Self-care refers to any activity that we engage in to maintain and nourish our health; including mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. While it may seem like an obvious concept, self-care often gets cast aside for more pressing priorities such as work, family and the everyday pressures of life. There are many reasons why you should prioritize self-care and below is important factors to consider of godly self-care.
Physical body includes sleep that makes you feel well-rested, (use the abide app for christian meditation and prayer), maintain a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise; such as going for a 20 minute walk at least three times a week. Try keeping a fitness journal for accountability! 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body”
Emotionally and Mentally: Having a good laugh with a friend, pray to God and/or physically crying to release stressful emotions, learning or being creative with a new or old hobby, or taking a warm aromatherapeutic bath or shower, and prioritizing Quiet Time. Matthew Chapter 6: The Lord’s Prayer
Spiritual Self-Care: This involves connecting to God, going for a prayer walk, offering forgiveness to someone that you feel wronged you or taking time to write in a gratitude journal. Give praise to God for the things you are grateful for. Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Relationship To Self: Writing out prayers in a prayer request journal, experimenting with a recipe to cook a new meal, creating boundaries to have alone time to read the Bible from family and friends, creating godly goals that are realistic; such as praying for daily wisdom, celebrating the blessings God has given you, creating a positive godly vision board, remembering your identity in Christ.
Relationship With Others: Fellowship with friends and family, plan a road trip, save up for a family vacation, attend a bible study online or in person, attend a support group, help someone in need, give to charity just because, or pray for others in Christ. Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Why Is Godly Self-Care Important?
- Taking a small amount of time per week to nurture your physical, emotional and mental health can be hugely beneficial on your mood and relationships, especially since we all make up the body of Christ.
- Godly self-care helps you to be the best person you can be, which in turn has a positive impact on your life. Taking regular time to invest in you by meditating on scripture allows you to be happier and more stable as an individual. The goal of godly self-care is to grow in your relationship with God and not just have the ‘up keep’ of personal hygiene. Hebrews 13:5 ESV says “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Decreases risk of burnout. We all lead busy lives and regular investment in the word of God is necessary to avoid burnout. Create a routine of godly self-care that works for you, and commit to engaging in it regularly. By leaning on the Word, the scriptures will help to manage your stress and prevent burnout.
- Makes you become more present. Spending time managing yourself allows you to become more present and engaged with your surroundings. You are likely to have a better understanding of what it takes to maintain your mental, physical and emotional health, thus resulting in you having a greater focus on your current mood and trigger that have the potential to impact your health.