Practicing self care as a Christian includes showing yourself compassion, but also balancing that with serving others—what we are called to do as followers of Christ.
The lifestyle Jesus exemplified was based in selfless love, meaning to sacrifice oneself for the benefit of someone else.
Societal Self Care
There’s a lot of content out there on self care and self love, most of it centering around “living your best life” or “treating yourself” or doing whatever you want because “you deserve it.”
Yet self care is much more than taking a mental health day or buying something special for yourself just because.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
Many people today struggle with self love because they never learned a healthy foundation of self to begin. Apart from God, there’s no basis for love, care, or compassion. So “self care” is often built up by society’s definition, with constantly changing standards of what that should look or feel like.
Sacrificial Soul Care
True self care (or “soul care” as I like to call it) is about honoring God through honoring ourselves—a sacred exchange that comes from a place of humility, service, and compassion, rather than the self seeking pride that culture tries to convince us is okay.
When our self worth comes from God, we can be better equipped to serve others, because what we do has no bearing on who we are.
God-led soul care enables us to serve others out of abundance, because our value isn’t depleted from constantly trying to prove to ourselves that we’re worthy of care.
If we believe in God’s Word, then we know who (and Whose) we are, which can help purify the intention of self care. We’re not just looking out for ourselves from a place of self importance or overindulgence.
God has already shown us we’re valuable through Jesus. With our identity rooted in Him, caring for ourselves becomes a way to nurture our relationship with our Maker, affirm our trust in Him, and show gratitude for what He has given us.
I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14
Pouring from a filled cup
On the other end of the spectrum, self compassion may not come natural to some people, as it can often be associated with feelings of guilt or discomfort. There are countless factors that may influence this, such as being in a toxic relationship, struggling with low self esteem, or simply how we were raised.
Developing a self care practice doesn’t need to be overwhelming, difficult, or even expensive. It can start with something practical, such as cleaning the house or running necessary errands… or balanced with something more indulgent, like doing a facial or enjoying an occasional sweet treat.
Practicing self care is important each day, however small. What fills your cup doesn’t need to look like the next person, or even the person you were two years or two days ago.
By regularly checking in with yourself, it helps grow an awareness that each facet in life is beautifully connected by our Creator and worthy of care.
The following list is broken into 5 five sections, with a range of ideas to help you get started or add to your current practice.
ENVIRONMENTAL
1. Go for a nature walk, breathing in fresh air
2. Practice grounding–lay down, sit, stand, or walk barefoot outside so your body is in direct contact with the earth
3. Spend time in or near water
4. Enjoy being outside in the sun–discover simple ways to celebrate sunshine in this bright post!
5. Disconnect from technology and/or all work communication
6. Pickup some fresh flowers or a new plant
7. Spend time tackling clutter
8. Hangup inspiring artwork
9. Have meals on fancy dishes
PHYSICAL
10. Take time doing your makeup—or not! 🙂
11. Wear what you’re most comfortable in
12. Practice yoga
13. Be intentional about drinking water
14. Eat nourishing foods
15. Get active–bike, garden, stretch, go for a run
16. Get inactive–listen to your body, take a nap, be in the present moment, get enough sleep
17. Splurge on a dessert
18. Take a bath or long shower
EMOTIONAL
19. Read a book
20. Pamper yourself with a massage or at home skincare
21. Paint your nails, or get a manicure if it’s in budget
22. Journal to connect with your emotions—free verse, make a gratitude list, or goals for the future
23. Cook or bake something–make your favorite meal, try a new dessert (like this super easy peach berry crumble), or order in if that’s more your style!
24. Write or read poetry
25. Spend time with a pet
26. Make a list of meaningful quotes–checkout these beautiful quotes from John of the Cross for inspiration!
27. Color in a coloring book
28. Watch a feel-good movie
29. Create something new–if you’re feeling stuck, read these tips to help push past creative block!
SPIRITUAL
30. Burn a calming scented candle or incense
31. Listen to worship music–like these thoughtfully curated playlists!
32. Meditate or do mindful breathing
33. Read a new Bible passage
34. Pray the rosary or prayer beads
35. Switch up your prayer time–need recommendations? Checkout these devotionals to help your faith blossom!
SOCIAL
36. Volunteer for a cause you believe in–or if you’re not sure, spend time researching organizations to help in the future
37. Help out a stranger or give someone a genuine compliment
38. Support a local farmer’s market
39. Cover the person in line behind you
40. Make cards for loved ones–birthdays, upcoming holidays, or simply just because 🙂
Created for care
Just like faith, self compassion is a muscle that requires intentional practice. Sometimes we feel more prone to turn to self care, and other times it needs to be a focused discipline.
In the most basic sense, soul care is about nourishing our environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well being.
Whatever helps you feel grounded, secure, or brings joy into your day will reduce stress and increase your overall clarity and sense of calm, so you can better show up as the person God created you to be.
≫ What are your favorite ways to stay centered and rooted in Christ? I’d love to hear below!
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***Disclaimer: The information provided on The Beacon Road is not a substitute for professional medical advice, mental health advice, spiritual advice, or treatment of specific medical, mental health &/or spiritual conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem, for yourself or others, without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The Beacon Road is not liable for how the information is used and cannot be held responsible or guarantee any results. The Beacon Road is simply serving as a guide to help you reach your own spiritual wellness and mental health goals through simple holistic remedies and lifestyle changes.
