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We all have bad days when dealing with our chronic illnesses. Sometimes, having our favorite things in one spot can be helpful. I’ll help give you some ideas of what I put into my self-care/wellness kit. Your self-care kit should consist of things that make you happy and that gives you joy. First, start by making a list of things that make you happy when you either see, hear, touch, smell, or taste them. Secondly, decide where you want to keep your items. Your kit can be inside of a tote bag or container and should always be easily accessible to you. This self-care wellness kit is for you and not for anyone else so pick the items that you know will help YOU!

One item that always makes me feel better is food. Do you have comfort foods? These are foods that make you feel better when you eat them or that transport you to another time in your life. If making a particular food fresh from a recipe and the aroma of that food filling your home provides you comfort then make sure you have the recipe and all of the ingredients available to you.. Having everything accessible in your kit will prevent you from having to make a trip to the grocery store on your self-care day.

What about a special drink? Does a hot chai tea or hot cocoa provide you comfort when you drink it? Can you feel the warmth in your hands while holding the cup? Have packets of tea bags or cocoa mix ready. All you will need to do is add hot water.

Are there phrases that make you feel better and energized when you read them? Write them on something durable like heavy paper or poster board so that they do not get torn or wrinkled. Those phrases can remain in your kit for you to pull out and read when you need a pick-me-up.

How about a favorite scent from a candle or body lotion? Is there a stone or seashell that you have that when you hold or rub gives you comfort?

Visual stimulation can bring you comfort. What about photographs of a vacation or friends and family that bring you wonderful memories when you look at them? Holding a photograph can mean more than pulling up the photo on your phone or computer. Put those photographs in a photo album so you can look thru them and hold them.

What about music? Is there a song or song list that makes you feel better when you play it or that you enjoy to sing along with? Load those songs on your computer or phone so you can easily listen to them.

Your tastes are constantly changing and new things bring you comfort so make sure you update your self-care/wellness kit. This wellness kit can be a wonderful support mechanism for you.

Peer Health can connect you with a personalized peer community to share provider recommendations, treatment options, and define your best life. The Peer Health community is coming soon and we want you to be the first to know. Sign up for our newsletter today.