AD – This post contains gifted items but all thoughts are my own | When you cut your finger or sprain your ankle, what do you do first? Apart from curse a few times and potentially cry, you head for that trusty first aid kit that’s probably gathering dust under the bathroom sink. As we become more and more aware of the importance of mental health, it would make sense to have something similar to turn to when you metaphorically take a cut or a graze to your mental well-being (I think that makes sense haha?) This is where the self care kit comes in!
If you’re not familiar with what a self care kit is, it’s basically a kit or a selection of products that you keep on hand for when you need a self care boost. Or are having a self care related emergency. Perhaps you’ve been through a break-up, had an argument with a friend or are just having a really crappy mental health day. Whatever the reason, your self care kit should come in handy, if you fill it with the right things.
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There are hundreds of different items you could put in your self care kit. But today I’m going to be focusing on the different categories of items, as well as some suggestions of specific things you can use. As your kit will be used for a variety of different reasons over the period of time you have it, it’s important to cover all basis. And whilst face masks and chocolate are a vital act of self care sometimes…
That’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s the basic self care we really need to focus on or another area of self care like your spiritual or emotional well-being that needs tending to. BUT, that’s where the handy self care kit comes in!
So if you’re ready to create your very own self care kit but not sure where to start, here are some items you can include!
Products that will pamper you
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? The things we all associate with self care straight off the bat. Pamper products. As surface level self care goes, a pamper night is a great way to switch off and relax and give yourself that well needed self care you deserve.
Of course you can put any products you like in your self care kit, including face masks, body scrubs, moisturizer etc. but if you’re looking for all the products you’ll need in one handy place, the CIRCLA self care box is for you! Jam packed with cruelty free and Vegan products for the perfect self care pamper night. I was kindly sent a box to try out and feature on my Instagram but I loved it so much, I wanted to mention in here too.
Something that will help you relax
If you’re reaching for your self care box, chances are it’s because you’re feeling over-whelmed, stressed or out of sorts in some way. Items that help you relax are a great thing to have on hand if you need a quick fix. Some things to include in your self care kit that will fit under this section are:
- Candles or incense
- Coloring books or art supplies
- Relaxing room spray
- Relaxing music
- Essential oils
An item that you find comforting
Next, we have a item that you find comforting. The reason for this is simple. Human being need comfort and care when we’re feeling sad or low. So including an item that you find comforting within your self care kit will help you find those warmer, fuzzier, feelings much more easily. Self care isn’t always pampering ourselves until we gleam. Sometimes, it’s about curling up in a warm bed with our favourite teddy. Here are some suggestions for this category:
- A teddy bear or a favourite toy from childhood
- Your comfiest and coziest jumper
- A fluffy blanket
- Hot water bottle or microwaveable animal
- Old photographs or keepsakes
A yummy treat (or treats!)
We all need a yummy treat every now and again, don’t we? And whatever you’re coming to your self care kit with, it’s always time for something sweet. If you need your kit, chances are you’re feeling a bit vulnerable, so cut yourself some slack and give yourself a treat (or two) such as chocolate, sweets or popcorn.
Something that will distract your mind
Perhaps you’re reaching for your self care kit because there’s a lot going on in your life and you really need just take a moment to breathe and distract yourself from the stress. So having an item or a few items that will distract your mind is handy and there are LOADS of options to choose from here, depending on what personally distracts you. Some suggestions of things that will distract your mind are:
- A Rubix Cube / other hand held puzzle or game
- A fictional book
- A notebook and pen
- Your favourite movies
- iPod or music player
Something practical
Let’s get real for a hot second. If you’re reaching for your self care kit, you might be a bit distressed for whatever reason. So including some practical items within your kit is a really good idea in case you’ve been crying or feeling particularly low. This second is also good for items which will allow you to block things out. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like they need everyone and everything to shut up when I’m over-whelmed. Some suggestions here:
- Tissues
- Ear plugs / eye mask
- A bottle of water
And in case of an emergency…
Whether you call it a self care kit or a mental health kit, it doesn’t really matter but I think having something in your box that’s handy for an emergency is a smart idea. Especially if you have a history of mental illness. When things are really bad, essential oils and a face mask isn’t going to cut it. Hopefully you won’t be coming to your kit with an emergency but if you are, it’s always good to be prepared:
- Medication / inhaler / paracetamol
- A list of emergency contacts
- Phone numbers of emergency services / mental health services
- Plasters / bandages
- An anchor object (something to stop you spiraling)
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I don’t have a self-care kit as such, but this is such a good idea and I think I need to get one! I found curating a skincare regime really beneficial for helping me feel more human even on the days where I’m mentally struggling, so practical and distracting items would be so useful to have on hand!
