20 Self-Care Quotes: Choose To Prioritize Yourself Without Guilt
Last Updated on 3 days by Iva Ursano
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. Amidst juggling responsibilities and meeting others’ expectations, we often forget to nurture ourselves. This is where self-care quotes come into play, serving as gentle reminders to prioritize our well-being without guilt.

Embracing self-care not only enhances our relationship with ourselves but also positively impacts our connections with others. Understanding the significance of self-love can deepen our bonds, as highlighted in articles discussing healthy relationship quotes. Additionally, exploring ways to forgive using quotes can further enrich our personal growth journey.
20 Self-Care Quotes
Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.
– Eleanor Brown

This quote emphasizes that taking care of oneself is essential, not selfish. Just as you can’t pour from an empty cup, you can’t give your best to others without first replenishing your own energy. Prioritizing self-care enables you to support and care for those around you more effectively.
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
– Anne Lamott

Lamott reminds us of the power of taking breaks. Just as electronic devices need to be unplugged to reset, humans also benefit from moments of rest. Stepping away from daily stresses can rejuvenate our minds and bodies, leading to increased productivity and well-being.
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
– Buddha

This profound insight from Buddha highlights the universal need for self-love. Recognizing your own worth is fundamental to personal happiness. When you treat yourself with kindness and respect, it sets the standard for how others should treat you.
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Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.
– Audre Lorde

Lorde’s quote underscores that self-care is a vital act of survival. It’s not about indulgence but about preserving one’s well-being in a world that may not always be supportive. Prioritizing self-care can be a form of resistance against societal pressures.
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
– Oscar Wilde

Wilde playfully suggests that self-love is a continuous journey. Embracing and appreciating oneself leads to lasting happiness. This internal romance fosters confidence and contentment throughout life.
Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.
– Deborah Day

Day encourages self-compassion by acknowledging our imperfections. Accepting that making mistakes is part of being human allows for a kinder relationship with oneself. This gentle acceptance promotes mental and emotional well-being.
Self-care means giving yourself permission to pause.
– Cecilia Tran

Tran reminds us that it’s okay to take breaks. Likewise, pausing allows for reflection, rest, and rejuvenation. Consequently, embracing these moments of rest helps us recharge and approach life with renewed energy and focus.
The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.
– Steve Maraboli

Maraboli emphasizes that our relationship with ourselves sets the tone for all other relationships. Cultivating self-love and understanding leads to healthier interactions with others. Moreover, this foundational relationship is crucial for personal growth.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.
– Norm Kelly

Kelly highlights the necessity of self-care before assisting others. Ensuring your own well-being enables you to be more present and effective in supporting those around you.
Self-care is how you take your power back.
– Lalah Delia

Delia emphasizes that self-care empowers individuals. Likewise, by prioritizing our needs, we reclaim control over our lives. As a result, this empowerment fosters resilience and confidence, enabling us to face challenges with a stronger mindset.
Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow.
– Eleanor Brownn

Brownn highlights that rest is a crucial component of self-care. Replenishing our energy ensures we can give to others without depletion. A well-rested mind and body lead to more meaningful connections.
Talk to yourself like someone you love.
– Brené Brown

Brown reminds us that the way we speak to ourselves matters. Practicing positive self-talk nurtures self-compassion. So, replacing self-criticism with kindness can dramatically improve our mental and emotional well-being.
Be enough for yourself first. The rest of the world can wait.
– fwQuotes

This quote underscores that self-sufficiency should be a priority. When we find fulfillment within, external validation becomes less necessary. This inner strength fosters resilience and happiness.
Take time to do what makes your soul happy.
– Unknown

Prioritizing activities that bring joy is a key aspect of self-care. Whether it’s painting, reading, or taking a walk, engaging in soul-nourishing activities boosts happiness. Making space for these moments is essential for a balanced life.
Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.
– Abraham Joshua Heschel

Heschel links self-respect to discipline. Similarly, setting boundaries and exercising self-control are acts of self-care that enhance our dignity. Consequently, this discipline leads to a more structured and fulfilling life, allowing us to cultivate a greater sense of purpose.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.
– L.R. Knost

This quote reminds us that self-care is not about neglecting others but about ensuring our needs are met as well. Balancing self-care with responsibilities creates a healthier life dynamic.
Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.
– William S. Burroughs

Burroughs emphasizes the power of patience and relaxation. Similarly, a calm mind can process thoughts more clearly and arrive at solutions more effectively. Therefore, embracing stillness can help you navigate challenges with greater ease.
Do something today that your future self will thank you for.
– Sean Patrick Flanery

Self-care includes making choices that benefit us in the long run. Small acts of kindness toward ourselves now lead to a healthier future.
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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

Self-care isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about growth. When you nurture yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—you create the foundation for success. Investing in yourself is always worth the effort.
Keep taking time for yourself until you’re you again.
– Lalah Delia

Life’s challenges can sometimes make us feel lost. However, taking time for yourself is an essential way to reconnect with who you truly are. Self-care helps you regain your sense of balance and well-being, allowing you to move forward with renewed energy.
What Are Your Favorite Self-Care Quotes?
Self-care is an ongoing journey, and sometimes, a simple quote can be the reminder we need to prioritize ourselves. Whether it’s setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, or embracing rest, taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Which self-care quotes resonate with you the most? Share them in the comments!
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