self-care

American  

[self-kair] / ˈsɛlfˈkɛər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of self-care

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

April Marie Holland, a self-care coach and host of the “Handle Her With Care” podcast, has found spending time at Bloom Ranch deeply restorative since her first visit in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

“Users may misinterpret AI-generated content as expert guidance,” they wrote, “potentially resulting in delayed treatment, inappropriate self-care, or misplaced trust in non-validated information.”

From Los Angeles Times

After volunteering at a food bank, Compton got a job at a homeless mission, looking after hospital discharges, collecting medical histories, teaching self-care and tending to skin wounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Along with fragrances, wellness products and devices are also doing well, riding on the years-long self-care trend.

From MarketWatch

“I can use that 10 more hours to do self-care or to decompress,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal