Why Japan Wants Its Citizens to Prioritize Self-Care
September 1, 2024
By
Venita Adams
Hi friends!
As a mom of two teenagers, juggling work, household duties, and their ever-demanding activities, let me tell you, feeling burned out is a familiar feeling. Sometimes, between soccer practices, science projects, and endless piles of laundry, it feels like there’s nothing left for me. I know many of you, my fellow Christians, can relate. We pour our hearts into our faith, our families, and our communities, but neglecting our well-being can leave us feeling depleted and disconnected.
But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t selfish.
It’s actually essential for living a joyful and fulfilling Christian life. Think about it – how can we truly reflect God’s love to the world around us if we’re running on fumes? The good news is that the Bible itself offers a wealth of wisdom on how to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits. So, let’s dive into scripture and discover what it truly says about self-care for the overwhelmed Christian.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28-30 (Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.)
Remember those days when the teenagers have back-to-back activities, and you’re the taxi driver, cheerleader, and snack provider? Exhaustion can quickly set in. But in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers a beautiful promise:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Rest isn’t a reward for the productive or a luxury for the few. It’s a necessity, a gift from God that allows us to recharge and return to our lives with renewed energy. So, the next time you feel yourself running on empty, remember – permission to rest is granted by God himself. Maybe it’s a stolen nap in the afternoon, delegating some chores, or saying no to an extra commitment. Prioritizing rest shows we trust God to handle things while we take a moment to breathe.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through him who strengthens me.)
Juggling family life, work, and church activities can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it seems like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, let alone enough strength to tackle everything on our plates. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we don’t face these challenges alone. The verse says,
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
God is the source of our strength. Taking care of ourselves through self-care practices like healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and spending time in prayer allows us to access that strength and face our burdens with grace.
Scripture Reference: Mark 6:31 (Then he said to them, “Come away by yourselves privately to a deserted place and rest a while, for many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”)
Even Jesus, in his tireless ministry, recognized the need for boundaries and rest. Mark 6:31 tells us,
“Then he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves privately to a deserted place and rest a while, for many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Saying no to some requests can feel difficult, especially when we want to help others. But self-care allows us to be more present and effective in the long run. Imagine trying to manage a soccer practice when you’re running on fumes! Setting boundaries, like scheduling quiet time or saying no to additional commitments, allows us to show up fully for the things that truly matter.
Scripture Reference: Romans 12:2 (Do not conform to the world’s pattern, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.)
As moms, we often face a barrage of negative thoughts – “Am I doing enough?” “Why can’t I keep this house perfectly clean?”
These thoughts can be draining and lead to anxiety. Romans 12:2 speaks to the importance of renewing our minds. The verse encourages us to “not conform to the world’s pattern, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Self-care practices like meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can help us challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with God’s truth about our worth and purpose.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6-7 (Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your faith be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.)
Remember those moments when the grocery bill seems larger than ever, and college applications loom on the horizon? Financial worries and anxieties can be a major source of stress. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your faith be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks. It’s about cultivating trust in God’s provision. Taking time for prayer, practicing gratitude, and letting go of anxieties can bring a sense of peace that allows us to navigate challenges with a clear head.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.)
As moms, we often put our own needs last. But neglecting our physical health can leave us feeling sluggish and drained. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us,
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Taking care of our bodies through healthy eating, regular exercise, and enough sleep isn’t selfish. It’s a way of honoring God’s gift and allowing ourselves to be the best versions of ourselves for our families and communities.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 8:3-4 (When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?)
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of life? Sometimes the best self-care is a simple walk in nature. Psalm 8:3-4 beautifully describes God’s creation:
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
Spending time outdoors can be a powerful way to de-stress, connect with God’s creation, and gain a fresh perspective.
Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to lift him.)
Being a mom can sometimes feel isolating. But God designed us for connection. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us,
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to lift him.”
Self-care includes nurturing our relationships with loved ones. Scheduling time for a coffee date with a friend, a heartfelt conversation with your spouse, or even a simple family game night can help us feel supported and recharge our emotional well-being.
Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.)
Feeling constantly bombarded with negativity? Shifting our focus to gratitude can be a powerful antidote. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us,
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Taking time each day to reflect on the blessings in our lives, big or small, can cultivate a more positive outlook and reduce stress. Whether it’s a handwritten gratitude journal or a simple prayer of thanks before meals, incorporating gratitude practices into our self-care routine can make a big difference.
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 8:10 (For the joy of the Lord is your strength.)
Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple joys. But Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Finding joy in our faith, in our families, and the small blessings around us isn’t just a feel-good practice. It’s a source of strength that can help us navigate challenges and live a more fulfilling life. Making time for activities that bring us joy, whether it’s reading a favorite book, listening to uplifting music, or spending time in nature with loved ones, can nourish our souls and replenish our emotional reserves.
Remember, self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment and find practices that resonate with you. The most important thing is to prioritize your well-being, knowing that a rested, healthy, and joyful Christian is better equipped to serve God, love their family, and make a difference in the world.
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