I need a comfort object at work

[lulumcgish]

I work in a grim warehouse a couple of days a month. It's stark and noisy and I'm alone.
I can't listen to music, which would help.
It's not good for my mental health.
Any ideas?

What are the boundaries. You can't listen to music, but do you need to wear certain clothes? Or have a desk you can put things on?

Do you like fluffy things (nice warm scarf) or smooth things (pocket pebble)?

Small teddy Keyring?

What are the workplace rules? Do you wear a uniform? Have you pockets?

Is there a particular smell you love? At the peak of an anxiety spell I had a few years ago I carried a tiny tube of a shower gel sample in my bag, it smelt amazing and reminded me of a night away with DH. It helped to have a little sniff when I needed to destress.

I have to wear a uniform, but it's fairly flexible- just a blouse I can wear whatever over it.
Ideally I'd like some wildlife to look at, but there is literally just a manky wall to look at.
I really am enormously touched that you guys aren't just laughing at me.

I've never heard of comfort objects but sounds like a great idea. Do you just work a couple of days a month or do you just need to do a few days in the wearhouse? Just thinking that you could think about what makes things ok at home or other times at work.

A fluffy keyring or a stress type fiddling toy could be an option? If you got a soft keyring you could put some lavender essential oil on it. (wilko do a cheap one)

Are you allowed to hang something on the wall?

Do you have a desk or table?

Some kind of jewellery to fiddle with? Or a piece of jewellery that makes you think of happy times.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/468353556/rope-wide-sterling-silver-spinner-ring?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=fiddle+ring&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&pro=1

This sounds weird but I find it helps me. Can you put a small teddy down the front of your top with its arms over the top of the neck, a bit like a baby carrier. Teddy is near but you have your arms free. It only works if you're alone for obvious reasons, but you are alone so it might help. I would find that kind of working environment very tough too. I hope no one laughs at this!

A lovely mug - maybe with some willdlife images on it, that you use for tea and coffee breaks.
A bracelet/leather wrist thong with some semi precious stones in it. Wear a pendant with a semi precious stone setting, maybe even under the blouse next to your skin.
Can you put a wildlife poster on the wall opposite? Or a calendar with some beautiful images of nature on.
Switch your screen saver to one that rotates lovely images from nature.

A locket with a photo in? A watch or ring with an inscription? I think the scent idea is good too, is there a perfume or lotion that brings back nice memories for you?

@ButEmilylovedhim I think that's cute. I have a toy monkey. Might try that. He usually sits on my lap when I type.

I don’t think anyone would laugh at you. It sounds miserable and lonely. Could you put any pictures up? I think previous suggestions are great. Nice jewellery and a teddy key ring clipped to a belt loop sound like good ideas

So my work environment isn't at all as bad as yours sounds in any way, but to cheer me up once I get there, I've got a little sparkly box on my desk (but you could have in a locker?) that a Christmas present came in last year. In it is a roll-on perfume stick I love, a coloured lip balm and some Avon Skin So Soft. When i get to work I spend literally less than a minute taking great pleasure opening the box and sticking on the perfume, spraying the Avon on my hands and arms and putting some lip balm on. Sets me up for the day and makes me feel happy . I also have a lovely mug that an old work colleague gave me, that cheers me up.

A nice mug or pretty fladk with decent coffee is a good shout! I always find if I put on red lipstick I feel a bit better as well!

I find smells really help ground me when I’m anxious, I have a really nice Weleda hand cream I use.

Or you could have a little soft toy in your pocket?

A calendar is a great idea and the people who work other days might appreciate it too and certainly wouldn't think it weird.
You've reminded me that I have a soothing badger balm stick. That I could easily take with me.
It's seemed a bit frivolous to buy a nice new mug to only use it so little, but I might splash out.

Is it a bit chilly in there, enough to justify a nice scarf?

I agree about a nice smell. Is there a perfume or essential oil you like? I like rose oil on a tissue to sniff.

I love some battery operated fairy lights. This time of year you could get away with it.

Can you make a self soothe box you have access to at break times?

In one office where I worked someone had a colourful parrot toy perched on the cupboard nearby, it made everyone smile.

How abouts a bracelet that you can touch, or if that will catch on things when you are working, perhaps a necklace with a pendant you can touch?

Agree with PP that scents can be very comforting if you have a favourite.

What about a necklace to fiddle with, I have a little animal keyring that's soft as well. I put my keys next to me so he sits on my desk.

What about a nice handcream? Or a big scarf that you can put over your knees as a blanket?