Welcome to a day dedicated to care-taking for the body and soul God has given you - a day where you can press pause and focus on nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Saturdays (or whatever day you have to set aside for rest) are the perfect opportunity to engage in self-care, revitalize your spirit, and strengthen your connection with your faith in Christ.
Feel free to use these ideas like a menu, you can eat them all, or choose one or two to try. Use this as a template and reformat it to fit your day, or save it for another day of the week that works better for you.
8:00 am - Rise and Reflect
As you wake up, take a few moments to stretch, thanking God for your muscles and bones as you notice and stretch them. Take a moment to pray this prayer, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul" (Psalm 143:8). "In the morning O Lord I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5).
Ask the Creator to guide your day.
Think about one to three things you want to accomplish today and commit them to the Lord in prayer, asking for his help. Write them down in a journal, or on your phone. And for extra accountability share them with a friend.
For further reflection and connection consider this short prayer through the names of God.
8:30 am - Phoneless Breakfast
In a world filled with digital noise, take a break from the virtual realm and immerse yourself in the present moment. Put aside your devices, turn off notifications, and savor the stillness. Take this time to light a candle, put on your favorite playlist, and make your way to the kitchen. Fill and fuel your body with fresh water and a healthy option for breakfast. Option: Listen to the Joy on the Unchosen Journey playlist. Invite yourself to move through your breakfast slowly, noticing smells, textures and tastes with intention. Prepare a large bottle of water to take with you through your day.
9:00 am - Nourish Your Soul
Find a Bible you may not have opened in a while and let the Word of God feed your soul. Read a verse or a chapter, taking a moment to write down, or to draw out one phrase or concept that stood out to you. Now grab your phone and take a photo of your takeaways to come back to later.
9:30 am - Movement Exploration
Explore moving your body, focusing on gratitude for your body. Consider moving your body for 15-30 minutes. You can use YouTube for simple chair exercises, a virtual walk on the beach, holy or restorative yoga. You can take a trip to the gym, lift weights, or a walk around your neighborhood.
10:00 am - Hydration Station
Water your body with loving care, like a plant that needs attention. Sip on water infused with zesty citrus slices or refreshing mint leaves. Hydration is key to maintaining energy levels, promoting digestion, and supporting overall physical and emotional well-being.
11:00 am - Home Care
Help the home God has given you to serve you better. Notice one thing around the house that you've been putting off and take care of it. Keep it to a small simple task: starting, restarting or folding a load of laundry, loading or unloading the dish washer, cleaning one counter space, or power clean one room to your favorite epic soundtrack.
12:00 pm - Refuel with Purpose Feed your body something healthy. Whether it's a refreshing fruit salad, a protein-packed smoothie, or a hearty avocado toast, let your taste buds explore and savor each flavor. Consider this verse for meditation: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Take a moment to thank God for each part of your meal. For example: "God thank you for the wheat that was gathered to make this bread, the many people who made it possible for it to make it into the local stores. Thank you for creating green creamy avocados, chickens, and red strawberries!"
1:00 pm - Creative Outlet
Engage your right brain and God given imagination. Consider drawing, singing, creating music, painting, gardening, writing out your thoughts, crafting, origami, photography, sewing, collage, digital art, or any other hobby you have. If you don't have a hobby, consider trying something new. Option: Check out this mini workbook to help you explore different journaling styles.
2:00 pm - Mini Nature Retreat
Connect with the beauty of God's creation. Take a leisurely stroll in a nearby park, or just stop and notice the nature around you in your space, or outside your window. Talk with God about the awe and wonder you have about his creation! Notice a piece of creation, like a leaf. Google it to learn more about it's delicate functions. If you aren't sure where to start, this blog post will help inspire your child-like wonder, or check out the Fibonacci sequence, it will really wow you!
3:00 pm - Choose Your Own Adventure
Take time to do something productive, or vegetative. Maybe you need to finish up some documentation, or you are ready to just veg and chill to your favorite movie or show. Maybe you will message a friend to encourage them, or share about your intentional day. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Ask the Lord to help you move through your activities or your rest with purpose and with him in mind.
6:00 pm - Evening Input and Introspection
Wind down the day with moments of rest, relaxation, and introspection. Check in with your body, did you skip lunch? Stop drinking water? Feed and water your body with a sense of thanks and gratefulness for the tent that is housing your soul and the Holy Spirit. Notice any sensations in your body from your day. Were your plans derailed and now you are feeling stressed, sad, anxious, or angry? Notice what part of your body is holding this feeling. Is your chest tight, stomach in knots, hands or feet fidgeting? Breathe in the breath of life. Imagine the breath going straight to the tense part, surrounding and caring for it.
8:00 pm - Rest and Reflect
End the day where you began, with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude. Think back through the day, giving thanks for what you noticed and how you were a caretaker for your own body and soul today. Consider this sleep plan, for creative and practical ideas on how to improve your ability to rest your body overnight.
As the sun sets, let this prayer return to your lips, speak the words out loud, read them silently, or mouth them along with me. May this Self-Care Saturday bring you closer to the Prince of Peace, inspire joy in your Creator's presence, and deepen your awareness of care for the body and soul God has gifted you with. Until we meet again,
Carrie Breedlove MS, LPC
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