Word

self-care

noun B2

UK /ˈsɛlf ˌkeə/

US /ˈsɛlf ˌkɛr/

Meanings

noun

the practice of looking after your own physical and mental well-being, especially to manage stress

Definition

Self-care is the practice of doing things that protect and improve your physical and mental well-being.

Self-care means taking intentional actions to look after your health and overall well-being. It can include rest, healthy routines, setting boundaries, and doing activities that help you recover from stress. It is not the same as being selfish; it helps you function better in daily life.

Examples

I started self-care by taking a short walk after work and going to bed earlier.
You can treat self-care as a routine, not just something you do when you feel overwhelmed.
She protects her self-care time by turning off notifications for an hour each evening.
They talked about self-care at the team meeting and agreed to take proper breaks.
My self-care plan includes exercise, balanced meals, and saying no to extra tasks when I need rest.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use self-care to mean only luxury treats, but it more often refers to everyday habits that support well-being.