Christian self care is a hot term these days. In Christian circles it can be viewed as negative or selfish. I assure you, the Bible backs up Christian self care, without using those specific words.

Our human bodies have limitations. Our capabilities are limited this side of heaven. This means, we must care for ourselves in ways the Bible recommends in order to thrive, flourish and serve effectively.

Christian self care encompasses spiritual, physical and mental health. Everything we possess is a gift from God. We must choose to be good stewards of these gifts.

I have to warn you, knowing these Christian self care tips is not enough. Doing these self care tips is what will enable you to be more effective and equipped to serve in the area to which you are called.

Are you ready to learn Christian self care tips?

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13 Christian Self Care Tips

#1 Relationship/Community

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” ~Hebrews 10:24-25

We are made for relationship, community and fellowship. Liking, commenting and hearting on social media can never replace face to face relationship. Make time in your busy schedule to connect with your people.

Don’t just take my word for it…research shows connections with others increases happiness, better health and a longer life. So, get your calendar out and schedule some time with the people you love.

#2 Time with God

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” ~Jeremiah 17:8

Time with God is one for the top Christian self care tips! Carve out time for the most important relationship. Make time with God a priority. He is the only one that can fill you up, enabling you to pour into others.

The benefits of meeting with God are endless. A few notable benefits include strengthening of faith, shifts focus vertically, puts my eyes on my powerful God who is greater than anything you or I face.

Check out “3 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible” (free printable inside)

#3 Prayer

“…pray continually,” ~1 Thessalonians 5:17

Have you ever held thightly to somethin? Maybe a child’s hand while crossing a busy street or the lap bar on a roller coaster? Our whole body tenses as we hold tightly.

The same thing happens when I hold tightly to my desires or fears…I tense up.

When I pray, I’m releasing my grasp on my desires and fears and I’m entrusting it all to the One for Whom nothing is impossible. When we release our grip, we release the tension. Give it to God in prayer.

More on prayer in this article (with another printable!)

#4 Forgiveness

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.” ~Colossians 3:13

Have you seen the quote (author unknown), “refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”? Unforgiveness (more on that topic here) will destroy your well-being. You stand to gain the most by forgiving others.

Refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. (author unk) Unforgiveness will destroy your well-being. Share on X

#5 Journaling

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” ~Psalm 77:11

One of my favorite Christian self care tips is journaling because it organizes your thought life. Whether your doing a gratitude, prayer or processing journal, putting thoughts into writing or words helps us remember process and heal. Research also shows that journaling 20 minutes a day several times a week improves emotional, physical and psychological well being.

#6 Rest

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” ~Mark 6:31

Let’s face it…life can get crazy. As we race from one commitment to the next we grow weary. Schedule white space on your calendar. Over booked schedules keep us from enjoying our life, distracting us from the bigger purpose God has for our lives.

#7 Gratitude

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

Another favorite Christian self care tip is practicing gratitude. God calls us to be grateful in all circumstances because He knew our joy would be multiplied. Check out all the benefits of gratitude and get a printable gratitude journaling prompts here.

My gratitude challenge for you: Retrain your brain to find the good in every situation. Once you find the silver lining whisper your thanks to God. Research shows you will be 25% happier!

#8 Exercise & Nutrition

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” ~1 Corinthians 3:16

This is totally back to basics, but Christian self care includes the basics. Our body literally houses the Holy Spirit-nourish and care for your body in a way that will make you more effective for God’s kingdom.

#9 Stop Controlling

“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ~2 Timothy 1:7

Attempting to control other people or circumstances will crush your well-being…

Why?

Because that’s not what you were made to do. God is in control! You only have control over yourself. The belief you can control others or circumstances will leave you feeling stressed and weary. Stick to “self control” (that’s the spirit God gave you) and hand the rest to God. (More on that here.)

#10 Choose Joy

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” ~Psalm 118:24

An important Christian self care tip…choose joy! Joy is a choice we make in each moment. I have a choice to spend my time focusing on the negative or the positive. Practicing gratitude is a research proven way to improve your joy by 25%. There is much to rejoice about! (Rom 5:3, Ps 113:1-9, Phil 4:4, Luke 15:10)

#11 Serve Others

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10

Jesus intends for us to serve others- we see in the gospels how he sets the example of serving (Matt 20:27-28). Serving others has the amazing ability to shift our focus away from ourselves and our circumstances.

Furthermore, whenever we live out the purpose for which we were made (Rom 12:1), our hearts are fuller, consequently, life is fuller.

#12 Think Lovely Thoughts

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” ~Philippians 4:8

Do you pay much attention to what you’re thinking? This is an important Christian self care tip. What you think about matters and will heavily affect your well being.

Check out this (NO FLUFF) article on taking your thoughts captive. Did I mention there is a free Bible study inside?

“Change your thoughts, change your life.”

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. Share on X

It’s hard to believe, but we have control over our thought life. Though, I admit, self defeating and negative thoughts can be hard to wrangle. Nothing, including your thought life, is impossible for God!

#13 Sleep

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves.” ~Psalm 127:2

Another basic Christian self care tip is get enough sleep! Sleep tends to be the first thing we cut our of our busy schedules, yet it’s one of the most powerful ways to restore your energy and focus. As calendars fill up we get up earlier and stay up later to get things done. Yet, research shows, sleep deprivation hinders decision making abilities and has a negative impact on our physical and mental health. Guard your sleep!

Christian Self Care Wrap Up

While the above Christian self care tips cover quite a few areas leading to improved physical, mental and spiritual health- this is not an exhaustive list.

What are some self care tips you use? Share some ideas in the comments below!

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