Self-Care for the Soul: Why Tending to Your Spirit Matters?

Redefining Self-Care: Many think of self-care as spa days, getaways, or  finding “me-time.” But biblical self-care isn’t just about pampering—it’s about nurturing our souls, so we can be spiritually whole in Christ.
Anchor Scripture: "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul" (3 John 1:2).

True self-care is soul-care, and it begins with Christ. It begins with R.E.S.T.(ing) in Him.

Why Soul-Care Matters?

• When we neglect our spiritual health, it can lead to distantance from God.
• ​It could lead to us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. 

When we care for our souls, we stay rooted in God’s presence and are better equipped to handle life. Let's take a look at an acronym to help us remember how to do soul-care. 

Practical Ways to Care for Your Soul:
Tell yourself, I must R.E.S.T and for Soul-Care...

R – I must realize that I am no good for anyone else if I am running on empty. In what areas do I feel empty or depleted, and I need soul-care? 

E – I must establish a time for soul care. Where can I add time? 

S – Seek God’s face and guidance for spiritual healing, wisdom, and direction in all areas of your life. He knows how long this will take as well. Write these instructions down and implement them right away. Finally, Say “NO” to whatever God instructs, and mean it. 

Ways to do this?
a) Prayer: Your Lifeline to God

• Prayer isn’t just asking—it’s resting in God’s presence.
• It's also listening to God.

b) Reading Scripture: Feeding on God’s Word

• Just as the body needs food, the soul needs the Word.
• Don't just speed through it to get done. Read it, and meditate on it. 

c) Journaling: Processing with God

• You can journal by simply summarizing what you read and reflecting on it.
• You can make a list of God's instructions from scripture. 
• You could even write a prayer related to the scripture you've read. 

d) Worship: Shifting Focus to God

• Play worship music as you cry out in prayer to God. 
  
  
  

T – Take time to revamp, remove, adjust, and/or connect with others who can assist with your continued soul-care. 

Closing: That's it. Feel free to use REST acronym, and share it with someone. Let's shift from self care the world's way and move to soul care. We should never spend more time caring for our physical bodies more than our souls. Our souls are precious to God. When we care for them, we align with His will and live from a place of overflow, which causes us to move forward in all He has placed in our hands. 
Challenge: This week, choose one new practice I shared and do it for at least 15-30 minutes. Come back to this post and leave a comment about how it helped you. 

Always remember, "He restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:3). We can't do it ourselves. 

Be blessed and Hope in Christ!

​Denise M. Walker