What is your initial response when you notice anxiety and overwhelm creeping in? First of all, the fact that you are recognizing and acknowledging your anxiety and looking for a way to manage it is a huge step in the right direction! Way to go for not ignoring your body’s cry for help.

So many times when I feel overwhelmed, I run away to the safest place I know..the aisles of Target. Filling my cart with warm, inviting candles, or a creamy new body butter leads to an easy and instant dopamine rush. My mind has a reprieve from the relentless “to-do’s” that lie at home. My thoughts are finally free from the constant self-doubting dialogue I’ve become so accustomed to and my body finally gets to experience once again what it feels like to not be overcome with tension. In the store, I am convinced that I can experience this kind of peace and happiness at home if only I can find the right products.

Thanks to clever marketing tactics, we have been wired to think that the answer to feeling calm, happy, rested, pretty, and fulfilled lies in a product or a quick fix that can be bought.

I’m in no way trying to guilt you out of your regular Target strolls. In fact, you may still find me there too, smelling ALL the candles but it may be wise for us to consider a different approach if genuine “self-care” is what we are after. And asking the question, “What do I really need right now?” may lead us to gaining more ground in achieving peace in our minds and homes.

Something I love about the Bible is that every word of it was inspired by our creator. The same creator that formed us in our mothers womb and designed our body and mind; so therefore understands it better than any doctor or specialist.

The Bible doesn’t use the term "self-care" in the way we do today, but it does emphasize taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually so that we can better serve God and others. Here are some key biblical principles on self-care:

Soul Self Care

It’s not selfish to prioritize rest for yourself. Our bodies require down time to heal and recover so that we can have the necessary energy to continue to serve our family. Sometimes the rest we need is actual sleep. And sometimes we need more of a mental rest. This could look like doing an activity or hobby that brings you joy and regulates your nervous system. For me, gardening and baking are two activities that allow me to “mentally rest”. God rested on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3), setting an example that rest is necessary and holy.

Jesus often withdrew to pray and rest (Luke 5:16, Mark 6:31). If Jesus, the Son of God, took time away to recharge, we should too! He also set boundaries when needed, even walking away from crowds to rest and connect with the Father.

1. Rest Is a Gift from God

Prioritizing nutrition and movement is a way to respect the body God has given us. No one reaches perfection in these areas. There is no perfect diet or perfect exercise plan. But our bodies do require nourishment and consistent movement in order to function well and feel our best.

2. Taking Care of Your Body Honors God

If we put nothing but processed, fast food in our stomachs, it would be silly to think that we could still have abs of steel. The same goes for our minds. What we are feeding our mind (through social media, television, music, or the influence of other people) has a profound effect on our mood, mindset, and overall outlook on life. Self care should include guarding our mind from things that rob our joy and hijack our desires.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

– Philippians 4:6-7

Here in Philippians, Paul says that the “peace of God… will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”. Through Christ, even in our darkest moments, he gives us the strength to “present our requests to God with thanksgiving”. When I am having a rough day and experiencing unpleasant situations, “being thankful” definitely doesn’t come easy to me. Lighting a candle, and taking a bubble bath is usually much easier, but choosing thanksgiving and bringing my petitions to the Lord meets a greater need.

3. Guarding Your Mind and Heart Is Important

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

True self-care isn’t just about external practices—it’s about relying on God for ultimate peace and strength.

Resting, nourishing yourself, setting boundaries, and leaning on God for strength are all ways to practice biblical self-care. When we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to serve others and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

4. Trusting God Brings True Peace

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