16 'Pocket-Sized' Items to Put in Your Self-Care Kit

If you live with a chronic or mental illness, you probably know self-care is a must. Fighting symptoms of these conditions can be exhausting, and it can be helpful to have a self-care kit on hand. 

Whether you have a full-size self-care kit or just a few small items on hand, comforting items can really help when things get tough. While many choose to carry these pocket-sized items with them, others may prefer to have a box at home — or even just have a few calming objects stashed in their car.

We asked our Mighty community to share one pocket-sized item they use to get through tough mental health moments. We compiled their answers below — and added a few suggestions of our own. 

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Acupressure Ring

“My clinician gave me an acupressure ring, so I have a helpful fidget when I’m picking.” — Vix E.

Our pick: Acupressure Ring 5-Pack ($13)

2. Stress Ball

“A stress ball to squeeze when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.” — Lori M.

Our pick: Green Stress Ball ($10)

3. Lotion

“Lotion. I bite my cuticles until they bleed. Putting lotion on helps me to not do it as much.” — Julia H.

“Hand cream with a nice scent.” — Christine E.

Our pick: Ultimate Care Hand Cream ($6)

4. Chapstick

“I forget simple things like drinking enough water, so my lips end up dry. I keep a tube of lip balm… It’s a pleasant flavor and adds a little boost to my mood.” — Zoe B.

“Lip balm, having skin on my lips makes me more likely to pick at them. If I have lip balm I can replace that with applying it.” — Kaleigh E.

Our pick: Milk and Honey Chap Stick 3-Pack ($10)

5. Worry Stone

“A worry stone. Something you can slip in your pocket and helps with anxiety as well. They make some with a word or saying that might mean something to you as well. Mine was a simple smooth rock my grandson gave to me as we were exploring. So when I’m anxious or depressed, I rub it and think of him.” — Lisa M.

Our Pick: Heart Worry Stone 4-Pack ($11)

6. Bracelet

“Bracelets help. My favorite is one I got at a Christmas market, made out of things like amethyst. It’s weighty and the colors are interesting, so it’s a good thing to focus on when I’m dissociating or stressed. My boyfriend loves bracelets and bought that one for me, so I think of him when I have it on.” — Nina F.

Our Pick: Turquoise Beaded Bracelet ($11)

7. Hairbrush or Comb

“Small hairbrush or comb, ponytail holders. When my self-care goes south, my hair shows it. This allows me to take care of it no matter where I go if I have to.” — Phaedra M.

Our Pick: Folding Travel Hairbrush ($6)

8. Baby Wipes

“Baby wipes or something similar to freshen up if I can’t shower.” — Tiffany M.

Our Pick: Baby Wipes 480-Count ($12)

9. Headphones

“Headphones. Music seems to be my only escape.” — Juniper R.

“Headphones are a win for me!” — Shaun B.

Our Pick: Rose Gold Earbuds ($8)

10. Pictures of Loved Ones

“My polaroid picture of my boyfriend. I even take it everywhere with me.” — Jazzie M.

“Ultrasound photo of our baby — one of the reasons I’m still here.” — Amanda M.

“Notes from friends and wallet-sized pictures of people who love me.” — Julia W.

11. Tissues

“Kleenex. For laughter and pain tears.” — Denise N.

Our Pick: Travel Tissues 10-Pack ($2.29)

12. Fidget Tool

“Fidget cube in my pocket for when I’m anxious, around people or start to dissociate.” — Autumn M.

“Fidget spinner and a pen to click or twirl and chapstick.” — Sabina N.

Our Pick: Fidget Dodecahedron ($9)

13. Essential Oils

“Roll-on lavender essential oil or peppermint. Lavender is very soothing and peppermint helps with headaches anxiety can bring on when I’m out on the move or at work.” — Liz M.

Our pick: Roll-On Essential Oils 8-Pack ($19)

14. Affirmation Cards

“Positive affirmation/quote cards!” — Amy J.

Our Pick: Affirmators! Affirmation Cards ($13)

15. Comfort Cross

“A Comfort Cross — fits in the palm of your hand. They are excellent and not very pricey either. I used to give mine to my patients who I knew would benefit from them.” — Cathy P.

Our Pick: Olive Wood Holding Cross ($7)

16. Play-Doh or Putty

“Tiny Play-Doh.” — Erin P.

“A mini tin of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. (It’s similar to Silly Putty but in my opinion, it’s better.)” — Vicki C.

Our Pick: Putty Mini Tin Assortment ($15)

What would you add? Let us know in the comments.