Self-Care
We are officially in July and in the South that means a lot of heat and endless amounts of popsicles and ice cream to stay cool. (LOL) During the summer months we can easily get caught up in the busyness of keeping the kids occupied with fun summer activities.
As women we are often the curators of all these fun activities, and we tend to forget to do self-care/soul-are so that we can be at our optimal best. We hear a lot about self-care nowadays, but what does it really mean? One definition of self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness. How can we protect our own well being and happiness? We can protect it by being intentional in: eating healthy, taking proper care of our mind, body, and soul, getting enough sleep, incorporating daily exercise, finding ways to declutter stress in our lives, praying and reading our Bible daily to keep us spiritual fed, setting boundaries on our emotions and practice being able to say No or Not at this time.
A few months ago I watched a video by Chrystal Evans Hurst entitled Checking in on Your Soul. It was one of the best video I’ve watched. She talks about finding time to be alone for a few hours or few days, whatever your schedule and finances will allow and just spend time with yourself. She mentioned that a lot of women don’t even truly know themselves well, because they’ve never taken the time to get to know their likes/dislikes etc.
She also mentioned how women get so busy in life that we often don’t pause to check in with our soul to see what areas we need to attend too. We often won’t be aware of these areas until we are alone, free from distractions and yes free from technology. (How long can you be away from your phone without checking it?) (LOL)
So ladies this summer take out your calendar and find time to make sure that you are taken care of: make your physical appointment if you need too, go ahead and lock in a walking buddy to help you consistently exercise, put a alarm on your phone to remind you to read your Bible, whatever you need to do-let’s be willing to do it.
Why is self care/soul care important? It’s important because if we are at our optimal best it will have direct impact on our families, friends and all that we come in contact with on a daily basis. We will be able to be more sensitive to those in need who are around us. We will be more pleasant and compassionate because we have reset and refilled our lives. Most importantly we will be able to live a JOY filled life instead of a JOY depleted state!
Enjoy your summer making memories with your families and friends but alongside making memories don’t forget to check in with yourself through self-care/soul care.
Five Scriptures That Will Help During Your Self-Care/Soul Care Summer
Matthew 11: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, Lord make me dwell in safety.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
