Creating your own self-care toolbox is a must in today’s world. With all the crazy stuff going on, self-care needs to be top of the list. This is especially relevant for those of us living on the fringes of society. Some of you will understand what I mean by that. But hey, I’m happy to be one of those people because I still have my health and sanity intact 😉

So if you’re interested in looking after yourself first so you’re in a better position to look after others, check out the new Idea pin I created on Pinterest. Use these ideas, add to them, or create your very own ‘self-care toolbox’.

Self-Care Toolbox Ideas

Relax in a bath for self-care

• use essential oils or magnesium salts to relax the body and mind
• take it in the evening to help you unwind
• light a candle
• put on some smooth tunes
• grab a glass of wine
• do it at least 1 hour before sleep so your body has time to cool down
• relax, enjoy, soak

music to soothe the soul

• create your playlists carefully
• unwind to your favourite tunes
• go for a walk to optimistic music
• spend time alone just listening to what you love
• chuck some tunes on when you’re creating stuff
• music makes everything better
• choose uplifting tracks to lift your mood
• play an instrument if you can, or learn how to play one

Engage in positive content that empowers and inspires

writing is a form of self-care as it helps us with emotional regulation

walking benefits the mind and body

more benefits of walking – almost too many to list!

creativity provides a positive way to express ourselves while offering a good distraction

• doing creative stuff gives us an outlet
• it’s a great distraction
• it helps us express ourselves
• our expression can then help others
• it’s fun
• give it a try even if you don’t feel you’re creative
• I believe EVERY SINGLE PERSON has something to offer
• just try

being in nature helps us to feel better – mentally and physically

• nature helps us reduce stress and anxiety
• do some gardening
• head to a beach or river
• walk in nature
• nature can be energising
• being in nature can help us to feel more positive about things
• being in nature can help us sleep better at night
• being in nature can increase our chances of getting access to the sun which helps our body produce vitamin D

related post – The Benefit of Being in Nature

we can care enough for ourselves to give ourselves nutritious food

• prepare good food to eat
• try to find nutrient-dense food
• eat as close to nature as possible
• try new foods until something works
• prepare food for others so they can feel good too
• good food makes us feel better in the short term and the long term
• we can love ourselves enough that we want to give ourselves the best possible food

relax and unwind with a cuppa

• relax
• have a cuppa
• take time to enjoy what’s around you
• savour
• share
• love
• take time out for YOU

different types of Tea that help calm us

expressing gratitude improves how we feel and our perspective on life

• this one is massive for our self-care
• when we are grateful for what we have, we can’t be angry or sad
• be thankful for what we have
• there’s always someone who is worse off than us
• start by writing a list if it’s hard
• do it every night before sleep
• keep trying until you can do it verbally or mentally
• keep doing it every night to see the results – you won’t regret it

related post – Why gratitude is so important for our health

read for self-care to improve our emotions and to learn new things

• read a book to relax
• listen to an audiobook if reading is not your thing
• read what YOU enjoy
• do it to escape, learn, or chill
• do whatever works for you and your unique environment
• do it before bed to relax in the evening

getting an early night is a form of self-care – treat yourself by making your bedroom a relaxing place

• treat yourself to an early night
• do a quick tidy up
• put clean sheets on the bed
• use essential oils
• invest in a good pillow
• relax
• shhhhhh
• give thanks for the day that’s been