At Bloom, we’ve explored self-care from many angles over the years—but it never feels like enough. That’s because we live in a world that often rewards burnout and praises overextension. Watching people put themselves last, especially when they’re running on empty, is heartbreaking. I know firsthand that self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days—it’s what helps me stay grounded, creative, and connected to the life I want to live.

So if you’ve been needing a gentle nudge to carve out space for yourself, here are 40 one-sentence reminders to help you make self-care a priority. They’re here for you to reflect on, pin to your wall, or return to on the days you feel stretched thin.

Keep blooming, always.

1. 1. Self-care is about practices that keep you grounded—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

2. Protecting your time and energy is one of the most essential forms of self-care.

3. Setting boundaries can feel tough, but it's the gateway to more freedom.

4. Listening to your heart is a valid reason to shift directions.

5. Your intuition is wise—let it lead sometimes.

6. Don’t put off the things you know make you feel better.

7. A calm morning can change the rhythm of your whole day.

8. The way you speak to yourself becomes the story you live.

9. Instead of asking “Why am I lazy?” ask “Why do I need this rest?” (Dr. Emily Anhalt)

10. Burnout is a signal that you’ve been denying your humanity.

11. Prioritizing your needs lets you show up more fully in life.

12. You don’t need to earn the right to do what’s best for you.

13. If self-care feels like laziness, you might be doing it wrong—or not enough.

14. Get clear on why self-care matters to you, so excuses don’t get in the way.

15. Protect your energy from anything misaligned with your values.

16. Recovery looks different every time—both a moment and a day off are valid.

17. “No” is a complete sentence.

18. Don’t stress about consistency—focus on how quickly you bounce back.

19. Rest before you hit your limit.

20. Know the difference between self-care, self-sabotage, and self-soothing.

21. Little efforts compound over time—keep going.

22. When you honor your boundaries, you remind yourself that your needs matter.

23. Caring for yourself sometimes means disappointing others—and that’s okay.

24. Create two self-care lists: one for high-energy days, one for low.

25. Productivity isn’t your worth—you don’t need to keep doing more.

26. Keeping promises to yourself builds trust like nothing else.

27. Start with one self-care habit and commit to it—then build from there.

28. Do your best—no more, no less.

29. Don’t let self-care become just another product someone’s trying to sell you.

30. Focus on what you need, not what others say you should.

31. Our self-care practices are shaped by what we’ve seen and the spaces we live in.

32. You get to choose: accept the discomfort, or find a way to shift it.

33. Lean into your support system—and ask for help when you need it.

34. Real self-care is rooted in honesty, sacrifice, and long-term wellbeing.

35. The soul knows how to heal; the mind just needs to get quiet.

36. Find your “fringe hours”—those in-between moments—and make them count.

37. Step away from social media to hear your own voice again.

38. Ask yourself: what would make life better for my future self?

39. You are allowed to take up space—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

40. Keep your promises to others, but don’t break the one you made to yourself.