Life is busy and in our culture if we aren’t filling every second of our time with places to be or people to see, it’s like we’re doing something wrong. We then attempt to make it each day with baggy eyes and multiple cups of coffee while forgetting to make our self-care (and sanity!) a priority. Going through day-to-day life doesn’t have to be as strenuous if only we’d make time for ourselves. When we take care of ourselves, it gives us the strength and energy we need to love and serve others and complete the seemingly endless “to-do” list.

POUR IN SO YOU CAN POUR OUT

Although it may be hard, waking up earlier in the morning to start the day slowly can have a huge impact on how the rest of the day goes. Make it a priority in the morning to sit in worship, prayer and reading the Word. Your Savior is the only one who can truly replenish your soul, and His Word is life, truth and rest amid a distracting, busy world (Matthew 11:28, John 10:10, Psalm 23, Philippians 4:6-7 and Psalm 33:4). Also, fuel yourself from the start with a healthy breakfast.

During the day, give yourself “brain breaks” to slow your mind and regain focus. This could look like turning on some music, dancing around, treating yourself to a manicure or going to a True40 class. Take a moment to remind yourself of your worth in Christ or meditate on Scripture to remind yourself who and Whose you are.

When your day comes to an end, incorporate a way to unwind before bed. Journal about the highs and lows of your day or about things you are learning. Light your favorite candle and take a long bubble bath while listening to music or a podcast. Plus, take care of your body by getting an adequate amount of sleep each night- check out this post on “The Importance of Rest.”

FIND FREEDOM IN REST

Know that it’s ok to not say “yes” to everything you are asked to do or go everywhere you are asked to be. There’s value in doing a few things well than doing an overabundance of things half-heartedly with stress and fatigue. To truly “Be true. Be you,” you must create space in your schedule for a self-care routine. Whether it be a relaxing hobby, going outdoors, journaling or taking off the unnecessary items on your “to-do” list, find what refuels you and “…do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).