Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbor, as you love yourself.”
Are you practicing self-care?
Self-care is not a luxury, it is spiritual discipline that nurtures our mental, emotional, physical, spiritual well-being. Too often it is dismissed as “selfish,” but Scripture reminds us otherwise. When we are mindful of our own needs, we’re better equipped to love and serve those around us.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
—Mark 12:31
If we don’t fill our own cup, we’ll have nothing to pour out for others.
Here are four faith-rooted practices to strengthen yourself so you can pour into your loved ones:
- Write your “NO” list – Decide what activities drain you – late night emails, gatherings that are not your vibe, constant phone interruptions at meals—and give yourself permission to say no. Your “NO” list isn’t rude; it’s righteous stewardship of your time and energy.
- Schedule sacred rest – “But there’s so much to do!” I hear you. That’s why you must calendar your days off and guard them fiercely. Turn off notifications, silence the world, and do something that feeds your soul. Prayer is a given, but also consider a spa treatment, a candlelit bath with worship music, or a cozy chair and a good devotional—choose what renews YOU.
- Connect in movement – Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19–20) and are built for movement. Open your front door and go for a brisk walk or run. Follow fitness experts for inspiration and get moving! Limit your relationship with the couch – no harm in dating the couch, just do not marry it! Wink, wink! Keep in mind that exercise is not about a pant size, it has everything to do with your overall wellbeing.
- Choose your tribe wisely – I cannot stress this enough. Just as we feed our bodies with healthy food and water, we must feed our hearts with life-giving relationships. Surround yourself with people who speak truth in love, pour into you, and remind you of who you are in Christ. Avoid people who use “honesty” or “speaking in truth” as an excuse for a brass tongue or unsolicited advice.
- Practice spiritual triage – By practicing spiritual triage, you ensure that urgent wounds are treated promptly while also cultivating a solid foundation of ongoing growth. This disciplined approach keeps you from being overwhelmed, helps you steward your soul wisely, and equips you to pour into others from a healthy place of genuine strength.
Self-care is about stewarding God’s word in your own life. As you steward your own well-being, you honor the God who created YOU—and position yourself to serve others from a healthy space.
With care,
Diana
info@dianatoday.com
