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February 2016 • SR
Intentional Self Care
Health News
Barb Green, Parish Nurse
Milton, WI
Self care is essential every day for everyone regardless
of age or job situation. Neglecting it can exact a
high cost in illness and fatigue. Self care carries
major health benefits. Deuteronomy 5:12-14 reminds
us, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.
But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord our
God; you shall not do any work.“ Taking Sabbath is
not merely a suggestion; it is a commandment.
Being intentional about self care means that we
have a plan – a goal to aim for. Another definition of
intentional is the healing process of a wound. What a
great image – self care to heal our wounded bodies,
minds and spirits. Self care can consist of a simple
measure like a cleansing breath, a new route to a
familiar destination, a vacation, or prayer and medi-
tation. Carving out time to read a book, take a nap,
talk with a friend, soak in a tub, or take up a new
hobby are all forms of self care.
Another form includes saying “no.“ The world will
keep on spinning when you decline an invitation.
This is especially true for caregivers. Your ability to
say no may serve as a role model to others or may
inspire them to step up to the plate and help. None
of us are called to serve at the cost of our own health
and well-being.
Exposure to positive messages such as devotional
materials or Scripture help you keep your mind
dwelling on God and His daily blessings. Music can
be wonderfully restorative. Hum! Sing! Dance! There
is no real cost to self care: only value. Be intentional.
Love yourself daily through small things that refresh
and renew.
Another commandment says, “Love your neighbor
as yourself.“ Can we really do that if we can’t love
ourselves? If we are so plugged into our jobs and
everyday responsibilities that we can’t take time to
care for ourselves, it is hard to love others. One good
reason for self care is so that we can care for others.
Jesus, the ultimate model for self care, experienced
the same human weariness and exhaustion that we
do when He was on earth. He asked for help to
accomplish His goals by gathering an inner circle of
close friends that He trusted with His life and His
mission. He prepared and empowered them to do
good and important work. By eating simple foods
and walking everywhere, Jesus integrated healthful
self care into His daily life. Meals were shared with
friends in a restful environment. We find examples in
the Bible of Jesus taking time away from the crowds
to rest and have a time of solitude with His heavenly
Father. Spiritual self care should be our first priority.
Quiet, reflective prayer time provides energy and
direction that we need to align ourselves with God’s
will. Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do today
that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.“
This prayer for self care was written
by Rev. Dr. Deborah Patterson:
“Lord, save me from myself, from the projects that
I believe I could do. Let me experience my family,
my friends and the wondrous world around me.
There is much to be done, so little time and yet,
what is important is now, only now.
Let us learn the peace of coexistence from what we
see in nature — maple next to pine, moss next to
water. Let us listen for your voice — the still, small,
quiet voice of rest and calm.
Lord, save us from ourselves and help us follow
in your paths. May this be a time of healing and
wholeness. Be with us at all times, in all seasons,
keeping us cool and calm; helping us reach out to
others in healing love.
In your Blessed Name we pray. Amen.“
Adapted from a compilation of articles on Self Care from
Spring 2015 Perspectives, a newsletter for Parish Nurses.
SR
