This morning, I couldn’t do my work out because I hurt my leg and need to give it some rest. So instead of working out, I took the opportunity to give my skin a little extra love with a facemask. This is not something I do often, maybe once every two months. I figured I would use the time I normally am doing my work out to take care of myself in a different way. As you can see, I looked silly, but it was very relaxing and refreshing! My three-year-old, on the other hand, thought I looked scary and ran off into the other room until I took it off.
As I was enjoying my pampering mask, I was thinking about how many women don’t take time to take care of themselves or pamper themselves. Some feel guilty doing so. Others think it’s selfish.
What do you think? Is it bad for Christians to practice self-care? I’ve heard this question being asked among Christian circles. There are some who believe it is selfish, and others believe it is okay to practice self-care.
Before we answer that question, let’s look at the definition and some examples given of self-care by the National Institute of Mental Health:
“Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Here are some self-care tips:
• Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and well-being—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
• Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
• Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
• Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
• Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.”
To me, everything listed above are examples of taking care of our temple, as the Bible calls us to do:
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
The only difference is that as Christians we need to take care of ourselves spiritually as well. Spending time alone with the Lord, reading the Word, worshiping, and fellowshipping with other, like-minded, believers are just a few examples of taking care of spiritual self-care.
The problem is when outward self-care becomes more important than spiritual self-care. There is nothing wrong with taking care of our physical body but that should never get more attention or time than taking care of our spirit. Another instance of outward self-care being a problem is when it becomes an idol and/or causes overspending, making one a bad steward of their money. A perfect example of this can be seen all over social media with influencers flaunting their hordes of skincare, makeup, body lotions and potions, etc. Truly, overconsumption at it’s “finest.”
So, let’s be people who take care of this amazing body God has given us! But first, let’s make sure we are practicing spiritual self-care before anything else. You can never overconsume the Word. You can never worship too much. You can never pray too much. You can never cast too many of your cares on to the Lord.
Be Blessed and Live Free,
Joni
For more about self-care from a Biblical perspective check out this playlist on my channel: