Self-care is often the least of our concerns when we are working full-time jobs and taking care of our families. Most of the time, we don’t even realise the importance of taking breaks from our daily chores until it gets too late. Tired and overwhelmed, our bodies push us to take breaks so we can look after ourselves. No matter how much busy we are in everyday life, self-care should be a part of our routines if we want to lead healthy lives.
What does self-care mean? The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”
Irrespective of your responsibilities, you must make time to pamper yourself and make yourself feel good. This will do wonders for your confidence and make you a happier, better person. According to Dr Matthew Glowiak, a clinical faculty member at the Southern New Hampshire University, “Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimise frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more.”
Given its importance, we must take some time out from our busy schedules for self-care activities. Here are a few powerful self-care quotes that will help you love yourself better.
“I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect.” – Maya Angelou
Self-care is about taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally. This is only possible when you make an effort to accept yourself for who you truly are. That means embracing your imperfections along with the good stuff. In doing so, you will change how you see yourself, be able to set healthy boundaries and learn to love yourself. This self-care quote by iconic American author Maya Angelou can remind you that your flaws are part of you, and when you accept that, you define your own worth and value as a human being.
“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” – Roy T Bennett
This self-care quote by acclaimed author Roy T Bennett stresses the need of letting go of things that stop you from moving forward and truly accepting yourself. Whether it is a bad habit or a strained relationship, if it is preventing you from realising your true potential or being your authentic self, you need to take measures to remove it from your life. When you do that, you will be able to live a life that you truly want.
“Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” – Stephen R Covey
Stephen R Covey is the author of the widely popular self-help book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. This quote talks about the importance of investing in yourself. When you do that, you take a step towards becoming the person you want to be. You will learn to put yourself first and see a change in how you view your daily experiences. Know that unless you make time for yourself, you will never learn what you are really capable of.
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – Oscar Wilde
This quote by influential Anglo-Irish poet Oscar Wilde suggests that the relationship we have with ourselves is the most important one. And it is only this relationship that lasts for a lifetime. When we spend time taking care of ourselves, we feel good and confident enough to take on the challenges that come our way. Moreover, when you love and respect yourself, you begin to live a more authentic life that is in line with how you feel, which teaches you how to appreciate yourself.
“Allow yourself to enjoy each happy moment in your life.” – Steve Maraboli
We should not depend on others to find joy in life, nor should we let external factors such as money, fame, or work determine our happiness levels. But most of the time, we give in to this illusion, thinking this is the only way to be truly happy. This quote by bestselling American author and behavioural scientist Steve Maraboli reminds us that happiness is within our control and we should enjoy each moment in life. A good way to go about it is to create time for activities that make you feel good about yourself, which allows you to connect with your inner self, and makes you start loving yourself.
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” – Oprah Winfrey
This quote by philanthropist and talk show host Oprah Winfrey focusses on the importance of living in the present moment. After all, it is the only one that is within your control. But it is up to you how to use it. You can either choose to enjoy the moment or waste it by ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. Take a pause, breathe, and let go of the thoughts occupying your mind. This way, you will be able to focus on making most of the moment you are in.
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown
This powerful quote by American author Brené Brown makes a very valid point. Although the phrase ‘love yourself’ sounds enticing, it’s tough to put into practice. You don’t just wake up one morning and feel like your true self. This is a long process that doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, many people struggle with the idea of accepting their vulnerabilities, as it takes immense courage to do so. But it is not nearly as risky as the thought of giving up on the feeling of self-love and happiness. Only when you are willing to take that chance, you will be able to find a path towards a positive outlook.
“When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” — Paulo Coelho
This self-care quote by renowned Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho stresses the need of putting yourself before others. Oftentimes, people don’t say ‘no’ out of the fear of rejection or due to overthinking how the other person may react. But if you don’t deny a request or say ‘no,’ every now and then, you might miss out on important moments in your life. For example, if you have a wedding to attend on a particular date, don’t say ‘yes’ to other requests on that day. Keep your day free. This way, you will not miss out on anything and be able to live a happy life.
Self-care is essential for our overall well-being because it helps reduce anxiety and depression, minimizes stress, improves concentration, increases happiness, and boosts energy levels.
The quote by Oscar Wilde suggests that self-love is the foundation of a lifelong romance, emphasizing the importance of having a positive and nurturing relationship with oneself.
Living in the present moment allows us to enjoy each happy moment in life and be more mindful of our feelings and experiences. It helps us connect with our inner selves and fosters a sense of self-love and appreciation.
Putting oneself first and saying ‘no’ when necessary ensures that we prioritize our own well-being and happiness. It helps us avoid overcommitment and maintain a healthy balance in our lives.
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