Wellness in a Bag: Create Your Own Self-Care Kit
Self-care on the go can be as easy as filling a bag with items that help you focus, feel grounded or remember that moments of anxiety can pass.
Quick Steps
- Find a bag, purse or pouch
- Pick a sweet treat.
- Choose a fidget or trinket.
- Add a water bottle or hydration packet.
- Include a notebook or art supplies.
- Keep information for 988, Recovery Help Line, Warm Line or Teen Link nearby.
Pick a Bag
Choose something to hold your self-care items. It could be a favorite bag, purse, pouch or repurposed shopping bag. Show your creativity by decorating your container with stickers, patches or drawings.
Pick a Sweet Treat
A strong flavor, such as sour candy, can give your senses something immediate to focus on when you are feeling overwhelmed. Chewy candy may also provide comforting sensory input.
You could also include a favorite chocolate or another treat and practice eating it mindfully. Slow down and notice its smell, texture, flavor and how it feels as you eat it.
Choose something that works for your tastes, dietary needs and sensory preferences.
Find Inspiration in Everyday Items
From fidgets to keychains and charms, everyday objects can offer ways to engage and soothe your senses. Try a stress ball, smooth rock, textured fabric, wooden coin or another small item you enjoy holding.
A favorite trinket that shows off your style or reminds you of a happy moment can also provide a little burst of joy.
Make Hydration a Habit
Drinking enough water supports your overall physical and emotional well-being. Keep a reusable water bottle or a few hydration packets in your kit so you can stay hydrated while you are on the go.
You could also add a small snack that meets your dietary needs.
Write or Make Art
Sometimes writing about what you are feeling can make complicated emotions easier to understand. Keeping a notebook or journal in your kit gives you a private place to write, make lists or collect your thoughts.
A few portable art supplies can also create opportunities to draw, color or paint your way toward greater clarity and calm.
Add What Feels Good to You
Stickers, patches, photos, affirmations or mini vision boards can all find a home in your self-care kit. The goal is to create something filled with items that help you feel comforted, grounded and supported through whatever you may be feeling or experiencing.
Everyone’s kit will look different. Choose what works for you.
Keep Help Handy
Keeping helpline information in your bag makes it easier to connect with support when you or someone you care about needs it.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime
Chat at chat.988lifeline.org
Recovery Help Line
Call 866-789-1511 anytime
Text 866-789-1511 from 9am–9pm
Warm Line
Call 877-500-9276 daily from 2pm–10pm
Teen Link
Call, text or chat daily from 6pm–10pm
866-833-6546
teenlink.org/chat
Looking for another creative addition to your bag? Download one of our coloring sheets:
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