10 Daily Habits To Make You Look & Feel Your Best (Proverbs 31 Woman Edition)

Most Christian woman aspire to be a Proverbs 31 woman – full of dignity and poise, well-respected, wise, generous, gracious, and loving. Am I right? I know I’m not the only one.

But what does it really mean to be a Proverbs 31 woman? Is it just about modest clothing and good business sense? Or perhaps it means truly feeling our best on the inside and out. Maybe its about loving and living like Jesus, and radiating that with every step…

But what happens when life grabs us by the hair and swings us around, Maui style (any Moana fans?)? How do we keep embodying that Proverbs 31 woman, even in the midst of life’s let downs?

Now, don’t get me wrong, being a Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t mean we won’t get sad or disappointed, or even angry, it simply means that we commit to doing our best to maintain composure in difficult situations and how we respond to life’s let downs.

As you see, the Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful example of how inner strength, faith, and purpose can radiate outwardly, impacting every aspect of life. By adopting habits inspired by this virtuous woman, you can enhance not only your physical health but also your spiritual and emotional well-being. That’s why I put together these ten Proverbs 31-inspired habits to help you look and feel your best, inside and out.

Start Your Day with Prayer and Scripture

“She rises while it is yet night…” – Proverbs 31:15

Rising early to beginning your day with prayer and time in the Word sets the foundation for peace and purpose. I know it’s easier to want to hit the snooze button and get just five more minutes of precious sleep just one last time. Or, maybe you prefer to doom scroll for the first 15 (oops maybe 30) -ish minutes of your day before you get out of bed.

But, just as the Proverbs 31 woman rises early to care for her household, when we intentionally take time to connect with God each morning it centers our hearts and minds, keeping us grounded for the day ahead.

When I choose to ignore my fleshly desire for more sleep or forego doom scrolling on my phone for the first hour of the day and instead focus on Jesus, I feel so much more grounded. I feel like I can hit the ground running and tackle whatever comes my way.

Practice Gratitude and Positive Thinking

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” – Proverbs 31:25

Negative thoughts are the bane of our existence. No, really! Scientists have found that negative thoughts cause physical harm to our bodies not just by way of anxiety and depression, but it has even been linked to diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, weight gain, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Yikes!

But, we are not stuck with our negative thoughts.

Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

When you approach life with a heart full of gratitude and trust in God it allows you to face life with joy and resilience. Shifting your mindset to focus on blessings and what’s ahead in faith will clothe you with the strength and dignity that radiates outward.

So the next time your tempted to focus on the negative aspects of life, I encourage you to open up your gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for, instead.

Nourish Your Body With Healthy Foods

“She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.” – Proverbs 31:14

Taking care of your body through wholesome foods fuels your energy and well-being. Like the Proverbs 31 woman who thoughtfully provides for her household, nourishing yourself with healthy foods is an act of care for the temple God has given you.

Stay Active and Keep Fit

“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” – Proverbs 31:17

Regular physical activity not only strengthens your body but also your mind. Whether it’s a walk in nature or a workout session, keeping active helps you feel strong, confident, and equipped to handle the tasks of the day.

Now, you don’t have to meet the merchants from far away lands to get your food these days. We have the luxury of going down to our local grocery store to get what we need. But, choosing the healthy choice isn’t always the easiest.

Sometimes we have to battle our flesh when it tells us we need another package of Oreo’s because we only have one row left at home. (Totally not talking about myself here – 😉)

Now, a good treat once in a while is fine. But, when we choose to nourish ourselves daily with the food our bodies truly need we are feeding our mental, physical, and spiritual health. After all…

Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, not a garbage can.

Embrace Self-Care and Rest

“She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.” – Proverbs 31:18

Part of taking care of our temple is prioritizing rest and self-care. While the Proverbs 31 woman works diligently, she also recognizes the importance of rest and self-care. Prioritize moments of rest, and allow yourself to recharge so that you can continue to pour into others without burning out.

As I write this, I have been on a cleansing and healing journey for my body. I had some alarming health concerns come up that I realized I can no longer ignore. So, listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading, I decided to start my healing journey with a two-day fast, followed by clean eating, regular smoothies, and a plant-based diet.

Knowing When To Rest

Last night, following the ending of my fast I felt especially fatigued (which is normal). And instead of staying up and cleaning my living room or kitchen, I opted to take a warm bath and crawl into bed early. And while I would love to say I woke up full of energy and rested, it was quite the opposite. Nauseous, slightly dizzy, and a pounding headache kept me glued to my recliner chair for the better part of an hour. Again, totally normal when you’re detoxing from processed foods.

