How to Create an Emergency Self-Care Box

Introducing self-care to your life is a process. If it’s not something you’re used to, there is a good chance that it can feel unnatural. After all, in so many instances, we’re conditioned to believe that our needs come last with good reason. We’ve got jobs, social lives, houses, and everything under the sun to worry about. Some might consider self-care selfish, to begin with, but the truth is—how can you ever take care of anything or anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself?

Talking Self-Care

It’s called “take” care for a good reason. The energy to “attend to” requires the act of taking time and resources to do so. Perhaps it is the sourcing of the “take” that can result in an overly selfish approach to self-care. Understanding what self-care means to you is all about understanding your own needs.

What happens if you’re in the process of beginning to understand, and all the ideas are in your head? Perhaps you’ve got yourself a fluid self-care practice already, but still have moments where you have no idea how to help yourself? Even if you’ve nailed what makes you feel better today, there is no guarantee that it will help tomorrow. Self-care is ever-evolving, and at times frankly, vague and abstract.

Hot to Stuff Your Self-Care box

I give you: an emergency self-care box. Bring things back to Earth by having a tangible, tactical self-care solution. Boxes are for containing, what is it that you’re trying to preserve or harness? Think thoroughly about this for yourself.

In the meantime, you know your friends at GR8NESS aren’t short on suggestions. Start with these ideas and see where your needs take you.

A Timeless Self-Care Read

With technology and social media, it’s easy to forget the universes that can exist between a front and back cover. You don’t have to go digital detox, but immerse yourself elsewhere by storing a read that you cherish in your box. It can be creative literature, sure, but it can also be a self-care oriented book.

Affirmations from Loved Ones

Affirming yourself can be difficult, period. Despite it being a fruitful practice, sometimes we feed silly thoughts into our heads. Omit this hesitation altogether by collecting meaningful affirmations from others. They don’t need to be extensive proclamations of love. It can be nothing but a small compliment you received once. Remind yourself to see yourself how those who care for and support you do.

A List of Accomplishments

On the same thought of building yourself up, make a list of the accomplishments you have achieved up to date. These can be significant life events as well as things you might forget or never think to consider, like a driver’s license. No matter how small you may perceive something like this to be, it can serve as a reminder that you’ve grown and are continuing to.

A CBD Tincture (Doctor Approved, Of Course)

CBD is known to reduce the effects of stress, along with various other health benefits. Keep a tincture for a drop when you need it. If a tincture is not your favorite product, try one of these CBD-infused products.

Photos of Things You Love

Another sentimental staple for your self-care box can be photos of things you love. They can be of places you’ve been, places you want to go, people, you care for and even captured moments of yourself.

A Treat or Two

Keep yourself a bag of your favorite tea, candy, or chocolate. Never underestimate the power of chocolate. If indulging in too many sweets or treats is a concern, try one of these low-calorie recipes instead.

Remember, your box is yours. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what makes you feel cared for and good.