed wildly in your vocation. We want you to experience spiritual health, physical health, emotional health, and even financial health.
Because we value you so much, we want to support you in the following 3-step approach to help you win:
1) Assessment (Self-Awareness):
Self-awareness is key to sustained successful leadership. Every leader has “blind spots,” but successful leaders typically have a plan to deal with them. To help with self-awareness, we have provided access to Michael Hyatt’s Lifescore Assessment that helps you evaluate where your strengths and weaknesses lie in each of your ten life domains. While the assessment is only ten questions, take your time and really consider your answers. Be sure to answer objectively and honestly.
2) Action (Resources):
Once you have identified in which domains you most struggle to succeed, it’s time to take action. Simply “wanting to do better” in an area rarely leads to success without a specific game plan of how to get there. To help you with a game plan, we have developed this WELLNESS RESOURCE HUB just for you. This resource will provide you with two important helps…
– Specific Action Steps – It’s easy to get stuck with good intentions but not knowing what that next step looks like. We’ve listed a dozen or more specific action steps for each domain that can help you take important steps towards growth in that area. Don’t try them all at once! Pick two or three and get moving on those. If that proves to be too much, choose one and really commit to making it happen.
– Practical Resources – Sometimes the simplest idea can be a major help in taking action and reaching goals in tough areas. We want to continually keep practical, helpful, and innovative ideas in front of you to help you succeed. From productivity apps that help you win at work, to exercise plans that could actually move you from the couch to a 5k, we want the best resources (that are actually helping other leaders win) right at your fingertips.
Being
Action Steps
- Start a gratitude journal (like Pastor Chuck's Power Routines)
- Watch a Bible Study series from RightNow Media (click here for a free login)
- Begin each morning with the awareness of God (try our Weekday Meditation)
- Start a daily Bible reading plan (try one from the Bible App, She Reads Truth, or He Reads Truth)
- Identify your purpose (even if you have to start really general, start somewhere!), write it down, and review it daily (refine it as needed). Check out Tripp's here for an example.
- Listen to the Weekday Podcast every day for a week
- Join a small group (Check out all our Adult Groups here)
- Set alarms on your phone throughout the day to remind you to pray
- Start a prayer/quiet time journal (click here for a list of ideas)
- Listen to Worship music throughout your day (Spotify Worship Playlist)
- Find an accountability partner
- Read a book that encourages you in your spiritual growth
- Designate time for a Prayer walk.
- Prepare Small Group lesson a week in advance so you can spend time praying over it and applying it to your own life throughout the week. Check out this article from Tripp about Small Group Lesson Prep.
Resources
Action Steps
- Read a Book that challenges your mind
- Subscribe to podcast or blog in an area you’re interested in
- Attend a conference or workshop
- Go to a museum
- Prepare Small Group lesson a week in advance and do additional research on the topic to challenge & expand your mind. Check out this article from Tripp about Small Group Lesson Prep.
- Listen to a TedTalk on a topic of interest
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier every night for a week (How Sleep Affects the Brain)
- Learn a new language
Resources
- RightNow Media videos on Apologetics, Science, History, Leadership, Books of the Bible (click here for free login)
- Ted: Ideas Worth Spreading
- Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
- Audible Audio Book App
- Kindle Unlimited (digital subscription)
- JohnGordon.com
- Local Library
- Bloglovin'
- Gallup's CliftonStrengths
- Duolingo
Action Steps
- Begin each morning by identifying 3 things you are grateful for. Check out this article from Pastor Chuck.
- Journal
- Laugh. Schedule time (once a week, 5 minutes every couple hours, or whatever works for your schedule) for a funny movie, podcast, or read.
- Schedule 30 minutes a week for yourself.
- How often are the things to tell yourself about yourself negative and unkind?
- Take on a challenge in any other area - emotions are deeply affected by our overall health!
(ex: Get 8 hours of sleep every night for a week, Go for a walk or run at least 4 times this week.) - Go on a Social Media fast. Even a few days away can be healthy.
- Don't be too proud for counseling
Resources
Action Steps
- Get more sleep.
- Get 8 hours of sleep every night for a week.
- Go to bed 30 minutes or an hour earlier every night (set a reminder alarm 30-45 minutes before you need to go to bed).
- Exercise.
- Start small and increase by small increments every week.
- Go for a walk or run at least 4 times this week.
- Do some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week for the next 4 weeks.
- Sign up for a 5k.
- Find a workout buddy.
- Find a fun dance routine video or game (ex: Just Dance)
- Eat Healthier
- Meal Plan & Prep for the week.
- Cut out one thing - sugar/carbs, unhealthy fats, fast food, caffeine, etc.
- Add one thing - eat more whole grain foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water.
- Schedule a physical.
- Start taking vitamins.
- Start a fitness competition with friends or family.
Resources
- The Daniel Plan (40-day plan to a healthier life)
- 17 Tips to Sleep Better at Night
- Why We Sleep
- Online home workout videos/Just Dance Videos:
- Apps:
- Sugar Hill Health Fair - April 25
- 5Ks in Sugar Hill
- Fitbod App
- Fitness Trackers (Fitbit, Garman, Apple Watch)
- Blogs
- Local exercise groups
- Sugar Hill E-Center Gym (membership is FREE for Sugar Hill Residents & Gas customers, or $35/YEAR for non residents)
- City of Sugar Hill Recreation Guide
- Map My Walk
Relating
Action Steps
- Put a date night out on the calendar right now
- Start a Kids Swap Sign-Up Sheet with friends so you can take turns going on dates.
- Schedule at home mini-date nights after kids bedtimes
- Schedule a daily time to reconnect (even if it's just 15 minutes)
- Start praying together every day
- Start praying for your spouse every day
- Set a reminder on your phone to text your spouse during the day
- Sign up for a couples retreat
- Start asking for gift cards for your birthdays/Christmas/Easter/Anniversary to use for date nights
- Join a marriage-centered small group
- Build small traditions/routines together (ex: have your morning coffee together every Saturday morning)
Resources
- Cheap/Free date night ideas
- Blogs:
- Family First Daily Email Subscription
- iMom Marriage Section + Daily Email Subscription (also check out printables section for conversation starters + more)
- All Pro Dad Marriage Section + Daily Email Subscription
- Mark Merrill Blog
- Susan Merrill Blog
- The Dating Divas
- Focus on the Family Marriage Section & Podcast
- Subscription Services:
- Helpful Apps:
- Lasting Marriage Counseling App
- 5 Love Languages Love Nudge App
- Gottman Card Decks App - A Research Based Approach to Relationships
- Love and Respect: 15 Day Plan to Help Your Marriage
- 50 Best Places to Eat in Atlanta
- Book Recommendations:
- RightNow Media Videos on Marriage
- Retreats:
- FCA Couples Retreats
- WinShape Marriage Retreats
- Weekend to Remember
- Scott's Cheap Flights
- Marriage on the Rock by Jimmy Evans
Action Steps
- Plan a daily or weekly time to catch up with each kid
- Schedule monthly one-on-one dates with each kid
- Schedule a family devotional or prayer time
- Read a book series together (ex: Chronicles of Narnia).
- Start parent/child journals
- Have a family game night
- Find a service project you can do with your family.
- Look for opportunities to teach your kids about God throughout your daily routine
- Leave encouraging notes in your kids' rooms
Resources
- Our Parent Resource Page - Includes Book Recommendations, Discussion Starters, Devotional Resources, Articles, etc.
- 10 Regrets Every Parent Can Avoid - Pastor Tripp's Blog
- All Pro Dad Parenting Section + Daily Email Subscription
- iMom Parenting Section + Daily Email Subscription
- CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding)
- Focus on the Family Parenting Section
- Crosswalk Parenting
- The Parent Cue
- Free/Cheap family activities:
- In This Together podcast
- RightNow Media Videos on Parenting
- OurPact Parental Control App & Family Locator
- VidAngel
- Don't Mom Alone
- Common Sense Media
- Joe McGee Ministries
Action Steps
- Come to the Family Ministries Skate Party!
Sunday, April 14, 6-8pm @Skate Country Buford. $6 for Roller Skates, $8 for Inline Skates - Call/text at least one friend a day
- Schedule coffee with a friend you need to connect with
- Plan a dinner party with friend(s) at your house (couple, family, etc.)
