‘Self-care is selfish’—sound familiar? It’s one of those myths many mums have heard (and maybe even believed). But it couldn’t be further from the truth!
Let’s be honest—life can feel like a lot sometimes. Between the to-do lists, the unexpected curveballs, and the constant demands of caring for others, it’s easy to forget to care for the one person holding it all together: you. Self-care isn’t about fancy spa days or escaping real life—it’s about finding simple, meaningful ways to reconnect with yourself, especially during stressful times. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a deep breath on a tough day, or turning to your faith for strength, these small moments matter.
Why self-care?
Self-care can help increase feelings of calm and reduce stress, boosting overall well-being. Even those living with chronic health conditions can benefit from simple, calming practices. Activities like knitting, stroking a pet, sipping a warm cup of tea, taking a quiet walk in nature, or listening to music can trigger the release of endorphins, lift mood, and reduce anxiety.
As humans, we’re made up of four primary aspects: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. When we understand how to care for each of these areas, we become better stewards of our own well-being, creating a more balanced and sustainable approach to self-care.
Let’s take a look at how we can foster self-care in each of these four areas of our lives.
1. Physical self-care
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is both a responsibility and an act of love. While we may not be able to change our genetics or prevent every health challenge, we can take steps to care for what is within our control. This might look like scheduling that overdue check-up, drinking more water, incorporating regular movement, and prioritizing rest and quality sleep.
Sleep deprivation increases stress, and chronic stress can lead to both physical and emotional burnout. Simple self-care habits help prevent this downward spiral. And for those already feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, it’s important to seek additional support—both physical and emotional. Honouring our bodies through self-care is not selfish; it’s essential to our overall well-being and ability to care for others.
2. Emotional self-care
Our thought patterns have a strong influence on how we feel and behave, especially in response to stress. A simple way to care for our emotional health is to pause and choose to respond rather than react. This might mean taking a deep breath, briefly stepping away from a tense situation, and returning once we feel calmer. It’s normal to experience emotions like stress, grief, or loneliness from time to time. Recognising these feelings—without judgment—is a healthy part of emotional self-care. And when things feel too heavy to carry alone, reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional can provide the support we need to process and heal.
"A simple way to care for our emotional health is to pause and choose to respond rather than react."
3. Self-care in relationships
Healthy relationships are a true blessing, though they can sometimes also bring challenges and pain. Even well-meaning families can struggle with dysfunction. It’s important to reflect on our own behavior within family dynamics and consider what might need to change. A key part of self-care in relationships is forgiveness—an internal process that frees us without requiring anything from the person we forgive. Forgiving ourselves and others can lighten emotional burdens, but it doesn’t mean we must reconcile or rebuild every damaged relationship.
At the same time, healthy connections bring joy and support. Sometimes self-care is as simple as reaching out to a friend for encouragement—or offering that same encouragement to her, just as we would to our children.
4. God and self-care
As children of God, beautifully made in His image, we are reminded that He desires a relationship with us above all else. We can honor His image daily, call upon Him during quiet moments—even late at night—and bring to Him the struggles we carry, such as unforgiveness, asking for the grace we need. Seeking more grace is an essential form of self-care, because it acknowledges our human limitations and invites us to practice self-kindness.
Dear mothers, self-kindness is a cornerstone of self-care. It means treating yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would freely offer to another mother. Self-care is about accepting yourself, managing your well-being, and reducing stress. If you’ve believed the myth that you’re not worth it, let me remind you—you absolutely are. By making small, intentional changes to your daily routines, setting healthy boundaries, and pursuing achievable goals, you can nurture your well-being and create lasting positive impact in your life.
If you liked this article, you may also enjoy ‘How Slowing Down Took Me From Overwhelm to Peace.’
One Response
Wise words. Beautifully written. 🍃