Self-Care for all Seasons

Summer is coming to a close, school is starting, home and work calendars are beginning to reflect the busyness of this transitional season, and an eye on the holidays! For many, fall signals (not just the start of college football - Go Blue!) an accelerated busy, accelerated stress, accelerated exhaustion. For some, it is a season to transition toward remembering those who won’t be with us again or for the first time this holiday season. Some are hanging on and holding their breath until they can turn the calendar page. What season is your soul in? Are you happy-go-lucky preparing your fall baking plans or are you bracing yourself for the emotional and relational storms ahead? 

Six years ago our family was in a season that was marked by pain, struggle, and grieving. And it lasted for 2 years. The struggle had been within the walls of both our home and our church. At times it has 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, certainly your counsel to yourself or others has included the necessity for community, for time in the Word, and for time discerning the voice of God and receiving the comfort of the Holy Spirit through prayer. Each of those spiritual practices has been life-lines for us. Equally important has been 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 beings — our bodies, our souls, and our spirits. Caring for our whole selves is essential for making it through a stormy season or a transitional 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 shine 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. 

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.

Get some exercise. Detach the act of exercise from any weight loss triggers and simply enjoy a stress-reducing, sweat-producing walk, bike, run, swim, 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. If you have medical concerns, always consult your physician first!

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! (I won’t know if you stop reading!)

Do whatever is life-affirming to you. 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! 

And finally, breathe. Slow down, take a few deep breaths, reset your central nervous system and racing mind. Breathe.

These 8 suggestions are just that — suggestions. In seasons of pain, and transition, it is essential to care for yourself. Whatever you choose to do — just do it! And if you are struggling with what to do or getting started - we can help at Blue Stone Coaching!! Check us out at www.yourbluestone.com.

Love, 

Kaye

Written by Kaye Hurta