Self care quotes can serve as visual, mental and written reminders of self love in a proactive way.
Similar to placing words of affirmation on your mirror or manifesting with repetition, self care quotes can be used as a screensaver on your phone or laptop to keep this important mindset with you daily. You can also add them to your vision board, wall, self love jar and more!
Learn how to create your very own digital vision board here:
Digital Vision Board – Step-by-Step Guide
What is a good quote about self care?
One of the best self care quotes were shared by Buddha:
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
What does self-care mean to you?
To me, self care means finding the combination of practices that make sense for your mind, body and soul.
Self care is essentially a personalized recipe that is unique to you.
To start your journey to figuring out the best self care combination, try out my 30 day challenge:
30 Day Self Care Challenge
You can always look at one of these self care quotes each day of the month to serve as inspiration and little nudges to always consider your own needs.
Self Care Quotes – 30 Daily Reminders to Love Yourself
Full List
- “Have you told you lately that you love you?” – by Rainbow Books
- “Proactive self-care is better than reactive self-care.” – by Psychology Today
- “If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you’ll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren’t even giving to yourself.” – by Barbara De Angelis
- “Self-care looks different for everyone, and because your needs change as your life changes, the way you practice it will change over time, too.” – by Lynda Monk
- “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” – by Brené Brown
- “When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” – by Paulo Coelho
- “You are worth the quiet moment. You are worth the deeper breath. You are worth the time it takes to slow down, be still, and rest.” – by Morgan Flores
- “I will be patient with myself as I develop into the person I am meant to be. Being perfect is not the goal. Continuing to grow in a positive direction is the goal.” – Unknown
- “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax” – by Mark Black.
- “It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self-love deficit.” – by Eartha Kitt
- “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – by Buddha
- “Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.” – by Kristi Ling
- “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – by Oscar Wilde
- “That moment, when you think you don’t have time to take care of yourself, is the exact moment you have to take care of yourself.” – Unknown
- “It takes courage and bravery to show up for yourself and express what you want.” – by Christine Vargo, SCSW
- “Just because you take breaks doesn’t mean you’re broken.” – by Curtis Tyrone Jones
- “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” – by Stephen Covey
- “Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos- the trees, the clouds, everything.” – by Thich Nhat Hanh
- “Learn to love yourself first instead of loving the idea of other people loving you” – by John Spence
- “With every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.” – by Susan Weiss Berry
- “An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows it to shine vibrantly, lighting the way for others.” – by Project Happiness
- “Become a priority in your life” – Unknown
- “If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.” – by Ivan Nuru
- “You are worth more than second thoughts and maybes” – by Tina Navarro
- “We all get so caught up in the moment of what we’re doing every day, it’s hard to hit that reset button and get pulled away from all that and see life from a different perspective.” – by Tony Stewart
- “They say self-care is the greatest middle-finger of all time. We should all make use of it more often.” – by Adelina Vasile
- “It’s not your job to like me…it’s mine!” – by Byron Katie
- “Don’t forget to drink some water and get some sun. You’re basically a house plant with more complicated emotions.” – by Pearl Haggard
- “When life gives you a dumpster fire, roast marshmallows.” – by Unknown
- “Some things are just better not spread too thin. Yourself and peanut butter.”- by Unknown
1. “Have you told you lately that you love you?” – by Rainbow Books
Several years ago, I came across a Tumblr post that said: When someone asks you what do you love,’ you’ll often run through a long list of people and things in your life. Your significant other, best friend, mom, dad, siblings, your car, your job, etc.
But how long does it take you to include yourself? Do you ever mention yourself when listing who and what you love?
Although I was never able to find that post again, the quote really spoke to me and always is a reminder that it’s important to include myself when thinking about who and what I cherish in this world.
2. “Proactive self-care is better than reactive self-care.” – by Psychology Today
Practicing self care in a proactive way is probably one of the most important tips I’ve learned to implement into my routine.
After a stressful week at work, I used to find myself saying “I neeed to go to yoga class!” or after a stressful few months, I began looking up wellness retreats and planning a vacation for some time off.
Recently, I decided to incorporate self care into my daily habits.
Some proactive activities I do daily and weekly for self care are:
- Yoga
- Going to the beach
- Getting sun
- Bike riding
- Boxing
- Versa Climbing
- Journaling
- Nighttime body care
3. “If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you’ll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren’t even giving to yourself.” – by Barbara De Angelis
This quote really resonated with me because I’ve had a recent experience with a friend that triggered these emotions. For a long time, I wasn’t able to pour into myself and began feeling resentful of them and had to remove myself from the friendship as a result.
Learning to pour into yourself and finding the right balance can be challenging but it’s important to carve out time for you and you only.
4. “Self-care looks different for everyone, and because your needs change as your life changes, the way you practice it will change over time, too.” – by Lynda Monk
We often see a range of self care activities shared on social media or on a blog (like this one lol!). Sometimes, the activities might not appeal to us. Maybe you’re not into skin care routines but like body care routines. Maybe you’re not into journaling or meditation, but enjoy pilates.
