This is What You Need in Your Self-Care Box
This post contains affiliate links, and the items marked “SALE” where so at time of post publication.
At the beginning of my more in-depth self-development journey a few years ago, I decided to put together what I called a “self-care box”. It was a splurge of some of my favorite things that brought me joy and peace. When I was in a spiral, at wits-end, this is what I turned to. It was my way of distracting myself from my own toxic thoughts and treating myself with a little self-care.
This is a tool that I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone, really. In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle to stop and take time for ourselves. Indulging in a little self-care regularly prevents burnout and encourages healthy habits.
First, you’ll need a box. I decided to go purchase a beautiful photo box for mine because I wanted everything about it to be special. Your box can be whatever you desire! Below are a few ideas to get you inspired.
Vinyl record box: https://amzn.to/3ncQz1L
Floral 3 piece box set: https://amzn.to/3tcjqqH
Decorative storage box: https://amzn.to/3f9cmCS
After you find your box, you get the joy of filling it! This post is filled with 12 ideas of what to add to your self-care box, but these are just ideas to get you started. Fill your box with whatever brings YOU joy and create a sense of calm for YOU.
1.Motivation Book
I love a very light read for my self-care box. Something easy-to-read and uplifting to distract me and encourage me. Here are a few favorites!
The Path Made Clear: https://amzn.to/3n0onir
What I Know for Sure: https://amzn.to/34jShHP
Gifts of Imperfection: https://amzn.to/335zbEO
Coffee Self-Talk: https://amzn.to/3pVY7rp
The Four Agreements (GREAT PRICE): https://amzn.to/3HCvhCm
Everyday Gratitude: https://amzn.to/3HKoerv
The Art of Extreme Self-Care: https://amzn.to/3t2y048
2.Favorite Notebook
An absolute must for your self-care box is a notebook or two! Journaling is a great way to process emotions and record thoughts. Pick something that you LOVE and will really want to use!
6 pack inspirational notebooks: https://amzn.to/332Lhyv
Be here now journal: https://amzn.to/3qQam7Z
Floral notebook: https://amzn.to/3JI9FGx
3.Guided Journal
When I am in a spiral, a guided journal is a necessity. Sometimes I can’t form thoughts to free write and something with direction distracts and calms me. There are so many options and styles of guided journals, (short, long, religious, non-religious, very detailed, lots of white space, etc) you will be sure to find one to fit your needs.
Let That Sh*t Go: https://amzn.to/3G0SYUA
Do It For Yourself: https://amzn.to/3zy0eoC
Getting to Good: https://amzn.to/3JIrIMT
Present not Perfect: https://amzn.to/3JL0tRW
Gratitude Journal: https://amzn.to/3JLD7vh
Prayer Journal: https://amzn.to/3JN0Xqs
4.Stress Balls
Stress balls were another thing I put in my self-care box. I know it sounds cheesy, but physically getting that stress out ACTUALLY works! It was actually pretty difficult to find what I had in mind, so here are a few I recommend!
4 pack motivational stress balls (ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3JL1CZK
2 pack stress balls: https://amzn.to/3F0tEwG
3 pack resistance stress balls: https://amzn.to/3pWkg8P
5.Candle
I’m a candle kinda gal, so a soothing scent was another must for my self-care box! We all have our own scent preferences, but here are a few ideas!
2 pack sage and lavender candles: https://amzn.to/3HvC1lw
6 pack soy candle set: https://amzn.to/3eUzvsJ
Bath & Body Works stress relief(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3zucLcw
Balance + Harmony: https://amzn.to/31sID4C
6.Essential Oils
If candles aren’t your thing (or even if they are!), break out your essential oils! Essential oils are a great, natural way to reduce stress and aid with many other health problems. And they smell wonderful!
