Taking time for self-care can help us to maintain good mental health and wellbeing. One practical way to incorporate self-care into your routine is to create a self-care kit – a collection of items that can provide comfort when you feel overwhelmed, stressed or emotionally drained.
Why create a self-care kit
A self-care kit is a personal collection of items that can help you feel better when you are going through a difficult time.
When you are struggling and feeling distressed, it can be hard to think clearly about what might help. A self-care kit provides an easy way to support yourself, giving you practical tools to help you calm down and find a healthier way of coping. It is filled with things that bring you comfort that you can quickly turn to when you feel low.
Having a dedicated self-care kit has several benefits, including:
- Immediate access to the things that comfort you: No need to brainstorm and think about which self-care activities you can do when you are already feeling distressed.
- Reducing stress: The items you put in your kit can help to calm your mind and reduce overwhelming feelings.
- Taking a break: The kit is an opportunity to step away and take a break from daily pressures and allows you a chance to recharge.
- Improving self-awareness: Creating your kit helps you think about and recognise what truly brings you comfort and calm.
- A reminder of what is important to you: The items in the kit can represent what matters to you most.
How to create your self-care kit
Creating a self-care kit is your own personal journey – there is no right or wrong approach. You may also find that a self-care kit is not right for you (and that’s okay). But if you want to give it a try, below is a simple guide to help get you started:
- Reflect on what brings you calm, relaxation, and joy.
Consider which activities and objects make you feel happy and comfortable. For example, it might be reading a book, listening to music or a podcast, doing something creative, or journaling.
- Think about your values.
Consider what is truly important to you. This might be family, friendships, being creative, or personal growth. And then include items that represent these values, such as family photos, mementos from past experiences, or inspiring quotes.
- Make it uniquely yours.
Your self-care kit should reflect your personality and preferences. You can get creative with the kit itself and the contents. This is your personal self-care kit for your wellbeing.
- Allow for change.
As time goes on, so might your self-care needs. You can update your kit as often as you like, replacing items that no longer bring you comfort with new ones that better align with your needs.
What to include in your self-care kit
You can include a variety of items in your self-care kit. If you are not sure where to start, here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Something to read: A favourite book, a quote, a journal for writing down thoughts
- Something to listen to: A list of your favourite songs, playlists or podcasts that you can access on your phone or computer
- Meaningful photos: Pictures of loved ones, happy memories, places or objects that make you feel calm
- Positive affirmations: Encouraging notes you have written to yourself to remind you of your strength, capabilities, and worth
- Sentimental items: Cards, souvenirs, jewellery, knickknacks or small mementos that have special meaning
- Sensory items: Soft toys, playdough, or other objects that ground you
- Creative outlets: Colouring and painting supplies, craft materials, puzzles, crosswords
- Comforting beverages: Tea bags, hot chocolate
- Favourite snacks: Small treats, whether sweet, savoury or nutritious
Your self-care kit can be a bag, box, drawer, basket, or dedicated space. Keep it in a place where it is easily accessible.
By creating your self-care kit, you are making a positive commitment towards your wellbeing and mental health. Your kit should be as unique as you are, filled with items that bring you comfort and happiness.
If you are struggling and need to reach out to a mental health professional, our CAREinMIND counsellors are here to help 24/7. Call 1300 096 269 or click the floating chat button on the right. The service is free for people in north, western and central Melbourne.
The CAREinMIND blog is delivered by Lifeline. The views in each post do not necessarily reflect those of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.