What is self care and why is it so important?
“God loves you with a love that is increasing and overflowing” 1 Thess 3:12
Self care is a term that has been very popular in the last few years. Everyone is talking about how to look after yourself and why you need to practice self care.
The definition of self care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well being and taking action to preserve and improve one’s health.
Building habits of self care is so important if we want to live a long, sustainable life. The reason we need to build habits of self care, is so that all throughout our week we are actively taking care of our minds, bodies and souls, so that our “tank” is full.
Have you ever felt exhausted and worn out? Yep, me too. Its easy to get busy with life and the needs of those around us and not look after ourselves. Its easy to put off doing things that we really enjoy because we are too tired. Its easy to just distract ourselves with TV, food or social media, rather than doing something that is going to refresh our souls.
Why is self care important?
Self care is so important, because it will help us to live at our best, to enjoy our lives and give our best to the people around us. Self care is essential for our overall well being. It helps us to be more creative, innovative and resilient.
The key for all of us to begin this journey of taking care of ourselves is to understand how much God loves you, and that he made you with a purpose, he has great plans for you and he wants you to thrive, succeed and flourish. He is our loving Father and his love for us is never ending. When we understand and feel God’s love for us, we can love who God created us to be, and when we have a healthy love for ourselves, it propels us to take care of ourselves, because we know how valuable we are.
What are examples of self care and how can you practice daily habits of self care?
Here is a list of all of the self care things habits that you can start to build in your life.
Listen to music or a podcast
Paint your nails
Go for a walk in nature
Read a good book
Have a bubble bath
Spent time with a good friend
Cook something delicious
Do something creative
Write in your journal
The first step is to find the activities that you like to do, that help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed.
Write down 3 things on a piece of paper that you can do every day to help you build daily habits of self care in your life. These are your “self care” goals and when you look at them every day, it will remind you to do them. Start off small by choosing things that are easy to do. If you like listening to music, maybe you can put some music on while you are on your way to work, or in having a shower. If you like going for a walk in nature, but you don’t have a lot of time, just go for a 10 minute walk whenever you can in your day. Make the self care goals achievable, so that you will be able to do them. As you build these self care habits in your life, you will start to notice a difference in your overall well being. It will increase your positive mindset, and help you handle difficult situations better.
God wants us to live an abundant life, full of laughter, fun, joy, friendships, great health, and doing things that we love and enjoy.
“I came that you may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance, until it overflows” John 10:10
When we build daily habits of self care, it helps us enjoy the abundant life God promised us.
What can you do today to start building habits of self care and improve your life?
Sit down with a piece of paper and write a list of things you can do to fill up your “tank” spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Write down 3 habits you can start to incorporate into your daily life to fill up your tank in these areas.
Put this list up on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself everyday of the small steps that you can take to improve your life.
As you take these small steps in building these daily habits, I believe you are going to start to see changes in your overall wellbeing, and start to feel more positive, strong and motivated.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11