Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Self-care is the practice of taking time out of your busy day to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. We all lead demanding lives – juggling work, family, and other commitments – but it’s essential that we make time to nurture our own health. Self-care is all about considering your needs and taking steps to ensure they’re met.

Most leaders I know feel selfish when trying to find time for themselves. Many were raised in a church culture that taught any time spend on your own needs is a sinful dereliction of duty to the needs of others. However, the results I have seen lead me to believe that this is the very reason pastors and leaders quit every single day. They burn out. It’s really not hard to understand. One can give and give and give until there is nothing left to give. Then they crash.

The Benefits of Self-Care

Self-care is an essential part of leading a healthy and balanced life. I believe that matters. I believe that is partially what Jesus meant in John 10:10 when he said he came to give us an abundant life. We must learn to take a step back and take stock of our energy levels, our needs, and the very state of our souls. When we start doing this it is amazing how it strengthens us to remain resilient in the face of stress and adversity and to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Self-Care Strategies

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to self-care; what works for one person might not work for another. We all must find our own rhythm. God wired each of us differently. That being said, there are some strategies that can help us to take better care of ourselves. These include:

• Making time for physical activity such as running, lifting weights, or yoga.
• Getting enough sleep – aim for 8 hours a night. (This even increases your immune system)
• Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. (I hate this one, but it’s true)
• Engaging in calming activities such as reading, gardening, or listening to music.
• Spending quality time with friends and family.
• Making time for yourself to do things you enjoy. (Remember what that’s like?)
• Practicing gratitude. (This one is huge!)

Achieving Balance with Self-Care

It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t about indulging in selfish behavior or avoiding responsibility, but rather making sure that our physical and mental needs are met in order to lead a balanced life. The truth is if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of others. But when we practice self-care, we’re better able to cope with stress, see clearly, make positive decisions, and love others well.

Conclusion

Self-care is not selfish, it’s crucial! If we want to lead well we must make time to prioritize our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care; what works for one person might not work for another. That being said, making time for physical activity, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, engaging in calming activities, spending time with loved ones, and taking time for yourself are all important components of a self-care practice. When we practice self-care, we love others more like Jesus, and isn’t that the goal in the first place?