Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Jess Brown
Self-care quotes can be powerful anchors when life feels like it’s moving too fast or demanding too much. If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re feeling stretched thin, looking for words that might offer a moment of peace or perspective in the chaos.
I know that feeling all too well. There are seasons in life when everything seems to pile up at once—deadlines, responsibilities, expectations (both others’ and our own). During these moments, the right words can act as a gentle reset button for our overworked minds.
That’s why I put together this collection of self-care quotes that have helped me through my own tough times. I’ve organized them based on different struggles we all face—from feeling behind in life (my personal challenge lately) to setting boundaries or simply needing a reminder that it’s okay to put yourself first. These words aren’t just nice sayings—they’re the kind of perspective shifts that can actually help in those moments when life feels like too much to handle. When your mind is racing and you need something to ground you, sometimes the right words can be exactly what you need.
Whether you’re feeling behind in life, struggling with boundaries, or simply needing to prioritize your wellbeing, you’ll find words here that speak to your experience. I’ve also included practical ways to implement the wisdom behind these quotes, because self-care isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about actually doing it.
How Self-Care Quotes Can Transform Your Perspective
Words have a unique power to interrupt patterns of thinking that keep us stuck. When we’re overwhelmed, our thoughts often spiral in unhelpful directions—catastrophizing, self-criticism, or endless worry about things beyond our control. The right quote, at the right moment, can gently redirect our attention.
I keep a small collection of quotes that have helped me during difficult times. One that’s been particularly meaningful recently is from Thich Nhat Hanh: “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” When I’m feeling anxious about the future or comparing my progress to where I think I should be, these words remind me to return to what’s actually happening right now.
These quotes work best when they become more than just words on a page. Try writing one that resonates on a sticky note for your desk or setting it as your phone background. The key is making these reminders visible in the spaces where you most need them. Even better, pair a meaningful quote with a specific action—like taking three deep breaths or stepping outside for fresh air whenever you read it.
Why Self-Care Is Important (Beyond the Obvious)
Self-care has become somewhat of a buzzword, often reduced to bubble baths and face masks. While there’s nothing wrong with those things, true self-care goes much deeper. At its core, self-care is about maintaining your fundamental wellbeing so you can function effectively and find joy in your life.
The truth is, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When we neglect our own needs, everything suffers: our work quality declines, our relationships strain, and our health deteriorates. I’ve learned this the hard way, pushing through exhaustion until my body simply wouldn’t cooperate anymore.
What I’ve come to understand is that self-care creates a foundation for everything else in life. It’s like securing your own oxygen mask before helping others—you simply can’t pour from an empty cup. And sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest, reset, and return with renewed energy.
My own relationship with self-care has evolved over time. What once felt like a luxury I didn’t deserve has become non-negotiable maintenance. I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t a reward for productivity—it’s what makes productivity (and joy, and presence, and everything else) possible in the first place.
What Is Overwhelm? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
Overwhelm is more than just having too much on your plate. It’s a physiological state where your body’s stress response system gets stuck in high gear. When this happens, your nervous system floods with stress hormones, triggering that familiar feeling of racing thoughts, tight chest, shallow breathing, and inability to focus.
Your body doesn’t distinguish between different types of threats—whether you’re facing a work deadline, financial pressure, or relationship conflict, your system responds with the same survival mechanisms. The problem comes when these stress responses never get a chance to reset, leaving you in a chronic state of fight-or-flight.
For me, overwhelm shows up as a constant background hum of anxiety, interrupted sleep, and a mind that won’t stop running through to-do lists. I’ve learned to recognize these as warning signs that I need to pause and reset before pushing forward.
The most important thing to understand about overwhelm is that it’s not just “in your head”—it’s a whole-body experience that requires whole-body care. That might mean movement to process stress hormones, deep breathing to activate your rest-and-digest system, or simply getting enough sleep so your body can recover from the day’s demands.
Self-Care Quotes for When You Feel Behind in Life
That feeling of being behind—of watching others reach milestones while you feel stuck or moving too slowly—can be incredibly painful. I’ve struggled with this more than I care to admit, especially in my mid-40s, looking at where I am versus where I thought I’d be by now.
The pressure to be further along financially, professionally, or personally can be overwhelming. What helps me in these moments is remembering that life isn’t a race with a standardized timeline. Each of us has our own path, with unique challenges, lessons, and timing.
