7 Soul Care Practices for 2026

As we start to turn the corner into a new year, many of us are thinking about goals, rhythms, and what we hope 2026 will hold. Our anticipation ramps up. Before we map out our productivity plans for the upcoming year, there’s a deeper question worth asking:

How will you care for your soul this year?

Soul care is the intentional tending of our inner life so we can live from a place of wholeness rather than exhaustion. Soul care isn’t self-indulgence. It’s stewardship.

Do you have a soul care plan?

Here are seven practices to help you cultivate a healthier, more rooted 2026:

1. Embrace Silence

In a world full of noise, silence suddenly serves as a sanctuary.

We can lean into that by carving out a few minutes each day to sit, breathe, and simply be with God. It doesn’t have to be for hours upon hours. Start with a few minutes.

2. Practice Breath Prayer

A year ago, this was a foreign practice to me. I wound up buying some breath prayer cards I found on the internet to help me. I’m still learning.

The idea is to let simple phrases like “Lord, have mercy,” or “Here I am, Lord”, rise and fall with your breath as you inhale and exhale. I’ve discovered breath prayer focuses my attention to the presence of God.

3. Walk with Intention

Walking became one of the first mindfulness exercises I took on as I sought to overcome complex grief and recover from PTSD. Walking isn’t just exercise; it’s meditation in motion. I’ve found it helpful to leave my earbuds behind once in a while and let creation speak to me as I meander through it. I’ve gone from barely walking one mile to walking six to eight miles a day.

4. Engage in Creative Expression

Journal. Paint. Play an instrument. Write psalms. Creativity offers both healing and revelation. It’s powerful. I strongly encourage you to invest in a creative practice. I believe it will deepen your walk with God.

“The Heavy Weight”
© 2025 Rainer Bantau All Rights Reserved

5. Rest Without Guilt

Sabbath isn’t optional. It’s oxygen. Learn to schedule rest the same way you schedule work and guard it with love.

6. Deepen Your Community

Find people who value their spiritual formation. Cohorts, small groups, or even one trusted friend can make all the difference. It can be in-person, or like a blogging collective, it can be online. This past summer, I found an artists collective and I also discovered that my weekly Monday night drawing class is a type of creative small group. This past year, my understanding of soul care has been deeply shaped by the amazing people at Soul Care. I’m grateful for the community that they have provided as I heal from the effects of persistent and continual trauma.

7. Return to Scripture Slowly

Terri has always managed to chew deeply on God’s Word. She doesn’t read for speed. She reads for depth and understanding. Slow reading of Scripture—Lectio Divina—creates space for spiritual encounter rather than spiritual performance.

As 2026 approaches, choose not just to do more, but to be more whole. I believe that you can turn the page to an entirely new chapter if you so choose.