Self-Care
Kindness Multiplied
When we are kind and generous with ourselves, we can pour kindness and love into others. Take time and take care of yourself, because you are God’s beloved.
Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who comes from God and dwells inside of you? You do not own yourself. You have been purchased at a great price, so use your body to bring glory to God! (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
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“Caring for our own hearts isn’t selfishness; it’s how we begin to love.” John Eldredge
When chronic illness, mental illness, or chronic pain is a constant companion, life can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important for us to be kind and generous with ourselves. Intentional kindness becomes kindness multiplied when we practice these five types of self-care for our bodies, minds, souls, emotions, and in community.
SELF-CARE FOR YOUR BODY
Practicing physical self-care means showing simple kindness to our bodies, giving them what they need, and doing things that help us live well. We can be better stewards of the bodies God gave us and be better prepared to serve in the unique ways God created for each of us when we can take to heart Romans 12:1:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.
SELF-CARE FOR YOUR MIND
Mental self-care means exercising our brains, keeping our minds sharp, redirecting our thoughts, and focusing on what is positive and true. Sometimes feelings of despair or focusing on difficulties and “what ifs” can spiral into a negative loop. Romans 12:2 gives us hope of breaking those cycles and moving forward:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.
SELF-CARE FOR YOUR SOUL
Spiritual self-care can help us draw closer to the Lord, grow in faith, and communicate with Him on a deeper level. When it seems like our thoughts and emotions are all over the place, we can find refuge in His Word as we listen for God’s voice, discovering His comfort and steady guidance. We can cling to Him through the words of Psalm 63:7-8:
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
SELF-CARE FOR YOUR EMOTIONS
Emotional self-care helps us to identify what we’re really feeling and how to express it in healthy ways. We can start by bringing what we feel to God, trusting Him with it all, and leaning into His Presence (as we read in Psalm 62:8):
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
SELF-CARE INCLUDES CONNECTION
Christian connection is rooted in love, nourished in prayer, and strengthened in courageous vulnerability as we extend and receive love, kindness, and compassion. We can receive God’s comfort from others just as it says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Self-Care • Body & Connection
Practicing physical self-care is showing your body simple kindness, generously giving it what it needs, and doing things that help you live well. Connection with others is rooted in love, nourished through prayer, and strengthened by brave vulnerability.
Self-Care for your Emotions & Mind
Exercise your brain, keep your mind sharp, redirect your thoughts, and focus on what is positive and true with these ideas. Emotional self-care helps us identify what we’re feeling and how to express it in healthy ways.
Self-Care for your Soul
Spend a little time getting to know God better: who He is, what He’s like, how He feels about us, and how He acts toward His creation. Sabbath rest helps us discover the peace only found when we trust in God's presence.
Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries (an important part of self-care) create an understanding of what we have responsibility for and what is outside of our control. The healthier our boundaries are, the greater our capacity to offer empathy and love to others. We are responsible for what happens inside us and for the ways we act and relate to others.
The Gift of Biblical Self-Compassion
Recognizing that Jesus suffers with us (and that we are God’s beloved children, though flawed by sin) is a first brave step towards self-compassion.
Laughter is Good Medicine
Laughter is a respite from the difficulties and unexpected challenges of chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability. Humor is an oasis of God’s joy in the midst of life’s storms.
Emotions Wheel
God created us with a complex range of emotions which can be difficult to identify and explain. The Emotions Wheel is a tool designed to grow our emotional intelligence, thus strengthening our relationship with God as well as our compassion and empathy for others.
POSTS TO PONDER
Be Gentle with Yourself
Coping with a chronic illness is challenging, so be gentle with yourself as you find ways to manage life. Practice self-care. Have realistic expectations. Write a letter to yourself.
Caregiver Self-Care is NOT an Oxymoron
Don’t let anyone convince you that the term “caregiver self-care” is an oxymoron. Without it we put our physical and mental health at risk.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish – It’s Essential
Self-care includes the whole self – body, soul, mind, and spirit. When one is neglected, all are affected. I’d let so many things creep in without thinking, and I’d neglected myself. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s an essential part of life.
SELF-CARE BOOKS
The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care
Eliza Huie and Esther Smith
Counselors Eliza Huie and Esther Smith know firsthand how important it is to attend to our whole life – the spiritual, emotional, and physical facets God created in each of us. This book gives Christians a biblical framework, encouragement, and practical ways to pace themselves for a lifetime of service and love.
Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies
You can turn your shame into joy, your anger into advocacy, and your inner critic into your biggest champion. Do your emotions control you, or do you control your emotions? Many people let guilt, anger, or self-criticism dominate their lives and negatively affect their relationships. Learn how to calm the chaos within.
Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children
Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Discover help and guidance for raising your kids to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
Learn how to instill the kind of character in your children that will help them lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives.
The Weekly Self-Care Project: A Challenge to Journal, Reflect, and Invite Balance
Do you have a self-care action plan? Does your self-care routine need improvement? Equip yourself with the strategies and inspiration to take care of yourself–body, mind, and soul–with this 52-week guided journal. Discover thoughtful reflection prompts, inviting questions, beautiful watercolors, and stunning photography to guide you toward a deep contentment no matter your circumstances.
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