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The Importance of Self-Care
Finding Hope Family Support Groups
Written By
Finding Hope Team
The Importance of Self-Care
For many of us who love someone struggling with addiction, self-care can feel unnecessary — or even selfish. We’re used to caring for everyone else. But Scripture reminds us that our bodies, minds, and spirits are holy. Caring for ourselves is not selfish; it is stewardship.
For me, self-care didn’t come naturally. I spent years putting myself last, believing that if I just tried harder, loved better, or held everything together, things would change. Eventually, I realized I was exhausted — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Then God gently showed me that I could not continue living empty and still expect to show up whole.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is any intentional action we take to care for our mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual health. It’s choosing practices that sustain us so we can live with clarity, peace, and purpose.
Today, my self-care looks like daily movement, time in prayer, counseling, worship music, and giving myself permission to rest. These small, consistent choices have helped me reconnect with God, myself, and the life He’s inviting me to live.
What Self-Care is Not
- Adding more to your to-do list
- Being selfish
- Waiting until you’re burned out to respond
Self-care is about identifying your essential needs and creating healthy habits before the tank is empty.
Where is Your Wellness Tank?
- Empty: Completely drained in all areas
- Half-Full: Getting by, but close to burnout
- Full: Actively caring for yourself and your needs
Checking in with yourself is the first step toward healing.
How Do We Fill Our Wellness Tank?
- Making yourself a priority
- Practicing self-awareness
- Meeting your own needs in healthy ways
- Finding balance
- Seeking support and community
- Communicating clearly and setting boundaries
- Practicing gratitude
- Learning to love yourself as God loves you
How Do I Begin Practicing Self-Care?
- Set healthy boundaries by creating a “no” list
- Get enough sleep
- Make movement a priority
- Pray and meditate
- Do one relaxing and one enjoyable activity daily
- Look for opportunities to laugh
Caring for myself didn’t take me away from my purpose. My purpose wasn’t to care for my loved one. My purpose was bigger than that, and caring for myself brought me back to it. The same is true for you, too. You matter. Your wellness matters, and it honors God when you prioritize it.
With hope,
Darcie Stephens, Finding Hope Coordinator
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