TEMPERANCE

WHAT IS TEMPERANCE?  The simplest definition I know is:

Abstaining from all HARMFUL substances
A MODERATE use of things that are GOOD

Temperance as MODERATION enters into all areas of our lives.
In NUTRITION it leads us to avoid anything harmful to our health, and not OVEREAT of even healthful food.  Chewing the food thoroughly so that it is properly mixed with the saliva (which begins the digestion of starch) helps us be more satisfied with the right amount of food, and enables the body to use the food properly (the stomach has no teeth!) so that our bodies are not continually screaming for nutrients. It leads us to eat at regular times, two, or at most three, times a day, making the evening meal light so as not to interfere with nightly rest.
In EXERCISE it leads us to exercise for HEALTH, not competition - which makes exercise stressful to nerves and body very often. Don't overdo exercise.
In WATER it leads us to drink enough, but not too much. (Yes, that IS possible!)
In SUNSHINE it leads us to avoid sunburn.
In AIR it prevents hyperventilation, while providing needed oxygen.
In REST it prevents overworking, leading us to work restfully and get 7-9 hours of sleep at night. It prevents laziness and lack of purpose in life, resting TOO much.

It also enters into other areas of life, such as DRESS,  CLEANLINESSS and SEX.
It will lead us to avoid CLOTHING which puts stress on any part of the body - such as tight bands, which restrict circulation, or high heels, which throw the body out of line and put stress on foot and spinal bones and muscles.  It leads us to properly clothe the arms and legs in cold weather so as not to cause congestion in the center of the body and put a burden on the heart and organs. It will lead us to be properly covered so as not to cause moral temptations to onlookers.
It will lead us to keep clean without undue anxiety over germs and excess use of potent soaps and chemicals.
It will lead us to realize the sacredness of the God-created function of sex, as an expression of love between husband and wife - a giving of oneself to another in unselfish love - and not just for self-gratification.  It will lead to moderation even within the marriage relation, so as not to waste vital force.


AVOIDING TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee and other caffeinated substances, and an abuse of drugs are, of course, to be avoided.  This is not always easy if habits have been formed.  I will list briefly some of the harmful effects of some of these things, and ways to overcome the addictions.

TOBACCO contains at least 100 poisons.  It is the leading cause of lung cancer.  It paralyses the cilia which keep the lungs clean, and so leads to a build-up of mucous and "smokers' cough".  It constricts arteries in other areas of the body interfering with circulation and often leading to amputation of feet or legs later in life.

TO STOP SMOKING

• DECIDE to quit.
  

• While getting off, take hot showers or baths several times a day to sweat out the nicotine.
  

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, between meals. Take no alcoholic beverages.
  

• Get adequate rest - eight hours a night if possible.
  

• After meals, get outside, walk and breathe deeply for 15-30 minutes. Do not sit after eating. 
  

• Do not drink alcohol, tea, coffee, or cola beverages.  Avoid all sedatives and stimulants. Drink milk or buttermilk or fruit juices, besides water. For a hot drink use coffee substitutes or herb teas.
  

• Do not eat spicy foods, and lots of meat, gravies, fried foods and rich foods.
  

• Eat all you want of fruit, grains, vegetables, and nuts.  Eat lots of fresh fruit.  Don't worry about weight gain while you are stopping smoking.  After you have quit, go to the Nutrition page and follow the principles we outline and you will keep the weight off.
  

• Extra B Vitamins may be helpful. You can take a pill or eat wheat-germ or "brewer's" yeast.
  

• Most of all, ask God to help you. If you have never prayed before, this is the time to learn. He will help any one who is really serious about stopping the use of tobacco.  Place your will on the side of God, and you are invincible.  You can never fail with God as your partner.
  

ALCOHOL is everybody's enemy.
It is intoxicating, hypnotic, analgesic, anaesthetic, a narcotic, a depressant, and a poison. I cannot begin to tell you all the things it will do to you. It destroys brain cells that can never be replaced.  Even in small doses it interferes with good judgment.
It is also a diuretic, which causes one to become dehydrated. Much better to drink water.
For a lot of good information write to:
PILGRIMS' BOOKS, Altamont, TN 37301 and ask for the book "You Can Quit
Alcohol.  It is excellent.


CAFFEINE is addicting too. Tea, coffee and cola drinks, and even chocolate contain caffeine or caffeine-like substances.  For more details about what they will do to you, write to the above address and ask for the paper, "Facts about Caffeine".

HOW TO BREAK THE CAFFEINE HABIT

• Eat a good breakfast to keep energy levels high during the morning.
  

• Because your nerves will react to caffeine deprivation, you will need all the vitamin B you can get from natural sources.  Cut out desserts and sweets and eat plenty of fruits, grains and vegetables.
  

• Substitute cereal beverages and herb teas for awhile if necessary.  Even better, drink a glass of water one-half hour before eating, and then do not drink anything with your meal.  Be sure to drink at least six glasses of water a day.
  

• Stop smoking.  Drinking coffee and smoking are so closely associated for most people that one automatically goes with the other.
  

• Instead of the usual coffee break, take a short, brisk walk, breathing deeply.  This is one of the most beneficial habits you can form.
  

• Relax frequently, get adequate sleep, and take a hot bath daily.
  

• Draw on spiritual sources.  Especially when the craving is strong you should pause for a few minutes to pray for divine help in overcoming this habit.
  

• Take a cup of the beverage you are trying to overcome and put it in the refrigerator.  When you get the slightest hint of a headache or other withdrawal symptom, take a tablespoonful of the drink.  Every time you just start to get a symptom, take a tablespoonful. Before the cup is gone you should be over your withdrawal.
  

These are just outlines that should help.  There is much more help to be had if you look.