Why Self Care?

As we have discussed previously self-care is defined as taking responsibility for your well-being. This can range from your mental, emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, and social well-being. Self-care is multifaceted. Sometimes we have one part of our lives that is good; for example, we know how to eat right and we know how to exercise and keep the physical body in shape. However, we may be struggling with emotional wellness, not knowing how to say no or how to set appropriate boundaries. Or you may be good at taking time out and spending time with the Lord but you struggle with building positive relationships. And this is true for all of us. We all struggle in some areas of our lives. So I am inviting you to join me to learn more about how you can become more adept at taking care of yourself.

Why is it so important for us to take care of ourselves?

We often hear the rhetoric especially as believers that self-care can lead to focusing on ourselves and not putting an emphasis on loving and serving others. And I think that can be true for some if we don’t understand what self-care is. In other words, self-care is not for the individual to invest in themselves for themselves, but it’s really about having the energy to give to the world around us. I find it common, mostly in women who have to give so much. Women tend to be the nurturers of the home and with that, many times comes a displacement of giving themselves the energy that is needed in order to be effective nurturers for their families, their husbands, friends, and work.

I find my basis, for the importance of self-care in scriptures. Of course, we don’t see Jesus going to the spa and doing those types of self-care regiments. But we do see him slipping away from the crowds. (Luke 4:30 and Matthew 14:13 “ On hearing this, Jesus slipped away privately by boat to be alone.”) And this is important for any person that is in some form of leadership capacity. This teaches us that there is a time to say no. There is a time for us to commune with the Father and be replenished.

We also see in Scripture how God creates the world in six days and then on the seventh day He rests. Genesis 2:1-3 This gives us another picture of the importance of taking time out and being able to restore, replenish, and energize ourselves so that we can give back to those around us.

Self-care is really a tool of stewardship. It is answering the call of responsibility. When we are given purpose and calling, we must give an account for that responsibility. The Bible says to whom much is given much is required. (Luke 12:48). In order for us to be able to give the amount of energy and effectiveness to our lives, our ministries, our calling, and our vocation, we have got to take care of ourselves so that we can give back to the world around us.
In summary, self-care isn’t just taking time out with myself for myself but it really is a responsibility to invest in myself so that I can give back effectively to the world around me.

So what areas do you need a self care adjustment in?

Here are five questions for you.
1. Do you often find yourself constantly busy with no time to spend with people who really matter to you?
2. Do you find it difficult to say no?
3. Is it difficult for you to have healthy boundaries as you relate to friends, family, and ministry?
4. Are you often overwhelmed and unable to regulate your emotions?
5. Do you feel guilty when you try to take time for yourself?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are the perfect candidate for a self care retreat. To learn more about the retreat, visit https://morelifeliving.com/oxygen/