Temperance

Temperance refers to being sensible and careful in all aspects of life, including diet, sleep, clothing, daily activities, and exercise. Strive to be temperate in all aspects of your life including:

1. Proper Diet: Temperance encourages individuals to adopt a balanced approach to their diet. It promotes mindful eating, where individuals are aware of their portion sizes, avoid overeating, and make choices that prioritize nutritious foods over unhealthy options. Chewing food well is important for proper digestion. It is not recommended to mix high calorie foods, as it can overload the body and increase the risk of disease. It is also important to avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee, canned drinks, and alcohol, as they can lead to tiredness and depression. Drinking clean fresh water is the best beverage.
2. Self-Control: Develop self-control and restraint to be able to resist indulgences that may have short-term pleasure but can negatively impact overall health in the long run. This includes limiting the consumption of sugary and processed foods, alcohol, and unhealthy snacks. Clothing should fit properly and cover the body appropriately. Even participating in church activities need moderation. Set aside time for gainful employment/trade to provide for your family and your own needs (see 1 Timothy 5:8).
3. Emotional Well-being: Cultivate emotional intelligence and find healthy coping mechanisms for stress, boredom, or other emotional triggers, rather than resorting to excessive or unhealthy eating patterns.
4. Enjoyment in Moderation: Temperance does not mean complete deprivation or denial of enjoyable experiences. It emphasizes enjoying pleasurable activities, including eating, in moderation. By savoring small portions of indulgent foods on occasion (e.g. birthdays), individuals can still derive satisfaction without compromising their overall health.
5. Long-Term Sustainability: The principle of temperance supports the adoption of sustainable lifestyle habits that can be maintained over the long term. It promotes consistency and stability in health-related choices, rather than participating in drastic or extreme approaches that may be difficult to sustain. Getting enough sleep, ideally going to bed before midnight and waking up early, can contribute to overall health.

Temperance encourages individuals to find a healthy balance in their choices and actions. It emphasizes self-control, moderation, and making long-term, sustainable decisions that contribute to overall well-being.