Want more encouragement between emails? Follow along and say hi on your favorite platform: ​​​​

​

Hello Reader,

Life can get busy fast.

Sometimes unexpected challenges throw our schedules into chaos. Other times, if we're honest, we simply try to carry too much.

Between work, family, responsibilities, notifications, appointments, and everything competing for our attention, caring for ourselves can easily fall to the bottom of the list.

But as Christians, self-care isn't simply about creating more "me time." It's about stewardship.

God has entrusted us with our bodies, minds, energy, relationships, and responsibilities. Taking care of ourselves helps us remain physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to serve Him and the people around us.

Even Jesus intentionally stepped away from the crowds at times to pray, rest, and reconnect with the Father.

If your days feel overloaded, here are a few simple ways to create healthier rhythms.

Stay Hydrated

This may sound incredibly basic, but drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to support your health.

When we're busy, simple things are often the first things we neglect.

Keep water nearby throughout the day and make drinking it part of your normal routine. Something as simple as filling a water bottle in the morning can become a small reminder that taking care of your body matters.

Our bodies aren't inconveniences that get in the way of accomplishing our goals. They're gifts God has entrusted to us.

Get Your Thoughts Out of Your Head

Sometimes the biggest source of exhaustion isn't our schedule.

It's our thoughts.

Our minds can become filled with worry, criticism, unfinished responsibilities, imagined problems, and endless mental conversations.

Instead of letting those thoughts continually circulate, write them down.

Seeing them on paper gives you an opportunity to evaluate them rather than automatically believing them.

Ask yourself:

Is this thought true?

Is it helpful?

Does it line up with what God says?

Then replace unhealthy thinking with truth.

Philippians 4:8 reminds us to intentionally direct our minds toward things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Consider keeping a list of Scriptures, encouraging truths, answered prayers, and reminders of God's faithfulness that you can return to when your mind starts drifting toward fear or negativity.

Schedule Things You Enjoy

Here's another list worth making.

Write down some of the things that genuinely refresh you.

Maybe it's hiking.

Reading.

Kayaking.

Having coffee with a friend.

Working in the yard.

Playing with your kids or grandchildren.

Listening to music.

Sitting quietly with God.

Then put some of those things on your calendar.

We often schedule everything we're responsible for while assuming we'll somehow find time for the things that restore us.

Usually, we don't.

God didn't design us to operate endlessly without rest.

Jesus told His disciples:

Rest and enjoyment don't have to be rewards for finally finishing everything.

Sometimes they're part of what enables us to continue doing what God has called us to do.

Exercise and Eat Well

You probably knew this one was coming.

Regular movement and nutritious food are two of the simplest ways to care for your physical health.

You don't need a complicated workout program or a perfect diet.

Take a walk.

Lift some weights.

Ride your bike.

Stretch.

Choose foods that provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs.

The goal isn't perfection.

It's stewardship.

Small healthy choices practiced consistently can make a significant difference in your energy, focus, mood, and ability to handle stress.

Prepare More of Your Own Meals

Eating out is convenient, especially during busy weeks.

But regularly preparing your own meals gives you more control over what you're eating and can save a surprising amount of money.

It doesn't need to become another complicated responsibility.

Make something simple.

Prepare extra portions.

Pack tomorrow's lunch while cleaning up dinner.

Small habits can create healthier rhythms without requiring a major lifestyle overhaul.

Eat Without Electronics

This one might be harder than it sounds.

Put down your phone.

Turn off the television.

Step away from the computer.

Then simply eat.

Pay attention to your food.

Slow down.

Talk with your family.

Notice what you're grateful for.

Our lives are so filled with stimulation that even meals can become another opportunity to consume information.

Creating small technology-free spaces gives your mind a chance to slow down.

It can even turn an ordinary meal into a moment of gratitude.

Self-Care Isn't Selfish

For Christians, healthy self-care isn't about making ourselves the center of our lives.

It's about recognizing our limits and caring for what God has entrusted to us.

You don't have to overhaul your entire life this week.

Choose one small area.

Drink more water.

Take a walk.

Write down your thoughts.

Schedule something you enjoy.

Eat one meal without your phone.

Small choices repeated consistently can create healthier rhythms—and healthier rhythms help us show up with greater energy, clarity, and purpose for the things God has called us to do.

Questions for Reflection

Where have you been neglecting your physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being because life feels too busy?

Which activities genuinely refresh you and help you reconnect with God, yourself, and the people who matter most?

What is one unhealthy habit or distraction that may be draining more of your energy than you realize?

This Week's Challenge

Choose one self-care practice and intentionally practice it for the next seven days.

Don't try to change everything at once.

Pick one simple habit and connect it to a larger purpose:

"I'm caring for myself so I can better steward the life, energy, and responsibilities God has given me."

At the end of the week, take a few minutes to notice what changed.

Did you have more energy?

More peace?

More focus?

Sometimes meaningful change begins with one very small decision.

Recommendations

Study the Bible Journey through the New Testament with us. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, our Bible studies will help. They are written for "the average person" and help make the Bible come alive. They explain the difficult passages and provide background information on the people and places that appear in the New Testament. Join us as we explore scripture together. I know we will learn a great deal from one another. Subscribe​

Wednesday in the Word podcast with Krisan Marotta Krisan Marotta is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Bible study. With an unyielding passion for teaching and a penchant for unraveling the meaning of Scripture, Krisan has made it her mission to combat biblical illiteracy one podcast at a time. Subscribe​