Our busy lives require a lot of energy and mental strength. We sacrifice ourselves for our jobs, friends, and family. But people are increasingly realizing that a fully realized life means, first and foremost, giving yourself the time you need for self-love and self-care.
As these messages are propagated through social media and daily life, a new genre of tattoos centered around self-care has emerged. Displaying these images proudly or getting a tattoo in a place only we can see can be a powerful call to action to make space and time to take care of ourselves. .
These ideas are a great starting point to help you work with your artist to create a self-love tattoo design that is a personal and universal reminder to love yourself and prioritize self-care.
simple messages and inspirational quotes
Text plays a big role in the world of self-care tattoos. Quote tattoos can be simple messages, quotes, or even individual words that touch the wearer’s heart.
For first-time tattooers, a tattoo with the simple text “Love Yourself” is an excellent entry point into the world of tattoos, as it’s discreet and takes up little real estate on your body. Plus, you don’t need a whole paragraph to make your point and design a small tattoo. A minimalist tattoo will suffice.
Here are some ideas to help you along the way.
You are beautiful
These three little words are more than the sum of their parts.
Society and social media constantly feed us messages that make us feel pressured and in competition with others to meet the highest standards of beauty and achievement, and that we are not perfect. This fine line tattoo reminds you that you are beautiful and capable just the way you are.
love yourself
This may seem obvious, but think about how often we put ourselves down and end up being our harshest critics. The world is tough enough without adding our own voices to the mix.
There is no right or wrong place for this small tattoo, but some people choose to have it in prominent places such as the wrist, the side of the finger, or the entire forearm. Others choose to get it as an ankle tattoo as a reminder to help themselves. .
It can easily be enhanced with more elaborate designs, such as a flower tattoo with a word inside, or a heart tattoo with a word written on the side. These meaningful tattoos can make a daily difference to your mental health and self-esteem.
I breathe
In our restless culture, it can feel like we need to be “on” all the time. The list of things fighting for our attention seems endless: social media, the news cycle, work, social obligations.
Self-care can be as simple as temporarily slowing down and focusing on your breathing. Anyone who has meditated knows the importance of breathing and constantly returning to the “inhale, exhale, relax” cycle. A simple tattoo that reminds you to “just breathe” can make a world of difference.
let go
We all have attachments to things that oppress us. Obsession with the past, things you can’t control, and negative messages you tell yourself. Even with effort, it can be difficult to break out of these patterns.
The beauty of this tattoo lies in the simplicity of its message. Perhaps these words can help you distance yourself from these thoughts and begin the journey of accepting yourself with love.
i am enough
Anyone who has ever used social media, or indeed existed in society, knows what it’s like to be made to feel “less than.” From ads to algorithms, it can feel like a daunting task to consistently perform and impress.
This tattoo can be an affirmation against the self-doubt and anxiety that can creep in and overwhelm us.
Still growing
We are all works in progress. In fact, this is one of the biggest messages of the self-care movement. We all want success as soon as possible, but self-care is a lifelong journey.
This tattoo can be simply applied with just text or integrated into a larger design. Common design elements for more decorative tattoos include plants, flowers, human silhouettes, and watering cans.
this too shall pass
When things are difficult, especially when you haven’t made taking care of yourself a priority, it can feel like it may never get better.
This classic proverb, adapted from Persian poetry, is a powerful self-care reminder that everything is in flux. Bad times don’t last forever.
line drawing
Similar to the self-care genre of text tattoos, line drawings are powerful because of their simplicity. Its delicate presence on the skin also makes it a great choice for first-time tattoo clients and a great way to convey a message of self-care.
These are just a few of the many great images available.
self hug
What could be easier than the physical gesture of a hug to convey love and care? Artists can use just a few lines to create a self-portrait or an image of a person hugging themselves.
This design is a great starting point, and there are plenty of opportunities to incorporate text elements and other images to make it your own.
meditation pose
An important part of self-care is taking the time to press the stop button on the fast-moving treadmill of life. Many people embrace meditation as a powerful practice for drowning out the noise of everyday life and focusing on the present moment.
These tattoos usually depict someone sitting in a lotus pose with a calm demeanor, sometimes accompanied by words of affirmation.
body positive silhouette
Accepting yourself for who you are can be difficult, especially when faced with society’s unrealistic expectations of beauty. But we are all beautiful just the way we are.
Body-positive silhouettes are often designed as self-portraits that celebrate personal beauty.
body with flowers
This is a popular self-care tattoo with endless possibilities to make it unique to you. One of his most common motifs is the silhouette of a simple contoured body with a flower growing from its head.
You can never go wrong with this format, no matter what type of flower you choose – roses, peonies, chrysanthemums.
watering can and plants
Ditch the “still growing” text tattoo and can be a fun opportunity to create a unique image. Although there are as many variations as there are people who are attracted to them, these tattoos contain common design elements.
They usually incorporate plants and flowers that are watered with a watering can. The message behind this plant is simple. A properly watered plant is a happy plant.
self love club
A self-love club tattoo can show solidarity with the self-care movement. Even a simple text tattoo is a good choice.
But placing the text in the center of a heart, next to a star, or surrounded by laurel, lavender, or other plants makes an even bolder statement. The message of self-love becomes clear.
tattoo with shading
The shaded tattoo stands out boldly on the skin and stands out in the eyes of the beholder. They combine the power of self-care messages with the design language of traditional American tattoos and other forms of tattoos.
Some first-time tattooers may feel less comfortable jumping into this type of design as quickly as more experienced clients, but those who are ready will be able to can enhance self-care messages.
Here are some classic starting points.
heart
Hearts are a motif throughout traditional American tattoo styles. Often chosen to honor friends, family, or loved ones, they also make a great foundation for self-care tattoos.
Many of the text tattoos in this article pair perfectly with hearts, whether written next to the heart, in the center, or along a scroll that wraps around the heart.
flowers
Flowers don’t have to be just for Valentine’s Day, and they don’t have to be a gift from someone else. Self-care means having the courage to show yourself love.
A vase of flowers, a bouquet of flowers, a bunch of blooming herbs or a single rose are all beautiful images, each with its own meaning. You deserve this gift yourself!
butterfly
Butterflies begin life as humble caterpillars before transforming into butterflies. As we go through the ups and downs of life, we may berate ourselves harshly for not being where we want to be.
A butterfly tattoo is a reminder to be patient and give yourself love and care along the way to the final shape.
don’t forget to take care of yourself self treatment ink
In life’s often chaotic and distracting journey, prioritizing self-care can feel like a monumental task.
Even the most focused among us struggle to accomplish that. But self-care tattoos serve as a physical reminder to do your best. We hope these self love tattoo ideas inspire you to love yourself more every day. At the end of the day, you and your relationship are the most important things in life.
Mad Rabbit’s aftercare products support you throughout the tattoo process. Our tattoo numbing creams make getting a tattoo more comfortable for first-timers and experienced clients alike. If applied an hour before the session, it will reduce the response from pain receptors while being shot.
After you finish the tattoo process and repair your ink, use our tattoo balms and daily lotions to keep your moisture barrier strong and your new self-care tattoo looking vibrant on day one.
source:
5 Popular Self-Care Trends | AMTA
Meditation Overview | Mayo Clinic
Our work | Body Positive Institute