My goal was to try to get a workout in before the kids woke up, but today I knew I needed the rest instead. So, I listened to my body, made myself a giant fruit smoothie, drank 10 ounces of water, and pulled out my bible for some early study time.

Now, about 2 hours later my headache is gone, I no longer feel dizzy, and I feel encouraged to keep going.

Can you imagine what I might feel like if I had chosen to not listen to my body and instead forced myself to get up and move?

Ugh. I probably would have felt HORRIBLE!

How many times have you pushed yourself beyond the point of exhaustion and felt it later? Or maybe, you felt emotionally overwhelmed and forced yourself to keep going, only to later have a breakdown?

You see, our bodies give us cues by way of fatigue, overwhelm, stress, and sickness. Which are all a sign that you may need to take a step back and rest.

The Sabbath

That’s why, as a part of my regular weekly routine, I make sure to prepare for and prioritize the Sabbath day. There is both biblical and scientific backing that shows the benefits of keeping the Sabbath, including:

Physical Benefits of The Sabbath

• Reduces Stress: A full day of rest helps lower cortisol, reducing stress and boosting mood.
• Enhances Physical Health: Regular rest strengthens immunity, lowers the risk of chronic illness, and supports physical recovery.
• Improves Productivity: Taking breaks boosts efficiency, creativity, and focus when returning to work.
• Supports Mental Clarity: Rest days improve memory, focus, and emotional resilience by allowing the brain to process and refresh.
• Strengthens Relationships: Dedicating time to disconnect from work fosters meaningful relationships with family and community.

Spiritual Benefits of the Sabbath

• Restores Spiritual Connection: The Sabbath is a time for worship and deeper connection with God, modeled by His own rest after creation.
• Renews Faith: Observing the Sabbath encourages reliance on God’s provision and realignment with His purpose.
• Encourages Gratitude: Pausing work allows reflection on blessings, fostering gratitude and contentment.
• Promotes Renewal: Jesus taught that the Sabbath is a gift meant to restore well-being, offering a break from worldly pressures.
• Builds Community: The Sabbath traditionally fosters fellowship, strengthening faith and community bonds.

If you’ve never kept the Sabbath and are intrigued on how it can benefit you, read more here > How One Weekly Change Can Drastically Improve Your Life

Cultivate a Spirit of Generosity

“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” – Proverbs 31:20

Generosity and kindness enhance both your spirit and your relationships. By giving to others and caring for those in need, you embody the love of Christ, which brings fulfillment and joy into your life.

Matthew 22:35-40 tells the story of a lawyer, curious to know the truth, he asked, “What are the greatest commandments?”. And Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Loving God means doing the will of God, which is loving your neighbor as yourself.

If you are hungry, do you not eat? If you are thirsty, do you not drink?
If you are cold, do you not clothe yourself?

Why then, would anyone choose to hold back these things from another?

God desires for us to give freely and joyfully to those in need.

I always imagine God’s heart swelling with joy when he sees the compassion of his children towards one another. And like-wise, how sad he must feel when we bypass those in need.

Just as is God’s desire, the Provers 31 woman, “opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

Build Strong Relationships

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26

Did you know loneliness can kill?

No, really!

Sara Berg, MS, with the American Medical Association reported “There is some evidence to note that people who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness are at increased risk for premature death,” said Dr. Clark, adding that “social isolation and loneliness were associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% risk of stroke.”¹

Societal connections are a must for everyone!

That’s probably why Hebrews 10:25 tells us, “Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.”

The Proverbs 31 woman knows the value of wisdom and kindness in relationships. Nurture your connections with others by speaking words of encouragement, and build your home on a foundation of love and respect.

If you’re struggling to find a community of believers, I encourage you to join the growing Chaos to Calm Facebook Group where we share life stories, mishaps, parenting imperfections, Jesus, encouragement and so much more!

Stay Organized and Prepared

“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:27

Keeping your home and life in order reduces stress and brings a sense of peace. Whether through meal planning, organizing, or managing your time effectively, staying prepared allows you to handle the demands of life with grace.

My parents modeled home organization and a clean space, but somehow I did not actually learn the skills of keeping an orderly home and being prepared. So, here I am 35-years-old with three children, just learning the skills. Boy-oh-boy has it been stressful up until the point where I finally figured out what I was doing wrong.

Now, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But – I listened to the audio version of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, which helped me realized that I was not doing myself, my children, or even my stuff any favors by living the way I was.

So, little by little, I began to declutter – removing excess things like cups, plates, papers, toys, papers, clothes, shoes, and even home decor – allowing me to take a fresh look at my space and see what was and was not working.