Here are 15 quotes that offer perspective when you feel like you’re not measuring up to your own or others’ expectations:
- “You are not behind. You are not a failure. You are exactly where you need to be, learning exactly what you need to know.” – Neeramitra Reddy
- “The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.” – Jordan Peterson
- “Trust the timing of your life. It’s perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it.” – Brittany Josephina
- “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” – Mark Black
- “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
- “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” – Jon Acuff
- “You’re allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.” – Sophia Bush
- “Your worth is not measured by your productivity.” – Cory Muscara
- “Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year.” – Karen Salmansohn
- “Sometimes you need to step outside, get some air, and remind yourself of who you are and where you want to be.” – Gossip Girl
- “The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.” – Mark Nepo
- “It’s okay to live a life others don’t understand.” – Jenna Woginrich
- “Everything will happen for you all of a sudden and you will be thankful you didn’t give up. Blessings are coming. Believe that.” – Ava Max
- “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” – Joyce Meyer
- “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.” – Nicole Reed
When these thoughts creep in, try these practices:
- Write down three things you’ve accomplished that weren’t on your original life plan but brought value anyway
- Create a “done list” instead of just a to-do list to acknowledge how far you’ve come
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and write freely about what “success” truly means to you, beyond external markers
Self-Care Quotes for Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries might be one of the most essential forms of self-care, yet it’s something many of us struggle with. For years, I found myself saying yes to commitments that drained my energy, worried about disappointing others or being perceived as selfish.
What I’ve learned is that boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out—they’re guidelines that protect your energy and allow you to show up more fully in the relationships and work that matter most. When I started viewing boundaries as a form of respect—both for myself and others—it became easier to establish and maintain them.
Here are 15 quotes that can help strengthen your resolve when setting necessary boundaries:
- “When you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you’re not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” – Paulo Coelho
- “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.” – Brené Brown
- “You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.” – Tony Gaskins
- “Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it.” – Anna Taylor
- “Boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal, and necessary.” – Doreen Virtue
- “No is a complete sentence.” – Anne Lamott
- “When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated.” – Brené Brown
- “Your boundaries are your values in action.” – Cheryl Richardson
- “Saying no can be the ultimate self-care.” – Claudia Black
- “Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away. They’re about clarifying what’s okay and what’s not okay.” – Nedra Glover Tawwab
- “You are allowed to leave any story you don’t find yourself in.” – Unknown
- “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed
- “The only people who get upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who benefited from you having none.” – Unknown
- “It’s not your job to like me—it’s mine.” – Byron Katie
- “Sometimes you don’t need a goal in life, you don’t need to know the big picture. You just need to know what you’re going to do next.” – Sophie Kinsella
When you’re struggling to maintain boundaries, try:
- Writing down exactly what you need to say before entering a difficult conversation
- Creating a daily “non-negotiable” time block that’s just for you
- Practicing saying “I’ll need to check my schedule and get back to you” instead of immediately saying yes
Self-Care Quotes for Mental and Emotional Wellness
Mental and emotional self-care might be the most fundamental form of wellness, yet it’s often the first thing we neglect when life gets busy. I’ve found that taking care of my mind isn’t a luxury—it’s as essential as eating or sleeping.
These past few years have reminded all of us how fragile our mental balance can be, and how important it is to create practices that support our emotional wellbeing. For me, small daily check-ins make all the difference between feeling grounded and feeling scattered.
Here are 15 quotes that honor the importance of mental and emotional self-care:
- “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott
- “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” – Ralph Marston
- “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman
- “Self-care is how you take your power back.” – Lalah Delia
- “Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” – Wayne Dyer
- “The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
- “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
- “Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” – Deborah Day
- “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum
- “You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise Hay
- “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” – Stephen Covey
- “There is a quiet place where no one disturbs you. Peace of mind is internal.” – Unknown
- “Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” – William S. Burroughs
- “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James
- “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” – Ovid
Simple practices for mental and emotional wellness:
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- Take a 5-minute “thought inventory” at the end of each day, noting what’s weighing on you
- Create a worry time—set aside 15 minutes to actively worry, then commit to letting those thoughts go
- Develop a physical signal (like placing your hand on your heart) that reminds you to breathe and center yourself
Self-Care Quotes for Physical Nourishment
Our bodies carry us through every moment of our lives, yet it’s easy to take them for granted until something goes wrong. Physical self-care isn’t about pursuing perfection or meeting arbitrary standards—it’s about honoring the incredible vessel that allows you to experience life.
