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 & Community
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 (that we are God’s beloved children who are also flawed by sin) is a first brave step towards self-compassion.
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.
SELF-CARE POSTS
Breath Prayers in Illness: Surrendering to God
Without warning, a virus hit me with headaches, whole-body aches, and tiredness. Breath prayers helped me relax, surrendering to God's care.
Write Letters to Help You Cope with Chronic Illness
Writing is a helpful way to practice self-care. These are not letters to send to others, but letters to express your thoughts and feelings.
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.
The Self-Care Impact: Motivation and Inspiration for Wellness
Lisa Kimrey
Whether you’re struggling with low to no interest, a lack of time, a feeling of unworthiness, or always placing your personal needs behind the people you serve or take care of, The Self-care Impact is your solution. This life-changing Bible study teaches how to: realign priorities, initiate change, improve self-worth, and make better choices.
Mental Health Journal for Christians: Faith-Based Prompts to Improve Your Mind, Body & Spirit
Cathleen Bearse
Focusing on your mental health can feel overwhelming, but with this supportive journal, you’ll learn how your faith can guide you to a happier, healthier life. Immerse yourself in Scripture, prayer, and writing exercises that will help you become more resilient and build healthy relationships. Learn self-care practices that will nurture you for the rest of your life.
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.
Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm
Bonnie Gray
Breathe will guide you to start living in the present moment while replenishing your heart with God’s peace. Let these biblically inspired mindfulness techniques create space for you to fully relax in your loving Savior’s embrace as you enjoy your daily rhythms of rest.
TIPS FOR SELF-CARE
Lace Up Your Shoes
Lace up your shoes and go for a walk. “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” (Mary Davis)
Good Book
Indulge in a good book.
Light A Candle
Light a candle. Enjoy its dancing flame and gentle glow. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Gardening
Spend a few unhurried minutes gardening today.
Challenge Your Brain
Challenge your brain with a riddle or word puzzle.
Something Delightful
Do something delightful for someone you love today.
Color Today
Boost your mood with a spark of creativity.
Build A Jigsaw Puzzle
Build a jigsaw puzzle. It improves mental health, short-term memory, and visual processing.
Celebrate the Ordinary
Celebrate ordinary moments and unexpected victories.
Steep and Savor
Steep and savor your favorite flavor of tea today.
Simple Pleasure of Coloring
Today, tap into your creative side. Pull out a coloring book or download a coloring page and have fun with this simple pleasure.
Listen to…
Chronic Joy® Self-Care Tip – Listen to an audio blog, an audio book, a podcast
Nap
Snuggle up today and nap. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
5 Beautiful Things
Spend 10 minutes looking for 5 beautiful things around you.
Who Inspires You?
List 3 people who inspire you and 3 reasons why.
Declutter
Today, declutter one small closet, junk drawer, or pantry shelf. Start small. Add one shelf, drawer or closet each week, and soon your life will feel lighter and brighter.
Share Your Story
Share your story with someone today. You matter. Your story matters. You are so very loved.
Comfy Slippers
Today, slip on your comfiest slippers and remember just how dearly you are loved.
Go For A Drive
Go for a drive along a country road or through a local park.
Pray for Others
Pray for someone who is hurting today.
Simple Pleasure of Cloud-Watching
Enjoy the simple pleasures of cloud-watching.
Favorite Movie
Today, grab a blanket, get comfy, and watch your favorite movie.
Nourish Your Soul
Verses to nourish your soul. You are: enough, strong, capable, chosen, never alone, and always loved.
Savor the Moment
Treat yourself to a piece of good chocolate, a new book, or a great cup of coffee and savor the moment.
Sticky Notes
Write encouraging messages on sticky notes and hang them where you’ll see them every day.
Gently Stretch
Gently stretch for 10-15 minutes today.
Self-Care Bake and Enjoy Cookies
Bake and enjoy homemade cookies fresh from the oven.
3 Things You Like About Yourself
Chronic Joy® Self-Care Prompt: Write down 3 things you like about yourself. Post it where you’ll see it often this week.
