Self-Care Isn’t Selfish – It’s Essential

WHEN SELF-CARE IS NEGLECTED

It had been a difficult week. The schedule was different. I lost sleep. My sciatic pain was acting up. I thought I might have been a little dehydrated. So, I began drinking more water and rested, but my body was exhausted. I almost went to Urgent Care, because I wasn’t sure what was wrong.

Because it was getting late, I decided to see if a good night’s sleep would help. In the morning, I felt a little better, but not yet well. Then I realized I had not made self-care a priority. 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.

As I rested, I remembered that Chronic Joy has wonderful Self-Care resources. I thought I’d read Self-Care for Your Body, then I looked at Self-Care for Your Emotions and Mind. Both of those printables are excellent, but what I really needed was Self-Care for Your Soul.

The first words I read were from Jeremiah 17:7-8:

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

As I read those words, I remembered that God is my strength, and my soul needs just as much care as my body. Self-care includes the whole self – body, soul, mind, and spirit. When one is neglected, all are affected.

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

The Lord was ready to hear about my day-to-day activities, raw emotions, and heavy burdens.

“Of course!” I thought. “Praying is the first thing I should have done!”

When I forget to pray, I focus on my problems instead of on the Lord, but when I share everything with Him, He draws me closer.

LISTEN TO GOD. SIT IN HIS PRESENCE.

I don’t sit in God’s Presence often enough. So, I turned over the printable and read through the attributes of God. Praying through them, I thanked God for being the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) and I thanked him for His faithfulness, mercy, and grace.

As I prayed through the list, thanking God for His love, forgiveness, and salvation, I also thanked Him that He is holy, unchanging, and sovereign, always with me, my hope, and my comforter.

By the time I finished, my heaviest burdens had been lifted. My muscles relaxed; my pain lessened. I’d been in a downward spiral, making my pain worse by focusing on it, adding more stress and emotional unbalance. Yet, as I turned my face toward God, spending time with Him in prayer, I began to feel better. My pain wasn’t gone, but I was in a much better place after practicing self-care.

PRAYER

Dear Father, we thank you for Your love. Teach us to care for every part of us – body, mind, soul, and spirit – because we are Yours. As we intentionally practice self-care, draw us closer to You, and give us hearts of compassion to share what we’ve learned with others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 

1. Think of a time when you were overwhelmed and exhausted. Where did you turn first – to prayer or others?
2. What is your biggest stumbling block in practicing self-care?
3. Self-Care for Your Soul lists six ways to practice soul-care. Choose one to practice this week, giving yourself a gentle way to step into self-care.

AN INVITATION

Practicing self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential for all of us, especially when we are feeling overwhelmed. I invite you to check out Self-Care for Your Soul. It was a great resource for me – perhaps it will be just what you need today.