There are many ways to make yourself feel better after a tough day. The internet is full of ideas on how to do this. However, my personal favourite is making a self care box. In this post I will tell you how to make your very own self care box and explain the benefits of certain items.
THe box itself
Many people will tell you that when making a self care box the only things that matter are the items inside it. However, I believe that making the box itself look nice and welcoming can improve your mood and make you more likely to use it.
To make my own self care box feel more personal I decorated it. I personally used pretty wrapping paper over a normal shoe box. Of course you can use anything you want, such as coloured paper, paint or stickers. The possibilities are practically endless.
The most important part of making a self care box is making it personal to you. This is just one of the ways you can do this.
Self Care: Something to smell
I find that certain smells remind me of times in my past or things that make me happy. Perfumes may remind me of a happy time in my life that I like reminiscing about.
Having a small perfume bottle or another smell you like such as a Christmassy candle etc in your self care box can make you feel much happier.
Smells are known to ground us in ourselves, especially when they are linked with certain memories or feelings. This is why they are such an important aspect of a self care box.
For me I have a perfume in my box that reminds me of a happy time in my life, as well as a lip balm that reminds me of skiing.
Self Care: Something to stimulate/distract you
A well known staple of a self care box is a copy of your favourite movie or book. These can make you happier and distract you from the tough day or situation that you are trying to get away from.
Movies and books, as well as music serve as a form of escapism. Making it much easier to cheer yourself up.
An important thing to note is that while these can be any movie or book that you want, it is best if they make you laugh or smile. This will immediately lift your mood and make it easier for you when you want to deal with the situation that has got you down.
self care: Something to play with
Now this may seem a little juvenile, however playing with something is well known to make you feel better. This doesn’t have to be a toy meant for a child, it can be a puzzle or a sudoku book etc.
In my box I have a tin with some reusable putty in, kind of like the adult version of play-doh. I find that this helps me take my mind off the things that are bothering me. I tend to fidget when I am nervous or stressed and playing with this is the perfect way to deal with that.
Self care: items that make you smile
Now the previous items that I have spoken about have been very personal. However, this section is probably the most personal. Everyone has items in their lives that make them smile when they hold/read/engage with them. It is human nature to become attached to items.
These items can be letters, ornaments, photos, jewellery. Basically anything that you know makes you happy to be around.
For my self care box I have some birthday letters and photos that make me smile.
These are important as they help us remember who we are and what makes us happy.
just make it personal
Of course, the items I have listed are only guidelines. The key to a good self care box is that it actually helps you. Add items that you know will make you feel better. Don’t include items from this list that you know won’t help you.
Make it your own and you can’t go wrong with a self care box.
