So, this is not really about studies, but I think it can be pretty useful so I wanted to share this « idea » with you guys.
Sometimes, in life, we have dark moments. We feel sad, depressed, hopeless… Whether it’s because of school, grades, family, work… Anyway, it happens (unless you’re an unstoppable optimistic, in this way I’m so jealous). I have something that can help you to deal with anxiety and « down moments »
It’s called a comfort box. It works, I swear.
A comfort box is a box (boohoo, surprise !) where you find things which are supposed to make you happy -at least, less miserable.
Choose a shoes box, or a cardboard box of any style, something big enough to contain a few things. It should at least be the size of two books (not a manga, more like a Harry Potter book).
You can paint it in your favourite colour - unless it’s black, remember it’s supposed to comfort you, not to make even more sad. Nice pastelscolourss are a good choice, and especially blue (it has scientifically proved that blue is a calmingcolourr). You can write or draw something on it if you want to decorate it a bit.
Something to smell : A little pot of perfume, a hand cream of body cream you appreciate, a piece of fabric with your perfume or your mom perfume on it… Whatever smell you like.
Something to touch : A little teddy, a no-stress ball (you can make one by putting some sand in a balloon) - A thing that will keep your hands engaged.
Something to see : A picture of you with a friend or family, or in a place you really like… It will remember you a happy moment of your life and make you realize not everything is bad.
Something to listen : A list of songs you really like ; I personally have two play lists : one really calm, with only instruments, like piano, violin - and another one which, on the contrary, is really punchy and dynamic (because sometimes all you need is a little bit of motivation)
Bonus : A « self-help jar ». It is another box or a jar in which you put little papers with activities written on it. For example, it could be « call a friend » « take a long shower » « Watch an episode of your favourite show » « eat a biscuit » « Drink a hot milk with honey » « Take a nap » etc. It will distract you for a while and it can be really helpful.
Motivation quotes. A few words can really make a big change in your behaviour. In times like those ones, quotes about self-esteem are essentials. My favourite one ? « If you have a bad thought about yourself, tell it to go to hell -because it is exactly where it comes from. »
Whenever you feel sad, having a bad time, having thoughts like « I’m useless, I’ll never Donna make it, no one needs me » : you just pick your box, you open it and you play with what is inside. You put the music on, you watch your photos and remember those happy moments… Everyone has its own way to do it. The goal is to make you feel better.
If you have school anxiety or panic crisis, you can make the same in a match box. You can’t put everything listed above in here, but you can put some perfume on it, and have a picture in a quote. Put it in your bag or in your pocket. It happens to me sometimes and knowing that I have those happy memories with me can help me to calm down, event without opening the box.
Hope this will be helpful ! If you have questions, I’m right here waiting for you.