Oh I agree, a skincare routine can help SO MUCH
This is such a good list. I have a little prepacked bag of beauty self care bits (I travel with it and leave it packed so I don’t forget anything) but I’ve never thought about making a full kit. I love the idea of whipping out a box with a book I’ve always wanted to read, some fluffy socks and a snack or two in. I need to have a go at this x
Sophie
Yess you should!
I really enjoyed this post and you’ve featured some great recommendations. For me, I’d definitely include some comfy clothes, a hot water bottle and a good book.
Can’t beat a hot water bottle!
Lush bath bombs and a book would have to be part of my kit x
You know, I’ve put together soooo many care boxes and baskets for people all throughout lockdown but it’s only my lovely mum that’s made me on and she absolutely nailed it! I think it’s time I treated myself and put some of these amazing items into a box for myself!
Rosie
Oh wow! Your Mum clearly knows you very well!
Thanks for sharing, I have never thought of having a self care kit, what a great idea. Sometimes we all need one 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Definitely 🙂
This is such a great idea! I love the thought of having my own self-care kit that I can just reach for whenever I need some me-time.
It’s a great idea 🙂
This is a great list. I’ll have to make an official kit. I have a lot of self-care items just kind of sprawled about and in my vanity, but an actual kit.
Good idea 🙂
I’ve never thought to make a self care kit – but it actually makes a lot of sense! If i were to make one now, I would include a book, candles, writing utensils and paper, and of course snacks!
Sounds like some great things to add!
Love this and may have to return to this page soon to expand my self-care kit, I’ve never thought about putting anything except skincare in it!
There’s sooo many different things to add! Skincare is a great shout though! Who doesn’t love skincare products?
Candles are always a good idea for self care xx
I love this neat list. I feel like I could put together a sweet box based off your suggestions, though I am torn between my favorite stuffed animal and the fluffy blanket . . .
Both! Why not?
Some great ideas in this post! Yummy treats is definitely needed for a self care kit! X
Definitely 🙂
I love the idea of having a self-care kit! That’s genius and I really would love to put one together. So smart to put something from each of these categories. I love that self-care isn’t just bubble baths and candles but so much more.
Absolutely, it’s so much more than that depending on how we’re feeling 🙂
I have never really thought about having a self care kit, but what a great idea. I have a box with extra skincare, face masks, bath bombs and bath salts. So I suppose I kind of have one. I have eye masks too. I might have to make myself up a kit now! Those products look beautiful. I love the packaging. Thank you for sharing Jenny xxx
Sounds like you have a great start of a kit there, why don’t you add to it? 🙂
Love this! I have a happy memories box and list of distractions for my bad mental health days but you’ve definitely given me some great ideas of what I can add to it to make it better! 🤍
Excellent ideas… Any one of these would make an excellent gift to give away also. 🙂 You open the door here to a lot of creative self-care kits. Thank you!
Oh yes they absolutely would!
I’m starting to pull a self-care kit together, but it’s kind of just happening rather than something I’ve really thought about.
As long as it works for you!
I love the idea of a self care kit. I might make some
Of these for my bridesmaids in the run up to the wedding x
That’s a lovely idea!
I love this idea! I’ll have to get thinking about what to add to mine because I love the sound of a self care kit 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Thank you 🙂
I love this idea! I definitely need to create my own self care box xx
Thank you 🙂
This is such an awesome idea for a present – whether it’s for a loved one or for yourself! I like the different ideas you added and how there’s something practical or general and also other things which can be more personalised. Thanks for sharing as always Jenny x
Thank you! They would definitely make an amazing gift x
Love this post! I don’t actually have a self care kit but definitely have a few items around the house that I go to or use when I’m having a tough time. My hot water bottle is one of my favourite things ever, it makes me feel so cosy and it really helps relax me – not in this heat we’re having at the moment though! I like the idea of getting a few things together when I’m in need of some self care. Great post!
