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Feeling lethargic or deflated? St. John Paul II has some advice for you

POPE JOHN PAUL II
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Cerith Gardiner - published on 10/22/22
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If you're down in the dumps, take inspiration from the late pontiff and turn to a little exercise for a healthy body and mind.

Life at the moment is challenging for many people. There is growing concern about world peace, lots of people are struggling with financial uncertainty, and to top it all off, the days are getting colder and wetter. It's no wonder that a day on the couch with a good book or a series to watch seems so inviting.

However, the best thing you can do is fight the urge to vegetate and take inspiration from the avid sportsman St. John Paul II. And since today is the beloved late pontiff's feast day, it's the perfect time to commit to moving your body and getting some exercise.

If you're not sure, check out some of his best quotes on sports to inspire you to pop on your sneakers, get that heart-rate pumping, and feel alive once more.

Sports contribute to the love of life, teaches sacrifice, respect and responsibility, leading to the full development of every human person."

JAN PAWEŁ II

Give thanks to God for the gift of sport, in which the human person exercises his body, intellect and will, recognising these abilities as so many gifts of his Creator.”

Sport trains body and spirit for perseverance, effort, courage, balance, sacrifice, honesty, friendship and collaboration.”

And of course, the sports-loving pontiff was also quick to remind us that we can also exercise our spirituality:

Every Christian is called to become a strong athlete of Christ, that is, a faithful and courageous witness to his Gospel. But to succeed in this, he must persevere in prayer, be trained in virtue and follow the divine Master in everything.”

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