Self-Care: God’s Truth and Why It Matters
On the last Monday of February 2023, I finally used the spa gift certificate my husband Brian gave me in 2022 and finished off my Monday CEO day with a 60-minute massage. As I floated out of the spa and into my car, feeling such an air of calm and peace, in my mind there was a song:
Believe it or not, I’m walkin’ on air
I never thought I could feel so free!
Flyin’ away on a wing and a prayer
Who could it be?
Believe it or not, it’s just me.
It’s been 42 years since I cranked up the radio on a Sunday afternoon for Kasey Kasem’s AT40 when this song came on. I loved this song…way more than the TV show that it was written for. Do you remember the show? DM me on social and let me know.
Before I give you the answer, let me take you back to that massage and share that the effects lasted well into the next day: My mind was so clear, my creativity flowing, and my energy level high. I felt like I was in a “redefining hustle zone!” And that got me thinking…
What does the Bible say about self-care? And is that important to how we redefine hustle to emulate Jesus as we work?
I mean, I don’t see Jesus enjoying a spa day or a Calgon-take-me-away moment anywhere in the Bible.
Still, as God’s workmanship, aren’t we are commanded to care for each other and our bodies as His temple? What about renewing our minds (Romans 12:1-2)? Is that self-care? Do we ever seek God’s truth for what it means and why it’s important to business as we walk out His assignment in the marketplace?
I believe this goes beyond 1 Corinthians 6:19’s instruction: your body is a temple, to see culture’s unrealistic expectations (and pigeon-holing self-care as a spa day) vs. God’s definition and direction: nourishing our bodies for strength, Jesus giving us rest when we’re weary, and honoring God by caring for our body, mind, heart and soul in His comfort, for His glory.
Remember this friend: if you believe that God designed you as a unique being, made up of your body, mind, spirit, heart and soul, then your self-care is as unique as you are. It’s truly whatever makes those parts of you experience His glory, and makes you say “ahhh” in the most calm and joyous ways.
Here are three ways you can include godly self-care as part of your business strategy:
- Take care of your whole person as His temple and the salt of the earth – this includes feeding your soul with the Word on a regular basis, and seeking His kingdom first
- Set boundaries and keep them – saying NO to some things allows you to give God your best YES. I know it’s powerful when Elphaba sings all about being unlimited in the Broadway show Wicked (honestly, it gives me chills in a good way every time I hear it), the truth is we are LIMITED and cannot walk out our Christian life or business without the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I’m not knocking being an independent and responsible woman. It’s simply that we put so much of ourselves on the line trying to be “unlimited” that we lose sight of God’s best YES. We are only unlimited IN HIM. Self-care includes setting boundaries to keep us in a posture of surrender and obedience.
- Make time for solitude and self-care – we can never “find” time, we have to make time, meaning make self-care a priority and part of your business routine & strategy.
As you finish reading, pause for a minute, close your eyes, take a deep breath and think: what do you love that fills you with more energy and that feeling of ahhhh. THAT, my friend, needs to be part of your self-care priority!
PS that TV show from 1981 was Greatest American Hero
Here are some resources I recommend for going deeper on this topic:
Episode 186: REST for Redefining Hustle
Episode 163: The Best Kept Secret in Your Business is Rest
Empowered for Balance – Self-Care for Busy Christian Moms: https://www.empoweredforbalance.com/product/reclaim-yourself-coaching-in-a-box/
Blog by Sarah Symonds: https://graceinmyspace.com/self-care-what-does-the-bible-say/#:~:text=Therefore%20I%20tell%20you%2C%20do,your%20heavenly%20Father%20feeds%20them.
Blog by Hayley Mullins: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/blog/what-does-bible-say-about-self-care/#:~:text=God’s%20Word%20tells%20us%20to,4%3A8%3B%20Col
Download 4 Keys to Redefine Hustle: https://erinharrigan.com/4Keys
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