Have you ever laid in bed at night replaying all the things you didn’t do? Maybe you feel guilty about the idea of taking time for yourself. Or maybe you are used to putting yourself last, and you forget to prioritize your own needs.

You’re not alone-

You know, the Bible says that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, which means we have to love ourselves. So, if you’re like me and have the tendency to put yourself at the bottom of the list, or maybe you don't put yourself on the list at all, I’ve got 5 things that you can do to start investing in yourself today. 

After all, our role as wives and moms is to serve and pour into the members of our family, and guess what, you are a member of your family.

1. Prioritize Time with God Daily

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…” —Matthew 6:33
The greatest investment you can make is your spiritual life. Make it a priority! Even 10 minutes in the Word and prayer sets the tone for your whole day, and it’s way more powerful than skipping this time altogether. If prioritizing this time is currently a struggle for you, set a timer and commit that designated time to spending time with God with no distractions. I like to do this at the very beginning of my day. Once I get dressed, quiet time with the Lord is the first thing on my list. This determines the climate of my whole day. So, set yourself up for success.

✅ I want you to create a consistent morning routine or nap-time quiet moment to read Scripture—even if it’s just one verse and a prayer or a devotional that ministers to your heart.

2. Nourish Your Body with Intention

“So whether you eat or drink… do all to the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31
 

 Nourishing your body with real food, hydration, movement, and rest is an act of glorifying God with your temple- the body God gave you. It doesn’t have to look the way you see it on social media. You don’t have to have all the fancy meal prep containers or cute workout clothes while lifting weights at the gym. 

Do what works for you. Focus on eating foods God made. Fruits and vegetables, legumes, real whole grains, and, depending on your diet, meat and dairy. Be active with your kids or take a walk. I enjoy doing those things in addition to gospel Zumba!

 Stay hydrated, making sure you prioritize water. And of course, rest! Take a break or two throughout the day, but also be sure to get as much restorative sleep as you can, depending on the season of life you’re in. When you’re sleeping, your body has a chance to heal and repair itself.

 ✅ I want you to plan some simple meals for the week. It can be a hearty cobb salad, a burrito bowl, or a sheet pan dinner. Drink more water this week, and commit to gentle daily movement. Taking the kids for a walk is a quick win that benefits all of you.

3. Guard Your Mental and Emotional Health

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” —Proverbs 4:23

Pay attention to what you're consuming through media, music, and conversations with people. You can’t flourish in constant stress or noise. Take moments periodically to check in with yourself. Are you mentally and emotionally healthy? 

Evaluate your thoughts, mood, and behaviors. If something is off or you’re getting weary in an area, pray for wisdom regarding what adjustments you can make to improve the situation. Do you need to remove some unnecessary obligations from your plate? Maybe social media scrolling is doing more harm than good. For me, I made adjustments when it comes to my cellphone. I like it best when my ringer is off and my phone isn’t disturbing me as I go about my day.

 ✅ I want you to turn off toxic voices and replace them with truth—like worship music, godly podcasts, or Scripture cards on your mirror. Listen to and watch things that build you up and not tear you down or fill you with thoughts and emotions contrary to God’s word.

4. Make Space to Rest Without Guilt

🌿 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” —Psalm 4:8

  God created Sabbath for you. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s God-honoring. It’s important that you take breaks and schedule time for guilt-free rest. Enjoy some “me time”. This time is important because it recharges you and prepares you the ability to continue to serve and give with a loving heart. This will also help you prevent things like burnout, exhaustion, overwhelm, or resentment.

Breaks, rest, and Sabbath are a gift that God designed for you. He knows what you need. It’s okay to schedule a designated time to invest in yourself and recharge. I highly encourage it. Your mind, body, and family will thank you. After all, you know how the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Make sure your cup is full, Mama..

 ✅ I want you to set a “Sabbath” each week where you pause from housework and anything else you consider to be work, and focus on rest and delight (worship, family, quiet, joy).

5. Pursue Personal Growth

📖…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ,… Philippians 1:6

Learning, creating, or pursuing something God has placed in your heart is not neglecting your family—it’s living fully into your calling. Make space to do some things you’re passionate about. What are your gifts? What do you like to create? Sharpen your skills. Read books, prioritize personal development, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what areas to work on. 

 ✅ Read a book, take a class, or cultivate a gift or talent God has given you. Work on it—even if it’s just 15 minutes a week. Let’s work to be well-rounded Mamas.”

This week, be sure to include yourself while you are taking care of everyone else.