{"id":225,"date":"2017-11-07T11:00:53","date_gmt":"2017-11-07T17:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=225"},"modified":"2017-11-07T11:00:53","modified_gmt":"2017-11-07T17:00:53","slug":"self-care-developing-a-plan-that-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/self-care-developing-a-plan-that-works\/","title":{"rendered":"Self Care: Developing a Plan That Works"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can\u2019t give what you don\u2019t posses\u2026 it\u2019s a phrase we used a few posts ago in our conversation about self-care. (Read Here<\/a>). As ministry leaders, our lives are filled with stress, demands, and exhaustion, making self-care a huge must! As we care for ourselves, we will be better equipped to care for those that God places in our midst. We ended the conversation last time with the question: How do I pursue biblical self-care in my life? What does a plan for me look like?<\/span><\/p>\n

Elements of a self-care plan<\/h4>\n

A typical self-care plan aims to address the stresses of everyday life with simple, practical habits. Habits that, when put in place, will move you towards proper physical health, balance, perspective, and rest. Most of the habits are based around finding sufficient \u201cme-time.\u201d Time to recharge, relax and realign your life and priorities. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Exercise regularly (walk, run, swim; do something that gets you moving)<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Pursue habits that reduce stress (read a book, watch a sunset, hum a tune)<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Start eating healthier (eat your vegetables!)<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Relax or sleep<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Be good to yourself (enjoy a meal, have a massage, or go on a vacation)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Search the Internet and you will find thousands of suggested plans and activities. From my perspective, a good plan incorporates activities that help you recharge in all four categories of life: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. This is a great goal and a great place to begin thinking. To help, I have included at the bottom of this post a list of questions that will help you begin evaluating yourself in each of these areas. <\/span><\/p>\n

    With that said, there\u2019s more. A lot more. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Diversion isn\u2019t enough<\/h4>\n

    Most self-care plans are filled with suggested activity, and, as we have covered, activity is good. However, be aware that the activities need to do more than just take your mind off of the stressors. Reading a book for example\u2014you read to relax and, while doing so, you stop thinking about your struggling marriage or your conflict at work. That is not a bad thing. Yet simply distracting ourselves from the issue will not, in and of itself, help to solve it. Distraction is not redemption. Forgetfulness is not forgiveness. In our activity we must also learn to go godward.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Going Godward<\/h4>\n

    This is the key to any biblical self-care plan. <\/span>Go ahead and listen to music, watch a sunset, run a mile or cook a meal, but go godward\u2014be mindful <\/span>of God <\/span><\/i>and His great love for you while doing it. Any habit or activity can be a means of joy, peace, and healing, but only if it brings you to God\u2014our only Lord, Savior, and greatest Treasure. <\/span>[1]<\/span><\/p>\n