Memory lane
Lifetime Tools
Regardless of our current situation, we can always expect inevitable moments of stress and tension. They only come with the territory of life itself.
But what makes a tremendous difference is the way in which we choose to navigate such times. While some might handle hardships with better ease, some might have a harder experience when the struggle transforms into one of anxiety, panic, or low mood.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to protect our well-being in a more proactive way. One example of this is through creating a memory or self-soothing box, a personal collection of items that help ground you and shift your mindset in the face of emotional distress.
This activity is increasingly gaining popularity, and while it may not fix everything, the research behind it reveals that having a range of sensory things can give our minds something more positive to focus on. It is a useful tool that many continue to use as a ritual of comfort to help them feel calmer and more relaxed.
In this way, learning how to self-soothe becomes a valuable skill that you can use throughout your life whenever you need it most. Below are several ideas for those considering how to make a memory box of their own.
1. Essential Oils
One of the strongest ways we can stimulate our minds is through our sense of smell. Essential oils are a great option for doing this as they contain a strong, concentrated scent that is useful for helping you feel more present.
From peppermint to lavender to rose, explore different options to find the ones that you might associate with positive memories. Simply add a few drops to your personal items and enjoy their tranquil effectiveness.
2. Scented candles
Candles are also great items to add to your memory box. If scented and lit, you get the added benefit of activating both of your senses of sight and smell at once.
Find some time at the end of a chaotic day to light one and create a calm setting. This is also a great environment to quiet your mind and practice meditation.
3. Ceramic mugs
It’s no secret that one of the best things to do when you are dysregulated is to drink a hot beverage. That’s why having your favorite mug handy can serve as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated, especially during a stressful time.
Whether you choose to enjoy a steaming hot cup of chocolate or herbal tea, drinking water is an effective way to ease your nerves and reduce any symptoms of panic. Take regular sips as you relax into a natural rhythm of steadiness.
4. Photos
Pictures are perfect for your memory box. Go through all of your albums and take a look at your happiest memories and experiences with loved ones worth cherishing and looking back on.
With so many to choose from, you can easily create a nice stack that you can look through to activate a sense of joy, gratitude, and meaning. This allows you to tap into a higher state of mind when you are ready to turn your day back around.
5. Words
Another item worth adding is an assortment of messages that remind you of meaningful things. Having a notebook filled with your favorite quotes or ideas is one way to put something like this together.
You could also pull together all of your old notes and letters, which always make for a fun way to walk down memory lane. Even having a good book you like to read over and over again might work nicely as a way to reminisce on mysteries and fantasies you enjoyed at another time.
6. Music
Listening to songs and calming tones is also another way to lift your mood during a heightened state of stress. The sounds of musical notes and rhythmic melody are very effective in easing your overall state of mind.
This is a common way to instantly reset your overall tone at any time of the day. While it’s not exactly something you can put in a box, given the typical apps we use for listening to music, it is nevertheless a handy activity to keep in mind.
7. Stress balls
Physical objects are also good to have since they activate your sense of touch. For instance, things like stress balls, squishy balls, or play-dough are helpful in that they encourage your muscles to relax.
This approach is useful because our bodies automatically prepare reflective responses, especially when we are experiencing intense, heightened emotions. So having something to flex our muscles can help override those responses.
The Power of Self-Care
When thinking about how to make a memory box, it’s always good to personalize it according to your needs. To each their own, because we all have our favorite things that we each associate with different feelings and memories.
Thankfully, this is something that you can always experiment with and have available to us whenever we need it most.
