When stress, overwhelm, or low moments hit, we turn to our self-care toolbox, a collection of tools we’ve built over the years through lived experience and a lot of trial and error. While not every tool may work for you, we hope this list inspires you to create your own personalized self-care toolbox to help manage anxiety, boost your mood, and bring calm when you need it most.
Earplugs
Sensory overload is real, and it can happen anywhere, especially in loud or crowded environments. I recently used these noise-reducing tools at a music festival, not just while listening to music, but also when I felt overstimulated and overwhelmed. They helped me shut out the noise and reset. If you struggle with overstimulation, these are a must-have addition to your self-care toolbox. Buy Now.
Portable Heating Pad
Living with endometriosis means pain relief is a daily priority, and a portable heating pad is a must-have in my self-care toolbox. I love this one because it’s cordless and wearable, so I don’t need to stay plugged in to get relief. I’ve worn it at work, while grocery shopping, and even while driving (because let’s be honest, heated seats only go so far). If you struggle with period pain, cramps, or chronic pelvic pain, this heating pad is a game-changer. Buy Now
Lap Desk
Recovering from surgery made it hard to sit at a traditional desk for long periods, so I needed a more comfortable setup, and this ergonomic lap desk has been a lifesaver. Unlike basic TV trays, this lap desk offers wrist support, a built-in mouse pad, and a slot for your phone. There’s even a hidden compartment behind the laptop area for a tablet or notebook. If you’re working from bed or the couch due to injury, surgery, or chronic pain, this is a must-have for comfort and productivity. Buy Now.
Resilient A.F. Stories of Resilience Volume 1
No self-care toolbox is complete without a copy of Resilient A.F.: Stories of Resilience. This powerful anthology is filled with real, inspiring stories from people who have overcome adversity. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I find that reading a few of these stories helps me reset and reconnect with my own strength. It’s the perfect read for anyone looking for hope, healing, and a reminder that they’re not alone. Buy Now.
Your self-care toolbox doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect, it just needs to support you. Whether it’s a heating pad for endo flares, noise-canceling tools for sensory overload, a cozy lap desk during recovery, or flipping through Resilient A.F. when you need a boost, these are the little things that help us get through. I hope this gave you some ideas for building (or updating) your own toolbox. If something here resonated, feel free to share it or drop a comment! I’d love to hear what’s in your self-care kit. Let’s keep the conversation going.
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Written by Alana Kaplan, Director of Mental Health for The Global Resilience Project.