How to Create a Self Care Kit
I knew I needed to create a self-care kit for myself when this conversation took place:
“You're not acting like yourself” she said. “what's wrong?”
And then I burst into tears
Because what else can you do when someone calls you out for being overwhelmed, exhausted, and just ready to sob?
Maybe you've been here too.
When someone you love tells you how different you're acting, or you're feeling out of your skin, it's time for a change.
Or maybe just a break.
A break is not always in the cards for me or my family.
As a military spouse, I rarely get time to myself . . . even when I'm desperate for it.
This is where a self-care kit comes into play.
Because you can't always go take a bath or do some yoga, and that's okay.
Related: Stressed Out? It's Time to Try Self-Care
What is a Self-Care Kit?
A self-care kit is a collection of items to provide you comfort on those extra difficult mental health days.
I put together a list of things you might want in yours or things you could add to one you may make a friend. This is meant for inspiration. I hope you find something you love.
Self-Care Kit Basket
You have to start with a cute box.
Does that seem silly?
You have to be drawn to this kit, so you'll be more likely to use it.
I love going to Michaels because there is always a 50% off sale on baskets and containers.
If you don't like going to a store, or don't have one close, I put a few ideas above. Click the picture and you'll be taken to a few I love.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Social Anxiety
What Do You Put in a Self-Care Kit?
It's easy to get overwhelmed with all of the options online. There are a million pins with a billion different things you can put in your self-care kit.
I want to make it a bit easier for you to pick.
Journal and Pen
Pens are a gift to woman-kind. I have a special pen I keep with my notebooks, a special pen I keep with my brain dump notebook, and a collection of pens I keep with my planner.
Do you love lists and stationery too? If so, you'll love my post on lists. I'm pretty obsessed with them.
Lists are great for anxiety, mental health, and getting the junk out of your brain so you can focus on other things.
Headphones
When I'm feeling extra overwhelmed, I really need a break from the chaos. I grab some headphones from my self-care kit and listen to some music.
You might love noise-canceling headphones, or just plugging something into your phone so you can listen to an audiobook or music.
Nail Polish
I talk about my nail chewing issue a lot. In case you don't know what I'm talking about, I quit biting my nails last year and wrote about how you can too.
Naturally, I had to include something to help my anxiety in my self-care kit.
It's incredibly calming to go through the fine motions of painting your nails.
Focusing on these small strokes will help ground you when you're feeling your worst.
Calming Jar
They aren't just for kids in time out anymore, and best of all, they're easy to make.
- Get a jar ( I like plastic jars because I have children haha)
- Add 1/2 cup glitter glue (or regular clear glue)
- 1/2 cup water
- More glitter
- Add water until the jar is full
- Add more glitter because glitter.
Shake it all together, and bam, you have a calming jar for your self-care kit.
If you are using it for a child also, I would recommend gluing the top on. Hot glue works great.
The sky is the limit with these things, feel free to get other things. Shells, beads, small toys, anything you'd like!
Mental Health Workbook
Did you know people create mental health workbooks? Brilliant! Sometimes I need to sort out my feelings, and these often have the answers I need to hear.
Another great book everyone should read is “Feeling Good”, click to see. It gives you tips you will LOVE for dealing with your anxiety or depression independently.
Epsom Salt
Did you know magnesium is the super supplement we all need? I talk about it in-depth in this article.
When you're feeling down spray your legs with magnesium.
If you're feeling down take a bath with Epsom salt (AKA magnesium salt)
Need energy? Magnesium.
Need stronger bones? Magnesium.
Tired? Magnesium.
Need more patience? Magnesium.
Need a new kidney? Magnesium probably can't help you. Sorry.
Self Help Books
Hi. I'm Beth Ann, and I'm obsessed with magnesium and self-help. Here are a few of my favorite books for self-help, I hope you love them too.
As I see it, there is always room to grow in your life, and there is always knowledge available for you to take and learn from.
It's important to point out . . . self-help books, no matter how scientific, are advice.
Take what you need and leave what you don't. If you think it's dangerous to try, don't.
Coloring Books
What do coloring books have to do with being an adult and a self-care kit?
Well, they are a fantastic way to get into a zone . . . To help you focus on anything besides adulting.
Get yourself a nice set of fine line markers, and get to coloring. You'll thank me for this later, I promise!
Mud Mask
Will you feel silly? Sure.
Will you also feel a thousand times better after? YES.
I wrote about a green tea mask I made once here. I don't like the taste of Matcha, so I didn't drink it, I added water to it and made a paste, then put it on my face. It's a silly post.
Laughing is great for your self-care kit.
Essential Oils
There are SO many essential oils available.
I created a list of essential oils I have had success with you can easily access online without buying into a direct sales company. Find my awesome guide here.
Your self-care kit could have all of these items or just a handful. Maybe you'll want to have a weighted blanket in yours. If you do, I promise you won't regret it.
The big thing I want you to take away from this is you need to have lots of different options for yourself. There will be times when you don't feel like coloring, or you feel like you need some lavender.
Your self-care kit is just for you.
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing. I believe journals are key
Love this idea! Now where to hide the self-care kit so that my kid doesn’t get at it? Cuz you know, mud mask is so much fun! š
Great ideas! I wish Iād had some of these when my kids were little. Self-care is super important for you and everyone around you.
I love this idea! This would also make a great basket for a morning routine. Jump up and grab your basket and your coffee and have your me time!
Ahh, thanks for the idea! I’ll be creating a new post about morning routines. A kit is a great addition!
I love calming jars! I made one for my son but definitely use it more than he does.