Reclaiming True Self-Care: What Christian Mothers Can Learn from History

In today’s world, modern moms are often told that self-care means indulgence, relaxation, or escapism. But what if the way we’re approaching self-care is actually making us more exhausted? What if, instead of restoring our bodies and souls, what’s marketed as “rest” is just another form of distraction?

If you’re bringing your phone into your self-care time, chances are, you’re not truly resting. And if you consistently choose temporary comforts over facing the hard things, your burden will only grow heavier. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to eat the frog—tackle what’s weighing you down so you can breathe a sigh of relief and finally rest.

In this post, I’ll share how Christian mothers throughout history cared for their bodies, minds, and souls—without the distractions we rely on today. I’ll also provide biblical, time-tested self-care strategies that leave you feeling deeply renewed rather than temporarily distracted.

The Modern Self-Care Trap

Today’s idea of self-care often looks like Netflix binges, scrolling social media, or indulging in luxurious spa treatments. But Christian women of the past understood something we’ve forgotten—true self-care isn’t about escaping your life for a moment. It’s about nourishing your soul so you can fully embrace your God-given role.

Let’s start by looking at how biblical mothers practiced self-care.

1. Biblical Era: Nourishing the Soul

Imagine living in a world with no self-help books, no social media, and no cozy coffee shops—just you, your home, and the community around you. Where would you turn for rest? Or rather, who would you turn to for rest?

In ancient Israel, mothers woke before dawn to fetch water, grind grain, and prepare meals for their families. Life was physically demanding, but they found renewal in ways we often overlook. Here’s how they did it:

• Sabbath Rest: They obeyed God’s command to rest from labor on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11). This wasn’t just a day off; it was a divine invitation to rest their bodies and minds in God’s presence.
• Seeking God’s Presence: Prayer, singing psalms, and meditating on Scripture were central to their lives. This wasn’t a side activity; it was their source of renewal.
• Community of Women: Women gathered at the well, prepared meals together, and fellowshipped with each other. This community support offered both practical and emotional rest.
• Sacred Anointing: Anointing with oils like myrrh and frankincense wasn’t just for beauty—it was an act of care, a way to set apart the body for sacred purposes (Esther 2:12).
• Physical Movement: Walking, tending livestock, and working outdoors weren’t just tasks—they were forms of self-care that kept their bodies strong.

As I reflected on this, I realized how true self-care is tied to the rhythms of work and rest. When I was deep in survival mode and constantly overwhelmed, I began meditating on Scripture—allowing God’s Word to renew my mind—and it completely shifted my mindset. I found peace, patience, and a new sense of joy in everyday tasks.

That’s exactly what I teach inside my course, where I help Christian mothers break free from survival mode. And if this is something you need, I have a free workshop that will walk you through the first steps—link below!

And for those of you reading this the week it’s posted, I’m offering a special bonus for anyone who joins my course this week—a free group Q&A call with me. After this week, the price of the course will increase, so if you’ve been considering it, now is the perfect time. You’ll find the link to my course below.

2. Early Church Era: Finding Strength in Spiritual Disciplines

When Christianity spread and the early church began to form, Christian mothers faced persecution, hardship, and the challenge of growing a faith community. So how did they find time to care for themselves in such a challenging environment?

In the first centuries after Christ, Christian mothers lived in a world hostile to their beliefs. Yet their self-care practices weren’t about indulgence—they were about fortifying their spirits:

• Fasting & Prayer: They practiced fasting and prayer, not as deprivation but as a means of drawing near to God and strengthening their faith.
• Sabbath and Feast Days: These provided a rhythm of work and rest, helping them stay grounded in spiritual practices.
• Quiet Places of Prayer: Many sought refuge in quiet, sacred spaces for prayer and contemplation.
• Community Fellowship: Christian women had a strong fellowship with their local faith communities, finding strength and encouragement in one another.

As we move into the Middle Ages, the core values of spiritual renewal remained at the heart of self-care, even as life became more complex.

3. Middle Ages to Early Modern Era: Creation and Community

During the Industrial Revolution, life changed dramatically. Work hours grew longer, homes became busier, and yet Christian mothers still found ways to carve out moments of rest. Here’s how:

• Sabbath Rest: The Sabbath remained a vital part of self-care, a day of spiritual and physical renewal.
• Journaling & Letters: Writing letters or keeping journals allowed mothers to express their thoughts, prayers, and gratitude.
• Handiwork: Many mothers found solace in activities like quilting, knitting, and embroidery—practices that created beauty while calming the mind.
• Walking: Taking daily walks, not for fitness trends, but for fresh air, prayer, and reflection, provided both physical and spiritual renewal.

Reclaiming True Self-Care in Today’s World

So what does all of this mean for us today? How can we reclaim these timeless self-care practices?

True self-care isn’t about indulgence. It’s about:

• Rooting ourselves in God’s Word and prayer
• Building strong community and seeking fellowship
• Caring for our bodies with simple, natural rhythms
• Finding joy in creative, productive work

Sometimes, self-care looks like actual work—the work we do in the home, such as cooking a meal or folding laundry. When done with the right heart, even this becomes an act of self-care.

But here’s something else we need to understand: true self-care is about trusting God. So many of us carry anxiety and overwhelm because we try to control everything. But what if part of your self-care routine was just surrendering? What if you laid your burdens at the feet of Jesus and truly trusted Him to sustain you?

When I was going through trials as a mother, living in survival mode and dealing with a dysregulated nervous system, I learned how to meditate on Scripture, take my thoughts captive, and renew my mind. This process literally rewired my brain, helping me become the wife and mother I had always wanted to be.

Practical Steps for Reclaiming Self-Care

Here are a few practical steps to help you reclaim self-care in a way that nourishes your soul:

1. Set aside a daily moment of stillness before the Lord—just five minutes in silence, surrendering your worries and meditating on His Word.
2. Create a Sabbath rhythm in your life—whether that’s observing an actual Sabbath day or creating a rhythm of work and rest throughout the week.
3. Let your work become your self-care: Whether it’s laundry, cooking, or caring for your family, if done with the right mindset, even work can be rejuvenating. For me, hard work feels satisfying when I focus on the blessing of caring for my loved ones.
4. Protect your quiet time by putting your phone in another room. Avoid the trap of social media and distractions during your self-care time.
5. Choose small, creative acts of care this week—maybe journaling, baking bread, or gardening. Find something that lets you express your creativity and care for yourself.

A Challenge for You

I want to challenge you: What if you redefined self-care? What if, instead of chasing distractions, you embraced rhythms of true renewal? Instead of reaching for your phone, reach for the Word. Instead of escaping, lean into the simple, soul-nourishing practices that have sustained Christian mothers for generations.

You don’t need more things—more lotions and potions as my husband calls them. You need more of the Lord. As you press into God’s design for rest, you’ll find the strength, joy, and peace you’ve been longing for.

If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you in the comments: What’s one self-care practice you’d like to reclaim?

And if you feel called to take my course, now would be the perfect time to enroll!