The great Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Self Care is loosely defined as anything that contributes to your overall well-being. For some people, it’s indulging, pampering, and de-stressing. For others, it’s a variety of decisions, actions, and intentions to soothe and fortify ourselves, against everything life throws at us.
Whether you’re in need of a mental vacation, want to incorporate more self care in your daily routine, or want to feel good after a bad day/week; I’m here to guide you through creating your personal Self Care Kit. Think of it as a first aid kit for your mental health
Your Self Care Kit doesn’t have to be a physical kit, it can also be a list of things you like to do to get yourself out of a funk. I created my own kit based around my moods/feelings, so I’d have the tools to “replenish” myself whenever needed. I started by 1) setting aside a space in my room for my physical supplies and 2) making a list of activities that make me feel whole.
Here’s a list of self care inspiration based on my different moods:
Rest/Relaxation
-Take a nap with a comfy pillow, blanket, stuffed animal
-Listen to chill music like Solange, Sade, Tame Impala, Toro y Moi or a Lofi playlist
- Take an Epsom salt bath
- Drink a cup of your favorite tea. I love Chammomile and Rooibos tea after a long day
-Watch a feel good movie on Netflix like my personal favorite Dumplin’ or any of these
-Apply a soothing sheet mask for your skin type
-Yoga Flow for Relaxation
Creative
- Try a Self Love writing exercise
-Make a moodboard
-Try a new makeup look and take pictures. I’ve been into bold eye makeup lately
-Create a playlist of all your favorite songs
-Write Affirmations or fav quotes on Post-Its and paste them around your room
Companionship
-Call your favorite family member
-Meet a friend for coffee
-Write a love letter to yourself and mail it
- Buy yourself some flowers or a new house plant
- Write a nice message on a friend’s Facebook page
- Listen to a fun podcast like The Friend Zone or Whoreible Decisions
- Explore mindful masturbation
Healthy
-Yoga Workout to boost your mood
-Take a walk in your favorite part of town
-Make a “feel good” smoothie
-Dance to your favorite songs
- Drink a glass of Lemon water
- Meditate with essential oils
- Practice deep breathing
My personal self care kit includes a coloring book, journal, yoga mat, Lavender and Lemon Essential Oils, a plush zebra blanket, CBD Oil, TONYMOLY Aloe Vera Sheet masks, and chamomile tea to name a few things.
Your Self Care Kit can be whatever you want, as long as it makes YOU feel good. Buzzfeed has a great article to get you started on your Self Care Journey. At the end of the day listen to your body, make time for yourself this weekend, and just have fun with it!
For any questions, suggestions, and all things wellness find me on Instagram
❤️Stay Healthy & hydrated friends❤️