Self Care Box

Self Care Box or some call it Coping tool box is essentially a box/space where you keep things that can help you cope with daily distress. It is helpful to have these stuff in one place, especially when you are feeling too low or too overwhelmed to whip out a coping strategy.

What can you fill in this box? Here are some ideas:

1. Notes, paper, and pencil to write or journal to help me notice some unhelpful way of thinking.

2. Positive Self Talk - Statements you say to correct your negative core belief, such as:“People have different pace, my timing is just right”, “It’s okay to make mistake, I will always give my best.”

3. Photos or notes about past achievements - from that time you were trusted to lead a project, from that time you finished a race,

4. Activity jug - filled with calming activity suggestions eg take a walk outside, take long bath, lit a scented candle

5. Essential oils or scented candle - lavender, rosemary, jasmine scents are said to have calming effect.

6. Sour gummy - for that surprise you need to stop the spiraling thoughts, or to help you practice mindfulness and stay in the present

7. Water or calming tea - sometimes you just need to sit, have a drink and take some controlled breathing.

8. List of songs you like and can calm you down.

9. Weighted blanket

10. Cards with personal strength - what you think are your strength, compliments from other people

This list is not exhaustive, so you can definitely add some more. Would love to hear what you would put in your self care box!