Self-love goes a lot deeper than just the physical things we do for ourselves. Oxford Dictionary defines self-love as, “regard for one’s own well-being and happiness.” True self-love or self-care for the Christian working woman is doing activities that will help our whole well-being – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Self care in the workplace plays a big role in how we show ourselves love throughout the week.
Here are nine simple ways you can care for your body, mind, and soul while at work.
Body
Take Breaks and Walk Around
Taking breaks throughout the day is not typically encouraged, but they are actually very healthy. Whether you are at a desk staring at a screen all day or on your feet for 10 plus hours, be sure to let your body and brain rest from time to time.
Eat Lunch
This can be hard to actually make time for, especially if you have a lot to do. It is something I have learned the hard way. Taking time to sit down and eat something healthy will make sure your body is properly fueled. When you are properly fueled, you will be ready to tackle the rest of the day.
Stretch
When sitting at a desk for hours on end, it affects our bodies negatively and can cause issues such as neck and back pain and added stress. The Mayo Clinic came out with an article of stretches that can help release tension for those who spend much of their time at a computer.
Mind
Listen to Music
Everyone loves music. Make a playlist with your favorite jazz, country or worship music that will help you focus and keep you in a good mood throughout the day. Or, if you’re a podcast person, download a few of your favorite episodes to listen to.
Reorganize Your Desk Area or Workspace
Taking the time to tidy up and cleaning your physical space helps clear your mind, leading you to feel refreshed and ready to begin another day. Multiple studies have proven that keeping a clean space can help your mental and physical health, helping you feel more restful and can even help you sleep better at night. Add some new decorations or photos to spruce up your space.
Breathing exercises
As silly as it may sound, we can sometimes forget to breath. When we become overworked and overwhelmed at work, taking a few minutes to sit and pay attention to your breathing can help to regulate your heart and also calm your mind.
Soul
Read Your Bible or Hang Scripture
Studies have shown that those who read scripture at least 4 days a week are 57 percent less likely to participate in activities such as getting drunk, having sex outside of marriage, and gambling. Not only this but when we read scripture for at least 4 days we are 228 percent more likely to share our faith with someone else, 231 percent more likely to disciple others, and our memorization of scripture increases by 407 percent. As Christian women, would we set the tone for not only our homes but also in the workplace. These percentages prove that when we choose to engage in scripture, we can quite literally change someone else’s eternity.
Call a Friend
I cannot tell you the amount of times when all I needed was a kind and encouraging word from a friend to get me back on track. As Christians, we care for others by helping to carrying their burdens (Galatians 6:2). People who care about you will love to give you a quick pep talk and encourage you to get through the week.
Journal
Keep a journal in your desk or in your work bag specifically for your personal thoughts. During any free time at work, dump all your stress, worry, anger, irritations in a journal and then surrender it to the Lord through prayer.
No matter how you decide to do your self care at work, would you show yourself love. We do this as a way to honor the Lord. We steward our bodies well when we take care of and honor them.
“'Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, New Living Translation).
For more self-care for the working Christian woman, go check out our article about ways you can improve your work-life balance and go show yourself some true self-love, girl!
