267. When Did Taking Care of Ourselves Get So Complicated?

Taking care of ourselves has gotten complicated. Eat more protein. Don’t eat too much protein. Walk 10,000 steps. Lift heavy weights. Fast. Don’t fast. Take supplements. Track your sleep. Track your glucose. Get morning sunlight.

It can feel like a full-time job just trying to figure out what we’re supposed to do.

In this episode of Encouragement for Real Life, Julie continues the September series Healthy, Whole, and Well with a conversation about simplifying how we care for ourselves.

There is more health information available than ever before. Some of it is incredibly helpful. But much of it is also conflicting. One expert says one thing. Another says something completely different. Before long, we can become confused, overwhelmed, or tempted to give up altogether.

Taking care of ourselves is important, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated.

Julie brings us back to the basics. Nourishing food. Moving our bodies. Sleeping. Drinking water. Getting outside. Resting. Managing stress. Spending time with people we love. And most importantly, spending time with God.

She also reminds us that what works for one person may not work for another. God created each of us differently. Our bodies, seasons, resources, and needs are different too. Sometimes we also need individualized care from a qualified health professional.

So maybe you don’t need 17 new health habits this week. Maybe returning to one thing you already know is the thing to focus on.

Julie shares two questions to consider: Is there something in your health that doesn’t feel right? And what is one thing you know helps you feel better, but you haven’t been doing consistently?

Through Galatians 5:1, Julie also reminds us that caring for ourselves should not become another burden. We have freedom in Christ.

Let’s uncomplicate this. Do what you know. Seek God’s guidance. And trust Him to show you what caring well for yourself looks like in this season.