It’s maintenance day aboard our boat, Knot 2 Late. The sea strainers need cleaning, and it’s time to inspect the hydraulic lines and run the engines and generators. The systems aboard must be tested, cleaned, and maintained regularly, typically every few weeks. If they aren’t, it will only be a matter of time before something wears out, breaks, or stops working because it is clogged with barnacles or sediment. Failing to maintain a boat will eventually prevent it from doing what it is built to do. The vessel will fall into disrepair, stop running, or even sink, leaving its crew in peril. I take care of the boat because it must be maintained, and it’s strenuous and messy work.
Similarly, people need care and maintenance so that we can fulfill the purpose for which God created us. To thrive in our families, careers, and communities, we must intentionally tend to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. We need to engage in self-care.
In the past, I held several misconceptions about self-care. I thought self-care was a collection of semi-luxurious activities designed to make me feel good. Something akin to a spa day (imagine sipping a latte during a pedicure or getting a massage while listening to recorded nature sounds). I also wondered at times if self-care was an acceptable concept for a Christian.
I pondered John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” At that time, laying down my life and engaging in self-care seemed like opposing concepts. These days, I realize how misguided I was! Self-care can be pleasant, but it really is more like caring for a boat than a day at the spa. Authentic self-care involves activities that help us grow and maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual health. It strengthens us, helps us stay resilient, and equips us to face the challenges that naturally come our way. Self-care is a combination of exercise and maintenance, and at times, it feels strenuous and messy.
In Scripture, we are told that God is our protector and provider, Isaiah 46:4 (GNT), “I am your God and will take care of you until you are old, and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.” Scripture also clearly illustrates a responsibility to care for ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV), we are reminded that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and instructed to “…glorify God in your body.” In Philippians 4:8, (NIV) we are instructed on how to manage 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.”; and in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), the apostle Paul writes about practices that encourage the spirit: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
God cares for you, so please remember to take care of yourself! Intentionally participate in activities and disciplines that are healthy for your mind, body, and soul. Eat healthy foods. Drink healthy beverages. Get adequate sleep. Exercise to keep your body strong. Address medical problems with your physicians. Take medications as prescribed. Pray. Meditate. Read the Scripture and do what it says. Get involved in your church. Rest on the Sabbath. Take time to learn new things. Participate in your community. Welcome accountability. Reflect on your thoughts. Meet with your counselor to help heal from past hurts.
Does that sound like a daunting list of activities? If it does, you are not alone! Life is busy, and it’s much easier to know about self-care than to act on it. If you are struggling in any of these areas or feel like you aren’t thriving, schedule a check-in with your counselor. We can help you reflect on what you need and guide you in taking action. We can help.
Written by Andrea Brandt, NCC, LPC
andrea@restorationcounselingatl.com, ext. 154
Online Counseling
Andrea Brandt works with adults who desire freedom and healing from the impact of addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression. She uses EMDR to help clients reduce the urge to engage in behaviors that they want to stop, and she treats the underlying trauma and beliefs that fuel unhealthy behaviors and thinking. On the journey toward healing, Andrea guides clients in understanding and managing emotions, creating, communicating, and maintaining healthy boundaries, and growing in healthy relationships. Andrea has specialized training EMDR, Addictions, and Exposure and Response Prevention. She sees clients via telemental health from her boat-office, Knot 2 Late. She believes that it is never too late to embrace change, heal, and grow.