Chloe xx
Yessss for hot water bottles! I love using mine, it’s really comforting, I agree!
Since going back to work I have actually been doing a lot of self care to make sure that I relax and unwind. I really like the look of that box and all the products inside! The best way I like to relax is when a warm bubble bath x
They were fab products, would highly recommend!
These are some lovely ideas! I’m thinking of adding a few puzzles and books to my self kit. Would be a great way to get some distraction after a long tiring day.
Puzzles and books are a fab idea!
A self care kit is such a good idea! I’ve never thought to make one but all of these are great to have to ready to pick up whenever needed xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Absolutely! Especially after the stress of this year!
I love the idea of having a self care kit. It’s a great pick me up on those difficult days, everything’s all in one place. Thanks for sharing dear!
https://tajinderkaur.co.uk/are-bruised-egos-the-reason-men-cheat/
Definitely! 🙂
What a lovely kit! I don’t really have a ‘put together kit’ for myself, but I do have my usual face masks, body moisturisers, body scrubs and hair mists that I sort of throw together 😀
Haha as long as it works for you!
I think the idea of a self care kit is definitely needed more and more nowadays. The world can feel hectic and overwhelming sometimes so it’s good to have ways to tune it out and just relax yourself. These are some great tips. Thanks much
Totally agree!
Oh I’m a big fan of care packages! I hope my friends read this as my birthday is coming up 😉 thanks for sharing!
Haha send it to them as a subtle hint 😉
A self care kit, what a good idea! Well with the past few months I think we all need to stock up on self care kits. I will have to check out this box. I love the packaging!!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I definitely agree!
I used to have a mental health kit after my counsellor suggested I put one together but then I used everything up and forgot to refill it 😂 I’ve been meaning to make a new one for months so I love reading posts like these. Thanks for all the suggestions – some of these I’ve never considered but will be sure to include in my next self care kit.
That’s a great idea!
Amazing post! Thank you for sharing this! I’m definitely going to make a self care kit now!
Can’t wait to see what you put in it!
I absolutely love this! Having a self care kit can make such a difference to how you’re feeling and give you the comfort or boost that you’re looking for. It’s very personal and can be used in so many circumstances and for different ways you may feel at different times. I really do think this is excellent. Thank you for sharing this. x
Totally agree 🙂
I like the idea of this, or preparing one for someone else 👌
Thank you 🙂
I love this! It’s such a good idea to create a physical box with all these things in. Something you can easily pick up and use when you need that lift or time for yourself. It would make a really good gift too. I’m considering making some mini ones to give out to some of my friends. So if they’re having a bad day, they have something ready to open that will make them feel better. Thanks for the idea Jenny! X
They would make great gifts, I agree 🙂
This is such a cute idea – one that would make an amazing gift both to yourself or to a loved one! It is so easy to forget about self-care, but this kit would motivate me to be kinder to myself. My favourite items would be a blanket, chocolates, a face mask and a note book. I love my notebooks, especially cute ones, as I can write all my worries, lists and crazy ideas!
Em x
http://www.loveemblog.com
Sounds like some great things to include!
I don’t have a self-care kit but its such a great idea I think I might go and make one now, I have so many products for pampering myself this sounds so great!
Hope you do!
I think you’ve ticked off every single thing I used to have at one point! When my anxiety was so bad I used to carry a lot of these things with me!! Especially the medication one! I do love a good jigsaw Puzzle to relax with as well as a colouring book!
Those are great ideas for relaxation and distraction!
I don’t currently have a self care kit but after reading this I think I’ll invest! This is such a good idea especially for someone like me who quite often gets bad mental health days. Thank you for sharing such a good post x
I love this idea! Have never had one of these before but definitely going to make one now 😊
Can’t wait to see what you put in it!
Thank you 🙂 x
I don’t have a self care kit; but I think I will be making one after this! What a wonderful idea; and can be a great pick me up all ready for when you need it – this would certainly help me when I’m having a bad day. Thanks for sharing x
Paige // Paige Eades
Totally 🙂