When you are having one of those bad days and you seem to feel overwhelmed, sometimes just having a piece of chocolate might lift the mood. Or it could be looking at a picture of your loved ones placed at your work desk.
What if you are able to curate your own items that can give you a break from a stressful day? Just like you might keep an emergency medical kit at home or office, why not have a self-care toolkit?
As self-care is a daily routine, you could consider to plan to create your own toolkit that can come handy. Something you know will brighten your day, relax your mind, boost your energy, pamper you. Having a toolkit could remind you that you have something safe and easy to reach out to, whenever you want.
While a variety of items comfort each one of us at different days, you could create your own personalised self-care toolkit. Something that fits in a bag or box that is easily accessible for you at home and workplace. You could keep one ready-made kit to carry around during your travels.
Anything that makes you feel good can go in a toolkit. We have some suggestions on items you can add to your own self-care toolkit, just so you could start with some ideas!!
Reflection: Hand Mirror
A mirror to reflect – both literally and figuratively. A mirror can be a great way to engage with your body and the perceptions around it. You could use one to build a positive body image, to become more aware about your physical body especially concerning one’s sexuality and explore your intimacy with your body.
You could also try our worksheet on I am sexy and I know it!
Health care: Face mask
A large part of self-care is also taking care of one’s health. During pandemic times, what better item than keeping a face mask handy. Face masks are believed to reduce the risk of the spread of virus. And also protect from pollution in the air.
Beauty care: Nail paint
Depending on your preference, you could consider adding a nail paint to your kit.
A blog about issues related to non-binary people, talks about My nails and gender identity.
Ironically, although polished nails – from intricate designs to simple one-shade manicures – have long been seen as feminine, nail polish has actually been around since 3200 BCE, and back then, it was used by men.
Source: Could Nail Art Be the Next Frontier of Gender-Neutral Beauty?
Body care: Eye mask
More and more, our eyes are over-worked with increased screen time. An eye mask can help in reducing the light and relax the eyes. A few minutes of break with an eye mask on, can be rejuvenating. They could also improve your sleep quality. Apart from the typical eye masks made out of a soft fabric, alternatively there are also cool gel eye masks.
Read here to know about the Benefits of using Cool Gel Eye Masks.
Visual: Photo
A picture of a loved one or a memorable travel picture framed can be an instant boost to energy reminding of the fun times. Also an image from nature or that of a pet as a wallpaper can be an option.
Source: Simply gazing at images that have the seemingly magical power to ease your mind and look more at These 5 Relaxing Images Will Bring You Instant Calm.
