This post is about self-care. This guide to self-care includes the essential examples and tips you need to know PLUS a self-care quiz. If you like what you read, please share this guide to self-care on social media — there are SO many Christian women who need A. permission to take care of themselves and B. help to create their own self-care plan.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost. Please read the full disclosure here!
In a fast-paced world, self-care often takes a backseat.
That’s why…
- understanding the concept of self-care is crucial — especially in our busy lives!
- I’ve gathered all the essential self-care examples and tips you need to know in this guide to self-care.
Because caring for yourself is not a luxury — but an essential part of your well-being.
My #1 goal with this guide to self-care is to offer you a new perspective and to help you gently prioritize yourself without guilt.
You’ll learn all about the 7 elements of self-care — from nurturing your mind to building meaningful relationships.
This guide to self-care also explains why self-care is important, provides self-care examples & self-care tips, and more! It’s a Christian woman’s path to self-love — regardless of your negative body image.
Why is Self-Care Important?
The relentless pressure of hustle culture is real my friend, and it can feel overwhelming, right?
But the truth is…
Hustle culture is toxic, grossly glamorized and glorified, and far from what true self-care should be…
When you “hustle” — you…
- work through your lunch break & put in long hours
- tackle your to-do list with fierce determination
- volunteer to be a part of every single church event
- tirelessly take care of others
- say yes to everything and everyone
at the expense and sacrifice of self-care…
I get it…
You do it all because you’re a dedicated and generous woman — with a loving heart.
And while your dedication to achieving your goals is admirable, hustle culture can blur the importance of self-care and work-life balance — ultimately affecting your overall quality of life.
You see…
Neglecting self-care can exacerbate physical health, emotional health, a mental health condition, and can even contribute to heart disease.
That’s why I had to create this guide to self-care…
Because caring for yourself matters too.
You deserve kindness and compassion, especially when body image is a struggle…
Overcome Your Body Image Struggles…
Download your FREE 18-page “Body Image Redefined Fast Track” so you can begin your life-transforming journey toward self-acceptance and embrace your identity as a cherished daughter of God TODAY!
Guide to Self-Care: Self-Care Definition
You’ve probably heard of the term “self-care,” right?
But what does self-care truly mean?
Well, here it is…
The definition of self-care is to intentionally take small steps to maintain your health and happiness. It involves self-care practices that help maintain your physical health and emotional health.
You make deliberate choices to ensure you holistically stay healthy and handle any sickness that might come up.
Self-care includes healthy habits you practice in everyday life, such as…
- nourishing your body with healthy foods AND enjoying your favorite treats
- moving your body and engaging in physical activity
- taking care of your body — like practicing good hygiene and taking care of your teeth
- enjoying leisure activities like reading, sipping a nice-aromatic cup of tea, going for a short walk while breathing in the fresh air
- resting and getting enough sleep
- seeing your health care providers on a regular basis
- and mindfulness meditation — like praying and reading the Bible.
Self-care is the practice of promoting health, preventing disease, and managing health challenges to lead a fulfilling life and help others.
Aaand…
Self-care means you emphasize treating yourself with grace and kindness, especially when you don’t like how you look.
Let’s break self-care down into bite-sized bits so you can THOROUGHLY grasp the concept…
💖 Explore Related Posts 💖
- Free Emotional Wellness Journal & Guide
- Ultimate Guide On How To Practice Self-Love
- 10 Easy & Proven Good Habits For A Healthy Body Image
7 Elements of Self-Care for the Christian Woman
Let’s talk about taking care of yourself in all areas of your life. And in a way that aligns with your heart as a Christian woman.
A great way to approach self-care is by focusing on its seven key elements. Each element is designed to help you shine as a BEAUTIFUL-BOLD-CONFIDENT daughter of God 😊.
- Mental Self-Care
Take a deep breath, relax your mind, and meditate on your favorite Scripture. This is a great way to renew your mind, find peace in God’s presence, and manage stress levels.
- Emotional Self-Care
Embrace your feelings and practice compassion and grace — understanding your emotional needs is an important part of self-care. And BELIEVING that God loves you deeply is crucial!
- Physical Self-Care
Move your body in a way that’s comfortable for YOU, eat nourishing meals, stay hydrated, and make rest a priority. This type of self-care keeps your immune system strong and your energy up.
- Environmental Self-Care
Create a cozy living space — a space that puts a smile on your face and brings you joy. Whether it’s redecorating or keeping things tidy — a delightful environment is a simple act of self-care.
- Spiritual Self-Care
Deepen your relationship with God. Get to know Him by studying His Word and seeking His face at the throne of grace. This is the best way to nurture your soul and maintain a solid self-care routine.
- Recreational Self-Care
Set aside time to do things you love — just for fun and to relax! Self-care activities are a great way to add pleasure to your daily routine.
- Social Self-Care
Build and maintain close relationships with family members, best friends, and your church family. Supporting each other — especially during hard times — strengthens your social network and fulfills your need for community.
When you practice these elements, you’re caring for your entire well-being — and you’re nurturing the beautiful creation that God made you to be.
Remember, God’s love and grace extend into how you see yourself, no matter your physical appearance.
💖 You are cherished just as you are
💖 You are loved just as you are
💖 You are amazing just as you are
I hope these 7 elements of self-care helped you grasp what self-care is all about.
But let’s take it a step further…
I know it can be tricky to put together your own self-care plan, so here are some self-care tips and ideas…
Top 10 Self-Care Tips & Ideas
Here’s a handful of essential self-care ideas that should be non-negotiable.