Lavender: https://amzn.to/3JNZ7pe
Anxiety ease blend (GREAT brand): https://amzn.to/3FYutaE
3 pack cozy set(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3FbtcMh
Anxiety relief roll-on: https://amzn.to/3mZtX4I
Blues Buster: https://amzn.to/31vdf5J
7.Cozy Things
Add some cozy items that are soothing to you! Fuzzy socks, comfy pjs, sleep mask, bathrobe, microwaveable pillow- whatever relaxes you!
Dr. Scholl’s lavender socks: https://amzn.to/34q1tdY
Wool socks 5 pack(HUGE SALE): https://amzn.to/3t9jE1A
Fuzzy socks 7 pack(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/34rcEmE
Just Love pj set: https://amzn.to/3pWJVyc
Lounge set: https://amzn.to/3zsIY3Q
Lightweight robe: https://amzn.to/3EWMLrd
Cozy robe: https://amzn.to/3n0THNT
Silk sleep mask(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/337rT3f
Avacado microwavable pillow: https://amzn.to/3JDLeKi
Lavender scented sloth(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3JGM1dH
8.Face Masks
And no, not the kind we have to wear now for COVID! Give your skin a little TLC, friends!
Himalayan clay(COUPON): https://amzn.to/3t8ID5m
Green tea(HUGE SALE): https://amzn.to/3n9MNWK
Freeman variety pack: https://amzn.to/3r5szi2
9.Bath supplies
Nothing is more relaxing to me than a nice hot bath complete with all the essentials. Sugar scrubs, bath fizzies, pumice stones- you name it! This box is all about treating yourself to something very special and taking your mind off of whatever keeps you up at night. Include whatever you love and relax!
Tree hut sugar scrub (my FAV): https://amzn.to/3f7fiQH
Brown sugar body scrub: https://amzn.to/3qc8dEu
Ocean bath set (ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3qlC4L7
3 pack bath soak(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3tcaUIj
Lavender bath bombs (ON SALE): https://amzn.to/32ZJJpx
Dr. Teal’s epsom salt and foaming bath set: https://amzn.to/3Ffqi9c
4 pack pumice stone set(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3fqaJkF
10.Favorite Mug
Coffee mugs are one of those things I just can’t help but collect. A very special one in my box just makes my day.
Dog mom mug: https://amzn.to/3FbI119
Cat mom mug(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3JY8dzP
Momma bear mug: https://amzn.to/3f9y61z
Best wife mug: https://amzn.to/3JQKaTs
Mountain mug: https://amzn.to/3nz37AP
Camper mug: https://amzn.to/33l2RxI
Beach mug: https://amzn.to/3fbHTnY
11.Tea
While I absolutely love coffee, it usually makes my heart race, making me more anxious. A nice, steaming mug of tea creates such a since of calm and serenity. But hey, you do you!
Taylor’s tea variety pack: https://amzn.to/3HUNTNV
Bigelow variety pack(ON SALE): https://amzn.to/3qf4h6g
Tazo sampler pack with honey sticks: https://amzn.to/3Fa2ljr
12.Letter of Encouragement
This last one is going to take a little bit of effort on your part. When you are having a really great day, consider writing a letter to yourself reminding yourself of how far you’ve come and how much you have to live for.
You can run in several different directions with this. Maybe you want to remind yourself of the goals and dreams you have and inspire yourself to keep going. Maybe you need to remind yourself of your painful past and how far you have grown since then. Or maybe you just want to write down some of your favorite quotes or Bible verses to encourage you. Whatever you know YOU need to hear when you are in a dark place.
I also want to encourage you to have your “safety plan” handy. I would not recommend putting it in your box, but plastering it on your wall or on your fridge where you see it often. (You could also make a copy to have in your box if you like.) If you ever do not feel safe alone practicing self-care with the items in your box, reach out to your people or seek professional help. I would love to connect with you and encourage you, but please know that I am not a professional and my advice is based solely on my research and personal experiences.
There are so many other things you could put in your self-care box, but I hope this gives you a good start. What did you put in your self-care box? I’d love to hear from you, and I know others would love more ideas! Leave us a comment and let us know!