Self-Care Everywhere

January 14, 2014

So you’re heading out for the day.

Got wallet?

Check.

Got keys?

Check.

What about your self-care kit?

Let me explain: a self-care kit is a portable self-nurturing experience for the superhero on-the-go. Even if you’re not superhero-identified, I suspect your daily life requires countless little-known, heroic feats. Job stress. Money anxieties. Traffic. Ancient but all too present trauma. Holding up the people you love. The battles and skirmishes can go on and on.

Even the most peaceful life can strip you raw at times–and a self-care kit is here to help you restore and renew.

To get started, consider what kinds of things might soften or brighten the edges of your day.

I consider my self-care kit to be a “pocket spa” of sorts, so here are the things that I took with me on a recent trip:

  • Earplugs

  • Essential oil (lavender is a favorite of mine)

  • Eye mask

  • Flower essence (Star of Bethelem comes along with me at times)

  • Echinacea capsules (to use as a tea)

  • Herbal sleep aid

  • Lip balm

  • Shea butter with lavender

As you can probably tell, the theme of my self-care kit is relaxation. I regularly need to “turn down the volume” when navigating the world, and my carrying case o’ comfort reflects that. Your self-care kit can be as unique as you are. I have known folks to include a calming stone, inspirational quotes, art supplies, candles, and so much more. The possibilities are endless.

I use a small zippered pouch to transport my treasures. A makeup bag, a toiletry bag, or even a small tackle box might work for you. (I have even used a pocket in my laptop bag.)

Here at One+Love, we want to recognize all of the ways you–yes, you!–keep our community humming and vital. Your self-care keeps us all whole. In future posts we’ll be exploring self-care on the communal level. One+Love connects you to a self so worth caring for.