Release the Guilt: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

God Created Your Body to Function Best When You're at Rest

Did you know that, on a cellular level, you were literally designed to function best from a state of peace? God created your body to heal, grow, and restore itself when you're at rest. Science confirms that your cell receptors—the tiny messengers that allow your body to communicate and function—are most active in a relaxed state.

This means that when you're stressed, overwhelmed, or running on empty, your body is not operating at its full potential. Your nervous system shifts into survival mode, prioritizing fight-or-flight responses over long-term health, repair, and well-being. But when you intentionally create space for rest—spiritually, mentally, and physically—you activate the very systems designed to keep you healthy, strong, and thriving. Even your immune system, digestion, and brain function improve when you step out of stress and into peace.

You Were Designed to Function Best in a State of Peace

And this isn't just science—it’s Father God's design. He created you to function best when you are still, when you trust in Him, and when you let go of the constant need to do more.

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;  
I will be exalted among the nations,   
I will be exalted in the earth.’”

— Psalm 46:10 NIV

The stillness in this verse isn’t passive—it’s powerful. It's where your body and spirit align to receive what you truly need.

So, if you've been feeling guilty for slowing down, taking a breath, or choosing rest over another task, I want you to know that your very cells were designed to thrive in a state of peace. You honor both God and your body when you step into that space of rest.

Where Does the Guilt Around Rest Come From?

If God designed us to function best in rest, why do we feel guilty about taking time for it? This guilt doesn’t come from Father God. It’s something we've picked up from the world—our culture, societal expectations, and even our inner critic.

But today is the day to break free. Let’s talk about three key mindset shifts to help you release guilt and fully embrace self-care as stewardship and a God-honoring practice.

Three Mindset Shifts to Release Guilt and Embrace Biblical Self-Care

Redefine Self-Care as Stewardship

Because the word “self” is part of self-care, it often gets labeled as selfish. But true self-care isn’t selfish—it’s about stewardship.

Father God entrusted you with YOU, and you need to take care of your spirit, soul, and body. Colossians 3:10 reminds us to be renewed, to put on our new nature, and to take what we learn from our Creator to become more like Him.

"...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

— Colossians 3:10 NIV

"Putting on" is an action—and that action is self-care. Taking care of your body, listening to those Holy Spirit nudges about what to eat, when to rest, and how to move, is an act of faith.

Prioritize Rest Without Guilt

As we strive to be more like our Creator, we can look at what He did after creating man—He rested.

 "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”

— Mark 6:31 NIV

If rest was good for Father God and necessary for Jesus, it’s good for you too. Rest is a biblical principle, not a luxury.

Recognize That You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

If you feel guilty about taking rest, ask yourself why. Is it because of external expectations? A sense of duty to family, work, or ministry? The fear of letting others down?

True service comes from a place of abundance, not depletion. When you’re stretched thin and exhausted, you’re not able to give your best to those who rely on you. If you’re showing up tired or overwhelmed, whether for your family, boss, or clients, you’re not serving them as well as you could.

To give your best, you have to rest.

Biblical Self-Care Ensures You Can Show Up Fully and Guilt-Free

Start setting small boundaries around your time, even in tiny increments. If guilt creeps in, surrender it to Father God. Remind yourself that taking time to replenish your energy is an act of stewardship. When you care for yourself, you serve others from a place of overflow, not burnout.

Listen to those Holy Spirit nudges and physical signals that tell you your cup is running low. Then, take a step back and refuel—whether that’s a walk outside, a nourishing meal, or a short nap. The people in your life deserve the best version of you, not the exhausted, depleted one. 

A Challenge for You: Make Rest a Priority This Week

This week, I challenge you to rethink your approach to self-care.

Ask yourself:

Am I seeing rest as an act of selfishness or as an act of stewardship?

Then, take one small action to fill your cup this week—schedule it, commit to it, and show up for yourself and Father God.

If you’re struggling with inviting Father God into your self-care routine, my Roadmap to Calm can help. This simple, faith-centered guide walks you through my 4A process to align your heart, mind, and body with the peace that Father God is offering.

I hope this post has helped you see that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship. It’s a way to honor Father God, nurture your well-being, and show up fully and guilt-free in every facet of your life.