5 Steps to Create Your Personal Self-care bag or Toolkit
Picture this: you're having a rough day and you need something to boost your mood, soothe your wounds, or comfort you. You reach into your self-care bag and pull out a collection of items specifically chosen by you to help you calm yourself and regulate your emotions. That's what a self-care kit is all about - having everything you need right at your fingertips when you need it most. It won’t be a miracle cure for your problems, that isn’t its purpose. Survivors tend to neglect their self care when depressed, anxious, or angry. Please consider making your kit and keep it close by. When I worked outside of my home, I had a self-care bag in my office too!
Step 1
Please note that you can spend no money, a little money, or a great deal of money creating your Self-Care bag or kit. I recommend that you treat yourself to a fancy bag if possible. If you are on a tight budget, any bag in your home will do. A container or a drawer also work fine. Maybe ask a loved one to treat you to a bag during the next special event or holiday. That is how I get most of my “wants” or upgrades!
Step 2
Make a detailed list of items that nurture, calm or soothe you. Don’t forget to consider pictures, special small gifts, music, movies, and books.
Step 3
Look around your home. What items do you already own? You can always upgrade later. For example, I don’t like my lips to be dry, especially if I am upset. So, I added a plain old chapstick to my bag. When I could upgrade, I purchased an expensive Hawaiin lip balm that is extra soothing. A special treat and it lasts a long time.
Step 4
For items on your list that are too big (weighted blanket) or digital (music on our phones or movies on netflix) just list your favorites on index cards and place the cards into your bag as reminders.
Step 5
Go shopping! Treat yourself where you can and don’t worry if you can’t get everything now. It is perfectly fine to upgrade your self care items in the weeks and months ahead. You deserve nice things, and you deserve to feel better!
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Karen’s Favorites Self-Care
Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book
Light for Reading in Bed.
3 Pcs Chapsticks
Holder Keychain for Lipstick.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
Good Night Brain: 7 Sleep Hacks to Beat Insomnia.
Bonuses: https://www.goodnightbrainbook.com/ add your order number to receive bonus offerings!
Long Sleeve UV Protection Quick Dry T-Shirt.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine.
Cordless water flosser.
Anti Chafing powder (non talc).
Weekly, 3 times a day pill organizer.
6 pack to do lists, I love these for my appointment book as there isn’t much room for to-dos.
Protein Milk Shakes, Ready To Drink for Workout .
Cleaning Cloths (these are great for cleaning your computer!) Pack of 12.
Eccolo Large Lined Journal Notebook, Hardbound Cover, Writing Journal.
Karen’s newest self-care product:
SmartSleep Wake-Up Light
Wonderful Pistachios in Shell (Lightly Salted) (Karen has purchased 17 times)
Goat Milk Skincare Peppermint Scented Lip Balm
Slippers Moccasins, Soft Faux Fur Lining with Cozy Memory Foam
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Fingerless Gloves
Massage Ball for Back Pain, Shoulder Tension Relief, Sore Muscles, Plantar Fasciitis and More.
Numi Organic Tea By Mood Gift Set, 40 Tea Bag Assortment.
1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless
Deep Tissue Muscle Massager for Sore Muscles & Stimulation
Comfort Modal Pajama Set
Sleep Eye Mask for Men Women, Zero Eye Pressure 3D Sleeping Mask
A friend had surgery, and I sent her this: Wellness Box She said it was VIP and loved it!
Karen’s Favorites Travel
Light Shirts with sun protection. Purchased for my trip to Croatia. I burn easily and I’m happy with this purchase!
6000mAh Magnetic Power Bank: Wireless Portable Charger with Finger Holder.
Tripod, Cell Phone Selfie Stick, 60 Inch All-in-1 Stand with Integrated Wireless Remote.
My favorite toiletry bag: My secret santa purchased for me a few years ago and I love it!
I kept misplacing my keys after travel. My hubby purchased apple tags for me.
Credit Card Holder
Minimalist Slim Pop Up Wallet with Leather Slots RFID Blocking.
My cord organizer bag does NOT look as organized as this one, but it does help me to not lose my cords!
I also have these cable labels because I struggle to remember which cord goes to my phone.
Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty
Bag Smart Compression
Packing Tubes. I’m working on getting them for everyone in my family.
Itty Bitty Travel Razor! I love finding small travel tools to make my load lighter to carry!
Cleansing Large Body Wash Wipes - Extra Thick & Moist
Thule Compression Cube Set
TableTopics Original - 10th Anniversary Edition
Outlet Travel Power Strip Surge Protector with 4 Smart USB Charging.
Champion Women's Multiway Scarf
Portable Washing Machine - Lightweight for Travel
Travel Clothesline (6-12 ft, Reflective)
Beach Towel Clips for your deck chairs
Portable Carryon Luggage Airline Approved, Expandable Luggage
17oz Insulated Water Bottle Double Wall Vacuum Stainless Steel
