Counsel #18 — Self-Care

Picture: Counsel #18 — Self-CareCWe 78.1

Nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for reducing stress over time. Although unfortunate, experiencing stressful situations is inevitable in this life. The key is finding healthy ways to work through stress by engaging in self-care.CWe 78.2

Physical self-care not only encompasses activities like getting a massage or reading a good book at the beach, but also engaging in activities like playing sports, stretching, and taking nature walks, which can instantly improve your mood and reduce tension. When your mental state is challenged, consider meditation, journaling to help process your emotions, or a fun activity like painting. Emotional self-care involves spending time with supportive friends and family, listening to calming, uplifting music, or talking to a spiritual advisor for encouraging advice. Eating healthier foods and drinking more water can also have a positive impact on your stress levels. Overall, it’s important to be intentional and consistent about taking care of yourself, for you have an enemy that’s waiting to bring about stressful situations in your life to defeat you. At the end of the day, dwelling in God’s presence is the best self-care of all, for He provides true peace, rest, and spiritual renewal.^{[93] https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/living-well/make-time-for-self-care/} CWe 78.3

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIVCWe 78.4

“We cannot afford to dwarf or cripple any function of body or mind.” Ellen White in Temperance, p. 137CWe 78.5

Reflect: What things do you do for self-care?CWe 78.6