15 Other Ways to Say “Take Care of Yourself” (With Examples)

A heartfelt reminder to prioritize well-being can go beyond the usual “take care.” The right words offer comfort, encouragement, or even a touch of professionalism, making every goodbye more meaningful.

Explore other ways to say take care of yourself and let your message truly resonate.

What Can I Say Instead of “Take Care of Yourself”?

1. Look after
2. Care for
3. Attend to
4. Tend
5. Mind
6. Minister to
7. Protect
8. Keep safe
9. Watch
10. Nurse
11. Deal with
12. Handle
13. Manage
14. See to
15. Sort out

1. Look after

“Look after” is a warm, nurturing way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like a friend reminding you to keep yourself safe and well. It’s perfect for personal settings, suggesting a gentle concern for someone’s health or well-being with a cozy, protective tone. This phrase emphasizes ongoing care and attention, encouraging someone not to neglect themselves.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s slightly more informal and feels like a heartfelt nudge, ideal for close relationships or moments when you want to show you’re thinking of someone’s needs.

Example 1: Suppose your friend is stressed from overworking and neglecting their health. You want to encourage them to rest. You could say: “Look after yourself, okay?” Picture you texting them after a late-night chat, knowing they’re nodding and planning a nap.

Example 2: Imagine your sibling is moving to a new city and feeling anxious about settling in. You want to support them. You say: “Look after yourself out there!” Visualize you at their send-off, giving them a big hug.

2. Care for

“Care for” is a tender, compassionate alternative to “Take Care of Yourself”—like a soft reminder to treat yourself with kindness and attention. It’s great for close friends or family, carrying a warm, emotional tone that suggests deep concern for their well-being. This phrase focuses on nurturing oneself, both physically and emotionally, to avoid giving up on self-care.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more heartfelt and intimate, perfect for moments when you want to convey deep affection and encourage self-love.

Example 1: Suppose your cousin is recovering from a breakup and feeling low. You want to lift their spirits. You could say: “Care for yourself, you deserve it.” Picture you at their place, sharing tea and a comforting chat.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker is burning out from a hectic project. You want to remind them to rest. You say: “Care for yourself, you’re doing enough.” Visualize you in the office, slipping them a note with a smile.

3. Attend to

“Attend to” is a thoughtful, proactive spin on “Take Care of Yourself”—like urging someone to check in on their own needs with focus and intention.

It’s ideal for situations where someone is juggling responsibilities and might forget self-care, with a slightly formal but caring tone. This phrase suggests addressing personal well-being as a priority, not letting it slip or giving up on it.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about action and mindfulness, great for encouraging someone to actively manage their health or stress.

Example 1: Suppose your friend is a new parent, overwhelmed with baby duties. You want to remind them to rest. You could say: “Attend to yourself too, okay?” Picture you at their home, holding the baby so they can take a break.

Example 2: Imagine your colleague is swamped with deadlines and skipping meals. You want to encourage balance. You say: “Attend to yourself, you need it.” Visualize you at lunch, sharing a sandwich with them.

4. Tend

“Tend” is a gentle, nurturing way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like telling someone to nurture themselves as they would a garden.

It’s perfect for personal, heartfelt moments, with a soft, almost poetic tone that suggests careful attention to one’s needs. This phrase emphasizes ongoing self-care, encouraging someone not to give up on their well-being.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more delicate and evocative, ideal for close relationships where you want to inspire tender self-attention.

Example 1: Suppose your aunt is recovering from surgery and pushing herself too hard. You want to encourage rest. You could say: “Tend to yourself, take it slow.” Picture you at her bedside, fluffing her pillows.

Example 2: Imagine your friend is stressed from planning a wedding. You want to remind them to relax. You say: “Tend to yourself, you’ve got this.” Visualize you at a bridal shop, sharing a calming moment.

5. Mind

“Mind” is a short, caring way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like a quick reminder to watch out for your own needs.

It’s great for casual or semi-formal settings, with a practical, no-nonsense tone that feels friendly yet direct. This phrase suggests staying aware of one’s health or safety, urging someone not to give up on self-awareness.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more concise and versatile, perfect for quick check-ins or moments when you want to keep it simple but sincere.

Example 1: Suppose your neighbor is working long hours in their garden and looks exhausted. You want to check in. You could say: “Mind yourself, don’t overdo it.” Picture you over the fence, waving as they pause for water.

