Self care is an important part of maintaining your health and well-being, and yet it’s something that’s often overlooked. Having some self care supplies handy can help make it easier to take time out for self care, and when it’s easier and more convenient, you’re more likely to remember to do it.
Keeping a self care kit handy anywhere you spend a lot of time is helpful when you’re in need of a little extra time dedicated to yourself, but don’t have the time to engage in more elaborate self care strategies. We have some ideas for self care kits that you can put together yourself. That way, you have your favorite self care supplies on hand no matter what.
DIY self care kits at work
Have you ever accidentally forgotten to take your breaks at work? It’s easy to do, especially when you’re very busy or deeply engaged with the work you’re doing. Having a little self care kit at your workstation can help you take care of yourself.
Put together a little bag to keep in or on your desk at work. You can put these things together in a toiletries bag or an old laptop sleeve if you want. That way you can pull the whole thing out when you need it.
Here’s a list of things you might want to include:
- Luxury skin care products: A lotion or moisturizer that smells and feels amazing helps you take just a moment to take care of your skin. If you work with your hands this is doubly important. You can DIY the perfect lotion for you! Our Lavender and Honeyquat Lotion Project includes lavender essential oil for a relaxing smell, and honeyquat, a humectant that will keep your skin moisturized.
- A book or magazine: Take a few minutes to read something you’re interested in that’s not on your work computer. This can mean a paper book, magazine, or newspaper, or it can mean an e-book on an e-reader.
- A travel size toothbrush and toothpaste: This may not sound like the kind of pampering self care that we’re used to seeing, but taking care of your body is self care too.
- A healthy snack: This can be anything from keeping a few pieces of fruit on your desk to a healthy granola bar or other snack in your self care kit. If you tend to put off eating, this will help you stay energized throughout your workday.
DIY self care kits in the bathroom
Sometimes we may just have the basics available in the bathroom; some hand soap, bath soap or bodywash, shampoo, and conditioner. If you need a little self care, though, it can be useful to keep some luxury items on hand. These little additions to your routine can be easily stored in a box or basket under the sink, extra points if it’s pretty. Here are some things that you might include in your bathroom kit:
- A bath bomb or two: Something as simple as a bath bomb can add a lot of extra luxury to an otherwise run of the mill bath. If you’d like to make your own DIY bath bombs, our Rose Gold Bath Bomb Kit is a great place for beginners to start.
- A fancy bar of soap: A special bar of soap is great to have on hand for a treat, whether it’s for face, body, or both. Our Goat Milk and Oats Soap Kit produces soap bars with extra soothing and moisturizing ingredients that put it a step above regular soap.
- Some body butter: This is for after you get out of the bath. Smoothing some body butter on your now-hydrated skin is a good way to lock moisture in, and it’s a little luxury all its own. Check out our Natural Whipped Shea Butter Project for a simple and easy DIY body butter.
DIY self care kits for the bedroom
Sleep is so important to our health and general well being, but a lot of us don’t sleep enough, or don’t sleep very well. This can not only lead to tiredness, irritability, and loss of focus, but over time it takes a toll on your physical health as well.
Having a few special items around can improve your chances of getting that good night’s sleep that’s so important. Here are some things you may want to have on hand:
- A scented candle: The warm glow and soothing scent of a scented candle can help set the mood for bedtime. Over time, your brain may come to associate the smell of that candle with sleep, too. It’s great to burn a scented candle while you’re winding down in the evening, but never go to sleep with a candle burning. To make sure you get just the right scent for you, check out our DIY candle projects. There are a lot to choose from, including this wonderful Magnolia and Tonka Candle Project.
- A sleep mask: If you’re sometimes kept up at night by ambient lighting, even just streetlights from outside your window, a sleep mask can help. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so there’s a mask that fits comfortably on every face.
- A journal and a fancy pen: Sometimes jotting down some thoughts that are nagging at you can help you clear your mind for a good night’s sleep. Keep a journal near your bed, something that you enjoy using, with a special or fancy pen. That way you can rest easy.
DIY self care kits in your pocket or bag
Sometimes you need a little self care when you’re on the go, and this can be especially true when you’re traveling.
Opportunities for self care can be scarce when you’re in an airport, aboard a plane, or walking to work. Keeping a couple of essentials in your bag or backpack can make all the difference. These are things you can carry with you wherever you go. Let’s see what you might want to have in this kit:
- Lip balm: Have you ever been out and suddenly noticed that your lips are chapped? Having a lip balm in your kit is really helpful, because it’s one of those little things we might overlook. You can even make your own DIY lip balms. Check out our Natural Lip Balm Kit; it’s perfect for beginners.
- A lotion bar: A lotion bar is like lotion, but it’s a solid instead of a liquid. This makes it easier to carry in a bag or in your pocket, and easier to take through an airport too. To learn how to make your own lotion bars, check out the Lotion Bar Kit. With shea butter and a lovely honey scent, they’re perfect to pop in a tin and into your bag.
- A pocket sketchbook and pencil: If you’re stuck waiting for a bus, train, or plane, it’s a great opportunity to get creative! Add a little sketchbook and a pencil to your kit so you can doodle and sketch while you’re out and about. There are pocket watercolor paint sets available too, if you’d rather paint.
Any or all of these kits might be just right for you, and they’re not too hard to put together. Making some of the components can save you money and be self care too. Just make sure to store them where they’re most accessible to you, so they’re quick and easy to get to when you need them.
