self-care

[self-kair]

noun

1. the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation (often used attributively).

   It’s been a rough week, so this weekend is all about self-care through exercise.

2. the products or practices used to comfort or soothe oneself (often used attributively): Taking a bath is a great self-care activity when you’re feeling stressed.

   Seeing friends is my self-care.

   Taking a bath is a great self-care activity when you’re feeling stressed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-care¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The first is eudemonia, a Greek term the Values Bridge uses to encompass self-care, leisure and pleasure—essentially, things that feel good to us.

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Now, after a photo shoot, she’s changed into gray sweats to sneak in a moment of self-care during our chat.

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Beauty and wellness, however, has been a relative bright spot, as consumers have leaned further into self-care and preventive care since the pandemic.

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It turns out that Althouse, who lives in the Bay Area, was on what she calls “a tattoo journey,” in what she describes as a deliberate act of self-care.

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When the external ladder feels shaky, many turn inward or sideways, experimenting with astrology, breathwork, or incense-lit rituals that blur the line between spirituality and self-care.

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