Ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day for everything on your to-do list, let alone time for spiritual self-care? Something’s GOT TO GIVE!
Finding renewal through self-care is one thing family caregivers often allow to fall off our to-do lists. And that’s because self-care isn’t a priority. But, friend, you owe it to yourself to find the time for self-care, especially spiritual self-care. Make it a priority.
We prioritize and give our attention to what we believe matters most, and that may not be spiritual self-care. Family caregivers tend to put the needs of our loved ones ahead of our own. I get it. Some days, there truly is no other choice. That’s okay for today, maybe, but maybe tomorrow will be better so, please be sure to keep spiritual self-care on your to-do list.
Caregiving can wear us down and burnout is real. That means, not taking care of yourself isn’t an option. There has to be a balance between caring for others and caring for yourself to experience renewal and prevent burnout. We not only owe it ourselves but because of the love God showed us through His Son, Jesus, we owe Him our time and attention, too.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave* his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16 (NLT)
What can you do to prioritize spiritual self-care in the time you have available?
You may not think this approach fits under the self-care umbrella (and it’s a big one), but I believe the most effective path to renewal is found in God’s word. Spend time with God in His word, prayer, and praise and I’m sure you’ll find that God provides enough time for you to get all of your to-do’s done (the important ones, that is).
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. –Romans 12:2 (NASB)
Photo by Rémi Walle on Unsplash
Caregiver, I confess, it’s tough to find the right balance sometimes. But keep working at it because spiritual self-care is just as important as physically caring for your loved one. We are no good to them if we’re hurting, grieving, angry, or exhausted.
So, you owe yourself and God the gift of time to improve your quality of life with a morning prayer and praise. Why not make it part of your renewal routine? There’s nothing better to put a smile on your face than a praise break in the Word of God.
Your loved one needs it, just as much as do you.
31 Days of Seeking Self-Care
👉All month long, on Instagram (@myconcretedove), I’m hosting 31 Days of Seeking Self-Care for family caregivers. Every day, in my feed, stories, or reels, I’ll post about different types of self-care. We don’t get to stop on day 32. Our goal is to explore self-care and discover what works best for you to develop a habit of self-care in the months & years ahead.
This week, I’m participating in the Inspire Me Monday, Five Minute Fridays, and Grace & Truth (Lisa Notes) linkups
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Feature Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash
I am not a fan of the whole Self-care movement. people always find a way to care for themselves, sometimes willingly and sometimes forced, but self-care always happens. BUT relabeling this as “taking the time for a regular devotional life” which is what I Think you are ultimately encouraging only makes sense. if we don’t take time to spend time with God we don’t take the time to see his love and concern for us. visiting from FMF11
Thanks for stopping by, Annette. I appreciate your candor. You got it right, a regular devotional life is necessary self-care.
Yes. Self care isn’t the same as best self, or self love..movements. we must remember it is Biblical to love ourselves by seeking God’s love and wisdom. He also helps us know when to rest. We can’t continously pour out when we are empty and exhausted.. everyone is at risk then
Thank you, Suzette for the reminder of the importance of spiritual self-care through regular connection with God. Who knows our deepest needs better?
It don’t mean nuthin’, not a thing,
you owe this wisdom to yourself.
Take the ego that you bring
and set it on a dusty shelf.
The very worst may come to pass,
the sky may fall upon your head,
but gaze into the looking glass,
to see your eyes not yet gone dead,
for even though you’re beaten, bruised,
even though your dreams are torn,
and though by life you’ve been abused,
there is a reason you were born,
and that’s to ride right through the flame
for the glory of His Name.
Thank you, Andrew. I appreciate your words and the time you take to write them.
Hi Donna, Thanks for the comment. No one knows us better. Sometimes we forget our mind, will, and emotions when thinking about self-care. Time with God is key to our spiritual health.
your wise and tender words quickly bring me back to some exhausting years … and in looking back, I realize yet again that it was only God’s grace and the steady richness of His presence that got me through.
Bless you for what you’ve been through. Yes, God’s presence in the life of the caregiver offers immeasurable comfort. Thanks for the lovely comment.
Yes, spiritual care is the beginning of self-care for me. When I cut that short, it all goes a mess. I’m looking forward to your 30 days. I’ve wanted to create something like this, but now I don’t need to. I will share this post with my Embracing Faith & Mental Illness group of caregivers. Thank you.
Also, thank you for joining us on our Grace & Truth Link-Up! Your post is so helpful and inspiring, and I’m proud to feature it on my Grace & Truth Christian Link-up | Featured Posts Pinterest board. Thanks for your contribution!
https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/
Thank you Maree Dee! I appreciate your kind words and the feature! The month of May was self-care month for me on Instagram, and a few post on the blog. My goal is to encourage caregivers to develop a habit of self-care for the mind, body and spirit. It was a lot to take on but I feel like I only scratched the surface. It will now be a continuing theme on this blog and my Instagram feed. Thanks, again.
“We prioritize and give our attention to what we believe matters most,” — so true.
It really is! Thanks for stopping by.
Love this so much: “you owe yourself and God the gift of time to improve your quality of life with a morning prayer and praise.” And it will only happen if we schecule it for ourselves. Yes there are days when things happen and we can’t go by the schedule; but it should be a pattern for us to start the day with prayer/praise/time in the Word.
Yes, for me it is especially good and effective if I spend that time of prayer/praise/time in the Word in the morning.
Spiritual care is definitely important for me too. I’m glad we have so many approaches to God. This morning it was taking a walk with no podcast in my ears, no music, just the sounds of God’s birds and the sights of flowers and trees in the neighborhood.
That’s what I call an Awe Walk! Just spending time in awe of what God has provided during a simple what. Thanks for sharing one of your approaches to God.