Breaking the Myth : Self-Care ≠ Self-Indulgence

When we think of self-care, many think of a spa day or luxury skincare routines often come to mind. While there’s nothing wrong with those things, self-care is so much more than pampering. In fact, some of the most powerful acts of self-care are the quiet, unglamorous ones we practice daily—especially in our digital lives.

Self-care is taking your meds on time, booking that therapy session, unsubscribing from draining emails, or muting the group chat that sends your nervous system into overdrive. It’s deciding not to check your inbox first thing in the morning. It’s letting a message sit until you have the emotional capacity to respond. None of these things are indulgent—they are intentional.

We live in a world that glorifies constant availability and productivity, but your peace doesn’t need to be sacrificed for the sake of being “on.” Quiet boundaries—like logging off without explanation or curating your feed to protect your mental space—are valid. Online self-care is real self-care.

God calls us to rhythms of rest and care. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus reminds us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And in Proverbs 4:23, we’re told to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Faith-based self-care may look like closing the app to pray, choosing to sit in silence, or asking God for the wisdom to say “no” without guilt. It’s remembering that rest isn’t just allowed—it’s biblical.

So let’s break the myth that self-care has to be aesthetic or expensive to count. Sometimes, it’s as simple as doing what you need, when you need it—with God’s gentle permission and grace.