Then, I implemented a daily and weekly cleaning routine that has allowed my home to stay organized, clean, and much more manageable! Is it perfect? Absolutely not! I’ve got three kids, two dogs, and guinea pig. But, it doesn’t create overwhelm any longer.

Quick Tips for Getting Your House In Order

If you’re in this place where your house feels out of control and you don’t know where to begin, don’t be discouraged! We all have to start somewhere! Here’s where you can start:

• Start with Decluttering: Focus on clearing counters and surfaces to create a more organized space.
• Establish Daily Cleaning Habits: Make beds, do a quick kitchen tidy-up, and handle mail as it arrives.
• Create a Cleaning Schedule: Tackle one area each day to prevent overwhelming tasks.
• Use Baskets for Organization: Keep similar items together and reduce clutter.
• Set a Timer: Spend 15–20 minutes tidying each evening to maintain order effortlessly. (This was a game changer for me)

For more help, check out my free Chaos to Calm: Get Your Home In Order Checklist

Embrace Your God-Given Purpose

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30

How easy it is to compare ourselves to others, especially when we can only see one side of their life.

Susan looks so happy with her new husband – why doesn’t my husband do that?
Jennifer’s kids are always clean and put together – Look at my kids with messy hair
Amber has an amazing high-paying corporate career – Why didn’t I finish college?

Trust me when I say, this is Satan’s trap. This is his curse. He was the origin of envy and comparison. Thinking himself to be so amazing, he compared himself with his own Creator and felt he was a better fit to be on the throne.

I think about it like this, God has a perfect calling and path for each of us, but when we allow comparison to come into our hearts it distracts us from what we are meant to do.

For me, I truly believe I am meant to be a writer and a stay-at-home mom, which doesn’t make a lot of sense logically considering I am a single mom with only one income. Yet, I stepped out in faith and am leaving my corporate job in just a few short weeks to pursue motherhood and writing full time.

Could I fail?

SURE! But, I choose not to focus on that. Instead, I focus on the excitement of waking up each morning, spending time with Jesus, snuggling my kids, and writing my heart out at my convenience.

And when doubt creeps into my mind, I am reminded that God is the one who places our desires in our hearts, so only He can be the one to fulfill them.

So I encourage you, choose to embrace who God has made you to be with your flaws and all, and find true freedom and confidence to follow your God-given calling.

True beauty comes from knowing and living out your God-given purpose. When you place your identity in Christ, you become a reflection of His love and grace—radiating beauty that goes far beyond the physical.

Final Thoughts About The Proverbs 31 Woman

The reality is that wellness is not just about our physical appearance—it’s about the condition of our hearts. Society may tell us that self-care means spa days, a skincare routine with 700+ products, or a day away from the kids.

But looking and feeling your best comes from both self-care and soul-care.

When we choose to prioritize the things of the Lord, His character begins to transform us in ways that make us look and feel our best—inside and out. Let these Proverbs 31-inspired habits guide your daily life so you can embrace who God truly meant you to be. Build a life that radiates beauty, confidence, and grace in every way.

And remember…

“What comes out of the mouth starts in the heart…” – Matthew 15:18

As we reflect on the incredible journey of the Proverbs 31 woman, let’s remember that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about embracing who we are and living fully in our God-given purpose. Each of us has our own unique path, filled with dreams, challenges, and opportunities to shine His light in our lives and the lives of those around us.

You are more than enough just as you are! Let go of comparisons and embrace the beautiful woman God created you to be. Celebrate your unique calling, whether that’s nurturing your family, pursuing your passions, or whatever role He has placed before you. Each step you take toward living out your purpose is a testament to your faith and a blessing to those you encounter.

Taking Action

I encourage you to take a moment right now to reflect on the habits of the Proverbs 31 woman we’ve explored. Choose one to embrace this week, whether it’s starting your day with prayer, practicing gratitude, or making time for self-care. Let it guide you toward nurturing your spirit and fulfilling your God-given purpose.

If this message resonates with you and you want to share your journey or connect with other like-minded women, I invite you to join our Chaos to Calm Facebook Group. Together, we can encourage one another, share our stories, and grow in our faith as we strive to embody the principles of the Proverbs 31 woman.

Remember, you are on a beautiful journey of growth and transformation. Celebrate each small victory and trust that God is with you every step of the way. Let’s embrace the beauty of being a Proverbs 31 woman together!

I’d love to hear from you!

What habits help you look and feel your best? Share in the comments below and let’s inspire each other on this journey to wellness, inside and out!

Citations

1. American Medical Association. “What Doctors Wish Patients Knew about Loneliness and Health.” AMA, Oct 4, 2023. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-loneliness-and-health. ↩︎