How You Practice Self-Care — Even if It’s Imperfect

There was a time I thought self-care was selfish.
That taking time for myself meant I was taking something away from my family.
So I didn’t.
And eventually… I broke.

I snapped over something small — a misplaced sock or a loud door slam — but it wasn’t about the sock.
It was about the fact that I was running on fumes.

Now, I’ve learned to build in small moments of reset.
I take walks without my phone.
I sit in silence for 5 minutes and breathe.
I read Scripture with no agenda other than to be filled again.

It’s not always consistent.
But it’s intentional.

Because I’ve learned that a burnt-out father can’t pour into a healing child.
And if Jesus withdrew to quiet places… maybe I should too.

Self-care isn’t escape.
It’s stewardship.
Of your body. Your mind. Your spirit.
And it’s how I make sure I can keep showing up tomorrow — and the next day.