I’ve had seasons where I pushed my body too hard and others where I neglected it entirely. What I’ve learned is that sustainable physical self-care isn’t about dramatic changes or punishing routines—it’s about consistent, compassionate choices that make you feel better in your body.
Here are 15 quotes to inspire physical nourishment as a form of self-care:
- “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
- “Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” – Thomas Dekker
- “The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” – Sakyong Mipham
- “Your body is precious. It is your vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” – Buddha
- “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” – Irish Proverb
- “The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore
- “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.” – Carol Welch
- “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
- “Rest when you’re tired. Breathe deeply more often. Be kind, especially when you feel cranky.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
- “If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.” – Unknown
- “The part can never be well unless the whole is well.” – Plato
- “Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet but one of the most vital.” – Kelly Barton
- “The greatest wealth is health.” – Virgil
- “Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.” – Greg Anderson
- “Caring for your physical body is an act of self-respect.” – Bryant McGill
Simple physical self-care practices:
- Start each morning with a full glass of water before anything else
- Take a 2-minute stretch break for every hour you spend sitting
- Create a bedtime ritual that signals to your body it’s time to rest
Self-Care Quotes for Spiritual Connection
Spiritual self-care doesn’t necessarily mean following a specific religious practice—it’s about connecting to something larger than yourself, finding meaning, and nurturing your sense of purpose. These practices help us make sense of our place in the world and offer perspective during difficult times.
For me, spiritual self-care might look like time in nature, meditation, or simply moments of gratitude that remind me of life’s interconnectedness. These practices ground me when I’m feeling adrift and help me remember what truly matters.
Here are 15 quotes to inspire spiritual self-care:
- “The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love.” – Marianne Williamson
- “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
- “Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
- “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass
- “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” – Rumi
- “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi
- “We are all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass
- “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” – Rumi
- “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung
- “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” – Rumi
- “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness.” – Margaret Wheatley
- “Grace is available for each of us every day – our spiritual bread – but we’ve got to remember to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
- “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.” – Buddha
Simple spiritual self-care practices:
- Take a few minutes each morning to set an intention for the day
- Find a piece of nature—even a single leaf or flower—and observe it closely
- Write down three things you’re grateful for before bed
Self-Care Quotes for When You Need Permission
One of the biggest barriers to self-care is feeling like we don’t deserve it or can’t justify taking time for ourselves. I’ve struggled with this myself, thinking I needed to earn rest or that taking care of myself was somehow selfish when there was work to be done.
What I’ve come to understand is that permission doesn’t come from checking everything off our to-do lists or meeting some external standard—it comes from recognizing our inherent worth and our very human need for care and replenishment.
Here are 10 quotes that offer the permission you might be seeking:
- “Rest is not idle, is not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do for body and soul.” – Erica Layne
- “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown
- “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” – Mandy Hale
- “How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” – Rupi Kaur
- “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed
- “When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” – Jean Shinoda Bolen
- “You owe yourself the love that you so freely give others.” – Unknown
- “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
- “You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to be unproductive. Your worth is tied to your existence, not what you can produce or provide.” – Unknown
When you struggle to prioritize your own needs:
- Write yourself a physical permission slip (like the ones from school) for whatever form of self-care you need
- Ask yourself: “What would I tell my best friend if they were in my situation?”
- Set a timer for just 10 minutes of self-care to start—often the hardest part is beginning
Using These Self-Care Quotes in Your Daily Life
Self-care quotes can do more than just inspire momentary feelings—they can actually become practical tools for shifting your mindset and actions when life feels overwhelming. I’ve found several ways to incorporate these words into my daily routines, turning them from nice sentiments into actual support systems.
One simple approach is to choose a quote that really resonates with you right now and make it visible in your environment. Write it on your bathroom mirror, set it as your phone background, or put it on a sticky note on your computer. Having these words in places you’ll naturally see throughout your day creates micro-moments of reconnection with what matters.
For deeper work, try using a quote as a journaling prompt. Take just five minutes to explore what the words mean to you personally, how they apply to your current situation, or what might change if you fully embraced their message. This turns passive reading into active reflection.
