It’s not uncommon to get caught up in the demands of our daily lives and perhaps neglect one or more of these areas more than we should. This is a great time to care for your emotional side and practice self-forgiveness. In addition to self-forgiveness, I have found another way to give myself an occasional gift in the form of an “Emergency Self-Care Kit.” Allow me to describe some basic guidelines I follow when curating a box of items to help me better care for myself when the time comes to break the proverbial glass and give myself the care I deserve.

In addition to each area included in Olga Phoenix’ Self-Care Wheel, I add a personal touch to my Kit by including items that represent the four elements to increase my connection to nature, and the five sense to increase my connection to self. Every time I create a Kit I make sure it includes items to balance out my Physical, Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual, Personal, and Professional needs, while also being represented by Earth, Air, Fire, and Water Elements, and alluring the senses of Smell, Sight, Sound, Taste, and Touch. It sounds like a lot, but I have found items that work for me that mark everything on the list. Note: I have found my emergency self-care centers around a bath ritual. This may not be the way you find self-care so be sure to listen to your needs to create a personalized box that works for you.

Contents of my Emergency Self-Care Kit: All items found in the shop have our quality assurance. We carry eco-friendly products, no additives or artificial ingredients. 

• Bath Salts – Physical, Water Element, Scent and Touch
• Face Mask – Physical, Earth and Water Elements, Scent and Touch
• Incense or Smudge Bundle – Spiritual, Air Element, Scent
• Candle – Emotional, Fire Element, Scent and Sight
• Crystals – Spiritual, Earth Element, Touch and Sight
• Tea – Physical, Water Element, Scent and Taste
• Chocolate and/or Nuts – Physical, Earth Element, Taste
• Journal – Psychological, Earth Element, Sight
• Book – Professional, Earth Element, Sight and Touch
• Suggestions and Affirmations – Psychological and Personal, Earth Element, Sight and Sound

While it is important not to judge a book by its cover, I find that starting with an aesthetically pleasing or otherwise meaningful box is an important part of the process. Each time this box is opened, whether using or refilling the contents, should feel like an indulgent ritual. Personally I get as much benefit from creating the Kit and filling it with so much positivity as I do from opening it when the time comes. Suggestions often include (but are not limited to) song titles, movements to get the blood flowing, as well as pictures, symbols, or memories that bring me joy. I like to use this opportunity to check in with myself and ask “did I drink enough water or have I eaten today?” Or “what am I grateful for right now?” In my opinion, the suggestions and affirmations carry the most significance because it costs nothing, can be practiced at any time, and no supplies necessary.

My hope for all of us is that we continuously practice self-compassion and that this Emergency Self-Care Kit will not be deemed necessary, but simply indulgent. We cannot pour from an empty cup, so make sure you are regularly taking the time to fill your cup. Check in with yourself often and increase your self-love supply so much that it has no choice but to spill out and spread love wherever you go.  My darling, you deserve the very best.