What do you do when things get tough? Where do you turn when the last thing you want to do is take care of yourself? Create a kit of your own with these tips!
As an anxiety sufferer, you may or may not have heard about self-care toolkits (other names include self-care packages, kits, boxes, etc). I’d certainly not heard about them until a few months ago. So what exactly are self-care kits and why should you have one?
A selfcare kit is a location/box/bag where you keep trinkets and items that you can turn to when you need to calm down. It’s like a mini retreat you can escape to when anxiety/stress is getting a bit too much. Imagine escaping to a far away island. That’s what a selfcare kit is there for when you’re struggling.
Personally I think they are a great idea and everyone should have one, anxiety or not. That’s the great thing about selfcare kits, we can all be united in our selfcare mission!
What do you do when things get tough? Where do you turn when the last thing you want to do is take care of yourself? Create a kit of your own with these tips!
But seriously though, selfcare is really important. In fact I’ve written a VERY long post about this before. You can read that here. It includes a free download to go with it!
What self-care is not:
Selfish – you can’t pour from an empty cup and need to look after yourself before you can look after others
Self-absorbed – those who say people who look after themselves self-absorbed don’t understand the importance of selfcare
Unnecessary – point above applies here, too
What self-care does mean:
You’re acknowledging there is a problem and are using this as a way of dealing with it, before things get worse
You’re avoiding burnout
Looking after your body and mind at the same time (a holistic approach, if you will)
Taking some much needed alone time
Taking a well-deserbed break
Getting a bit of peace and quiet
So now you understand why it’s important to practise self-care, let’s look at getting a box and where you can store in it.
What do you do when things get tough? Where do you turn when the last thing you want to do is take care of yourself? Create a kit of your own with these tips!
First things first, you need somewhere/something to store your items in. If you don’t want an actual box of sorts, a corner or area to keep your items will do. Maybe you could dedicate a drawer to your items instead? It’s private but easily accessible at home.
But, if you feel like having a box of some kind, then there are lots of choices online/in the shops. If you’re from the UK, Wilkinson’s and Asda have lots of storage boxes in different shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
Once you’ve got your box sorted out, how do you decide what goes in it?
This part is completely up to you now. Only you can decide what to put in it. After all, this is your box and no-one else’s. In fact no-one even has to know about it. It really is all for you.
Sill not sure what to put in it? Here are some ideas for you:
A soft toy
A cute stress ball
A colouring book
A notepad/journal and pens
Moisturiser to pamper yourself a bit
Body scrubs
Bubble bath stuff
A nice comfy blanket
Your favourite cushion
Tea diffusers
Herbal teas to go with your diffuser
Manicure/pedicure items for pampering yourself
Oil diffusers and some essential oils
Multivitamins
Face masks/eye masks
A good book
Notes of gratitude (you’ll need to write these yourself!)
Affirmations that you find particularly helpful
Breathing exercises you’ve made a note of and that work for you
The list could go on but I thought I should stop there! But, essentially, you’re creating a box where you feel comfort when you may need it most. It’s a break from reality for a few minutes/for as long as you need. They are great.
What do you do when things get tough? Where do you turn when the last thing you want to do is take care of yourself? Create a kit of your own with these tips!
On that note, my new little online store on a small space on the internet is now open! If you sign up (follow the link below to sign up), you’ll get a 10% discount off your first purchase! Did I mention FREE worldwide shipping for all, forever?!!!
Just click the image below to go there now:
wellbeing, anxiety, self-care, self-love, wellness, mental health
How can you practise self care other than having your own kit?
self-care boxes work for some but not for others. As you may well know, what works for you may not work for me or others. It’s important to figure out what really helps you when it comes to calming down/looking after yourself.
So, if a self-care box doesn’t work for you, here are some more ideas to consider:
Go for a walk on your own, in nature
Try meditation
Try grounding techniques to help keep you in the present#
Get your hair done at a salon
Get a manicure/pedicure
Take up a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try
Write in a journal and express your feelings on paper
Start a blog for your own personal enjoyment
Buy yourself a bottle of wine
Heck, by yourself some chocolate/snack of choice
Go to a coffee shop and enjoy some cake and/or coffee
Dance to some music
Make yourself some healthy smoothies
Get a pet (if you are able to look after it properly and be responsible – something I question myself on daily!)
Pet your cat/dog if you already have one
Go to an art gallery/museum
And so on. As you can see, whatever you decide to do, it’s all for you. It’s not being selfish or being a loner. It’s about doing what you want to do and not worrying about anyone else at the same time.
The thing is, if you don’t take care of yourself, you probably are in no position to help others. For me, that’s major. I put myself last pretty much all the time but I’ve realised its not good or healthy.
What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below, or in Insta – click below now: