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Discover 20 powerful self-care quotes from famous women that remind you to prioritise yourself, set boundaries, and embrace self-care as a necessity, not a luxury.
I used to think self-care was a luxury. You know - bubble baths, fancy candles, maybe a glass of wine while pretending I had my life together. But the more I thought about it (and let’s be honest, Googled it), the more I realised:
Self-care isn’t about pampering - it’s about survival.
It’s about setting boundaries before you burn out. Saying no without feeling so much guilt you can’t fall asleep at night. Choosing yourself even when the world expects you to choose everything (and everyone) else first.
And guess what? The most powerful women in history got this. From writers to warriors, royals to activists, these women weren’t just successful - they knew the importance of looking after themselves.
So, here are 20 of the best self-care quotes from legendary women - words that actually stick, not just sit looking pretty on a Pinterest board.
What Even Is Self-Care?
Let’s get one thing straight: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s what keeps you from running on fumes
It’s knowing when to rest before you crash.
It’s protecting your personal peace, even if it disappoints someone.
It’s not waiting for permission to put yourself first.
Self-care is different for everyone. For some, it’s quiet moments with a book or spending time in the garden. For others, it’s a full-on Beyoncé power stance in the mirror before tackling the day. Whatever it looks like for you, it matters - and it’s worth prioritising.
And now, let’s hear from the women who truly understood this.
20 Self-Care Quotes from Women Who Knew Their Worth
1. Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’”
Ever worked so hard you forgot to actually live? Yeah, me too. We get caught up in the doing - daily grinding, achieving, surviving - but forget about the being. This is your reminder: life isn’t just about crossing tasks off to-do lists.
2. Audrey Hepburn
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
Helping others feels good. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself first doesn’t mean that you stop caring for others. It just means you do it from a place of strength, not exhaustion.
3. Oprah Winfrey
“You are responsible for your own life. If you’re sitting around waiting for someone to save you, you’re wasting your time.”
Just let that sink in for a moment. It’s easy to wait for the right moment, the right person, the right whatever. But no one’s coming to hand you the perfect life. You have to build it yourself.
4. Michelle Obama
“We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list.”
Be honest - how often are you on your own priority list? Self-care isn’t just another errand. It’s the foundation for everything else.
5. Eleanor Roosevelt
“Friendship with oneself is all-important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”
Ever been around someone who hates themselves? It’s exhausting. Now ask yourself: Are you treating yourself like you would treat a friend?
6. Brené Brown
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”
If your best friend said, “I feel like a failure,” you wouldn’t say, “Yeah, you’re terrible.”
So why do we do that to ourselves?
7. Dolly Parton
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
Sometimes, self-care means change. And change? It’s scary - but staying stuck is worse.
8. Serena Williams
“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that makes you a winner.”
Some people will never believe in you no matter what you do. That’s their problem, not yours.
9. Glennon Doyle
“Every time you’re given a choice between disappointing someone else and disappointing yourself, your duty is to disappoint them.”
Read that again. And again. If the choice is between protecting your peace and keeping everyone else happy, guess what? Let them be disappointed.
10. Princess Diana
“Only do what your heart tells you.”
Not guilt. Not pressure. Not obligation. What you want.
11. Cleopatra
“I will not be triumphed over.”
If the literal Queen of Egypt knew the power of standing her ground, so can you.
12. Frida Kahlo
“I am my own muse.”
Translation? You don’t need outside validation. You are enough.
13. Coco Chanel
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
Authenticity is the most powerful self-care there is.
14. Rosa Parks
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.”
Sometimes self-care is choosing courage over comfort.
15. Jane Austen
“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”
Introverts, she gets us. Sometimes, self-care is simply not leaving the house.
16. Florence Nightingale
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.”
No more excuses. You deserve care - now, not later.
17. Virginia Woolf
“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
Translation? Space for yourself is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a physical space or mental space - it’s necessary.
18. Malala Yousafzai
“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”
Self-care isn’t just about you - it’s about making sure everyone has the chance to thrive.
19. Rihanna
“It’s nice to be praised, but what’s important is to set your own standards.”
What other people think? Not your problem.
20. Glenn Close
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”
Talk about it. Self-care starts with honesty.
Why Self-Care Matters & What to Do Next
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword - it’s the foundation for everything else in life. When you take care of yourself, you have more energy, clarity, and strength to handle whatever comes your way. These quotes aren’t just words to skim through and forget.
They’re reminders. Reminders to put yourself first when needed, to silence the inner critic, to embrace rest without guilt, and to live in a way that honours you.
So, what’s next? Pick one quote that truly speaks to you - the one that makes your chest tighten, the one that feels like it was written just for you. Write it down. Put it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Let it guide your choices. And when life gets overwhelming (because it will), come back to these words and let them pull you back to yourself.
You deserve the same care you give to everyone else.
Which quote hit home for you? Drop a comment - I’d love to hear what resonated!
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