Why You Need a Toolkit

You know those days where everything feels too loud, too hard, or just... flat? Whether it’s burnout, grief, PMS, chronic illness, anxiety, or vibes of pure ✨nope✨—you don’t need to push through, you need tools. Not “10 habits of highly productive billionaires” tools. I’m talking about tiny, personal, dopamine-hitting, soul-soothing things that help you feel 7% better without effort-shaming you. Here’s how to make your own.

How to Build Your Own Toolkit

Think of this like a “Choose Your Own Comfort Adventure.” Your toolkit should include things that are:

• Accessible – stuff you can reach for even when you’re in a heap.

• Personal – what works for someone else might not work for you (hello, jogging).

• Low-stakes – no expectations, no performance. Just comfort.

• Multi-sensory – visuals, sounds, smells, textures can all play a role.

Step 1: Notice What Already Works

Ask yourself:

• What’s something small that always makes me smile?

• What do I reach for on the hard days?

• What helps me feel safe, cosy, or comforted?

Start your list there. Sometimes I find myself smiling like an idiot after doing something eg. watching a tiny desk concert, so I’ll go ahead and add that to my working list.

Step 2: Pick Your Categories

A good toolkit has variety. Use any or all of these:

• Feel-Good Content (TV, movies, playlists)

• People/Connection (who lifts your spirits?)

• Physical Comfort (baths, soft blankets, heat packs)

• Sensory Tools (candles, fidget toys, essential oils)

• Creative Outlets (journaling, painting, baking)

• Movement That Feels Good (stretching, dancing like a maniac)

• "Go-To" Actions (walk outside, drink water, scream into a pillow—you know, classics)

Step 3: Make It Easy to Find

Write it down. Save it to your Notes app. Stick it on the fridge. Turn it into a Pinterest board. You won’t want to build the kit while you’re melting down, so future-you will thank present-you. Mine just looks like this in my notes app 😊

Step 4: Re-visit regularly

Your Joy Kit isn’t set in stone — it grows with you. Every few months, I’ll swap out what’s not working and add what is. Nothing intense or scheduled; just a quick check-in so it stays fresh, relevant, and actually brings joy (not another thing on the to-do list).