Self-Care at Work: Because Sis, You Deserve Peace Between 9 and 5 Too

Jul 13

Let’s be honest. Work can be... a lot. The endless emails. The back-to-back meetings. The “quick questions” that turn into 45-minute therapy sessions for your coworkers. And don’t even get me started on the microaggressions disguised as “friendly feedback.”

We talk a lot about self-care after hours—bubble baths, journaling, unplugging from social media—but what about the eight (or more) hours a day we spend at work? Whether you’re in the office, at home, or somewhere in between, your well-being shouldn’t clock out just because you clocked in.

Let’s talk about what self-care at work really looks like for us as Black women. Because we’re not robots. We’re not machines. And we’re definitely not the office mule.

Self-Care Is a Ministry, Even at Work

When the Lord says, “Cast your cares,” He didn’t say “except for your work ones.” Your stress, your overwhelm, your exhaustion—they matter to God. And they should matter to you, too.

Self-care at work is a way of honoring the temple God gave you. It’s also how we model boundaries, balance, and boldness in spaces that too often try to burn us out.

Mental Self-Care: Protecting Your Peace

You don’t have to answer every email immediately. You don’t have to volunteer for every project. And no, you do not need to be the “strong Black woman” who never says no. Sis, God is not glorified in your burnout.

Try this:

Block off focus time on your calendar—yes, even if it’s just 30 minutes to breathe.
Use your PTO. That “personal” time? It’s sacred.
Say no with grace and still sleep well at night. Boundaries are biblical, boo.

Social Self-Care: Not Everyone Gets Access

Protect your energy like you protect your passwords. Not every coworker deserves access to your inner peace. Discern wisely!

Identify your safe circle: the ones who get it and don’t drain you.
Don’t entertain drama. You are not dumping grounds for other people’s mess.
If needed, have a professional “clapback” ready:
“I’d prefer to focus on solutions, not speculation.”

Emotional & Spiritual Self-Care: Invite God In

Yes, God belongs in your workday. In fact, you’ll function better when you let Him lead it. Allow God to walk with you through every policy update, every client session, every staff meeting.

Start your day with prayer or a quick scripture. “God, lead me. Speak through me. Protect my peace.”
Keep a verse on a sticky note or phone background. Try:
“Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10
Use breaks to check in with you: How am I feeling? What do I need?
Listen to a worship playlist while you work.
Whisper “Holy Spirit, help me” before every meeting (trust—it works).

Physical Self-Care: Your Body Matters, Too

Sis, stretch your neck. Take that walk. Drink your water like it’s communion. Your body is not disposable. It is divine.

Set reminders to stretch, hydrate, and eat.
Walk during your lunch break—even if it’s a 10-minute stroll.
Breathe deep: in through your nose, hold, exhale slowly. Repeat. Peace is a practice.

Create a Self-Care System That Works

Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to try and refill your cup. Create rhythm. Routine. A workday flow that keeps you grounded, not just going.

Examples:

Schedule joy. Yes, schedule it. “Lunch break + 10 mins of sunshine.”
A 3-minute prayer before logging in
A Scripture card taped to your monitor
A “shutdown ritual” at 4:45 to release the day before going home

You are not a machine. You are not just your job title. You are a woman of God, and your peace is a priority—even between 9 and 5.

Friendly Reminder: You Are Not Just What You Do

You are not just your productivity. You are not your to-do list. You are not the backbone of the workplace. You are a whole, sacred, human being—worthy of care in every environment.

Reflection Questions for Workplace Self-Care

Take a moment during your lunch break or before logging off to journal or simply pause and reflect:

How am I honoring my mental and emotional boundaries at work today?
What is draining me at work, and how can I bring that to God in prayer?
Have I invited God into my workday—or am I trying to carry it all alone?
What part of my work brings me joy? How can I nurture that more intentionally?
Am I confusing overworking with obedience? What does rest look like even during work?

Scriptures to Meditate on at Work

Here are a few verses to carry in your planner, post on your desk, or breathe through in moments of stress:

Colossians 3:23 (NIV) – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) – “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Matthew 11:28 (ESV) – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 90:17 (CSB) – “Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands.”
Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) – “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”