Example 2: Imagine your classmate is pulling all-nighters for exams. You want to encourage balance. You say: “Mind yourself, get some sleep.” Visualize you in the study hall, nudging them to rest.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Have a Good Rest of Your Day” (With Examples)

6. Minister to

“Minister to” is a warm, almost spiritual alternative to “Take Care of Yourself”—like suggesting someone nurture their body and soul with deep care.

It’s ideal for close relationships or moments of emotional support, with a gentle, compassionate tone that feels deeply personal. This phrase emphasizes tending to oneself holistically, refusing to give up on self-care.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more tender and profound, perfect for encouraging someone to prioritize their well-being in a meaningful way.

Example 1: Suppose your friend is grieving a loss and neglecting their health. You want to comfort them. You could say: “Minister to yourself, you’re worth it.” Picture you at their home, bringing them a warm meal.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker is stressed from a family issue and looks drained. You want to support them. You say: “Minister to yourself, take a moment.” Visualize you in the break room, offering a quiet chat.

7. Protect

“Protect” is a strong, guardian-like way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like urging someone to shield their health and peace from harm.

It’s great for situations where someone faces stress or risk, with a firm, caring tone that emphasizes safety. This phrase focuses on safeguarding oneself, encouraging them not to give up on their well-being.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about defense and strength, ideal for moments when you want to inspire vigilance and self-preservation.

Example 1: Suppose your brother is traveling alone for work in a busy city. You want to remind him to stay safe. You could say: “Protect yourself out there!” Picture you texting him as he boards his flight.

Example 2: Imagine your friend is overworking and getting sick often. You want to encourage rest. You say: “Protect yourself, slow down.” Visualize you at their place, convincing them to nap.

8. Keep safe

“Keep safe” is a concise, protective spin on “Take Care of Yourself”—like a quick wish for someone to stay out of harm’s way.

It’s perfect for casual or emotional farewells, with a straightforward, heartfelt tone that prioritizes safety. This phrase emphasizes guarding one’s health or security, urging them not to give up on staying cautious.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s shorter and more focused on safety, great for quick, caring moments when you want to show concern.

Example 1: Suppose your cousin is heading to a crowded festival. You want to wish them well. You could say: “Keep safe, have fun!” Picture you calling them as they pack their bag.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker is walking home late after a team dinner. You want to check in. You say: “Keep safe on your way!” Visualize you at the restaurant, waving as they leave.

9. Watch

“Watch” is a vigilant, practical way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like telling someone to keep an eye on their own well-being.

It’s ideal for casual settings or when someone’s distracted by responsibilities, with a direct, no-frills tone. This phrase suggests staying mindful to avoid giving up on self-care amidst chaos.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about alertness, perfect for quick reminders to stay aware of one’s needs or surroundings.

Example 1: Suppose your friend is rushing between work and errands, looking frazzled. You want to slow them down. You could say: “Watch yourself, take a breather.” Picture you texting them during a busy day.

Example 2: Imagine your niece is biking to school in heavy traffic. You want to remind her to be cautious. You say: “Watch yourself, stay alert!” Visualize you at breakfast, checking her helmet.

10. Nurse

“Nurse” is a soothing, healing-focused way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like urging someone to pamper their body and mind back to health.

It’s great for moments of recovery or stress, with a gentle, nurturing tone that feels like a warm hug. This phrase emphasizes self-healing, encouraging someone not to give up on their recovery or comfort.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more specific to health and care, ideal for supporting someone who’s unwell or overwhelmed.

Example 1: Suppose your friend has a bad cold and keeps working. You want to urge rest. You could say: “Nurse yourself, get better soon.” Picture you dropping off soup at their door.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker is exhausted after a long week. You want to encourage downtime. You say: “Nurse yourself this weekend.” Visualize you at the office, suggesting they relax.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say Take Care (With Examples)

11. Deal with

“Deal with” is a proactive, problem-solving alternative to “Take Care of Yourself”—like telling someone to tackle their stress or health head-on.

It’s perfect for situations where someone needs to manage their well-being actively, with a practical, can-do tone. This phrase focuses on handling personal challenges without giving up, emphasizing action.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about confronting issues, great for encouraging someone to take charge of their mental or physical state.

Example 1: Suppose your roommate is anxious about a big exam and neglecting sleep. You want to motivate them. You could say: “Deal with yourself, rest up!” Picture you in your dorm, helping them study.

