How to make a "Bad Days Box".

Bad Days Box...

How to make a box for the bad days, to help remind you of the reasons to keep fighting.

So, what is a bad days box? 

A bad days box is a small-ish box (like a  shoe box) in which you put things that make you feel good and give you reasons to go on. You can make one for yourself or for a friend who's having a hard time. They make excellent presents that show you care about the recipient! The advantages of making one for a friend is that you can put in things that the person wouldn't normally get for themselves. If you're part of a group of friends (or are making this for someone in your family) it can be nice to make one from all of you.

How do you make one?

Step 1) The Box

Get a hold of a small-ish box- like a shoe box or a gift box (you can find them in card shops etc.) You can decorate the box however you like it, in your favourite colour, pattern, glitter or pictures! Alternatively if you're buying one, make sure you get one you like! 

Step 2) The Stuff to go in the Box

In the box put things you like, things that remind you of good times, things you find comforting, things that give you a reason to keep fighting and things that help you look after yourself.

In ones I've made for friends (and if they're not comfortable with food I just skip those ones!) I have put...

• A bar of their favourite chocolate (because chocolate helps EVERY situation...)
• Something in their favourite taste (like popcorn, or bubblegum).
• A candle in their favourite smell (like vanilla or rose)
• A lip balm in a scent they like (because we all need to look after ourselves!)
• A travel size hand cream (see above)
• A tangle (a stress toy)
• A journal and pen (because writing it down can help)
• A book/list of quotes (to inspire you and remind you of reasons to keep going)
• If they are religious, a book of religious passages  (see above)
• A nail polish in their favourite colour (because we all like a bit of pampering!)
• A CD of their favourite music (music is an excellent distraction!)
• Fluffy slipper socks! (because they're awesome... )
• Something that relates to a hobby/interest they enjoy (like a book page holder, or a band poster)
• A card/letter explaining about the box and what I've put in it (and why!). 

Step 3) They put their own personal things in the box

In mine, the personal things I have added are...

• Photos of family and friends, of places that are special to me, of special memories and events
• Letters and cards from friends
• Quotes that I like/that inspire me
• An old teddy from when I was small
• Little trinkets that have good memories attached (a pom-pom monster one of my friends from hospital made me, one of my Nana's rings etc. ).
• My favourite book
• A soap in a scent I like.

Basically if it makes you feel good and reminds you of reasons to keep fighting- put it in!