7 Winter Self-Care Tips
As I spoke on “Recapturing Joy” several Saturdays ago with women from all over Colorado Springs, CO we discussed “Joy in His Presence, Purpose, Provision, and People” during the four sessions. In the final session we discussed what it really means to love those Jesus has placed in our path every day and especially those He has joined us with in both life and death, Jesus’ eternal family, His Body.
As February and “Valentine’s Day” reminds us to love those around us, I was struck again by Jesus’ words when asked what the greatest commandment was. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).
As I’ve mentioned before, I often heard my dear friend Ruth Graham question, “Do you love yourself? If not, then how can you love others?” I ask you the same question. “How well do you love yourself?”
It’s amazing how uncomfortable this question makes us feel. Is it selfish to love ourselves? How can we love ourselves when we are so acutely aware of our flaws and failings? Are we worth loving?
God thinks so. He loves you enough to send His Son to pay the death penalty for all those failings, flaws, and your resistance to God’s will. It’s called sin and Jesus literally died for you to be free of it.
So, what does it mean to love yourself today?
Here are seven tips for “self-care” as you step into learning how to love and appreciate the person God made you to be:
- Prayer and Meditation– Spend time in fellowship and communication with God seeking guidance while you experience the inner peace only He can provide. God nourishes your soul and strengthens your heart, as only He can. Journaling is a great addition to this time of prayer and reflection.
- Study the Bible– Participate in a Bible study both personally at home and with a group. The Bible offers you daily direction, deepens your faith, and provides comfort as you spend time alone with God. Meeting with others to study His Word provides the enrichment your heart needs for relationship with your Christian family as you give and receive love.
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices-I am amazed at how much better I feel now that I am removing foods from my diet that cause my body to feel bloated, sluggish, and actually hurt. I am trying to add daily exercise by walking the block with Reen. Small steps can have a huge impact in caring for your physical body.
- Take a Sabbath Day Rest– God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. He set the standard. He made our bodies and minds to need rest. After meeting with God’s family at church on Sunday morning, take the rest of the day off. Start the new week with a mind and body allowed to recuperate from the previous week.
- Set Boundaries– Learn to say “No” to the things Jesus never intended for your life. When life ends be able to say as He did (after never touching, seeing, healing, or speaking to so many in the world), “Father, I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” John 17:4). No one else’s work…only His assigned work. (The principle of “Learning to Say ‘No’” is shared in my book, “Invest Your Life in Things that Matter” found at www.yourrefreshedlife.com).
- Show Self-Compassion-Give yourself a break! It amazes me how much time we spend criticizing and correcting ourselves rather than forgiving ourselves as Jesus did. If the God of the universe can forgive you, why do you refuse to forgive yourself? Paul tells us, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).
- Take Time to Have Fun-“Right! Tell me about it,” you reply. And as is said so often today, “I feel you!” No matter how busy your life is with children, responsibilities, demands, and schedules, ask the Lord to show you how at least monthly or weekly, to take time to do something you simply enjoy. My mother used to quote an old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” God gave you gifts, skills, and abilities. Only in developing these will you find fulfillment and joy.
Well, now it’s my turn to apply the same principles I am sharing with you. Next week we’ll explore what is meant by all the “one anothering” passages in the Bible, particularly how they help us love our neighbor as ourselves.
