When we’re facing a crisis or intense season that puts us into survival mode, soul care + intentional living become even more imperative than in our ordinary daily lives.
Here are four simple soul care practices to help you thrive when life gets a little bit crazy:
1. HEART: Check in with yourself.
Ask yourself, “How am I doing? Name your emotions. Are you experiencing fear, irritability, overwhelm, anxiety, peace, trust, compassion, empathy, judgment, frustration, a short fuse, strength, determination, panic, etc.?
Then check in with others and listen with compassion. Hearing their process might help you understand your own!
2. MIND: Clear your mind as often as needed.
Start with making a list of general categories of responsibility in your life. These might include things like work, school (perhaps school or work have several subcategories that can each have their own space), kids, finances, chores, pet care, caring for an aging parent, volunteer work, self-care, recreation, medical appointments, relationships, correspondence, etc. Then on a blank sheet of paper (or my printable Clear Your Mind worksheet), create space for each category and begin to add tasks, ideas, or other notes under each category. Then start dumping. Feel free to skip around and come back to it later.
I’m happy to email you a printable Clear Your Mind worksheet!
3. BODY: Make a plan + work the plan.
Intentional living is all about planning. In order to care for your body, determine how much water you will drink, what times you will go for walks or take stretch breaks, what you will do for a workout each day, what you will eat and when you will eat it, and what time you will go to bed and wake up in the mornings. Write it all out on a schedule and stick to it!
4. SPIRIT: Make time + space for quiet study, prayer, and worship.
Designate a special place for you to enjoy solitude and seek the Lord. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin and be sure to eliminate distractions as much as your circumstances will allow. Decide ahead of time what you will read and study, staying flexible for Holy Spirit to guide you. Be sure you include daily gratitude in your ritual. Staying close to Jesus in stressful times will keep you thriving and help you avoid survival mode altogether!