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Creating a self-care box
Self-care can help you cope with challenging times by ensuring your emotional, physical, and social needs are being met. In this article, we detail how having a self-care box can be a valuable mental health and wellbeing tool.
6 minutes
Helps with
Distress
Overwhelm
What is a self-care box?
A self-care box is a personalised collection of items that can help you feel better when you're feeling low, upset or distressed. It's filled with things that bring you comfort and is your own little ‘go-to’ place for when you're not feeling your best.
It's a place you can turn to without having to come up with ideas on how to feel better in the moment. Instead of feeling stuck or not knowing what to do, your self-care box is there to support you and help you feel better quickly.
I have a box full of things that make me feel better, such as a soft toy or a note from a friend. I also have things that help me if I'm feeling frustrated, angry or depressed.
How to create a self-care box
Creating a self-care box can be a fun and personal experience. Remember, there are no right or wrong items to include—it's all about what feels right for you.
Here's a simple guide to help you create your self-care box:
Think about the activities or objects that bring you feelings of calmness, relaxation, serenity, and happiness. It could be taking a bubble bath, reading a favourite book, or journaling your thoughts. Identify these things as they will be the building blocks of your self-care box.
It could be values like family, friendship, creativity, or nature. Find items that align with those values. For example, if family and friends are important to you, you might include a photo of your loved ones in your self-care box or a favourite project you worked on.
Remember, your self-care box should reflect your unique tastes and preferences. Don't be afraid to get creative and add items that speak to your individuality. It's like crafting a box that perfectly represents you and your needs.
Your self-care box is not set in stone. Feel free to mix things up and change its contents as you go along. If something isn't working for you anymore, don't hesitate to replace it with something new. Your self-care box should evolve with you and adapt to your changing needs.
By creating a self-care box filled with items that resonate with you, you're building a personalised toolkit for taking care of yourself and feeling good.
Let your creativity and intuition guide you as you curate a collection of items that bring you happiness and comfort.
Remember, it's all about finding what works best for you and only you!
Items to include in a self-care box
When it comes to creating your self-care box, the possibilities are endless! It doesn't have to be an actual box—it can be a bag, a drawer, a room, anything! The key is to choose a place to hold your self-care items that suit your style and preferences.
Some great examples of items that you can include in your self-care box are:
Dive into the world of your favourite books or use a journal to write down your thoughts, feelings, or creative ideas. Reading and writing can be therapeutic activities.
Sip on a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate, or any other comforting beverage that brings you a sense of relaxation.
Because sleep plays such a big role when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, you may wish to include a caffeine-free 'sleepytime' tea.
Indulge in some tasty treats that you enjoy. It could be a bag of your favourite chips, a piece of chocolate, or some nutritious snacks like nuts and dried fruits.
Include photographs that hold special memories or bring you joy. They can remind you of happy moments and loved ones.
Small tools like a jump rope, stretch band or hand grip can fit in the box. They can help you move more and feel better.
Write down or print out lyrics to songs that resonate with you or lift your spirits. You can read them or even sing along.
Create positive affirmation notes that inspire and encourage you. They can be uplifting quotes or personal affirmations to remind yourself of your worth and strength.
Keep nice cards or mementos that you've received in the past. They can bring back happy memories and remind you of the love and support you have.
Include small souvenirs, postcards, or items that remind you of holidays or special moments that have brought you happiness in the past.
Add a piece of jewellery or an item that holds sentimental value to you. It can be a reminder of self-worth or cherished connections.
Make a list of your favourite YouTube channels or similar platforms that provide calming content, such as meditation, nature sounds, or relaxing music. These can help you unwind and find inner peace.
Remember, creating your self-care box is an opportunity to personalise it based on your preferences and interests.
You can even decorate the box, bag, or space itself! A box that reflects your unique style and personality can make you value it even more.
Benefits of a self-care box
A self-care box can offer a wide range of benefits depending on your needs. It's important to note that it may not be the right fit for everyone, so it's up to you to decide if you want to give it a try.
Here are some of the benefits that a self-care box can provide:
A self-care box can make it easier to take care of yourself and feel better when you need it the most. Instead of searching for ways to improve your mood or cope with distress in the moment, your self-care box provides a ready-made toolkit to turn to.
When you're feeling distressed, a self-care box can help you calm those overwhelming emotions. Whether it's a trusted grounding technique, a comforting object, or a positive reminder, these items can provide a sense of relief and help you regain a sense of calm.
Your self-care box offers an opportunity to step away from the pressures of daily life. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, the items in your self-care box can provide a mental and emotional break. This can allow you to focus on yourself and recharge.
Opening your self-care box can ease stress and calm your mind. The activities and objects in your box can help redirect your attention away from worries and anxieties, providing a respite for your mind. Even knowing it’s there for you to turn to if needed, can help reduce stress.
By picking items that align with what makes you feel good and brings you comfort, your self-care box can increase your self-awareness. It encourages you to explore your own needs, preferences, and what truly helps you feel better. This process allows you to deepen your understanding of yourself and your wellbeing.
Your self-care box serves as a reminder of the things that are important to you. Whether it's values, cherished memories, or the people you love, the items in your box can symbolise and bring attention to those important aspects of your life.
The process of creating and refining your self-care box can be a creative endeavour in itself. It gives you the opportunity to explore different items, customise your box, and express your unique style. This creative engagement can help boost your creativity and provide a sense of satisfaction.
Self-care is not just a buzzword. It’s an important practice that nurtures our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Having a self-care box is a great way to remove decision fatigue in choosing ways to look after yourself when you’re feeling down.
Think of it as having your very own toolkit that can provide you with personalised support and offer a sense of safety in times of need. Embrace the benefits and prioritise self-care in your life. Your happiness matters.