The Importance of Self-Care
“For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthian 6:20).
According to the World Health Organization, “self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness—with or without the support of a health worker.” As Christians, we believe that our body is a gift from God, and we must treat it with respect for God’s glory. By caring for our body, we uphold its divine value and fulfill our duty to ensure its well-being.
Self-care involves taking care of oneself so that we can better assist others. We are responsible for supporting people at home, work, or in our community. However, a challenge arises when we are not well enough to fulfill this responsibility. Therefore, it is essential to care for ourselves, as we cannot give what we do not have. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, impacting our ability to care for others. Both self-care and caring for others are essential.
Throughout my career as a nurse, I have sometimes neglected my well-being in the pursuit of caring for my patients. This struggle often led me to skip meals, eat on the go, and even continue to work when I was not feeling well. This behavior sometimes resulted in neglecting my health, which is not beneficial to me or to the people for whom I care. Recognizing the role of self-care in preventing burnout while maintaining a high level of care for others has been crucial in my journey with the Lord, helping me keep a positive outlook and fostering hope and optimism.
Physical and Mental Care
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
God wants us to rest.
Self-care involves dedicating time to managing our mental and physical health and includes specific activities such as regular exercise; spending quality time with loved ones; or engaging in hobbies like reading, painting, writing, or gardening. For instance, you can take a 30-minute walk in the morning, meditate for 10 minutes before bed, have a weekly movie night with your family, or spend an hour on the weekend doing something you love. This deliberate attention to self-nurturing equips us to navigate life with its stressors, responsibilities, and various challenges, while safeguarding our well-being.
Prioritizing self-care isn’t just about managing our physical and mental health. It’s about recognizing our worth and respecting ourselves enough to prioritize our well-being. This fundamental self-respect empowers us to navigate life’s difficulties with grace and strength, making us feel valued and respected. Remember, you are worthy of the care you give to others, and you deserve to care for yourself as well.
Performing a self-assessment is as important as your annual medical appointment. Here are some questions to consider:
Am I exercising?
Am I eating a healthy diet?
Am I getting enough rest or sleep?
Am I prioritizing time for hobbies, family, and friends?
Am I engaging in unsafe practices?
Spiritual Care
“With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
Protecting your heart from evils, negativity, and unhealthy influences should be part of your health care routine. Incorporating spiritual care into our self-care routine is essential for nurturing our soul. Spiritual care involves practices such as daily prayer and meditation and attending Mass. This holistic approach contributes to our overall well-being and cultivates a sense of balance and fulfillment in our life.
Conduct a spiritual self-assessment to examine your spiritual wellness. Here are some questions to consider:
Do I attend weekly Mass?
Do I pray daily?
Do I take time to meditate on God’s words?
Do I participate in one to two retreats or religious conferences annually?
“Take care of your body as if it were going to live forever,” said St. Augustine. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to prioritize self-care and consistently work to maintain our well-being.
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to care for my body in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to You. In your Name I pray. Amen.
Rhode L. Jean-Aleger was born and raised in Haiti. She has been married to Vorbes, her college sweetheart, for the past twenty-eight years. She is the mother of three young adult children. She received a BS in nursing in 1993 from City College of New York, a MS in Community Health Nursing as well as a MS in Public Health in 2001 from Hunter College, and Post-Master as a Nurse Practitioner in 2009 from New York University. A Certified Spiritual Director, she graduated from Our Lady of Divine Providence, an affiliate of Franciscan University. She is involved in the Homeless and Homebound ministry in her parish and is a retreat leader for the Haitian Community. Rhode founded the Jax Prayer Club in 2013, a community of faithful Christians striving to support and encourage each other in their walk with God. She writes daily reflections intended to make prayer and the word of God alive in others’ hearts. Learn more about the Prayer Club by visiting her website: www.Jaxprayerclub.com.