Why Your Survival Toolkit Needs a “Feel Like Sht Kit” (Yes, Seriously)
We’ve all been there. The alarm blares, but you just can’t. Maybe it’s a crushing disappointment, a wave of inexplicable sadness, a gnawing anxiety, or just one of those days where everything feels monumentally heavy. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, they hit hard. While we can’t prevent the lows, we can prepare for them. That’s where the unconventional, yet essential, “Feel Like Sht Kit” (FLSK) comes in.
Think of it as your emotional first aid kit. Just like you wouldn’t tackle a camping trip without bandages or a flat tire without a spare, navigating the inevitable rough patches of life requires a bit of proactive preparation. An FLSK isn’t about wallowing; it’s about acknowledging that feeling awful happens and giving yourself the compassionate tools to weather the storm more gently and effectively.
What Exactly Belongs in a Feel Like Sht Kit?
The beauty of an FLSK is its deeply personal nature. It’s uniquely yours, filled only with things that genuinely offer you comfort or a tiny spark of relief when you’re down. There’s no one-size-fits-all list, but here are some categories and ideas to spark your own creation:
1. The Comfort Objects:
Softness: Your absolute coziest blanket or hoodie – the one that feels like a hug.
Warmth: A favorite oversized mug for hot tea, cocoa, or broth. The ritual itself can be soothing.
Weight: A weighted blanket can provide grounding comfort for some during anxious times.
Scent: A candle, essential oil (like calming lavender), or even a well-loved sweater with a familiar smell.
2. The Sensory Distractions:
Sound: A pre-made playlist titled “Comfort” or “Calm Down.” Avoid sad songs unless catharsis helps you! Noise-canceling headphones are gold.
Sight: A silly movie guaranteed to make you smile (even faintly), a book of beautiful nature photography, or funny animal videos saved offline.
Taste: A small stash of your ultimate comfort food or drink – the good chocolate, a specific brand of soup, fancy tea bags. Avoid things that make you feel worse later.
Touch: A stress ball, a smooth worry stone, or even some silly putty.
3. The Practical Pick-Me-Ups:
Hydration & Nourishment: A bottle of water and maybe a non-perishable, easy snack (like nuts or a granola bar). Low blood sugar worsens everything.
Easy Hygiene: Face wipes, dry shampoo, or refreshing spray. Sometimes just freshening up a tiny bit can shift your perspective.
Comfortable Clothes: Stash your softest sweatpants or pajamas in the kit.
4. The Mind & Heart Supporters:
Permission Slips: Literally write notes to yourself: “It’s okay to rest,” “This feeling is temporary,” “You are not alone,” “Be gentle with yourself.”
Gratitude Sparks: A small notebook to jot down one tiny good thing, even if it’s just “I have this cozy blanket.”
Connection: A list of trusted people you could text/call if you feel up to it (don’t pressure yourself!).
Simple Activities: A coloring book, a puzzle book, a list of easy breathing exercises (like box breathing: 4 sec in, 4 sec hold, 4 sec out, 4 sec hold).
Building Your Own FLSK: The How-To
1. Assess Your Lows: What does your “feel like sht” usually look like? Are you numb? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Sad? Exhausted? Tailor your kit accordingly. Comfort for sadness might differ from tools for anxiety.
2. Gather Your Supplies: Find a box, basket, or even a dedicated drawer. Start collecting items that resonate with you. Don’t overcomplicate it; start small.
3. Make it Accessible: Store it somewhere easy to reach when you’re low on energy – your bedside table, a cupboard near the couch. Out of sight is often out of mind when you need it most.
4. Keep it Stocked: Check in periodically. Eat the chocolate? Replace it. Used the face wipes? Add more. A depleted kit defeats the purpose.
5. No Judgment Zone: The items in your kit are for YOU. There’s no “should.” If watching cat videos and eating pickles helps, embrace it (maybe stash some gum too!).
Why This Kit Matters More Than You Think
Reduces Decision Fatigue: When you feel awful, even small decisions feel monumental. Your FLSK eliminates the need to figure out “what do I need?” The answer is right there.
Promotes Self-Compassion: Creating and using the kit is an act of kindness towards your future self. It says, “I know you’ll have tough times, and I care enough to prepare for you.”
Offers Immediate Comfort: It provides accessible, low-effort ways to soothe your nervous system in the moment, preventing the spiral from deepening.
Reminds You of Your Coping Power: Simply knowing the kit exists can be a comfort. It’s tangible proof you have strategies.
Prevents Destructive Coping: Having healthy comfort tools readily available makes you less likely to reach for less helpful habits when you’re vulnerable.
Beyond the Kit: The Proactive Mindset
An FLSK isn’t a magic cure, nor a substitute for professional help if you’re dealing with ongoing depression or anxiety. It’s a compassionate tool for the everyday dips and bumps. Building the kit is also a reminder to cultivate proactive self-care before you hit a low point. Regular sleep, movement, connection, and activities you enjoy build resilience, making the lows less frequent or intense.
Your Feel Better Toolkit Starts Now
Feeling awful is a universal human experience, not a personal failing. Instead of feeling blindsided or criticizing yourself next time it hits, reach for your Feel Like Sht Kit. Wrap yourself in the soft blanket, sip the warm drink, watch the silly video, read the kind note. Give yourself permission to feel the feeling, but also give yourself the gentle, tangible support you deserve to ride it out. It’s not about avoiding the shtty days; it’s about surviving them with a little more grace and a lot more self-compassion. Assemble your kit today – your future self will thank you.
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