How to Practice Self Care to Relieve Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a constant health issue for many of us. We juggle work, family, ministry, responsibilities, and life’s challenges, while trying to stay grounded in our faith and purpose. But here’s the truth: you are not meant to carry it all alone. God didn’t create us to walk alone on this Christian journey. That’s where self-care comes in, not as a luxury, but as a essential practice of stewardship over the body, mind, and spirit He gave us.

In this blog post, I’ll discuss how to practice self-care to relieve stress in a way that’s intentional and biblical. So that you can find rest and renewal from the inside out.

Why Self-Care is Important

When we think of self-care, we often think of bubble baths, and spa days, and other indulgences; but at its core, self-care is about caring for your whole being: body, mind, and spirit, so that you can promote overall health and well-being.

Christian self-care isn’t different, it’s about stewardship of the soul. It’s allowing yourself to heal and hear God’s voice more clearly, especially when we’re waiting to hear from Him.

Paul taught us in Corinthians to care for our bodies so that we can to glorify God.

“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God? And ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price, therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Here are some practical ways to relieve stress to promote self-care. Of course, there are many other ways to practice self care to relieve stress; you must find what works for you and stick with it.

1. Carve Out Time to Rest

One of the most radical forms of self-care is true rest.

So many of us feel guilty for taking time out to rest. We think if we’re not doing something productive, we’re wasting time. But Scripture reminds us that God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh.

• Schedule regular rest: This can be as small as a 15-minute break to sit quietly, or as big as dedicating a whole day.
• Put your phone away: Distraction robs us of deep rest. Create tech-free zones to let your mind and heart unwind.

Jesus invited us to come to Him and find rest:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

2. Nurture Your Physical Body

You’d be surprised to know how stress manifests physically, for instance you might experience tight muscles, headaches, sleeplessnes, and fatigue. So, paying attention to your body and taking care of it is being wise.

Here’s how to care for your physical self:

• Hydrate: Stress dehydrates the body. Drinking water can reduce headaches and boost energy.
• Move your body: Activities such as walking, stretching, and dancing, to name o few, calms the nervous system. Long walks does the trick for me every time.
• Eat intentionally: Eat nourishing foods that fuel your body, like leafy greens vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Sleep well: Guard your bedtime. Create a wind-down routine (think herbal tea, reading, prayer) to cue your body to relax.

3. Declutter Your Mind

Mental clutter adds layers to stress. Ensuring good mental health means decluttering your mind from negative thoughts.

Try these habits:

• Journalling: Write freely about what’s on your mind. It helps release tension and clarify thoughts.
• Daily brain dump: Jot down everything in your head such as chores, errands, worries etc., and sort it later.
• Set boundaries with social media: Constant negative news and content overwhelms the mind. Be intentional and choose wisely what content to consume.

And when your thoughts start spiralling, here’s what to do.

• Take them captive, commit them to God. Replace lies with truth; every negative thought with positive thought.

“Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God. And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of God…” – 2 Corinth 10:5

4. Feed Your Soul Daily

Stress results from life’s challanges, and if we’re disconnected from God and lack spiritual growth, it becomes more intensified. We need to become aligned with Him again and find peace in Him. Then stress will lose it’s grip.

Here’s how to practice care to nourish your soul:

• Read Scripture daily: Even 5–10 verses a day can anchor you. Meditate on it.
• Pray mindfully: Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. Talk to God like a friend. Pour out your heart. He won’t judge!
• Worship: Listen to praise and worship music while you cook or clean. Worship brings peace and invites the Holy Spirit.
• Spend time in silence with God: Sit with God, no agenda. Listen to hear His voice speak to you.

5. Create a Peaceful Home Environment

Your surroundings impact your stress levels. A cluttered, chaotic space adds to mental overwhelm. A calm space fosters rest and clarity.

Simple ways to cultivate peace at home:

• Declutter your space: Start small—one drawer, one shelf at a time.
• Add calming elements: Soft lighting, cozy blankets, essential oils, or instrumental music.
• Create a sacred corner: A chair with your Bible, journal, and candle can become a place of daily refuge.

You don’t a space that feels safe and comforting.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Stress is often tied to over-commitment. If we say yes to everything and everyone, and we cannot commit, then we pay the price.

Healthy self-care includes the powerful word: No.

• You’re not called to do it all. Even Jesus took time away from the crowds.
• Discern your priorities: Just because something is good doesn’t mean it’s right for you in this season.
• Set boundaries with love: Saying no allows you to say yes to what matters most—God, rest, your family, your health.

7. Connect With Like-Minded People

Isolation fuels stress. We are created for community and social interaction. Sometimes, the most healing form of self-care is simply not doing life alone.

How to nurture connection with like-minded people:

• Talk to a trusted friend: Share how you’re really doing.
• Join a small group or Bible study: Let yourself be seen and supported.
• Seek help if needed: Seeking therapy or pastoral care can help you process stress and improve your mental and emotional health.

Authentic connection reminds you that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to carry the weight alone either.

Did you know that experiencing joy is also a form of self-care?

Laughter, social interactions, creativity etc., are all stress relievers that awaken your spirit.

Here are a few ways to experience joy:

• Start a hobby just for fun: Painting, writing, baking, gardening, whatever brings you joy.
• Dance in the kitchen: Listen to worship music or your favourite song and dance freely.
• Do something playful: Play with your kids, go for a nature walk, do a puzzle, try a craft.
• Celebrate small things: Light a candle for no reason. Use the “good” dishes even if it’s not a special occasion. Enjoy the moment.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. But a broken spirit drieth the bones” – Proverbs 17:22

9. Practice Deep Breathing + Mindfulness

Stress often puts our body in “fight or flight” mode. Breath work helps shift us into “rest and restore” mode.

Try this simple breathing pattern:

• Inhale deeply for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale slowly for 6 seconds
• Repeat 3–5 times

Include this with mindfulness practices like:

• Body scans: Gently noticing where you hold tension
• Mindful walks: Being fully present with your senses while outdoors
• Christian meditation: Meditating on scripture while breathing slowly

Doing these calms the nervous system and helps you feel grounded again.

10. Incorporate God Into Your Self-Care

Make your self-care sacred. Don’t leave God out of the equation. Incorporate Him into all aspects of your life, even self-care.

Pray things like:

• “Lord, help me rest without guilt.”
• “Jesus, I’m carrying too much. Help me release this.”
• “Holy Spirit, guide me in what I truly need today.”

Let your self-care become a form of worship—a way to return to His presence every day.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

Give Yourself Grace

Self-care is about receiving. Receiving rest. Peace. Joy. Wholeness. Receiving the love of God in tangible, healing ways.

Stress is inevitable in life, but how we care for ourselves in the middle of it makes all the difference.

So let this be your gentle reminder:

• You’re allowed to rest.
• You don’t have to hustle to be worthy.
• You’re deeply loved, even in your weariness.
• God wants to restore your soul.

Take a deep breath. Start small. Begin with one loving step today, and let God meet you there.