16 self-care quotes and reminders
written by Jasmine Irven
We’re always sharing self-care reminders and quotes on our Instagram and Pinterest pages, whenever inspiration strikes or we come across something that resonates.
And, so often we get feedback that we’ve posted exactly what our community needed to hear (which goes to show that you’re never alone in your feelings).
So, we thought we’d compile 16 reminders and quotes on self-care, the importance of rest, and loving yourself, to anyone who might need a little encouragement, or a reminder that you deserve time to reconnect with yourself.
01 it’s important to feel your feelings
You’ve likely heard that you need to feel your feelings, but have you really allowed yourself time to do this? Our feelings are there for a reason. They can be incredible indicators that something isn’t aligned, that we need to shift, or that we’ve been through something challenging and just need some time to support ourselves through it.
So often we try to rush through these feelings; through discomfort; through sadness; through frustration; even through gratitude and celebration — because we’re always in search of the next thing.
We’re always trying to strive, to accomplish, to prove ourselves and our worth, to something external instead of recognizing that when we get to know ourselves a little better; when we sit and listen to ourselves and validate our feelings, we’re often able to see much more clearly and move forward with greater intention.
02 you don’t have to sit in a feeling that’s not serving you (you have the power to pull yourself out!)
Expanding upon the above; feeling your feelings is not an excuse to stay there forever. In fact, when we truly allow ourselves to feel our feelings, they often move through us much more quickly.
So, know that you can embrace where you’re at, but also know that when you’re ready you have the power to pull yourself out of however you’re feeling.
You know yourself best, and there comes a point when sitting in sadness or frustration no longer serves you, and you need to take action to move forward.
Do you need a hug? Someone to talk to? Do you need to clean up your space or make a refreshing smoothie? Recognize what will help you to shift your energy and move forward in a way that feels good to you.
03 no one else can show up in the world and serve in the same way you can
One of the recurring themes in our meditations lately has been celebrating the fact that we are all unique. And so, consider this your encouragement to recognize how beautiful that is!
You are the only person with your unique viewpoint of the world. The only person with your specific experiences, thoughts, beliefs, talents and dreams. You are the only person who can show up in the world in the way you can, and it’s your responsibility to own that!
Here are a few journal prompts if you haven’t yet explored your uniqueness.
04 you are not failing, you’re learning
When you start looking at all of your perceived “failures” instead as opportunities to learn and grow, your whole worldview shifts. There doesn’t need to be such thing as failure in your life if you can instead see it as feedback.
What worked well? What didn’t? Where can you find gratitude? Where is the lesson?
Sometimes it takes a little longer, but when you can allow yourself to believe that things are working our for you, you can find the blessings in all parts of life — even the challenging seasons.
05 it’s okay to change your mind, shift an opinion, or pivot in a new direction
Who started saying “you’ve changed” as if it was a bad thing? This is your reminder that it’s okay to change your mind, shift an opinion, or pivot in a new direction.
In fact, it’s not only okay but encouraged.
We are always making decisions based on the information we have available to us at the time. So, if we get new information, of course we’re going to change our mind so we can make better, more informed decisions moving forward!
Changing is an indication that you are learning and growing, so never be ashamed of that.
06 you are deserving of rest and self-care without having to “achieve” anything first
A simple concept, but not so easy to remember and practice when you have a seemingly never-ending to-do list.
The bottom line? There are no prerequisites for self care. You don’t have to check a certain number of things off your to-do list or attend a certain number of meetings before you can rest.
If you’re listening to your body and it needs a little nurturing, listen to those whispers. If you don’t, it won’t be long before they get louder… and louder.
Know that when you are proactive about scheduling your rest and self-care, everything else will likely fall into place.
07 you don’t have to know the answer right away
It’s okay, and often helpful, to sit with yourself for a little while to figure out what feels good. We are so bombarded by everyone else’s’ opinions, that sometimes we need time to clear out the noise and clutter and figure out what’s true for us.
Not our parents. Not our friends. Not our employers. Not what will look best on social media.
Simply what’s best for us.