Also, overtime, your preferred self care activities may have changed. Maybe going to the beach isn’t your thing anymore. Maybe you prefer biking now. Maybe journaling isn’t sufficient for you and you want to start therapy.
That is perfectly normal. Always open your mind to new options, especially when certain practices aren’t serving you anymore.
5. “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” – by Brené Brown
When one of your friend’s makes a mistake, how do you treat them afterward?
Do you help them understand that it’s okay…that everybody makes mistakes?
Do you try to encourage them to be better and improve?
Hopefully your loved ones do the same for you and hopefully you do the same for yourself.
Try your best to combat your negative self-talk with the same encouraging words that you would share with your friends. You are worthy of the same treatment and should treat yourself kindly.
6. “When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” – by Paulo Coelho
Putting others before yourself can be damaging. Always make yourself a priority.
The word “selfish” is often used in a negative connotation but putting yourself first will add so much value to your life.
You cannot put yourself and what you value in second place to others and their wants and needs.
That will make you feel like you don’t matter, that your opinions aren’t valuable and what you care about isn’t meaningful.
Don’t dim your light by saying no to yourself.
When thinking about and taking action on your wants and needs, lead with yes.
7. “You are worth the quiet moment. You are worth the deeper breath. You are worth the time it takes to slow down, be still, and rest.” – by Morgan Flores
Take a moment to rest.
Whenever I need to recalibrate, rest or take a deep breath, I follow along with this video by Tracee Ellis Ross. Here, she shares a full routine for breathing exercises that help me to calm down, fall asleep and clear my mind.
8. “I will be patient with myself as I develop into the person I am meant to be. Being perfect is not the goal. Continuing to grow in a positive direction is the goal.” – Unknown
Giving up the strive for perfection is a tough battle and something that I had to work through, and continue to work through.
You don’t have to be perfect, you should just work on being kind to yourself and kind to others.
You can also work on improving yourself overtime, at a healthy and reasonable rate.
The expectation of perfection is not realistic, but growth and improvement are perfectly reasonable and achievable.
9. “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax” – by Mark Black.
Hyper productivity and girlboss culture has really done a number on us!
Over the last couple decades, we’ve been taught that we need to be a CEO, wake up at 5am every morning, workout intensely everyday, read every self-help book known to man…should I go on?
While this mindset came from a positive space originally, in order to help people (especially women) see themselves as leaders and capable of having an impact on the world, it was easy to exploit entrepreneur and hyper-productivity culture.
What is more important is balance and listening to your body.
Pick out exercises that make you feel better and that you love.
You don’t have to run 10 miles per day if it’s not your thing. Maybe you prefer dancing.
Figure out the work style and sources of income that work best for you.
You don’t have to own your own business. You can be perfectly happy with a 9-5 job that has excellent work-life balance.
Drown out the outside noise, try not to compare yourself to others and figure out what contentment and success means to you.
10. “It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self-love deficit.” – by Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt is well known for her personality, confidence and humor.
I love that Eartha highlighted the value of self love here.
This goes along with a lot of themes mentioned earlier, such as making sure your cup is full before you pour into others.
Many people look for love in order to fill spaces and holes that they think are incomplete in their lives.
Sharing love with others should instead stand alongside or compliment the love that you already have for yourself.
11. “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – by Buddha
Alongside his many teachings and practices, in this self care quote, Buddha is aiming to teach us to see ourselves as worthy of our own love and affection.
Your care, kindness and appreciation should not only be reserved for others. You deserve it too.
12. “Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.” – by Kristi Ling
You owe yourself love, care and attention. That is your responsibility.
One thing I’ve been learning to do is listening to my body more and working on being intune with my intuition.
How does your body feel after eating certain meals?
How are your emotions after hanging out with certain people?
Where do you feel most at peace?
Lean into what makes you feel good in a healthy way.
13. “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – by Oscar Wilde
When we think of romance, it’s often in the context of a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, etc.
But some of the best romances are friendships, like Issa and Molly, from HBO’s Insecure or Ilana and Abbi from Comedy Central’s Broad City.
And some of the greatest romances are stories with oneself, such as Eat Pray Love.
How will you provide romance to yourself?
Take yourself on solo dates, buy yourself flowers and remind yourself of how much you love you.
14. “That moment, when you think you don’t have time to take care of yourself, is the exact moment you have to take care of yourself.” – Unknown
Make self care a part of your routine.
It shouldn’t be a second thought or something you do after everything else is done.
Make it a priority.
15. “It takes courage and bravery to show up for yourself and express what you want.” – by Christine Vargo, SCSW
When I first started therapy, I remember my therapist told me that it took courage for me to be there and that really made me feel seen.
Self-care can be scary.
Standing up for yourself can be scary.
Expressing your needs can be scary.
The first time I went to therapy was scary.
The first time I went to the beach by myself was scary.
The first time (and everytime after lol!) that I confronted issues with loved ones was scary.
It takes courage. Always give yourself credit for that.
16. “Just because you take breaks doesn’t mean you’re broken.” – by Curtis Tyrone Jones
For many people, the idea of self care and relaxation can seem foreign.
