In a world that never slows down, burnout is a common condition. The best preventative measure and antidote is self-care. Self-care is not selfish; it is biblical and was modeled by Jesus Himself. Listen to the invitation of our Savior: “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31 ESV).

The Call to Rest

Mark 6 tells about the first time Jesus sent His disciples out on their own. When they returned to Him, after healing, casting out demons, and seeing people repent of their sins and believe in Jesus, they must have been excitedly talking over one another in amazement and joy. John the Baptist had also just been beheaded, and they had tended to his body. They were probably running on nothing but adrenaline, but Jesus saw past their exuberance over the lost coming to salvation and fortitude in the face of grief; He knew how exhausting ministry is, and He responded with an invitation to rest.

Rest is essential, not just for our bodies but also for our souls. In our hectic lives, we often forget to stop and take stock of where we are. However, when we take a moment to rest, we open the door to focus on God and receive His ministration. During these moments of quiet, we are often able to hear God’s guidance more clearly.

The Importance of Sabbath

Observing the Sabbath is a cornerstone of the biblical concept of rest. In Exodus 20:8–11, God instructed His people to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. This day of rest serves not just as a pause from our tasks but also as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our heavenly Father. It is a time for spiritual renewal. Certainly, attending church and fellowshipping with other Christians is a part of this. Some take it a step further and plan intentional time away from daily life for prayer, personal revival, Bible study, and rest. By instructing us to intentionally set aside time for rest, God protects us from burnout.

Jesus as Our Model of Rest

We see that Jesus consistently illustrated the significance of rest throughout the Gospels. For instance, Luke 5:16 tells us, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (NIV). His practice of retreating for prayer serves as a powerful indicator of how we, too, can benefit from prayerful solitude. Taking time for stillness helps us recalibrate our thoughts and emotions, aligning them more closely with what God desires for our lives. If we have been experiencing burnout, regular rhythms of rest will restore us.

Seven Areas of Self-Care

We are multifaceted beings created in the image of God and, therefore, have different areas of our being that need attention. Identifying where you are feeling depleted and taking steps to rest in those areas is key. If you are physically exhausted but your self-care attempts are centered around your social being, you may not get the proper rest and care you need. You may also need rest in more than one area, so be sure to take inventory of all seven areas and try some of the suggested ways to practice self-care.

Physical Self-Care

• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Get adequate sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Schedule regular rest

Emotional Self-Care

• Practice mindfulness and meditation
• Journal your thoughts and feelings
• Engage in activities that bring joy
• Seek therapy or counseling when needed

Sensory Self-Care

• Spend time in nature
• Listen to music or nature sounds
• Walk barefoot in the sand or grass
• Take a hot shower

Social Self-Care

• Spend time with friends and family
• Join clubs or groups with similar interests
• Set boundaries in relationships
• Engage in community service
• Take a break from technology and social media

Spiritual Self-Care

• Read and study your Bible
• Listen to podcasts or sermons from your favorite pastors and teachers
• Practice gratitude
• Engage in prayer or meditation
• Participate in Bible study and missions discipleship groups
• Be a faithful, serving member of a local church

Intellectual Self-Care

• Read books and articles
• Take up new hobbies and skills
• Engage in stimulating conversations
• Attend workshops or classes

Professional Self-Care

• Set career goals and work toward them
• Seek mentorship or networking opportunities or work with a life coach
• Maintain work-life balance
• Take breaks and manage stress effectively

Embracing Restful Living

Self-care fosters renewal and thwarts burnout. By incorporating biblical principles of rest into our lives, we can cultivate a lifestyle that is geared toward regular rejuvenation.

As we navigate life’s demands, let’s not overlook Jesus’ invitation to “come away … and rest a while” (Mark 6:31 ESV). Doing so not only nurtures our well-being but also enhances our relationships with God and with others. Embrace the gift of rest and see how it can transform your life for the better.

Julia M. Bruce holds a bachelor of science in psychology, a master of science in professional counseling, and a master of religion in leadership. She is a certified life coach through Light University/American Association of Christian Counselors and co-owner of Path to Purpose Life Coach LLC. She is a returning writer for Missions Mosaic magazine and author of God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition. We encourage you to follow up with your health-care provider and seek a mental health professional for individual consultation and care.