We fundamentally know that self-care is a good thing to do for peace of mind and overall good health, especially when we have a lot of responsibilities on our plate. But it doesn’t always seem feasible due to time or lack thereof, and other factors. But that’s if we’re looking at self-care as though it’s an event. Going to the spa, having an hour of alone time, and getting a manicure is great, but self-care from the most basic standpoint is about taking simple steps each day that eventually become a lifestyle, rather than a scheduled time commitment. Keep it simple and start with practical and very necessary steps. These are a few to start with.
1. Thoughts for a nurtured mind
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
A great place to start for self-care is nurturing the mind. This scripture is often referenced to help people battle and overcome unhealthy thinking–helping to renew the mind for a whole new perspective of seeing life. Essentially, it’s the basis of the cognitive method of Reframing. This scripture interestingly follows after the explanation of what to do when experiencing anxiety in Philippians 4:6-7. A part of the process of caring for the mind, providing what it needs, is by thinking the right things on purpose.
Putting it into Practice: What is (1) thought that keeps popping up that is doing you more harm than good? What alternative thought can you replace it with that is one or more of the following: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy? “Think about such things.”
2. Treatments for the body
“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
It’s a given that the health of our spirit is paramount but in this scripture, Paul explains that the health of our body is essential as well–which even impacts the spirit. It says to “…glorify God in your body.” Glorify means to worship, to give the most honor to. So how do we give the most honor to God in our bodies?
Treating our bodies with honor.
This may look different for you than it does for someone else. You may need to be more consistent with eating mindfully, or getting appropriate sleep, not putting the body in risky predicaments, or doing away with cigarettes if that’s your situation. We generally have an idea of what we need to do to honor God in our bodies, treating it like a temple, something honorable, worthy of God’s presence, which is how God sees you.
Putting it into Practice: What’s that one thing you can focus on for the next 7 days that will honor God with your body?
3. Collaboration for self-care
“If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:10
This scripture has previously troubled me because I felt like there would be no hope in benefitting from this principle for single people, solopreneurs, or even a professional in a team who works independently due to the nature of their work. But there’s definitely hope because everyone can put this scripture into practice in various ways, not just for a marriage or business partnerships, but also self-care. Self-care can be done independently, as it implies in the name “self”, but it can also be done with others which is recommended.
When we are weary from the day-to-day or a specific stress factor in life, connecting with others can help us feel uplifted and refreshed. It’s not healthy when feeling down and out and in need of encouragement, but instead of reaching out to a friend or counselor, we deal with it alone. God is for sure the most important connection. This scripture teaches us that connection with others is also important—as two is better than one.
Putting it into Practice: Make a list of 2 to 3 fairly accessible people that you can connect with for a brief call when you could use a boost of positivity, refreshment, encouragement, and biblical advice when needed.
Yes, schedule that spa day, that pedicure, that me-time as your spouse tends to the kids. But also, self-care doesn’t have to be something that’s planned way in advance or takes a chunk out of the day. It can be simple and practical daily actions that make self-care just a way of life.