top of page

What Does The Bible Say About Wellness and Self-Care?

Sacred Rhythms: Why Self-Care Is Soul Care
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him…”—Colossians 2:7 (NLT)


Sometimes we treat self-care like a luxury—something for later, when the to-do list is done and the dishes are clean. But what if self-care isn’t a luxury at all? What if it’s one of the most sacred responsibilities we’ve been entrusted with?
 

Just like bees and honey, mental health and self-care are inseparably linked. We know from science that mental health symptoms often emerge when life’s stressors overwhelm our ability to cope. And we also know that our ability to tolerate stress isn’t just about grit—it’s influenced by genetics, trauma history, brain chemistry, and... yes, how well we care for ourselves day by day.
 

That’s why good self-care isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. It's both prevention and protection. And while most of us think to monitor our relationships, work pressures, or finances, we often overlook the everyday things that quietly wear us down: too little sleep, too much sugar, not enough water, skipped workouts, and the slow fade of spiritual connection.

 

The Bible Was Teaching Wellness Before Science Had Words for It

Long before lab coats and brain scans, God was already teaching His people how to live well. The book of Proverbs says,


“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying… Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.”
—Proverbs 3:1–2, 8 (NLT)


Modern medical science has discovered many principles of good health, but they originated with God who designed and created the miracle that is the human body.
 

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Stewardship

We live in broken bodies in a broken world. That wasn’t God’s original plan. He made Eden, not ERs. But sin entered, and along with it came suffering, disease, and death. And yet—even in this fallen world—God has not left us without help.
 

He gives us daily bread, living water, healing truth, and practical wisdom to steward the only body we’ll ever have this side of heaven.

 

He’s even given us a glimpse of what’s to come: new, glorified bodies in a world made whole again (2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Revelation 21:4). Until that day, our job is to care for the vessel He’s placed us in—not out of vanity, but out of reverence.
 

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?”
—1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT)


When You’re Struggling Mentally, Start with the Basics

If you're feeling anxious, depressed, scattered, or exhausted—pause and ask yourself a few simple, sacred questions:
 

  • Am I sleeping enough?

  • Am I drinking enough water?

  • Am I nourishing my body with good food?

  • Am I moving my body in ways that restore it?

  • Am I making time to be still with God?
     

And if you’re doing your best and still struggling, you’re not failing. You’re just human. Even Job suffered. Paul battled chronic illness. And Jesus Himself withdrew to rest.
 

Self-care doesn’t promise immunity from pain. But it does prepare us to face it with greater strength, clarity, and peace.


Still Waters Can Help

Here at Still Waters Counseling, we believe that self-care and soul-care go hand in hand. We help you get back to the basics—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—so you can live from a place of wholeness and purpose. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, depression, burnout, or simply feel “off,” we’re here to walk with you.
 

If you’re not sure where to begin, begin here:
Breathe. Rest. Drink some water. Open the Word.
And then, reach out. We’re ready to listen.

bottom of page