Often when we think of self-care, we visualize images of massages, facials, spas and luxurious bath products. We tend to see self-care as an indulgence – and may even see it as being a little selfish. But it’s not, it’s essential to our well-being. So, what exactly is self-care? It involves being mindful of our own limits and needs so that we can ensure our own physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
I’m pretty good at self-care in my current season of life but that wasn’t always the case. I, like many women, tried to take care of everyone else, and often neglected myself as it was hard to fit anything else into my overflowing schedule. You have probably heard that we can’t give what we don’t have, and this is true when it comes to caring for others. If we don’t take time to care for ourselves, our well will run dry and our ability to care for and help others will be diminished.
At its core, self-care is all about being good stewards of our bodies and our souls in order to be our best selves. We are God’s handiwork (fearfully and wonderfully made), and He wants us to flourish and thrive, not be depleted and exhausted.
Jesus prioritized self-care in his life as indicated below:
- Many times in the Bible, Jesus retreated from everyone else to rest alone or pray. (Mark 1:9-13, Mark 1:35, Mark 6:30-32, Mark 6:45-46)
- Jesus took time to sleep, even in the midst of chaos. (Matthew 8:23-27)
- Jesus encouraged Martha not to be anxious about doing housework, but to come and relax with him as Mary had done. (Luke 10:38-42)
- Jesus surrounded himself with close friends who would fellowship with him, encourage Him, and learn from His wisdom.
Self-care does not include binging on Netflix while eating a chocolate bar and drinking wine, although this does sound rather enjoyable 😊 Self-care emphasizes developing personal habits and practices to manage your health and reduce stress and anxiety such as:
Eating healthy and exercising
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Giving yourself space to connect with God and prioritizing time with Him.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
Doing things you enjoy and having fun.
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13
Resting regularly
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:2-3
Spending time in nature
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1
Participating in preventive care activities
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2
Today, I went to the dentist and got a mammogram. Nothing like getting prodded and smooshed. Many self-care habits are not “fun” such as starting an exercise program, getting a physical, or the things I did today. But they are also important to your health and well-being.
So next time you think you don’t have time for self-care, realize that you don’t have time NOT to practice self-care. Not sure if that made sense, but you know what I mean. Let’s end with this Scripture which always brings me comfort.
Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:26-30 MSG
