19 self care quotes to remind you to look after yourself

Most of us know that taking time out to look after ourselves is important, but doing something for yourself doesn’t come naturally to all. Self care quotes can therefore be a good reminder of why looking after ourselves is important, as is setting that time aside for dedicated “self care”. 

Whether your go-to self care activity is curling up with one of the best films on Netflix, or you prefer to put on one of the best face masks and have a bubble bath, scheduling in some “me time” every now and then is a must for your mental wellbeing. 

So, to that end, we’ve collated a bunch of brilliant words of wisdom about the importance of self care and self love to help you to press pause and take stock. Revisit this list of self care quotes when you need reminding of why it’s important to recharge your batteries. 

Shonda Rhimes

This gem comes from the woman behind some of our favourite TV shows, from Grey’s Anatomy to How to Get Away With Murder, Shonda Rhimes.

Suzy Reading 

Author and pyschologist Suzy Reading brilliantly sums up the need to put your needs first.

The Good Quote 

It's easy to get caught up in feeling like you need to be productive all the time, but sometimes a self care day just looks like existing. 

Lizzo

A great reminder from Lizzo on the importance of giving yourself a little TLC. 

Alicia Keys

Shared via her wellness brand Keys Soulcare, a little self care enables you to shine brightly – even when you don't leave the house. 

Arianna Huffington

Co-founder of The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, has wise words on protecting your energy.

Yung Pueblo

Setting boundaries is a form of self care, as these words from writer and speaker Yung Pueblo remind us.

E. Russell 

A great reminder from poet E. Russell on the importance of rest. 

Charlie Mackesy

Author of the best-selling book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, many of author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy's quotes help to get people through tough times. 

Megan Jayne Crabbe 

We love this quote from author, presenter and influencer Megan Jayne Crabbe, formerly known as @bodiposipanda.

Headspace

Self care looks like whatever you need that day, as mindfulness app Headspace reminds us here. 

Emily Coxhead

Self care is also about conserving your energy, and part of that is trying not to worry about things you can't control – as founder of The Happy Newspaper Emily Coxhead has brilliantly illustrated here. 

Rupi Kaur

There are so many brilliant quotes from Rupi Kaur's poetry, but this one is particularly great at illustrating of the importance of self care and self love. 

Christina Scotch

Designer Christina Scotch, AKA @quotesbychristie, brings words of wisdom to life on the 'gram, and we think this applies nicely to taking time out for self care. 

Andy Leek

You've probably seen notes to strangers pop up on Instagram – or maybe even been lucky enough to see one IRL – founded by the brilliant Andy Leek, and taking time to just sit and be present while listening to music definitely counts as self care.

Stacie Swift 

The bottom line of self care? Making yourself a priority in some way, however big or small, as illustrator Stacie Swift demonstrates. 

The Female Collective 

The Female Collective's page is jam-packed with brilliant and insightful self care quotes like this one. 

Calm

You're probably familiar with the Calm app and its sleep stories, reminding you to take care of you. 

The Positive Diary

Because you can't be all things for all people!