How to Rest, Recharge, and Stay Rooted in Faith
Moms stay so busy most days. Honestly, if it wasn’t for God and His strength, I don’t know how I’d get through the day. Not only are we sacrificing our bodies, mentally and physically but also emotionally. Most women can push through the physical and maybe even mental aspect of it all, but when you’re a mom 24/7, man does it take a toll on us emotionally.
I’m not sure what stage of life you’re in right now, whether you’re a mama with multiple children, one and one on the way, or maybe just a busy career wife. It’s important to take care of ourselves, so that we can continue to give more of ourselves to the ones we love.
As we continue to pour into our family and loved ones, we start to become depleted and bitter. Boy is bitterness such a powerful tool the enemy uses. It starts off so small and if it isn’t caught immediately, it can really affect us spiritually and mentally. Thats why self-care for moms is so vital for our day to day lives!
Did you know the word of God speaks on behalf of the effects of “burning out?”
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Burn Out
Burnout is commonly described as an exhausted state in which a person loses interest in a particular activity and even in life in general. And many times, burnout is the result of pushing ourselves to the point of exertion or carrying too many burdens. We all fall victim at some point to this level of “I need to do it all,” or “I have to do it all.” Especially as homemakers, most of us pride and enjoy being at home taking care of the little ones. But there are days when the baby is crying, you’re crying, the dogs are crying, just everyone in the whole house is crying. 🙂
Thankfully though, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
However, it’s important to define the difference between biblical self-care and worldly self-care.
What is and isn’t Biblical Self-Care for Moms
Biblical self-care isn’t:
selfishness or neglect of its responsibilities.
James 3:16 “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Biblical self-care is:
selfless and unconditional.
John 13:34–35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Biblical self-care includes stewardship of the body and spirit God has given. And we should take priority in caring for ourselves to help renew our body, mind and souls. God desires rest for us because it does not come naturally to us.
So where do we start?
1. Spiritual Self-Care Practices
The most important step is this one. Get connected back with God. Did you know God gave us ONE specific day of rest because He knew we were work-acholics and sometimes don’t know how to take a chill pill? Yeah, it’s called THE SABBATH. A specific day made for man to help us come back to rest and reflect on how blessed we are.
Some other practical steps to helping us relax and rest are:
Daily prayer and Scripture meditation. Check out the link below.
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Creating a sacred space (like a prayer corner). Check out the link below.
Journaling gratitude and answered prayers. Check out the link below.
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Lastly worship through music or devotionals.
2. Physical Self-Care for moms
Prioritize rest and healthy sleep routines. Like setting up a hot bubble bath with a glass of wine, bath salts and a soothing candle scent.
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Nourish the body with balanced meals.
Exercise as a form of honoring God with your body. Like long walks with your kiddos, go hiking with them, try dance workouts at home, baby wearing and just including the babies into your workouts or movement time.
3. Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
Apart from trying to be apply physical self-care for moms, which I understand might not be applicable to everyone, especially if you’re big time preggo like me! But like mentioned earlier, the emotional and mental wellbeing we burden ourselves with, is the most difficult one to manage. Here are the top barriers we tend to lean towards to that cause us to just burnout.
Not setting boundaries. If you have set time aside for yourself, keep it! Stay accountable to yourself or incite the help of your spouse to help you relax that evening. Don’t try to do other things that need or need not to be done. Allow yourself to enjoy a glass of wine, a bubble bath or chick flick.
Not allowing time for hobbies and personal passions. Do you like to read, write, listen to music? Create a blog, join a book club or go on power walks while listening to your favorite podcasts. Anything that makes you smile and forget daily to-do lists.
Seek support from church community, small groups, or friends. If you’re still struggling with relaxing alone, distract yourself with non-mommy or wife duties. Instead opt to engage with friends or church activities that will still scratch the itch of being active without adding more stress to your life.
Practicing forgiveness and letting go of guilt. Some days or even weeks are tough, no matter what. I understand, and it feels worse when you are trying your best to get your head above water and there is no air in sight. Practice forgiving others and yourself. Let go of the small things or guilt like feelings that cloud your mind. Remember, guilt and shame do not come from God, and allowing yourself to stay in a pity party is not where He wants you to be.
Conclusion
All in all, we are humans. God never called us to be superwoman or super moms even though it feels so good when things go just as planned. The biggest takeaway is that self-care strengthens you to better serve your family and community better.
Applying self-care for moms is also an act of obedience to God. The biblical perspective on self-care is deeply rooted in the understanding that we are created in the image of God and are called to steward our lives in a way that honors Him. Jesus Himself practiced self-care during His earthly ministry. In Mark 6:31, He said to His disciples, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” This invitation to rest demonstrates the necessity of withdrawing from the demands of life to seek solitude and refreshment, following the example set by Christ.
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