We have gotten only one body, and we have the task to self-care. Our body is our temple, and we need to do whatever necessary to maintain it. When it comes to self-care, it's not only a matter of caring for our physical body. It is just as imperative to consider our mental wellbeing as our spiritual wellness. We tend to complicate what we need to do to ensure we are well, and the reality is that it is quite simple to self-care. First, is our physical body, we need to get enough rest, drink plenty of water, be active, and eat well. Then we have our mental wellness; we need to learn to set appropriate boundaries and effectively communicate our needs. Last but not least, our spiritual health, we need to ensure we make time to connect with our creator.

Sleep is essential for a person's health and wellbeing. Although individual sleep needs vary, most adults need between six to eight (6-8) hours per night. Benefits of a good night's sleep include improved mood, better health, better weight control, better memory, and better focus. Many studies have been conducted, and results are the same, sleep deprivation affects mental and physical wellness.

We should drink plenty of water daily. The human body is made up of 65% water. Unfortunately, many of us are not drinking enough water. Water helps keep our temperature regular, lubricate, and cushion joints and get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

If we want to be healthy, we need to be active. Exercise is vital for our health. Physical activity can help combat many health conditions and diseases. It can reduce the risk of heart disease and Type II Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. Being active can also reduce the risk of some cancers and control one's weight. Studies have shown that exercise can improve Mental Health and improve mood. It also will boost energy and promote better sleep.

Additionally, a balanced diet is vital for good health and wellbeing. Food provides our bodies with energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals to grow and function properly. Daily food choices make a big difference in your wellbeing. Proper nutrition can help reduce the risk of some diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, strokes, some cancer, and osteoporosis. Good nutrition will improve the ability to recover from illness and injury and increase energy levels. Our body needs plenty of fruits and vegetables daily.

Appropriate boundaries inform others how we want to be treated. Setting boundaries ensure that others will know our expectations and can foster mutually respectful relationships. Sometimes we don't set limits because we want to be liked or please others, or we think we may scare people away. The reality is that when we don't set boundaries, we tell others that we don't know what we want, and we'll accept whatever is done to us. When we care for ourselves and love our self, we let others know what we want, and we can say "no" when boundaries are crossed. When we set boundaries, not only are we less stressed and anxious, those around us are also more at ease.

We are not merely the physical body, we are spiritual beings, and we were created to have a relationship with our creator. When we are disconnected from the creator, we can never achieve our full potential or reach our maximum satisfaction in life.

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." --Luke 12:21 NLT

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. --Romans 5:11 NLT

Self-care means taking actions to preserve or improve our health. We care not only for our bodies but also our mental and spiritual health.