(SELF CARE IS NOT JUST A BUZZWORD)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
The word self-care in the bible looks a little different than what we may practice today, nevertheless, God’s word is clear that we are to take time for ourselves in order to draw near to Him and care for ourselves.
In the past year, self-care has become a buzzword for some, but for others, it is a real necessity. You see big-time athletes and entertainers walk away from their sport or craft to get the care they need. Unfortunately, this has not always gone well with the media and others who feel they are being “too weak” or “selfish”, as if they owe their lives to those who are entertained by what they do.
Despite what others think, self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Also, self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too. People are dying because they ignore the need for self-care.
To administer self-care takes discipline, respect, and tough-mindedness to do the things that are good for you. When you take care of yourself, you will have more energy to take care of others joyfully.
Are there people that misinterpret self-care and turn it into so much self-focus that they become selfish…yes for sure!! This doesn’t apply to everyone. Those of us who need to take care of ourselves, be it physical or mental health, should do so without fear of conviction or judgment from others, those who can’t possibly know how we feel.
I for one, have the appearance of always being strong, able to take care of everyone and everything around me. Well truth be told, it can take a toll on your life, I haven’t made a resolution yet, but I plan to take better care of myself and in doing so I’ll be better equipped to help others do the same. One of my favorite books from the Psalmist is Psalm 46 – vs. 5 tells us that “God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” When self-care is my priority and God is with me, there is nothing I can’t do. When I try to keep up the rapid pace, in fear I may disappoint someone, I only hurt myself. There is a fine line I must walk to ward off a mental collapse.
I challenge you today, take the time you need to take care of yourself, it’s not only beneficial to you, but to those around you.
I found these 10 Easy Habits To Get You Started On Self-Care, I’m sharing them with you and I hope you find them helpful.
- Go for a walk or a light jog
- Meditate or do deep breathing for five minutes
- Take a break when you need it
- Choose who you spend time with
- Laugh heartily at least once a day
- Eat healthy meals
- Avoid emotional eating
- Start a journal – write what you are feeling
- Learn to say ‘No’
- Stop overthinking everything
REMINDER: Self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too. It produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Smart self-care habits like eating healthy, connecting with a loved one or, practicing meditation cuts down the toxic effects of stress by improving your mood and boosting your energy and confidence levels. Lastly, nothing helps the mental state more than spending time in the presence of the Lord.
Take time in 2022 to TAKE CARE OF YOU!!
We have new opportunities this New Year!! Be Blessed My Friends!!
