Sacred Self-Care: Nourishing Your Whole Self
- Jen Stone-Sexton
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Discover how self-care rooted in soul care can help you live more aligned, present, and replenished—mind, body, and spirit.
"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:30-32 (NKJV)
Jesus is referencing Deuteronomy 6:5 & Leviticus 19:18
When we talk about self-care in today’s world, it’s often wrapped in images of bubble baths, green smoothies, and a long-overdue spa day. And while those can certainly be lovely forms of refreshment, true self-care - especially for Christian women - runs much deeper.
At its core, self-care is soul care. It’s about tending to the garden of your heart, aligning your daily rhythms with grace, and honoring the way God created you in mind, body, and spirit.
The Biblical Case for Self-Care
Jesus modeled rest. He pulled away from the crowds, rose early to pray, and even slept through a storm. He knew His mission—but He also knew the importance of refueling for it.
Self-care isn’t selfish. Self-care is stewardship. It's recognizing that you are a vessel through which love, peace, and purpose flow. And like any vessel, you must be filled before you can pour out.
Scripture encourages us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), to come away and rest (Mark 6:31), and to cast our cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). These are all invitations to care for our inner world with intention and compassion.
The Connection Between Self-Care and Soul Care
Self-care is how we care for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Soul care is how we nurture our relationship with God, tune our hearts to His voice, and align our lives with His Spirit.
And here’s the truth: you need both.
Soul care grounds you. Self-care sustains you. Together, they help you flourish.
Examples:
Soul Care: Quiet time with God, worship, journaling prayers, Scripture meditation
Self-Care: Healthy food choices, movement, boundaries, creative expression, rest
When your self-care is rooted in soul care, it becomes sacred. It’s no longer about escaping your life, it’s about becoming more present in it.
Signs You Need a Self + Soul Care Reset
You feel irritable or chronically exhausted
You’ve been neglecting your spiritual rhythms
You’re running on autopilot
You can’t remember the last time you did something restorative just for you
Pause. Breathe. Listen.
This is your invitation to reset. To ask yourself, “What do I need right now - body, mind, and spirit - to come back into alignment?”
7 Ways to Practice Sacred Self-Care This Month
Morning Mindset Reset – Start each day with prayer, a verse, or affirmation.
Weekly Wellness Hour – Set aside 60 minutes for you: journal, walk, paint, dance, play, rest, create.
Digital Boundaries – Turn off notifications during soul-care time.
Faith + Fitness – Move your body with gratitude and grace.
Nourish Well – Fuel your body in a way that honors your energy and hormones.
Speak Life – Journal truths about your identity in Christ.
Say Yes to Sabbath – One day a week, rest intentionally and detach from any guilt.
Final Thoughts:
You were created to flourish, but you can’t flourish from a place of burnout. God’s heart is not for you to hustle harder or push through without pause. His heart is for you to live rooted, replenished, and radiant. Let this October be a month where you choose sacred rhythms over frantic ones - where you honor your need for stillness as much as your desire to serve.
Your soul is worth caring for. Your life is worth living well. And you are not alone in the journey.
🦋 You were created to flourish. 💛
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Editor's Note:
This devotional blog is by Jen Stone-Sexton, Author, Speaker, Teacher, Founder, and Christian Life Coach. Jen has openings for a select number of new clients. Learn more about Jen and what Freedom to Flourish Life Coaching has to offer you.
Jennifer C. Stone-Sexton © 2025 Freedom to Flourish, LLC.
All graphics created by Jen Stone-Sexton © 2025 Freedom to Flourish, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
Credits:
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible - New King James Version® (NKJV)
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.
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