08 self-care isn’t always the Instagram worthy option
Self-care means caring for yourself enough to do what would serve you and your future self best. And, it’s knowing yourself well enough to know what that is!
Sometimes, yes, that’s a green smoothie or a face mask. And other times it’s a hard conversation that needs to be had. A “no” you need to give that you don’t want to but know you need to. A space you need to clean up because it’s causing you a sense of overwhelm every time you think about it. A nap you need to take to support your body and mind.
Self-care requires a conscious effort to reflect and get honest with yourself about what would truly nourish your mental and physical wellbeing, and then taking action on whatever that is, with love and compassion for yourself.
09 being with yourself is meditation
When was the last time you simply spent time with yourself? Not listening to anything, watching something, or reading anything. Simple allowing your mind to wander. Meditation doesn’t always have to look the same. It doesn’t always mean you have to have your eyes closed or sit in a certain position.
It means being present with yourself. Reconnecting with your own beliefs and thoughts. Spending quality time with you.
That’s why one of the main pillars of our brand is reconnecting with ourselves. (And yes we do that through meditations but we also do it in other ways!) This is about setting aside time simply for yourself — to listen and explore, to get quiet, to get to know yourself better and figure out what you like.
So whether you’re in our membership, drop in for a class here and there or simply consume our content — consider this your reminder to give yourself some time this week to just be with you.
10 most of your stress comes from the way you respond, not the way life is. adjust your attitude. change how you see things. look for the good in all situations. take the lesson and find new opportunities to grow. let all the extra stress, worrying, and overthinking go. - author unknown
We often need this reminder so we thought we’d share it here too. Most of our stress isn’t due to real events happening in real time. Instead, it’s because we’re worrying about the past or projecting anxiety onto the future, trying to predict what will happen and often envisioning the worst case scenarios.
If instead we can bring ourselves into the present, much of our worry and stress will fade. Focusing on your breath and body. Recognizing that right now, you are safe. Finding the good and gratitude in every moment. And allowing yourself to simply be.
11 you are your first priority and responsibility
When you take time to rest and recharge you're pouring into yourself so that you can return to your external priorities and responsibilities more fully; with greater energy, love, purpose, and excitement.
12 being a nice person means being nice to yourself as well (via @wetheurban)
Often, we need the reminder to treat ourselves with the same respect we’ve been taught to give to others. You deserve love, rest, compassion, and forgiveness as well.
13 rest isn’t always sleep — it’s also time off of a screen, solitude, time away from work, a moment to breathe, saying no, or taking things slower
Read that again.
Rest will always look different depending on the season you’re in, what your day looked like, or simply how you feel. So, take time to honour that.
What type of rest would serve you best right now? Make space for that.
14 other people’s words, ideas, and opinions are not your responsibility; your own are
So, knowing this, resolve to focus on your own.
15 it’s okay to let go of things that are no longer serving you
We are always moving through seasons in life and often what served us in one season no longer does when aspects of our lives, schedules, relationships or circumstances change.
So, take time to gain some clarity on what’s draining your energy and where you feel you could let go of those things, people, beliefs, habits or thoughts that simply aren’t serving you anymore.
When you let go you’re not only lifting a weight from your shoulders, but you are creating space for even more to show up to serve and support this new season you’re in.
16 breathe
Simply breathe. Inhaling deeply through your nostrils, filling up your heartspace and your belly, and then exhaling fully through your mouth. Letting go and releasing of all that’s not serving you.
Give yourself time to intentionally take a few deep breaths every day and notice how your life, and appreciation for life, shifts.
What’s your favourite self-care reminder?
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about the author
Hey there! I’m Jasmine, founder of the Sustainable Bliss Collective, a Certified Meditation Teacher, and lover of all things self-care, slow-living, and personal development.
I believe that ambition and self-care can coexist, and as such I hope to encourage and inspire you to take care of yourself, breathe deeply, connect with who you are, manifest your dreams, enjoy the blissful moments of each day, and make an impact in this beautiful world we call home.
Connect with me on Instagram here!
