How to stop people pleasing and live your best life – Series, part 5
Join me as I challenge myself to break free from the people pleaser trap and learn to say no! Last time, I wrote the fourth part series on overcoming the fear of rejection. I encouraged you to recognise self-worth through faith, and setting healthy boundaries. The article also outlined practical steps to build confidence and reframe rejection as a potential redirection, encouraging trust in God’s plan for personal relationships and healing processes. You can find out more HERE.
This article emphasizes overcoming people-pleasing by embracing self-care from a biblical perspective. It outlines four key areas: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Prioritizing self-care fosters healing after toxic relationships, aligns with God’s will, and promotes resilience. Consistency in self-care practice is essential for growth and restoration.
- How to stop people pleasing and live your best life – Series, part 5
- Understanding Self-Care Through a Biblical Lens
- The Importance of Consistency
- Watch the Summary Here on YouTube.
- Final Thoughts & Call to Action
- Related Articles
Leaving a toxic relationship can leave you feeling emotionally drained, mentally exhausted, and spiritually disconnected. The aftermath of such experiences often leads to self-doubt, low self-worth, and a tendency to neglect personal well-being. However, self-care is not just an act of self-preservation—it is a biblical principle. God calls us to steward our bodies, minds, and spirits well (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Prioritizing self-care is not selfish; it is essential for healing and becoming the person God created you to be.
Understanding Self-Care Through a Biblical Lens
Self-care is often misunderstood as indulgence or selfishness, but the Bible encourages rest, renewal, and seeking God’s presence as a source of strength. Jesus Himself modeled self-care by withdrawing from crowds to pray and refresh His spirit (Luke 5:16).
Self-care encompasses four key areas: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Neglecting any of these areas can leave you vulnerable to burnout, stress, and unhealthy relationships. When you care for yourself, you align with God’s will to live a life of peace, strength, and wholeness.
1. Emotional Self-Care: Allow Yourself to Heal
Coming out of a toxic relationship often means dealing with emotional wounds. It is vital to give yourself permission to grieve, reflect, and heal. The Bible reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He desires to restore your soul (Psalm 23:3).
Practical Steps:
- Acknowledge your emotions without guilt or shame. Suppressing them will only prolong the healing process.
- Journal your thoughts and prayers, allowing God to reveal His truth about your worth and identity.
- Seek Godly counsel from a trusted friend, mentor, or Christian therapist who can provide wisdom and guidance.
2. Mental Self-Care: Renew Your Mind
Toxic relationships often leave behind negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and anxiety. Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Replacing lies with God’s truth is essential in reclaiming your self-worth.
Practical Steps:
- Identify and replace negative thoughts with affirmations from Scripture (e.g., Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you”).
- Engage in activities that uplift your spirit, such as reading books, listening to worship music, or learning a new skill.
- Limit exposure to negativity by reducing time spent on social media or in environments that drain your energy.
3. Physical Self-Care: Honor Your Body
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and caring for it is an act of worship. Toxic relationships can cause physical stress, leading to fatigue, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits.
Practical Steps:
- Prioritize rest by ensuring you get enough sleep and downtime to recharge.
- Nourish your body with healthy food and regular exercise to boost your energy levels and mental clarity.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, or simply taking walks in nature.
4. Spiritual Self-Care: Reconnect with God
After enduring a toxic relationship, it is crucial to rebuild your spiritual foundation. Your healing will be incomplete without drawing closer to God, who is the ultimate source of peace and restoration.
Practical Steps:
- Set aside daily quiet time to pray, read Scripture, and seek God’s presence.
- Find a supportive faith community where you can grow spiritually and be encouraged.
- Surrender your past hurts to God, trusting Him to restore and redeem what was lost (Joel 2:25).
The Importance of Consistency
Self-care is not a one-time event but a continuous practice. Just as you cannot expect physical fitness from a single workout, emotional and spiritual healing requires consistency. Galatians 6:9 encourages us to not grow weary in doing good, for at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Stay committed to your self-care journey, even when progress seems slow. The more you invest in your well-being, the stronger and more resilient you will become.
Watch the Summary Here on YouTube.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Embracing self-care after a toxic relationship is an act of faith and self-respect. By caring for your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, you align with God’s plan for your healing and restoration.
What is one self-care habit you will start implementing today? Or what has been one major self tip that has kept you grounded?. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s encourage one another in this journey of healing.
If this article resonated with you, send it to a friend or loved one who might need encouragement. Let’s build a community that supports and uplifts each other in Christ!