- Host a game night
- Join a small group (check out our Adult Groups here)
- Night Swap with Spouse
(You watch the kids and I spend time with friends one night, and another night I stay with kids and you go with friends. Saves money on babysitting, and a great opportunity for Parent/Child date nights, too!) - Join/Start a playgroup (playgroups aren’t just for small kids... big kids like to hang with friends, too!)
- Find a friend who enjoys the same hobbies as you and find monthly time to do something together.
- Find a service project you can do with your friends.
- Do a freezer swap with friends! Everyone make multiples of a single recipe and give one to each person.
Resources
Doing
Action Steps
- Research & sign up for a conference, workshop, or online learning class relevant to your industry
- Identify your career goals and create action steps to get there
- Consider hiring an executive life-coach
- Find someone highly successful in your field and offer to buy them lunch.
- Ask your boss how you can take things to the next level
- Plan time-off
- Find a mentor
Resources
- LinkedIn Learning - follow whatever skills are relevant and start taking classes
- Ted: Ideas Worth Spreading
- Productivity/Time Management Tools:
- Michael Hyatt Resources
- James Clear: Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
- RightNow Media Videos on Work
- John Maxwell books
- Gallup's CliftonStrengths
- How to Lead when You're Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins
- JohnGordon.com
- Teachers Pay Teachers
- Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
- Noteshelf 2 App
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Action Steps
- Don't go all-in on a hobby you don't enjoy!
- Schedule a time in the next two weeks to look up tutorials on YouTube to try out a new hobby or get better at your current one(s).
- Find a service project you can do with your family or friends.
- Schedule time this month for something you love (and protect that time at all costs).
- Identify a friend who enjoys the same hobbies as you and find monthly time to do something together.
- Find out what's going on in your local community (visit your local community center, or Sugar Hill residents receive a list of activities with their monthly gas bill).
- Plan a fishing trip. Or hiking trip. Or scrapbooking retreat.
- Search Facebook for event pages for your community and join/like some
Resources
Action Steps
- Attend a financial class or seminar.
- Create a family budget and keep it for one month, one week, one pay period - whatever works for you.
- Give generously and sacrificially each pay period this month.
- Set Mini Monthly Challenges
(ex: Save $20 every Friday, Only eat out 4 times this month, Save all coins, etc.) - Do a "No Spending Challenge"
- Set vacation or other big expense goals NOW and start saving a little every month with the intent of being able to pay in cash and not with credit.
- Find a side gig or way to make a little extra money.
- Make an appointment with a financial advisor.
- Start investing NOW, even if it's just a little bit.
- Pick some reward apps (Shopkick, ebates, etc) to start earning a little extra change
Resources
Note: As you take an action step or use a resource, we want your feedback. If you find a resource particularly helpful, let us know and we can move it up the list. If something proves to not be so great, let us know as well and we can replace it with something better. And as you come across new resources that may help others, please send it to us so we can share. This is all about us helping each other win!
3) Accountability (Encouragement):
We are all in this together. When one of us wins, we all win. If one of us is struggling, we should all feel the weight of that. That’s what the Body of Christ is all about (1 Corinthians 12:26). So let’s help each other in this! Accountability is another key to success for a leader. Because our “direction (not intention) determines our destination,” we need constant encouragement to stay on the right path. By sharing our struggles with one another, we can know how to pray for and encourage each other. We can love each other enough to ask needed questions and support each other by walking the path to success together.
Many of us are fighting to win in the same areas. Because we were created for community, let’s embrace that not only in the wins, but also in the journey to win. Know where your fellow leaders are. Help them in their struggles. Celebrate your wins together! This Wellness Resource Hub is a place to park ideas and helps. It does not and cannot take the place of God-honoring community, as we help and build each other up.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Know that our desire and our commitment to you is to do all we can to help you wildly succeed. We love you and are 100% for you. Please don’t hesitate to share your ideas, challenges, and successes with us. We want to help, encourage, love, and pray with you.
You are valued.
You are priceless.
There is not another leader like you.
You are both needed and wanted.
You are the most important person you lead today. Honor God by leading yourself well!