What is the definition of self-care?

As evident in the term, when you practice self-care, you are taking care of your health. You look after yourself so that you can be healthy and capable of fulfilling your obligations and other tasks as well as helping others.

Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing selfish about practicing self-care. In fact, our Lord God commands us to take care of ourselves.

Though we cannot find the expression "self-care" in the Bible, God wants us to be sound or healthy in spirit, soul, and body.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

─ 1 Thessalonians 5:23 New Revised Standard Version

We should look after our bodily health and more importantly, our spiritual health.

Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.

─ 1 Timothy 4:8 Today's English Version

The Bible teaches us to look after ourselves, so that we can look after others─whether they be family members, our spouse, our children, or even just friends. We know how the saying goes, "You cannot pour from an empty cup."

Each helps the other and says to his brother, "Be strong!"

─ Isaiah 41:6 New International Version

So, get the blood flowing; working out regularly can stimulate chemicals in the brain that boost not only your mood but also your concentration and self-image. Devote time to doing mental check-ups. Incorporate more happiness into your life by engaging in activities that you enjoy─as long as what you like is not in violation of God's teachings. Connect with friends, so that you may have a strong support network. Step away from the gadgets if the virtual world is starting to cause you stress or other negative feelings.

When you take care of yourself, you function better and are therefore able to get more things done within a day─with greater effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, doing so will make it easier for you to take care of other people, which is an expression of your love and concern for them. This is also a commandment of God: to love other people as we love ourselves.

Jesus answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'

─ Matthew 22:37-39 Good News Translation