Bad day box - what to put in?

[mnnn]

Yes I know sounds daft, but it was my GP’s idea for reducing reliance on self injury/self medicating for stress and anxiety (and ?autism - some thoughts it might be meltdowns I’m having) .

Suggested I find a decent sized box and fill it with stuff that I would only use if I was having a bad day .. I’m a bit clueless . I’ve bought a few bits online but I can’t find any suggestions that aren’t centred around young children !

So far I’ve got:

Aromatherapy dough (not sure about that one!), a diary, colouring book, a few bits for the bath/shower and a couple of affirmation postcards .

I’m not sure what else - GP said maybe tea bags, and posh chocolates . I don’t want to spend a fortune if I can help it and don’t want it to be too childish - just something private that I can use if I’m feeling overwhelmed or something !

They do "aromatherapy dough" mnnn ? Oh, I want some of that!

My first aid kit for the soul would look like this: A good fiction book, but an easy read so not too much concentration required. A new one or and old favourite. Also a nice self care/ritual/spiritual/self help type book (there are lots of this type of book sold cheaply in the Works or find one in q charity shop.Flashcards or a notebook with various lists: one of Netflix programmes I want to watch, list of nice activities (take bath, order takeaway, paint toe nails, read etcetc), list of uplifting songs, list of websites or podcasts to check out (look online for 'best websites for ). list of comedians I like, favourite films and films I want to see. List of inspirational quotes. Make some pre titled blank list labelled 'gratitude' and five spaces to fill in, blank list of five funny memories, blank list of five beautiful things I can see/hear/smell etc. I'd put in some mini activities (look in hobby craft or the works!) E.g make your own sock toy, watercolours and a notebook, colouring in book, air dry modelling clay, some pebbles from the beach and paints pens to make painted rocks, beads to make a bracelet, cross stitch kit etc. I'd put in some recipe cards for easy or nice thing to bake or cook. Lego set. A nice candle. New fluffy socks. A jigsaw. A nice essential oil. Some chocolate. Nail varnish and nail file. A magazine. Face mask. Epsom salts or a nice bubble bath or bath bomb. A £5 Amazon gift card with instructions to buy myself a little treat. A few photographs of good days. Little book of calm. Josticks/incense sticks. Little can of g&t or mini bottle of wine or posh bottle of squash. Herbal tea bags. A little perfume sample. Write a little pep talk note when you're having a good day and pop that in to remind yourself of better days: write it like you are speaking to a struggling friend. Get a freind or fmily member to write you a little note, pep tal.k or their favourite memory of you and seal it. Hair mask. A blanket. Pair of binoculars and bird spotting book. Jiggling balls. Rubiks cube. Eye mask that you can put in fridge or warm up. Exfoliating thing. Lip balm. Hand and body lotion. Yoga pants and a comfy t-shirt and hoodie. A little game you can play alone, something like story cubes or shut the box. Pack of playing cards for solitaire. Rescue remedy. Little foodie treats like a box of graze nuts, protein bar etc to keep your energy up. You've inspired me with this idea. I'm going to make one for myself and my DD and DSD.

On a bad day, I'm lucky to have the energy to get dressed. I couldn't concentrate to read or cook something fancy. I'd have lovely, fresh pyjamas (or hoody and leggings), chocolate/biscuits, a tin of tomato soup and a podcast. Definitely no alcohol- that always makes thins worse if I'm depressed..
I'd have a bag of logs in there too, for the fire. On a bad day it's all about meeting basic needs. Food, warmth, companionship.

Posh tea bags
A copy of Pride and Prejudice and Gone With The Wind
A giant snickers bar
Rose scented bubble bath
A mini cross stitch kit