Rest. Refill. Recharge.

The term Self-Care might seem like a selfish term, but it is all about perspective. We are fearfully & wonderfully made, and our bodies are not designed to run consistently for long periods without getting the proper rest that is needed. Have you ever found yourself going non-stop for an extended amount of time, and then you stop to rest for a very short amount of time, and then the cycle keeps going until one day you feel overly exhausted? You have come to the point where you have depleted all of your energy, feel empty in the sense that you have nothing else to give, motivation has completely left the building, and This is called "Burn out." This is a major sign that you need a break! This is a perfect time to rest, relax, refill and recharge. Let's discuss in detail how to accomplish all of these things.

First, let's discuss the need to rest. Your body and mind need total rest. The body and brain have come to the place where it needs a time out. It would help if you had time to physically allow your body to avoid any activity and remain completely still. More importantly, while your body is remaining still, your brain needs to rest as well. This is not the time to go over your day and try to recall what you missed on your to-do list or think about what you have to do tomorrow. This means everything shuts down. Do not move or think about anything outside of meditating on things that will keep you in a calm state.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." KJV Philippians 4:8

Several things can happen while you are resting. Resting doesn't necessarily have to mean you are sleeping. This means you are allowing your body & mind to relax totally. Your body will begin to settle into this comfortable place, and your mind will soon follow. There are many ways to rest your body and your mind. You can use this time to listen to quiet music, take a long bath, but most importantly, this is the perfect time to empty everything to God through prayer. This is a great time to rely on God totally. You have depleted your energy and strength at this point, so this is the perfect time to lean on God. Since you are in a weakened state, this is where God does His perfect work.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me." NIV 2 Corinthians 12:9

Next, once you have rested and emptied out everything now, it is time to replenish. This is when you will want to sit at the feet of Jesus. This is where your study time comes in—reading and studying God's word. You can do this by reading your devotional or by reading a certain set of scripture where God has led you into His word. Once you are done reading and listening for God's voice, you can begin to look for ways to apply this particular word to your life. This is your private time with God. The bible talks about how Mary sat at the feet of Jesus when he visited the home of her and her sister Martha. Martha was running around and working in the kitchen and preoccupied herself with making things perfect for Jesus' visit that she missed the most important part. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping and she was doing all of the busywork, but Jesus pointed out that while Martha is choosing to work and run around, Mary has chosen the better part: to relax and sit at the feet of Jesus. The better part is to take out the time to listen to Jesus. He has something that He wants to pour into you in this season of your life. This is the ultimate stress reliever, allowing Jesus to speak to your situation.

Finally, now that you have taken the time to refill, it is time to Recharge totally. This is where you regain your energy and spirit to get ready to jump back out there and do it all over again. Do what all over again? Of course, you are taking care of your daily responsibilities of work and home, but also, your cup has been refilled to the point where you are now overflowing, and you can effectively begin to pour into the lives of others. This is what it’s all about. Once we have been refueled, we can help someone else!

In conclusion, as we go through life, be sure to take the necessary time to rest, refill and recharge. You will feel better, and you will be beneficial to those around you. Don’t allow yourself to run around in burnout mode because this is an unhealthy way to live. Take the time needed because that is what God desires for you. To every woman, The Triple R’s are necessary for you to function in the roles that God has assigned to you efficiently and effectively. If you are a mom, call on your village and let them know you need a break, working women & entrepreneurs, the world doesn’t stop because you choose to take a break; no matter what role you find yourself, please take time to rest, refill and recharge. This is a portion of the restoring process that God has intended for you.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. 3 John 1:2