Recently, my husband did something that truly blessed me—he encouraged me to get a hotel for the weekend and spend some time alone. If you’re a fellow introvert, you know how much we thrive on alone time. It’s like fuel for our souls. So, I took his advice, packed a bag, and headed off for a much-needed retreat.
Now, let me tell you—this was not always easy for me. I used to feel so guilty about taking a break, stepping away from responsibilities, and carving out time just for me. I would think, “There’s too much to do,” or “What if something falls apart while I’m gone?” But, by the grace of God, I’ve been delivered from that guilt. If you’ve ever struggled with the idea of taking time for yourself, let me remind you: your home, your work, your family—they will be fine. It’s okay to step away. In fact, it’s necessary for your well-being.
When I arrived at the hotel, I fully embraced the quiet. I slept in, journaled, and sometimes just stared at the ceiling and did absolutely nothing (which is a challenge for me because doing nothing is my struggle area!). I prayed, meditated, did some gentle yoga, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I watched a movie all the way through without any interruptions. In that stillness, I heard from God so clearly. He reminded me of how blessed I am to have my family and the life He’s given me. It was like my soul was being refreshed and renewed.
Ladies, taking time for yourself, especially as a mother or caregiver, is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s so easy to get caught up in meeting everyone else’s needs that we forget about our own. But even Jesus took time to retreat and be alone with the Father. In Luke 5:16, it says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If the Son of God needed to take time away, how much more do we?
If the Son of God needed solitude, how much more do we?
Now, your retreat might not look like a hotel room getaway, and that’s perfectly okay. Your retreat could be as simple as pulling your car into a city park and sitting on a bench, or if you live in the South like I do, staying in your car with the AC on while you take a few moments to just breathe. The important thing is that you find a way to retreat, even if it’s just for a short while. It’s essential for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
During my time away, one thing that really helped me was journaling. Writing down my thoughts, prayers, and reflections allowed me to process everything I was feeling and to hear from God more clearly. There’s something powerful about putting pen to paper and letting your thoughts flow. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to get a journal and make it part of your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Whether you are on a weekend retreat or simply spending a quiet moment in your car, journaling is a great way to pour out your heart before God and listen for His voice.
Rest isn’t just about taking a vacation or having a weekend retreat. It’s something we should implement in our daily routines. So, here are five practical ways you can incorporate rest into your everyday life:
Here are 5 simple ways to implement rest into your daily routine:
- Morning Quiet Time with God
Start your day with prayer, scripture reading, or quiet reflection. Even 10-15 minutes of connecting with God can set a peaceful tone for the day. Remember, Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” This quiet time helps you rest spiritually before the day’s busyness begins. - Take Short Breaks Throughout the Day
Schedule a few 5-10 minute breaks where you step away from your tasks. You could walk outside, stretch, or simply sit quietly and breathe. These small moments of rest refresh your mind and body, helping you stay focused and avoid burnout. - Practice Mindful Breathing and Prayer
Incorporate breathing exercises and short prayers into your routine, especially during stressful moments. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly and say a quick prayer of gratitude or surrender. It’s a quick way to realign your thoughts and rest in God’s peace. - Set a Restful Evening Routine
Wind down with activities that help you relax, like reading, journaling, or taking a warm bath. Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bed; instead, focus on things that calm your mind and spirit. This will help you rest deeply during sleep. - Prioritize “Me Time”
Find a small pocket of time in your day just for you – even if it’s only 15 minutes. Use this time to do something that refreshes you: reading a devotional, listening to worship music, or enjoying a hobby. Prioritizing this time helps you recharge and shows that rest is an act of self-care and stewardship of your body and spirit.
So, sis, I encourage you—don’t wait until you’re completely drained to take time for yourself.
Schedule it,
prioritize it,
and most importantly, enjoy it.
God created rest for a reason, and your soul will thank you for it.
Remember, you’re not being selfish by taking care of yourself; you’re stewarding the body, mind, and spirit God has given you.
Let me know in the comments how you plan to incorporate rest into your life this week!
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