Why take a break when you have so much to do, so much to accomplish?
Taking breaks might make you feel like a failure.
In reality, rest helps you become your best self.
Often times, when I take a break I have to remind myself that:
“It’s okay, everyone deserves rest no matter what, including you.”
“It’s okay, don’t beat yourself up over this, you need it.”
17. “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” – by Stephen Covey
Self care and self love take time.
In a year from now, you’ll learn things about yourself that you would have never noticed today.
It’s perfectly normal and life is not a race to become the best version of yourself tomorrow.
Healing doesn’t happen overnight and while it takes time, learn to be okay with that.
18. “Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos- the trees, the clouds, everything.” – by Thich Nhat Hanh
To me, self care encompasses body, mind and soul. What makes your body feel the best in a healthy way? How do you keep your mind sane?
One way that I look at the acts of eating healthy and exercise are that they are ways that I show myself how much I love myself and care about myself.
I care about my health and I care about my wellbeing so I will do everything in my power (in a healthy and balanced way) to take care of myself.
19. “Learn to love yourself first instead of loving the idea of other people loving you” – by John Spence
While receiving love from others is necessary and a beautiful existence, it’s extremely valuable to learn how to love yourself.
Many times, our ideas of love can be very idealistic, what we think love should feel like and what we imagine it would be.
But if we learn to love ourselves, we’ll genuinely understand how to identify safe, healthy and meaningful love from others.
This quote reminds of a TikTok video by @molly_fritz, where she shared that her therapist told her to write down everything she wishes her ex-boyfriend said to her.
We are taught to look for love, validation and words of affirmation from other people, when in reality we can give it to ourselves.
It helps us approach love and affection from others in a more healthy and balanced way, allowing us to come from a place of abundance and not from a place of desperation.
20. “With every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.” – by Susan Weiss Berry
Small steps lead to larger steps, which leads to major change and improvements.
I’ll share an example: Working on my side hustle, I’d make plans to work 20 hours a week on it, in addition to my full time job. And that was overwhelming for me and I couldn’t find the strength to get started at all.. But recently, I decided to dedicate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour per day, my baby steps.
One or two days per week I’d dedicate maybe 4 hours or so and I’ve found that I am much more consistent than before.
Baby steps.
It is unlikely that by tomorrow, you’ll wake up and have the perfect routine of meditation, a morning walk, reading a book, journaling and a skin care routine before 10am.
Work on building a new habit each week or month and build from there.
Baby steps.
21. “An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows it to shine vibrantly, lighting the way for others.” – by Project Happiness
Whether the light that you have is for yourself, others or both, keeping that light fueled will help you be your best self.
When you’re proactive about self care, you can make sure that you are there for others as your full self.
22. “Become a priority in your life” – Unknown
What are some things that you hold as a priority in your life?
What do you show up for?
Do you show up for yourself?
Are you your own priority?
23. “If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.” – by Ivan Nuru
Learning that I can’t control things that are out of my control has been very freeing.
I can’t change people. I am not responsible for the way that the world works.
I can only do my best to help myself and others.
24. “You are worth more than second thoughts and maybes” – by Tina Navarro
I saw a TikTok recently that spoke about why we may not keep up with appointments we have with ourselves because we may not respect ourselves.
For example, if we have a doctor’s appointment or have to go to work on time, we are most likely to keep those commitments. We have respect for the people involved and feel obligated to show up for them.
But do we have the same respect for ourselves?
When we make plans to break certain habits like procrastination or to build certain habits like exercising regularly, it’s easier to not show up since you are likely the only person keeping yourself accountable.
However, you can’t look at your self respect and personal consideration as a second thought, or as a maybe. You have to show up for yourself before anyone else.
25. “We all get so caught up in the moment of what we’re doing every day, it’s hard to hit that reset button and get pulled away from all that and see life from a different perspective.” – by Tony Stewart
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes or hours, including you.
It’s always valuable to take a moment to reset.
Close your laptop.
Take a walk.
Get some fresh air.
See the sun.
Take a nap.
Take moments each day to pause or start over and take a break. It will help you be your best self.
5 Funny Self Care Quotes
To add a lighthearted note to this list, check out a few funny self care quotes below:
26. “They say self-care is the greatest middle-finger of all time. We should all make use of it more often.” – by Adelina Vasile
27. “It’s not your job to like me…it’s mine!” – by Byron Katie
28. “Don’t forget to drink some water and get some sun. You’re basically a house plant with more complicated emotions.” – by Pearl Haggard
29. “When life gives you a dumpster fire, roast marshmallows.” – by Unknown
30. “Some things are just better not spread too thin. Yourself and peanut butter.”- by Unknown
What are some self-care quotes?
Some of the most popular, quick and simple self care quotes are:
“Self care isn’t selfish.”
“Be kind to yourself.”
“Believe in yourself.”
What are 5 positive quotes?
For meaningful and unique positive quotes, I always look to Twitter user @MichellCClark. Five of his positive quotes are:
Take very good care of yourself quotes
Two useful quotes that about taking good care of yourself are:
Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” – Jim Rohn
“Make your happiness a priority” – Mandy Hale