You might also create a “quote emergency kit”—a small collection of quotes that have helped you in the past, kept somewhere accessible for when you’re feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed. Just like you might have a first aid kit for physical emergencies, this collection serves as emotional first aid when you need it most.
What matters isn’t collecting hundreds of inspirational sayings, but finding the few that truly speak to your heart and making them part of how you navigate difficulties. Sometimes the right words at the right moment can be exactly the perspective shift you need.
Even More Reading On This Topic:
- 10 Powerful Self Care Quotes to Celebrate International Self-Care Day (Plus Expert Tips for Daily Practice)
- 30 Transformative Healing Quotes to Inspire Your Journey (Plus Journal Prompts)
- Neville Goddard Manifestation Techniques: A Practical Guide to Living Your Dreams
FAQ About Self-Care Practices
This is something I’ve struggled with too. What helped me shift my perspective was realizing that self-care isn’t separate from my responsibilities—it’s what enables me to meet them effectively. When I skip self-care, everything else actually suffers: my work quality declines, I have less patience with loved ones, and tasks take longer because I’m not functioning at my best.
Try thinking of self-care as necessary maintenance rather than an optional luxury. Just as you wouldn’t expect your car to run without regular oil changes, you can’t expect yourself to function well without proper rest and care. Start small with 10-15 minute blocks of self-care, and notice how it actually improves your ability to handle everything else.
That racing mind is so familiar to me! One approach that helps is to actually schedule your self-care time—put it on your calendar just like any other important appointment. Then, before you begin, try a “brain dump” where you write down everything that’s on your mind. Getting those thoughts onto paper can help your brain let go temporarily, knowing you won’t forget anything important
Another technique is to start with more active forms of self-care before trying to do something completely still. For example, walking or gentle stretching might be easier than meditation when your mind is very busy. The physical movement gives the restless energy somewhere to go, making it easier to transition to quieter activities afterward.
During the busiest or most difficult times, self-care might look different than usual, and that’s okay. The key is scaling your practices to fit your current capacity while not abandoning them entirely
I’ve found that having a few “non-negotiable” micro-practices helps—things that take just 1-2 minutes but help maintain your baseline. This might be three deep breaths before starting your car, a moment of gratitude before eating, or simply stepping outside for fresh air between meetings.
Also, during crisis periods, self-care often means being gentler with your expectations. Sometimes the most caring thing you can do is acknowledge that you’re in a difficult season and adjust accordingly, rather than trying to maintain “perfect” self-care on top of everything else.
I’ve definitely been there—enthusiastically starting new self-care routines only to abandon them within weeks. What’s made the difference for me is attaching new practices to existing habits (what some call “habit stacking”).
For example, I do a quick body scan for tension while waiting for my coffee to brew each morning. I already make coffee daily, so linking the new practice to this existing routine helps it stick. Look for natural transitions or waiting periods in your day that could accommodate a brief self-care practice.
Another helpful approach is lowering the bar for what counts as “success.” Instead of aiming for 30 minutes of meditation daily, commit to just one minute. You can always do more if you feel like it, but setting the minimum requirement extremely low makes it hard to find excuses to skip it entirely.
This is such an important question because self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. What rejuvenates one person might drain another. I’ve found that paying attention to how I feel both during and after different activities gives me the best information.
After trying a potential self-care practice, ask yourself: Do I feel more or less energized? More or less centered? More or less like myself? The answers will guide you toward what your system truly needs.
Also, consider your personality and natural tendencies. If you’re an extrovert, social connection might be essential self-care. If you’re highly sensitive, quiet alone time might be non-negotiable. The most sustainable self-care practices align with who you authentically are, not who you think you should be.
Incorporating Self-Care Quotes into Your Journey
Self-care quotes serve as powerful reminders when we most need them. They can spark insight, offer comfort, or simply help us remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind in life, or simply in need of a reset, returning to words that resonate can be an anchor in difficult moments.
I hope the quotes in this collection give you both permission and practical wisdom for taking care of yourself. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential maintenance for living your fullest, most meaningful life.
Find the words that speak to your heart, make them visible in your daily life, and let them guide you back to center when life feels overwhelming. Your wellbeing matters, not just for your own sake, but for everyone and everything you care about.
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