Self-Care in Hard Seasons
It may be Summer, but the bright and happy season outside is no guarantee of a bright and happy season for your soul! Even as I write this, a dear friend is grieving the sudden loss of her husband. The view out her window says new life and summer but it is winter for her soul. Another friend is facing a frightening diagnosis. While others are planning summer getaways, she is planning doctor appointments and procedures.
Seven years ago, our family entered a two-year season marked by pain, struggle, and grieving. The struggle had been within the walls of both our home and our church. At times it felt like there was no place to go to get a reprieve from the difficulty. Have you ever felt like that? Are you experiencing a similar season in your own life? Are you walking with someone who is experiencing the same? If so, I’m sorry. I’m sure your counsel to yourself or others has included the necessity for community, time in the Word, and time discerning the voice of God and receiving the comfort of the Holy Spirit through prayer. Each of those spiritual practices were lifelines for us. Equally important was the intentional care of our whole selves.
We do not experience pain or trauma as an isolated incident. Whatever we are experiencing affects every aspect of our being — our bodies, our souls, and our spirits. Caring for our whole selves is essential for making it through a stormy season. Caring for our whole selves must be intentional, we will never drift into self-care. With that in mind, here are 7 suggestions to help you care for your whole self:
Protect your thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (ESV) This is more than just the power of positive thinking, it is an intentional capturing of the story we tell ourselves about ourselves and our situation and shining the Light of God’s truth on them. It involves reframing what you are thinking about and refocusing on what you know to be true. Rehearsing negativity in your mind will not serve you, it will simply open the door for the enemy to attack. Remember and rehearse in the dark what you know to be true in the light!
Take ownership. Part of caring for yourself is to first tell yourself the truth and own what is yours to own. If there is an action of any kind that needs to be taken from a place of ownership, do not delay. Ask the Lord for courage and direction, He will lead you and the result will be His peace internally.
Lean into healthy friendships. Who are your people? Part of taking care of yourself is allowing those who love you to help you bear your burdens. In need of self-care? Phone a friend, counselor, or coach!
Get some exercise. Detach the act of exercise from any weight loss triggers and simply enjoy a stress-reducing, sweat-producing walk, bike, run, or whatever you love to do!
Eat clean. Feed your system whole, healthy foods. If that’s not your pattern, perhaps you would try a 3-day whole food challenge. Note how you feel after 3 days of eating real (not processed) foods.
Take a nap. Sleep and rest are critical to our systems. Maybe the first step in caring for yourself is to stop reading this blog and go take a nap!
Whatever is life-affirming (and healthy) for you. Finally, a good rule of thumb for self-care is to ask yourself, “Is this activity life-affirming?” If so, do it, if not, don’t!
These 7 suggestions are just that — suggestions. In seasons of pain, it is essential to care for yourself. Whatever you choose to do — do it!
Written by Kaye Hurta