Being massively into self care and knowing how great it feels to fill your cup back up, my mind was totally blown by Karen’s self care toolkit that she spoke about in our recent balance workshop and I couldn’t believe that I didn’t have one myself. It makes perfect sense to have a collection of items or an action plan in place for when you’re not quite feeling yourself and need that extra support to make you feel fabulous again.
I’ve been thinking about what I would put in my self care toolkit and even though I didn’t have anything set in stone until now, there were some things that indeed help me feel better when I find myself in a funk and out of balance. Interestingly, I found that it really depends on the time of day and my current mood as to what will work and may change depending on where I am on the spectrum of feeling unbalanced; whether that be anxious or overwhelmed. However, there are a couple of staples that are necessary in my arsenal when I need to be kinder to myself.
Something Warm & Cosy
Cocooning myself in comfortable clothes or snuggling in a blanket on the sofa watching a Netflix box set creates such a happy warming atmosphere. Sometimes pulling up your positive pants just isn’t enough while you work through these emotions. In these times, there is nothing better when you’re feeling out of sorts than to take a step back from life for a while and find a cosy space to relax and hibernate, while you gently get yourself back on track.
A Calming Space
When I’m feeling overwhelmed and the brain fog sets in, a cluttered space only tends to bring on a headache. I love light and airy spaces and try to ensure that my home remains clutter free as possible. This may sound impossible with a toddler, however having a couple of toy boxes where you can dump things quickly can help. I also try to have regular declutters every couple of months purge to the house of unwanted goods and donate to charity, sell or just throw things away. I already blogged about how dumping the crap made me feel awesome here.
Candles & Soft Lighting
Scented candles are one of the things that I regularly buy when I want to treat myself and I always have one burning on my desk when I’m working. They create such a relaxing and calming atmosphere and of course, smell divine. Scents can have an uplifting effect on our mood, especially if they are familiar and remind us happier times. Fairy lights can also have the same effect and I have these scattered around the house too.
A Go-To Easy Recipe Or Frozen Ready Meal
The last thing you want to do is slave away in the kitchen for hours over a hot stove cooking when you’re not feeling great. I have a couple of quick and easy pasta dishes that I like to cook on these occasions and make sure that I always have the ingredients stocked. If that fails and I really can’t be bothered a frozen ready meal for dinner works just as well.
Beautiful Fresh Blooms
Like candles, I love my house to be filled with beautiful fresh flowers. I always make sure that I add a bunch to the weekly shopping list, nothing fancy just a cheap bunch from the supermarket. Not only do they brighten up my home, they also remind me that even though I may be struggling there is still good in my life and these ugly feelings will pass.
Good Mood Food
We talk about nourishing your body, but food is also there to nourish your soul too. I like to make sure that in my cupboards is an emergency bar of chocolate and bottle of red wine, for the times when my soul needs a little TLC.
A calm space is by far one of the most important things you can have! I have a little “man cave” of sorts, that just has my PC and tablet in it, so that I can sit down and write in peace, getting my thoughts out whenever I need to.
I love this. Your man cave sounds fantastic!!!
Oh my god… what a great idea! I’ve never heard of a self care tool kit before but it makes so much sense.
I know! It makes so much sense right. We all need one.
I have never thought of a self-care toolkit, I honestly think it is such a good idea! I am already on my way thinking about what I need when I’m feeling a bit crappy! I loved this, thank you!
XO
So happy that you found it helpful, Whitney.
I live by the ready meal part. I hate coming home and having to cook after working all day! 🙂
Hahaha! They are great for times like these.
Scented candles are a definite must. I know mine would include a face mask and a fluffy soft blanket x
Sounds just perfect!
Oh I love this. I suffer with depression and often look for something to boost me. Something warm and cosy is my go to thing, usually my dressing gown and a big fluffy blanket!
Sounds perfect. I think that cosy feeling works wondered when your looking for a mood booster.
Definitely agree with the candles and the calming space – I love a nice bubbly bath too
Oh yes, a bubble bath is very therapeutic.
Such a great idea 🙂 I need to use my scented candles more, I’m a bit of a hoarder!
I have a bit of a stash too! ?
It’s good to make sure you practice self care. Taking that time out to just recharge your batteries
Yes, it’s a really important thing to do for yourself.
Scented candles, a good cosy throw and a ready meal – im there! lol
Yay! Sounds so good.
I like the idea of a self care toolkit. Good mood food and soft lighting or candles definitely helps x
A selfcare toolkit is so helpful when you
need some TLC.
Such a simple idea but something I’ve never thought about. My self care kit would be a quiet space with the lights off, easy to cook food and a glass of prosecco
Love that you have prosecco in your self care toolkit.
I love candles and fresh flowers are always a great option for me in my home. It gives me a boost.
Me too. A must in my toolkit.
I definitely agree with the fresh flowers being something to lift your mood – unfortunately I can’t have any in my house as my house cats decide to eat them! But I have some beautiful artificial flowers in the corner (they don’t small though!) x
Oh no! Happy to hear that you can still
enjoy your flowers though, even if they’re not real.