- Get a Restful Sleep
Prioritize a full night of restful sleep. Aim for a cozy eight hours of sleep each night to rejuvenate.
As you wind down, sip a warm cup of herbal tea. This simple ritual signals your body it’s time to relax.
➡️ Enhance your sleep environment with a relaxing white noise machine, a super comfortable pillow, and a cozy blanket.
- Take Nature Walks
Step outside and immerse yourself in nature — explore and let nature’s stunning beauty hug you.
Taking a leisurely stroll in the park, feeling the gentle breeze on your skin, and hearing the birds can instantly uplift your mood and refresh your mind.
- Nourish Your Body
Honor all the incredible things your body does for you by enjoying a variety of meals rich in nutrients and staying hydrated.
Eat delicious wholesome meals that include a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to give your body the energy it needs to perform at its best.
➡️ Discover new perspectives on nourishment (not dieting) with resources like this Intuitive Eating book. It changed the way I see food — and it might just change how you view food too (it’s pretty life-changing!).
- Meditate Daily
Find tranquility and clarity through mindfulness and meditation by focusing on Bible verses that resonate with you.
Spend a few minutes each day in quiet reflection, using resources like devotionals that provide you with inspiration and guidance.
➡️ This devotional is perfect for meditating and has beautifully-crafted-inspirational-nuggets…
- Reflective Journaling
Pour out your thoughts on paper — unleash your emotions and introspection through journaling.
Set aside dedicated time each day to reflect on your experiences. Jot down your feelings, what you’re grateful for, and what’s on your mind. It’s a wonderful way to release and reflect.
➡️ A guided journal like this one can be very helpful (it’s my personal favorite)!
- Build a Routine
Create a daily routine that brings structure and enjoyment to your day.
Include things like reading a devotional, stretching, and setting positive intentions for the day ahead.
➡️ This devotional is perfect for meditating and has beautifully-crafted-inspirational-nuggets…
- Take Power Naps
Listen to your body’s needs and allow yourself short breaks like power naps to restore energy.
This seemingly small step can dramatically boost your well-being.
- Practice Grace • Kindness • Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and grace you’d offer a dear friend — replace negative talk with words of life, truth, and love.
Remind yourself regularly of your worth as a treasured daughter of God — especially on tough days.
💖 Recommended Resources 💖
23 Perfect Self-Care Gifts for Christian Women
Check out all of the FREE Body Image Related Resources here!
- Celebrate Achievements
Make it a habit to celebrate your achievements — no matter how big or small!
Acknowledging your successes is crucial… Whether you treat yourself to a simple treat, a cozy “spa-at-home day”, or indulge in a spa experience…
➡️ You’ll LOVE this Ultimate Self-Care Day Kit!
- Practice Gratitude
Focus on life’s brighter side — practice gratitude.
Before you go to bed, take a moment to reflect on three things that happened during the day for which you’re thankful. It’s a wonderful way to end the day on a positive note.
Guide to Self-Care: Final Thoughts
Embrace this journey of self-care with kindness and a loving heart — because you, my beautiful friend, are a unique and deeply loved daughter of God.
The heart of self-care is to honor God — by taking care of His beautiful creation — YOU 😌.
When you practice self-care, you’ll experience…
- a boost in mental and emotional resilience
- increased physical energy
But beyond that…
You deepen your relationship with God and develop a deeper sense of connection with yourself, which enrich your life in meaningful ways.
So start small today.
Use this guide to self-care to gradually build a routine that holistically sustains and fulfills you. Let me know what you choose to do and how it makes you feel!
Self-Care Quiz
Guide to Self-Care: Next Steps…
Super Simple Self-Care Tips
👉 Choose one or two of these simple tips below and start your self-care routine today!
- Five-Minute Journal: Start or end your day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for.
- Drink a Glass of Water: Hydration is key for health. Take a moment to drink a glass of water, perhaps adding a slice of lemon (or your favorite fruit) for a refreshing twist.
- Breathing Exercises: Spend just three minutes doing deep breathing exercises. This can be done anywhere and is incredibly effective for reducing stress.
- Connect with a Friend: Send a quick text or make a short call to a close friend. A brief connection can boost your mood.
- Read a Psalm: Open your Bible to the Psalms and read one aloud. Let the comforting words soothe your soul and center your mind.
- Stretch Break: Take a five-minute break to stretch your body — especially if you’ve been sitting for a long time. This helps reduce physical tension and refresh your mind.
- Mindful Snack: Choose a nourishing snack and eat it mindfully — savor each bite without distractions. This practice fosters better digestion and satisfaction with food.
- Prayer Moment: Pause for a brief prayer, thank God for His blessings, and ask for strength and guidance for the rest of the day.
- Aromatherapy: Use essential oils like lavender or peppermint. A few drops in a diffuser or on your wrists can uplift or calm your mood almost instantly.
- Quick Walk: Step outside for a quick, brisk walk around your building or down the street. Fresh air and a little exercise can invigorate your body and mind.
My prayer for you is that my decades of experience with — an all-consuming battle with distorted body image — and self-worth struggles — and how God has radically worked on my heart will bless and inspire you!
You’re Invited…
You have an open invitation to binge on all of my posts — written with Holy Spirit-inspired words and filled with love just for you — my beautiful friend.
If you love this content and want to be the first to know of the best in grace-first wellness, scroll to the bottom and subscribe to The Grace Abounds Collective newsletter.
Sharing is caring! Share this post on social media — or with someone who needs the life-transforming grace and love of Jesus. It’s super easy! Just tap any share button to the left on your screen.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.
Leave a Reply