7 Ways to Soul Care and 7 Ways to Self Care: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to keep going, keep producing, and keep achieving often causes us to neglect the most essential parts of ourselves—our soul and our overall well-being. While “self-care” has become a buzzword, it’s time to pair it with a deeper, often overlooked practice: soul care. Together, they form a holistic approach to well-being that nourishes both our outer and inner lives.
What is Self-Care? Self-care refers to the intentional actions we take to support our physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s how we fuel, rest, and nurture ourselves to stay well and thrive. Self-care includes:
- Sleeping enough
- Eating nutritious food
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Taking breaks and resting
It’s the body’s way of saying: “I matter too.”
What is Soul Care? Soul care goes deeper. It’s about nurturing the spiritual and inner parts of us—our identity, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves. It’s the quiet voice that asks:
- “What truly matters?”
- “Am I living in alignment with my values?”
Soul care helps us stay grounded, purposeful, and emotionally present in our lives.
7 Powerful Soul Care Practices
1. Daily Silence & Solitude Create a quiet space in your day—even just 5–10 minutes—to sit in silence. This stillness allows your soul to breathe and reconnect.
2. Prayer or Meditation Whether through faith-based prayer or still meditation, tuning into your inner life helps you access clarity, peace, and divine direction.
3. Reflective Journaling
- Ask yourself deeper questions like:
- What is my soul longing for today?
- What do I need to release or embrace?
- Write freely. No filter needed.
4. Time in Nature Nature has a way of calming the soul. Take walks, sit under a tree, listen to birdsong, or simply watch a sunrise.
5. Spiritual Reading Feed your spirit with scripture, devotionals, or writings that elevate your perspective and remind you of eternal truths.
6. Digital Detox or Sabbath Rest Unplug. Create sacred time weekly to rest—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
7. Purposeful Service Serving others from a place of love and intention (not obligation) activates joy and meaning in your soul.
7 Essential Self-Care Habits
1. Move Your Body Stretch, dance, walk, or exercise regularly. Movement releases tension and restores energy.
2. Get Enough Sleep Aim for consistent, restorative sleep. Your body heals, detoxifies, and recharges while you rest.
3. Eat to Nourish Choose whole, nutrient-rich foods that fuel your energy and uplift your mood. Hydrate well throughout the day.
4. Set Boundaries Say no when needed. Create emotional and time boundaries that protect your peace and energy.
5. Make Time for Joy Play, laugh, create. Do things that bring you genuine pleasure—even if they seem “unproductive.”
6. Declutter Your Space Your environment affects your mind. Keep your space calm, clean, and comforting.
7. Reach Out for Support Talk to a friend, coach, or therapist when needed. You don’t have to carry it all alone
Why Both Matter: A Holistic Perspective You are body, mind, and soul—not just one part. When one area suffers, the others feel it too. Self-care keeps you functional. Soul care keeps you fulfilled. Together, they empower you to: Show up for your family and work with presence Handle stress with resilience Live from a place of purpose, not pressure
Final Reflection Caring for yourself is not selfish. It is sacred. Your soul deserves attention. Your body deserves kindness. Your mind deserves peace. Ask yourself today: What does my soul need right now? What does my body crave for restoration? Then start with one small step. You are worth the care you so often give to others.
