Youth Workers Self-Care
by Miriam Ross
As youth directors, you pour your energy, creativity, and love into shaping the spiritual lives of young people. It’s a calling filled with joy but also with challenges that can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually taxing. As we step into a new year, it’s essential to prioritize self-care—not as an indulgence but as a vital practice to sustain your work, nourish your soul, and model healthy boundaries for your youth.
Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It encompasses physical wellness, emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and meaningful rest. Whether it’s setting aside time for prayer and reflection, engaging in hobbies that bring you joy, seeking support from a mentor or peer, or simply saying “no” to overcommitment, self-care takes many forms. This year, commit to exploring practices that renew your spirit, deepen your connection to God, and equip you to serve from a place of abundance rather than depletion.
Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s stewardship of the gift of yourself. Let’s walk into this year with intention, embracing the rhythms of rest and renewal that God invites us into.
Here are some suggestions for self-care. Maybe try out a new one and see if it is one that helps you.
In no particular order… An ongoing list of self-care activities:
Physical Self-Care
1. Regular exercise (walking, yoga, gym workouts, etc.)
2. Prioritizing sleep
3. Healthy eating
4. Take care of yourself- Scheduling regular medical check-ups
5. Taking breaks to stretch and move
Emotional Self-Care
6. Journaling feelings or daily reflections
7. Set and KEEP boundaries to avoid emotional burnout
8. Engaging in what brings you joy
Spiritual Self-Care
11. Personal prayer, meditation, or quiet time
12. Reading scripture or other spiritual texts for personal growth
13. Attending worship services (not as a leader, but for yourself)
14. Practicing mindfulness or contemplative prayer
15. Spending time in nature
Social Self-Care
16. Maintaining close relationships with family and friends
17. Sharing meals or coffee breaks with trusted colleagues
18. Scheduling intentional “unplugged” time with loved ones
19. Seeking mentorship and community among spiritual leaders
Mental Self-Care
21. Setting aside time for learning or professional development
22. Reading for FUN
23. Practicing deep breathing or relaxation techniques
24. Limiting overexposure to distressing news or social media
25. Identifying and challenging negative self-talk
Recreational Self-Care
26. Exploring creative outlets (painting, writing, photography, etc.)
27. Watching a favorite TV show or movie
28. Traveling
29. Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks
Practical Self-Care
31. Keeping an organized schedule to avoid overwhelm
32. Asking for help when needed (delegating tasks)
33. Budgeting for leisure and self-care activities
34. Planning downtime after intense periods of work
35. Saying “no” when your plate is full
Here are some of these same ideas in a simple picture form that you can print:
As youth directors, we spend so much time listening to understand others, we forget that we have to take care of ourselves to take care of others.
About the author:
Miriam lives in McKinney, Texas, and serves in many aspects of youth ministry. She is working toward ordination at Union Presbyterian Seminary- Charlotte, pursuing her MDiv and Master of Arts in Christian Education. Miriam realized her love for youth ministry when attending the Montreat Youth Conference, which quickly became one of her favorite places on Earth, as a high school student and then again as a Small Group Leader. Miriam joyfully combines her twin passions: nurturing the next generation of church leaders and exploring innovative educational approaches. Much of her work intersects with the broader ministry community, often manifesting in conference ministry. Outside of her academic and ministerial pursuits, Miriam cherishes time with her family, husband Andrew and their three children, Kaylie, Emalyn, and Sawyer. In the moments of leisure, she enjoys running, planning her next Disney adventures, listening to audiobooks, and brainstorming fresh curriculum ideas to enrich her ministry endeavors.