These self care quotes are not just words on a page—they’re gentle reminders that taking care of ourselves isn’t optional; it’s essential. Are you feeling exasperated, exhausted, or just running on empty? You’re not alone.

The world we live in never stops moving, so, often, neither do we. Almost all of us are guilty of forgetting to pause and care for ourselves on a regular basis. From soothing our minds to nurturing our souls, self care is the key to unlocking a healthier, more balanced life. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly giving and never receiving, maybe it’s time to refill your own cup.

The Power of Self Care

Self care is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental practice for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For many of us, taking time for self care can feel like a luxury, but it is, in fact, a necessity. Whether it’s finding moments of quiet in a hectic day or practicing mindfulness, self care allows us to reconnect with ourselves and reset our inner compass.

Self care also builds resilience, and resilience is the foundation that helps us face life’s challenges with strength and grace. By nurturing ourselves, we come to know ourselves. And when we know ourselves, we cultivate inner strength and fortitude that allows us to recover from setbacks and difficulties.

When we prioritize self care, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate the highs and lows of life more effectively. Awareness, self-compassion, motivation, resourcefulness, and resilience all grow within us when we take time for selfcare.

Please enjoy these self care quotes and let us know your favorite in the comment section!

The Best Self Care Quotes

Finding time for self care in everyday life feels incredibly difficult, but these self care quotes highlight why it is just so important to do.

You are the only you the world has, and it’s up to you to take care of that person (for all of us, but mostly for yourself).

• “Self care is how you take your power back.” ― Lalah Delia

• “Self care means giving yourself permission to pause.” —Cecilia Tran

• “Taking care of myself doesn’t mean ‘me first.’ It means ‘me, too.” ― L.R. Knost

• “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” — Katie Reed

• “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” —Anne Lamott

• “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” ― Audre Lorde

• “Self care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” — Parker Palmer

• “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.” ― Kristi Ling

• “To be a good parent, you need to take care of yourself so that you can have the physical and emotional energy to take care of your family.” — Michelle Obama

• “You are the most constant thing in your own life. Befriend yourself first. Invest in yourself first. Become yourself first. The rest will come together in time.” — Brianna Wiest

• “To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.” — Jill Bolte Taylor

Self-Compassion: Self Care Quotes about Embracing Kindness Toward Yourself

Self-compassion is the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend.

It means recognizing your own suffering and extending grace to yourself rather than judgment.

• “Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.” — Louise Hay

• “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” — Brené Brown

• “Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me.” ― Audre Lorde

• “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” — Maya Angelou

• Be kind to yourself so you can be happy enough to be kind to the world.” — Misha Collins

• You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha

• “The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.” — Steve Maraboli

• Nurturing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential to your survival and your well-being.” — Renée Peterson Trudeau

• “Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise L. Hay

• “Be kind to yourself, dear – to our innocent follies. Forget any sounds or touch you knew that did not help you dance. You will come to see that all evolves us.” — Rumi

• When you are compassionate with yourself, you trust in your soul, which you let guide your life. Your soul knows the geography of your destiny better than you do.” —John O’Donohue

Self Care Quotes About Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Peace

Boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy balance in life.

They allow us to protect our peace and energy by saying no to what doesn’t serve us and yes to what does.

Here are some self care quotes that will empower you to set and honor your boundaries:

• “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel

• “When you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” — Paulo Coelho

• “Boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal, and necessary.” — Doreen Virtue

• “Honoring your own boundaries is the clearest message to others to honor them too.” — Gina Greenlee

• “You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.” — Tony Gaskins

• “The only people who get upset when you set boundaries are those who benefit from you having none.” — Unknown

• “Your personal boundaries protect the inner core of your identity and your right to choices.” — Gerard Manley Hopkins

• Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” — Brené Brown

• “Compassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to and when they say yes, they mean it.” — Brené Brown

Being Present and Finding Peace with Self Care

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed.

It is the heart of self care.

These quotes remind us to slow down and embrace the now.

