May 21, 2019
Why do Christian women leaders need to practice wellness? And what exactly is wellness anyway? How can you practice wellness spiritual and physical in your already busy life?
Holly and I unpack the big topic of wellness: what it is, the four main components of it, how Jesus practiced it, and what it can look like in your everyday life. There is lots of grace in this episode to not feel pressured to practice all four parts of wellness “perfectly,” especially as each of us is in a different season of life.
If you’re ready for the Biblical view of self-care and how you can make small (but significant) tweaks in your life, listen in!
What is wellness?
According to dictionary.com, wellness is “the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.”
Wellness is the umbrella that encompasses your overall health and means you are intentionally investing in yourself so that you can stay healthy. We’re talking about a lifestyle, not a magic formula or rigid routine you must follow. Some people call wellness “self-care,” which is taking care of yourself so you can function and give your best to God and others.
Wellness comprises four main areas:
- Physical Wellness
- Spiritual Wellness
- Personal Wellness
- Relational Wellness
Today we will dive deep into physical and spiritual wellness, and then next time we’ll go into personal and relational.
Why does wellness matter?
Wellness is extremely important for you to practice as a Christian woman leader because when you practice wellness you:
- set an example for those who you lead.
- positively impact your ministry, team, and business.
- avoid burnout.
Holly and I are not mental health professionals, but we do know that there are things we can and should do as leaders to stay healthy for the long-term.
How did Jesus practice wellness?
Jesus is our example in everything, including self-care. Jesus ministered for three years, meaning that He didn’t push before His time to get out and lead. He obeyed when His Father told Him it was time to lead. Jesus also rested and didn’t minister 24/7. Jesus fasted, prayed, and ate with people.
Staying Healthy As a Leader: Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual wellness is foundational to every other type of wellness. For this podcast, Holly and I define spiritual wellness as growth, nurturing your soul, and taking care of your spirit.
How to Practice Spiritual Wellness
- Connect with God daily through prayer and reading your Bible.
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- You need to know the truth so you have strength and discernment as you live and lead.
- When spiritual warfare happens, you will have the armor of God so you can fight battles.
- Attend a local church.
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- Through church, you’ll have community with other believers.
- You’ll also benefit the body of Christ by using your spiritual gifts to help others.
- Participate in a small group.
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- Small groups provide a safe space to wrestle with issues.
- You’ll also find wise people there!
- Be aware of who and what you let into your heart, mind, and ears.
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- Pay attention to what you consume, e.g. social media, TV, podcasts, books.
- Be aware of the spiritual health of those with whom you have close relationships.
- Have mentors and mentees. Disciple others and be discipled.
- Serve!
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- An intense way to serve is through mission trips.
- Confess and be accountable to others.
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- By having accountability partners, you avoid staying in your own head and justifying sin.
Holly and I share what spiritual wellness looks
like in our lives right now and some of our regular habits and
practices.
Staying Healthy as a Leader: Physical Wellness
For this conversation, Holly and I define physical wellness as taking care of your body through good stewardship. Physical wellness is not about having the perfect body, eating only organic foods, never getting sick, or living 100 years. We are to honor our physical bodies, which are temples.
How to Practice Physical Wellness
- Move your body.
- Think about how (and what) you eat so that you incorporate variety and moderation.
- Incorporate habits that help your body.
- Remember that results may be years away.
- Get sleep and take time to rest.
- Listen to what your body is telling you and call the doctor!
Holly and I discuss what physical wellness looks like in our lives right now and some of our regular habits and practices.
Conclusion:
Remember that while we break down the four components of wellness, all four are interconnected. All types of wellness come down to being intentional. And of course, don’t tackle all four areas of wellness at once.
Comment below because we’d love to know what one area of wellness you’ll focus on this month. Let us know!
Other Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 31: The Key To Accomplishing Your Goals
Episode 36: Ditching Balance for Surrender
Episode 45: Developing Confidence in Your Gifts & Managing Multiple Roles with Breshana Miller
Key Quotes from the Episode:
- Wellness is about a lifestyle and not just some magic formula or rigid routine.
- Moderation is key when it comes to maintaining your physical wellness.
- In order for us to have a long-term ministry and a healthy life … we actually have to be intentional about how we’re living every single day. - Esther Littlefield
- Being able to serve others ... has been a big catalyst in my spiritual journey. - Holly Cain
For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode48.
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Connect with Esther and Holly:
This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode48.