DIY Pandemic First Aid Kit: How to Make Your Own Self-Care Kit
In the wake of the 2020 global pandemic, I decided it would be a good idea to make a first aid kit in the form of self-care tips. Before the pandemic mental health wasn’t really talked about as it was, in many ways, taboo. However, as the world is changing, mental health is now being considered more critically. Taking care of yourself is a valid goal, especially in times of uncertainty like a pandemic. Mental health includes not only our psychological and emotional but social wellbeing; therefore, it affects how we think, feel and act. Taking care of your needs determines how well we can handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Making time to create a toolbox or a first aid kit (as I like to call it) can be so helpful on the days we may need it the most.
How to Get started
Research and Reflect
Reading articles just like this one is a great way to start. This is a chance for you to brainstorm and reflect upon what makes you feel good.
Write those Ideas Down
Grab that pen and paper and start your list! Start listing the many ways that you can start taking care of your mental health. This is where you can speak to your own personal preferences.
Here are some ideas you can add to your list to do at home:
- Call a friend
- Make tea or coffee, and read
- Listen or dance to upbeat, happy music
- Take a lazy nap and cuddle up with soft plushie
- Garden
- Declutter & organize
- Cook – experiment with some new recipes
- Take a relaxing bubble bath
The list can go on forever! I highly recommend taking the time to reflect upon what you like. I think this is key in narrowing down an overwhelming list. Especially because I’m not here to tell you what you should be doing. Take time for yourself and make it your own.
Be Artsy
Last but not least, have fun with this project. Now that you have your list, you can either leave the list as a list, or you can get creative!
Making a poster with printed or hand drawn pictures can really spice up your space. You can even up-cycle that clear jar you have laying around. Write your ideas on little slips of paper and place them in there. It’s a great way to get artsy. Having little reminders like a poster or jar also feels good to have around.
Despite the trauma induced by 2020, we all have learned to slow down, take care of ourselves and our loved ones, even more. So here is to you, bringing in more healthy ways to care for your own mental well-being. Cheers!
Need Help? Here are SFU Covid-19 Resources:
http://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/covid-19/general.html#C19
https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/COVID-19.html