As the seasons begin to change and we move towards autumn and winter, it can be a lovely time to think about how we can look after ourselves emotionally and physically.
One of my favourite self-care activities is creating my own self-care box. It is a simple idea, but it can become a very personal collection of things that bring comfort, calm, happy memories and moments of enjoyment when I need them.
What is a self-care box?
A self-care box is simply a box, basket or container filled with things that make you feel good. There are no rules about what should go inside. The most important thing is that the contents are personal to you and have meaning.
I like to think about using all five senses when creating my box:
- 👃 Smell – comforting scents that remind you of happy memories.
- 👀 Sight – photographs, colours, pictures or objects that make you smile.
- 👂 Sound – perhaps a playlist, favourite song or something soothing to listen to.
- ✋ Touch – something soft, comforting or tactile.
- 👅 Taste – a favourite chocolate, sweet, tea or hot chocolate.
You could also include things that help you express your thoughts and feelings.
What’s in my self-care box?
My own box is very personal to me because many of the things inside connect me with happy memories and people I love.
I have a bar of Imperial Leather soap and lavender, because those smells remind me of visiting my grandparents when I was a child. Smell can be incredibly powerful at bringing memories back, and these scents immediately take me back to those happy times.
I also have a colouring book and colouring pens. Colouring can give us an opportunity to slow down, concentrate on something creative and take a break from everyday thoughts.
There is also a bar of chocolate for a little treat and something to enjoy through taste!
I keep pen and paper in my box too. Sometimes it can help to write down how I am feeling, make a few notes, or create a new affirmation. Putting thoughts onto paper can help us pause and reflect rather than keeping everything in our heads.
Another important part of my box is a list of people I can call if I need to talk. Reaching out and connecting with someone we trust can be an important part of looking after our emotional wellbeing.
I also have photographs of my happy places and people I love being around. These remind me of the people, places and experiences that bring positivity into my life.
Preparing for autumn and winter
My self-care box also changes with the seasons.
At the moment, it helps me get ready for the autumn months, both at work and at home. Autumn can be a beautiful season, but the shorter days and changing weather can also affect our mood, energy and routines.
When winter arrives, I add some extra comforting items, including fluffy socks, hot chocolate sachets and a hot water bottle. There is something wonderfully comforting about getting cosy with warm socks, a hot drink and a blanket on a cold winter’s day!
Why create your own?
A self-care box isn’t about buying lots of expensive things. In fact, some of the most meaningful items might cost nothing at all.
A photograph, a handwritten note, a favourite childhood scent, a drawing, a list of people who care about you or an object connected to a happy memory can all become valuable parts of your box.
Creating the box can also be an act of self-care in itself. It encourages us to stop and ask:
“What makes me feel safe, calm, comforted and happy?”
It can remind us that we deserve moments of kindness and care too.
Your box, your rules
Your self-care box might look completely different from mine – and that’s exactly how it should be.
You could include a favourite book, a puzzle, essential oils, photographs, a journal, affirmations, a soft toy, music, a favourite tea, a stress ball, craft materials or anything else that brings you comfort.
The important thing is that it is yours.
Perhaps this autumn, why not create your own little box of comfort?
Fill it with things that make you smile, help you relax, remind you of happy memories and encourage you to take a little time for yourself.
Because self-care doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Sometimes, it’s simply about creating a little space in your day to say:
“I matter too, and it’s okay to look after myself.”