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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.


Etymology

Origin of self-care

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Barron's