• “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” — Buddha

• “Mindfulness isn’t difficult; we just need to remember to do it.” — Sharon Salzberg

• “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” — Sonia Ricotti

• “Look past your thoughts, so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment.” — Rumi

• “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn

• “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh

• “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” — Mother Teresa

• “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh

• “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha

Self Care Quotes to Encourage Self Improvement

Self care also involves recognizing our potential and nurturing our growth.

Personal growth is about getting uncomfortable, facing our fears and self-limiting beliefs, learning from experiences, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

• The only journey is the one within.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

• Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” — Jim Rohn

• “Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” — Chinese Proverb

• “You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.” — Rupi Kaur

• “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

• “Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.” — Morihei Ueshiba

• “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou

• “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

• “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Zig Ziglar

• “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” —Oprah Winfrey

• “Self-love has very little to do with how you feel about your outer self. It’s about accepting all of yourself.” —Tyra Banks

• “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” — Rumi

More Inspiring Self Care Quotes

These additional self-care quotes serve as powerful reminders of the importance of putting yourself first, even in small ways.

Let them inspire you to see self-care not as a luxury, but as a fundamental part of living a balanced and fulfilled life.

• “I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art.” — Madonna

• “Take the time today to love yourself. You deserve it.” — Avina Celeste

• “Self care is not a waste of time. Self care makes your use of time more sustainable.” — Jackie Viramontez

• “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” — Mandy Hale

• “If you don’t love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won’t be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self.” —Wayne Dyer

• “There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.” — Brian Andreas

Finding Your Unique Path to Self Care

Each person’s journey toward self-care is unique; there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not resonate with another. That’s why it’s important to explore different practices, whether it’s through mindfulness, setting boundaries, or embracing personal growth, until you find what feels right for you. Reflect on the quotes and let them guide you to a deeper understanding of what self-care truly means for your life.

Think of self-care as a toolkit you can dip into whenever life feels overwhelming or stressful. Whether it’s a small act like taking a quiet walk, reading an inspiring quote, or spending time with loved ones, self-care can take many forms. The key is consistency—regularly incorporating these nurturing habits into your life can create a profound, lasting impact on your well-being.

Here are a few more ideas for how you can practice self care today and every day:

Create a Morning or Evening Ritual

Start or end your day with a routine that brings you peace and joy, such as enjoying a cup of tea, meditating, or reading a book.

Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings

Take a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This can help you process your feelings and gain clarity on how to move forward authentically.

Practice Gratitude

Make it a habit to write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This simple practice can shift your mindset and increase overall happiness.

Engage in Creative Activities

Explore a hobby or creative outlet like painting, gardening, or cooking, which can provide relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.

Unplug from Technology

Dedicate time each day to disconnect from screens, social media, and digital distractions to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

Enjoy a Luxurious Bath

Treat yourself to a long, relaxing soak with bath salts, essential oils, or bubbles. Light some candles, play soft music, and let yourself unwind.

Savor a Special Treat

Enjoy your favorite dessert, a gourmet coffee, or a glass of fine wine without guilt. Take your time to relish every bite or sip.

Start Your Self Care Journey Today

So, start today. Commit to at least one small act of self care each day and see how it transforms your mood, energy, and overall outlook.

By nurturing yourself, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. You’re giving yourself the permission to rest, heal, and grow in ways that matter most to you. So go ahead—embrace self-care as an essential part of your life. Your future self will thank you for it.

Remember, you deserve to feel cared for and valued, not just by others, but most importantly, by yourself. Let these quotes inspire you to build a daily practice of self-care that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.

Self Care is a Lifestyle

Self care is not a destination but a continuous practice. It’s a journey of loving and nurturing yourself every single day. The quotes shared here serve as gentle reminders that self care is an act of self love and compassion, an acknowledgment of your inherent worth.

By embracing these practices, you can build resilience, protect your peace, and grow into the best version of yourself. Remember, self care is not selfish; it’s essential. So take a moment, breathe deeply, and honor yourself today.

What are your favorite self care practices?

Do you have a favorite self care quote from this list?

Please tell us all about it in the comment section!

We would love to hear from you.