Creating a Sacred Space for Self-Care (and why you need it)
In this article, you’ll discover how to create a self care sanctuary and why you should have a dedicated space for your self care.
Are you a Christian woman in need of some self-care but you aren’t quite sure how to best prioritize your time to get it in? Well, look no further.
In this article, I’ll show you how to create a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary in your own home. It will be a space where you can relax, get in some serious self care, recharge, and connect with God.
- Why Christian Women Need Regular Self-Care
- Choosing The Right Space for Your Self Care Sanctuary
- Carving Out a Prayer Corner
- Tips for Quiet Time
- Essential Items for Your Self Care Space
- Christian Self Care Routines
- Self Care Sunday Ideas
- Using Colors That Promote Peace
- Embracing Your Gift Of Self Care As a Christian Woman
- Where to Next?
Imagine having a dedicated area for prayer, reflection, and self-care activities like reading, journaling, praying, or even doing your hair; A place that is your own personal retreat from the demands of everyday life so you can connect with God while taking care of the temple He gave you.
We’ll explore how to select the perfect location for your sacred self-care sanctuary, how to choose calming colors and decor that align with your faith, and practical tips for setting up a tranquil atmosphere.
Why Christian Women Need Regular Self-Care
Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself. It includes pampering yourself but the complete way to get regular self care is to attend to your entire being: spirit, soul, and body.
God calls us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we neglect our well-being, it affects our ability to serve others and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
Think about it:
- When you’re exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed, how patient and loving are you toward others?
- When you’re consumed with life, how well do you think you hear God’s voice?
- How focused are you on the call of God on your life when you are over-extended?
Regular and total self-care prepares you to show up as your best self for God, your family, and your community. It’s a way to honor the gift of life that the Lord has given you.
Choosing The Right Space for Your Self Care Sanctuary
It doesn’t matter if you just have a spare room, a corner in your bedroom, or a small space in your living room. You can transform your space into a private haven to nourish every part of you.
Also, your self care sanctuary doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive (unless you want it to be!). The goal is to have a dedicated space that you go to regularly to honor your body as God’s temple.
To choose the right space, keep these things in mind
- Privacy: Find a spot where you won’t be easily interrupted.
- Comfort: Choose a chair, bean bag, or cushion; plus, a comfy throw that feels cozy and inviting.
- Natural Light: If possible, select a space with natural light (a nook by a window is perfect)
- Storage: Make sure you have a place to store some of your self care items. This could be a small storage box or storage table. Alternatively, you can use a bag to store your items and keep it in the corner of your space
Carving Out a Prayer Corner
No sacred space or self care sanctuary would be complete without a prayer corner. It doesn’t matter if you are sitting with conditioner in your hair, painting your nails, reading a book or watching a show. Each of these activities affords you the perfect time to connect with God and pray.
So, remember to have space for that as well. Whatever is intuitive for you is what’s good. For me, it’s a small table in my living room. It’s also in front of a window so I can get some natural light.
When I’m home alone I can have all my products out on the table, sit there, and either detangle my hair or paint my nails while praying and listening to Christian music.
There’s also a plug down by the couch (which reclines). I can plug in my deep conditioning cap and relax on the couch with with my feet up while reading my Bible.
It’s also a great space to sit and journal. I have a beautiful overhead light that’s perfect for when there’s not much natural light.
It’s not a perfect or large space but it’s a comfortable corner that I can spend hours in just strengthening my spirit while also caring for my body.
Tips for Quiet Time
I know I don’t have to tell you this but I’m going to tell you this! Quiet time is essential when you are trying to get in some self care.
That’s because this isn’t just a time to chillax (chill and relax). It’s also a time to slow down and listen for God’s voice. As you read scripture, you need quiet. Now, there’s no guarantee there won’t be interruptions.
Life happens. Kids happen. Dogs and husbands happen!
Yet, here are two tips to help make your quiet time more effective (hopefully!):
- Pray over your space and ask God to bless your time together
- Choose a time when people (and pets) are usually asleep in your home or not home at all.
Essential Items for Your Self Care Space
Once you’ve decided on your special space, a few key items will tie it together. These items should be a mixture of things to care for your body, spirit, and soul.
Here are some ideas:
- a spare Bible
- writing journal
- pens and highlighters
- a cozy blanket or throw
- hand cream
- small diffuser and 1-2 go-to bottles of essential oils
- box of tissues
- nail care supplies
- individually wrapped sheet masks and/or under eye masks
As mentioned above, these can be stored in a storage container/box or a small bag in your space. You don’t want to have to go searching for things when it’s time for your personal retreat.
Christian Self Care Routines
Routines are the backbone of what helps people to find balance in their lives. When you have routines you can rely on, you’ll be more focused.
As believers and followers of Jesus, there are certain routines that will not only help you to feel more balanced; they will help you to grow spiritually.
Some Christian practices are also self care practices. Don’t be deceived into thinking that self care is simply getting massages or other spa treatments. Self care includes feeding your spirit.
Anytime you step away from the daily grind of life to connect with God, you are getting in self care. Some call it soul care.
Below are some self care routines which you can tie together with your faith and incorporate into your life. I like to call Christian Self Care Routines:
- Prayer journaling while deep conditioning your hair
- Meditating on specific verses of scripture from the Word of God while sitting with a hot oil treatment in your hair.
- Soaking in a bath infused with essential oils while listening to some Christian music
There’s so much that you can do to feed your spirit while caring for your body. You’ll find more down below in the Self Care Sunday Ideas section.
Self Care Sunday Ideas
Very similar to the Christian Self Care Routines listed above, below you’ll find some ideas that you can do for self care on Sundays.
These activities are good for Sundays because they are a great way to complete your day after you’ve spent time in the house of the Lord (church). They aren’t all necessary spiritual activities but like the Christian self care routines mentioned above, you can certainly make them so:
- Honor The Day As a Sabbath
- Bible Journaling
- Verse and Word Studying
- Make It a Hair Spa Day (afternoon)
- Create an Experience Shower or bath
- Pamper Your Skin With Extra Love (face masks, exfoliating etc)
- Plan Your Week with Pretty Stickers
- Read a Good Spiritual Book
- Prayer and Nails
- Scripture Word Art Coloring
- Make Confessions Based on God’s Word
- Spend Time on a Hobby
- Do an Outdoor Prayer Walk
- Listen to Christian Music While Tidying Your Space
- Listen to Christian Podcasts or Watch Christian YouTube videos
I’ll go deeper into these ideas for self care Sundays in an article next week. These are just ideas to get your “wheels” turning.
Using Colors That Promote Peace
Colors have a big impact on our moods. When you choose calming colors for your self care space, you make it into a peaceful environment.
Here are the most peaceful color choices:
- Soft shades of blues and greens: These colors remind us of God’s creation.
- Earth tones: These colors will infuse your space with warmth and comfort.
- White or cream: These colors (or rather lack of color) symbolize purity and simplicity.
Incorporate shades of these colors into your blankets, pens, highlighters, and even your journals.
Embracing Your Gift Of Self Care As a Christian Woman
The Lord wants us to be well physically, emotionally and spiritually. That means we need to be intentional about our self care as women of God.
Don’t let life’s busyness prevent you from taking care of your spiritual and emotional needs. Using the practical guidance provided above, you can create your very own sacred self-care sanctuary, which will help you prioritize your well-being and make space for God in your life.
Where to Next?
By now you have realized the importance of having a dedicated space for your self-care at home. Equally important is making sure you actually spend time there.
Discover why you should track your self-care and How to Do it