Soul & Sanity: A Christian’s Guide to Real Self-Care.
Let’s talk about self-care—not the bubble bath kind (Though I’m not saying a good foam and fragrance wrapped experience isn’t in order now and again. Belieeeeeve me! ), but lets talk about the kind that carries a deeper impact towards our self-care. The kind that helps you breathe deeper, think clearer, and live fuller. If you’ve ever felt burned out, stretched thin, or just off-center, you’re not alone. We all need to slow down, reset, and reconnect—not just with ourselves, but with God, or the god of your understanding.
Here’s the thing: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship. And Scripture gives us a framework to care for ourselves well—body, mind, and soul. Let’s break it down together.
1. Take Care of Your Body—It's Not Just Yours
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit...?”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Your body is God’s home. That means caring for it—getting sleep, eating real food, moving it regularly—isn’t optional. It’s sacred. It’s not about fitness goals or appearances; it’s about honoring the vessel God gave you so you can live, serve, and thrive. Effectiveness. Clarity. Healing. Begins with YOU!
What this looks like:
Prioritize rest (you’re not a machine). I’ll save you the science behind it all for our sessions. For now these are nuggets I want you to carry.
Feed your body with nourishing food. One cheat day is okay. But cheat moments every few hours is not. Your output is based majority on your input. Now - Tell the Barista that he should kindly put back the mixed berry scone.
Get moving—walk, dance, stretch, whatever works for you. Do it! Not going to give you a timeframe. I’m suggesting you pick something that makes you move and gets your heart pumping. Do it till you can’t. Do it consistently. But do it! This is the key to all (yes ALL) diets, workouts, and practices. Consistency. Just figure a spot into your daily routine, move and repeat. The desire for more movement will build, the change will come.
Say no to things (and people) that physically drain you. Say it with me: Bound-a-ries! Yes, one of our favorite words. Now set them. Enforce them. Show yourself that you value yourself.
2. Protect Your Peace—Digital Detox is Holy Work
Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and digital overload aren’t just annoying—they’re soul-draining.
A digital detox is one way to reconnect with what matters: your peace, your people, and your purpose.
Now this topic is a blog of it’s own. But I promised last week that I would keep this blog short.
Try this:
Unplug an hour before bed.
Set tech-free zones at home (start with the dinner table or bedroom).
Schedule “no screen” days or hours.
Replace screen time with something nourishing—reading, walking, journaling, praying, meditating, resting.
Doing this isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present.
3. Creativity is Self-Care for the Soul
Creativity isn’t just for “artsy” people. Writing, cooking, gardening, painting—these are soul vitamins. They let you express what’s inside, release stress, and tap into joy. God made us in His image—creative at our core.
Let creativity work for you:
Try journaling or doodling during quiet time.
Cook something new without a recipe.
Sing in the shower. Dance in the kitchen.
Make space for whatever makes your soul light up.
4. Take Your Sabbath—Seriously, Stop Working!
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” – Exodus 20:8
Rest isn’t laziness. It’s obedience. God literally created rest as part of the rhythm of life. If He took a break (I know He didn’t need rest. I’m not here to preach), so should we. Sabbath isn't just about church—it’s about ceasing from hustle, unplugging from stress, and recharging spiritually. This emphasizes balance in your life; prevents burnout, increases gratitude and awareness of the little things the daily grind may cause us to overlook. It was literally created for and given to us from God.
Make Sabbath practical:
Choose your day.
Set a boundary around your day of rest.
Avoid errands, work emails, or unnecessary to-dos.
Do what gives you life—nap, worship, be with loved ones, sit in silence.
5. Stay Connected—You Weren’t Made to Go It Alone
“Do not give up meeting together… but encourage one another.” – Hebrews 10:25
Isolation might feel easier, but it’s not healthier. Community matters. Whether it’s a church group, a friend check-in, or just dinner with someone who gets you—connection heals.
How to lean in:
Join (or start) a small group.
Share prayer requests with trusted friends.
Make room for vulnerability—it invites healing.
Encourage others, even when you feel low. Service is always a medicine that heals when done for the right reasons.
6. Cultivate Gratitude—Shift the Lens
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude resets your mindset. It shifts your focus from lack to abundance, from stress to blessing. It doesn’t erase hardship, but it helps you see God’s goodness even in it.
How to practice it daily:
Keep a gratitude journal.
Say thank you to God—out loud.
Celebrate small wins.
Thank the people in your life more often.
Final Thought: Self-Care Is an Act of Worship
Loving others starts with loving yourself the way God loves you—with grace, patience, and care.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31
So no, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s biblical. It's how you stay grounded, available, and whole enough to pour into others. And most importantly, it’s how you stay close to God—by not running on empty.
Take the time. Your soul’s not a machine.
Want to follow up and expound on any of the topics touched on here? Want to dive deeper and learn the application steps to ground these tools into character. Come on over and book a one on one, lets get you going.
