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Balance and Wellness

When she’s not reading, playing basketball, or enjoying a belly-aching laugh, you might find Angie Ward coaching church leaders, directing the Doctor of Ministry program at Denver Seminary, or perhaps writing her next book. With over 30 years of ministry experience, Angie is an accomplished teacher and writer with a heart for encouraging and equipping other leaders. Join us as we talk about the “six S’s” that keep her refreshed spiritually and physically.

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I have what I call my six S’s that are critical for my emotional, physical, and spiritual health. They are like the slides on an audio equalizer. If any of them are out of place, I’ll just feel off. My S’s are:

1. Sleep. I need at least eight hours a night on a regular basis, or my body starts to break down.

2. Solitude. I need time by myself. I love people, but as an introvert, I recharge by myself.

3. Silence. My time alone is best spent in silence. No radio, TV, or podcasts. I’m sensitive to noise clutter and can drive for hours without turning on any music.

4. Space. My exterior world impacts my interior world, so I need uncluttered space. Other people’s clutter doesn’t bother me — as long as I don’t have to live in it.

5. Sweat. I exercise regularly, usually jogging, but sometimes I go on a bike ride or just take a long walk with my dog. I can almost feel it flushing gunk out of my system.

6. Sabbath. I take 24 hours every week to cease work and enjoy the things I love, including food, friends, a good nap, and maybe a game on TV.

—Angie Ward, professor at Denver Seminary, as told to Rapt Interviews