Why Self Care is Not Selfish, It’s Essential

Let’s clear something up right now: self-care is not selfish. It’s not indulgent, weak, or optional. It’s the maintenance of your most important resource…you.

In a world that constantly demands more… more hustle, more output, more performance, it’s easy to forget that we’re human beings, not machines. And like anything valuable, if we don’t care for ourselves, we start to wear down, break down, and eventually burn out.

Even Jesus, took time to rest, retreat, and pray.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16

If the Savior of the world made rest and solitude a priority, how much more do we need it?

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days (though those are nice too). It’s also setting boundaries. Saying no when your plate is full. Getting enough sleep. Moving your body. Feeding yourself well. Taking breaks from screens. Being kind to your own thoughts.

It’s about showing up for yourself the way you show up for everyone else.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

Taking care of your body, mind, and spirit is a form of worship. It's honoring God by honoring His creation…you.

When we neglect self-care, everything suffers, our relationships, our work, our health, and our ability to bounce back from stress. But when we prioritize it, we become more resilient, more present, and more grounded.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

God never intended for us to carry everything alone. Rest isn't laziness, it's obedience. It’s surrendering our busyness and burdens to the One who gives true peace.

 

The 5 Dimensions of Self-Care

1.    Physical – Sleep. Exercise. Hydration. Nutrition.

“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

2.    Emotional – Let yourself feel what you feel. Journal. Talk to someone.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

3.    Mental – Read. Learn. Unplug. Renew your mind.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

4.    Spiritual – Pray. Meditate on Scripture. Reflect.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

5.    Relational – Spend time with people who lift you up.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

 

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Try Today

• Start your morning with gratitude and Scripture instead of grabbing your phone.
• Take a 10-minute walk and just breathe. Talk to God as you go.
• Say no to something that overwhelms you and don’t feel guilty.
• Turn off your notifications for an hour and just be still.
• Drink a full glass of water. Then another.
• Talk to someone you trust about how you really feel. You were never meant to carry it alone.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

You don’t have to earn rest.
You don’t have to crash to deserve care.
You are allowed to pause, reflect, and refill before you break down.

Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline. And the most powerful thing you can do for yourself, and others is to protect your peace like your life depends on it because in many ways, it does.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

Take care of you. The world needs the best version of you, not what’s left of you. And more importantly, God calls you worthy of care.

Keep moving forward. Keep trusting. Keep walking.

Jeff