Self-Care for Christian men requires a holistic approach.  There are four basic areas that need to be addressed. Spiritual practice, Physical health, Emotional well-being, and Community engagement all need to be practiced in order to have a complete and faith filled life.

The first and foremost thing to consider is Spiritual practices.   This is what connects us to what is holy.  This will reassure you there is a higher power. By doing this it gives you a sense of purpose, helps you understand suffering and reminds you of what is good in the world. 

According to Mental Health America, science shows people with a strong religious belief recover from surgery faster than those with weaker faith. And people who don’t attend religious service die significantly younger than those who attend more than once a week. 

There are numerous  ways to improve your spiritual practice including joining and attending a church, and prayer. Also speaking with a Pastor, or someone you trust can be helpful.  Even spending time in nature and seeing the beauty of creation. 

Physical health is what most often comes to mind when we talk about self-care.  It can easily be broken down into five categories: Movement (exercise), Eating (diet), Sleep (Jesus did take naps), and Socialization (not often considered, but very important).  Christians sometimes see taking care of one’s physical health as selfish or a waste of time.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  There is much biblical evidence that God expects us to maintain a healthy body;

Do you not know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.                   1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 ESV   

It is clear that our bodies are a gift from God, and we are called to be good stewards of all of God’s gifts. Also consider we will not be able to care for others, if we do not care for ourselves.  

Emotional Well-being is being able to recognize and cope with both positive and negative emotions. Emotional health creates a deeper connection with friends, family and lovers.  This step could require professional help. Finding a Christian Counselor, Therapist or meeting with a Pastor can be very beneficial in this area.

Community Engagement is the  very foundation of the church as stated in Matthew 18:20.  It also plays into the need for socialization as referenced  in the section on Physical self-care.  But it not only fosters relationships but meets material needs.  It puts faith into action as called for by James in his second chapter verse 17.

Here we have seen total self-care is a combination of spiritual practices, physical health, emotional well-being and community involvement.  These must be approached holistically to maintain a healthy well rounded life.  If approached with biblical principle, and following the teachings of Jesus,  a Christian man will be better able to take on his role in God’s kingdom. 

In future posts I hope to break down these four categories, with a more in depth exploration of each one. Trying to provide examples and suggestions to incorporate them into our lives. Until then I leave you with a question for contemplation:

How can I, as a Christian man, integrate these principles into my life?