Example 2: Imagine your friend is stressed about a family argument. You want to encourage self-care. You say: “Deal with yourself, take a walk.” Visualize you at a park, chatting calmly.

12. Handle

“Handle” is a confident, take-charge way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like urging someone to manage their well-being with strength and control.

It’s ideal for someone facing stress or chaos, with an empowering tone that suggests capability. This phrase emphasizes taking responsibility for oneself, refusing to give up on personal care.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about self-mastery, perfect for inspiring someone to tackle their needs with confidence.

Example 1: Suppose your colleague is overwhelmed by a new promotion’s demands. You want to boost them. You could say: “Handle yourself, you’re ready!” Picture you in the office, giving a high-five.

Example 2: Imagine your friend is juggling parenting and work, feeling frazzled. You want to support them. You say: “Handle yourself, you’ve got this.” Visualize you at their house, playing with their kids.

13. Manage

“Manage” is a practical, organized spin on “Take Care of Yourself”—like telling someone to keep their health and stress in check with a clear plan.

It’s great for busy people who need to balance self-care, with a steady, capable tone. This phrase focuses on controlling one’s well-being without giving up, emphasizing structure.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about strategy, ideal for encouraging someone to prioritize their needs amidst a hectic life.

Example 1: Suppose your sister is a nurse working long shifts and skipping meals. You want to remind her to eat. You could say: “Manage yourself, grab a snack.” Picture you texting her during her break.

Example 2: Imagine your friend is planning a big event and neglecting rest. You want to encourage balance. You say: “Manage yourself, take a nap.” Visualize you at their venue, helping with decorations.

14. See to

“See to” is a attentive, responsible way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like urging someone to make sure their needs are met with care.

It’s perfect for personal or semi-formal settings, with a considerate, slightly formal tone that shows concern. This phrase suggests addressing self-care deliberately, not letting it slip or giving up on it.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about ensuring care happens, great for moments when you want to gently push someone to focus on themselves.

Example 1: Suppose your coworker is recovering from a minor injury but pushing too hard. You want to encourage rest. You could say: “See to yourself, heal up.” Picture you in the break room, sharing a coffee.

Example 2: Imagine your friend is stressed about moving and not sleeping. You want to support them. You say: “See to yourself, get some rest.” Visualize you helping them pack boxes.

15. Sort out

“Sort out” is a practical, problem-fixing way to say “Take Care of Yourself”—like telling someone to organize their health or stress with a clear head.

It’s ideal for someone feeling overwhelmed, with a proactive, down-to-earth tone that encourages action. This phrase focuses on resolving personal challenges without giving up, emphasizing clarity.

Compared to “Take Care of Yourself,” it’s more about straightening things out, perfect for inspiring someone to take control of their well-being with purpose.

Example 1: Suppose your classmate is frazzled from exam prep and not eating well. You want to motivate them. You could say: “Sort out yourself, grab some food.” Picture you in the library, sharing a granola bar.

Example 2: Imagine your cousin is stressed about a new job and neglecting exercise. You want to encourage balance. You say: “Sort out yourself, go for a walk.” Visualize you at their place, lacing up sneakers together.

Is It Professional to Say “Take Care of Yourself”?

When it comes to professional settings, the appropriateness of “take care of yourself” can depend on context, tone, and the relationship between the parties involved. While it conveys genuine care, it may sometimes be seen as informal in very formal communications. However, in many modern workplaces where a friendly, supportive culture is encouraged, it can be perfectly acceptable.

Pros

• Warmth and Empathy: Conveys genuine concern for the well-being of colleagues or clients.
• Humanizing Communication: Helps to build a more personal connection in professional interactions.
• Encourages Self-Care: Reminds the recipient of the importance of their health and well-being.

Cons

• Potential Informality: This may come off as too casual in highly formal or traditional professional environments.
• Risk of Misinterpretation: Some might perceive it as overly personal or patronizing, depending on the relationship.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Varies across cultures where professional boundaries might be more strictly maintained.

Conclusion

Choosing the right words can turn a simple farewell into a meaningful gesture. Exploring other ways to say “take care of yourself” helps you express concern with warmth, sincerity, or professionalism.

If you want to enrich your vocabulary with thoughtful alternatives, check out Other Ways To Say, for more inspiration.