Self-Care • Posts, Books & More
Kindness Multiplied
When we are kind and generous with ourselves, we can pour kindness and love overflowing into others. Take time and take care of you, because you are God’s beloved.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Self-Care is about faithful stewardship.
We are called to be faithful stewards of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit in us and also as a vessel for loving one another as Christ loves us.
Scripture calls us to love God in ways we have never loved another human being, including ourselves – fully and completely, every moment of every day of life on this earth.
What might it look like to live into the call to love God and others this way? To love ourselves this way?
Lean into these self-care posts, books, and more and live deeper into your calling as faithful self-stewards.
SELF-CARE BLOG POSTS
21 Ways to Cope with a Chronic Pain Flare
Chronic pain flares are hard. Practice Esther Smith’s 21 practical, helpful strategies to make them just a little easier. Here are just a few ways:
• Get the Grief Out.
• Make a Plan.
• Set Boundaries and Reduce your Schedule.
• Improve the Moment
Laughter • Self-Care for the Soul
Laughter can help in healing. God knew this long before the medical world discovered the incredible benefits to our physical and mental health.
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.
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.
EVEN MORE
Step into Self-Care
Little Moments of TLC for YOU!
Gardening
Spend a few unhurried minutes gardening today.
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)
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.
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.
Challenge Your Brain
Challenge your brain with a riddle or word puzzle.
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.
Share Your Story
Share your story with someone today. You matter. Your story matters. You are so very loved.
Listen to…
Chronic Joy® Self-Care Tip – Listen to an audio blog, an audio book, a podcast
Self-Care Bake and Enjoy Cookies
Bake and enjoy homemade cookies fresh from the oven.
Celebrate the Ordinary
Celebrate ordinary moments and unexpected victories.
Favorite Movie
Today, grab a blanket, get comfy, and watch your favorite movie.
Gently Stretch
Gently stretch for 10-15 minutes today.
Good Book
Indulge in a good book.
Who Inspires You?
List 3 people who inspire you and 3 reasons why.
Savor the Moment
Treat yourself to a piece of good chocolate, a new book, or a great cup of coffee and savor the moment.
Something Delightful
Do something delightful for someone you love today.
Sticky Notes
Write encouraging messages on sticky notes and hang them where you’ll see them every day.
Build A Jigsaw Puzzle
Build a jigsaw puzzle. It improves mental health, short-term memory, and visual processing.
Comfy Slippers
Today, slip on your comfiest slippers and remember just how dearly you are loved.
Beautiful Music
Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitation of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us. (Martin Luther)
Nourish Your Soul
Verses to nourish your soul. You are: enough, strong, capable, chosen, never alone, and always loved.
Pray for Others
Pray for someone who is hurting today.
Go For A Drive
Go for a drive along a country road or through a local park.
Steep and Savor
Steep and savor your favorite flavor of tea today.
5 Beautiful Things
Spend 10 minutes looking for 5 beautiful things around you.
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)
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)
Color Today
Boost your mood with a spark of creativity.
Simple Pleasure of Cloud-Watching
Enjoy the simple pleasures of cloud-watching.