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.
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)
I hope this post comes in handy for anyone looking to create their very own self care kit! Do you have a self care kit? If so, what do you have in yours? Let me know!
