Packing Our Emotional First Aid Kit

An Emotional Emergency Kit is a set of emotional wellness tools and can include some of the following activities that you can share with your family or class to build emotional resilience and connection.


Emotional Emergency Kit

An Emotional Emergency Kit (just like a Disaster Emergency Kit) is designed to provide the necessary supplies to support you through a difficult and challenging situation. Right now we are all affected in some way by the ongoing pandemic and the impact on health concerns, school learning environments, and economic instability. The continued focus on national racial inequities is likely causing increased anxiety and the need for extra support for ourselves and our youth.

An Emotional Emergency Kit is a set of emotional wellness tools and can include some of the following activities that you can share with your family or class to build emotional resilience and connection:

Emotional Food/Water: Daily nurturance includes doing at least one activity each day that promotes self-care like wearing comfy clothes, taking a bubble bath, eating your favorite food for a meal, or having a cup of a warm beverage like tea.

Emotional Flashlight: Identify something that reminds you to focus on hope. This tool could include creating a family mantra or motto that you can recite, or an affirmation statement. This is one we heard this week from poet Cleo Wade: I am showing love for myself by choosing hope no matter what.”

Emotional Batteries:  Sleep hygiene is important for overall well-being. Try adding an extra 30 minutes to sleep time and include a soothing activity before bed, such as listening to relaxing music, writing a gratitude list, or reading an inspirational book.

Emotional Cell Phone: Stay socially connected by making a list of people you can call for support, and check in regularly with them.

Emotional Charger: Taking a 10-15 minute break when feeling overwhelmed can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. A time-out can include taking a walk or run, having a laugh, praying, or singing.

Emotional Self-check-in Tool:  It can be helpful to engage in activities that help you identify your feelings so you can take steps that promote wellness: journal writing, art projects, meditation, or talking to trusted friends. We have a favorite guide to help with this

Emotional Blankets: Spend time doing something that makes you feel good, like playing with pets, reading favorite books, playing games, dancing, sports, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Emotional Map:  Having an overall goal for moving through this time with as much ease as possible can be beneficial. Try creating a visual image of your primary goal as a family, class, or group at this time (e.g. staying connected, maintaining balance, minimizing stress, practicing gratitude, etc.). What is your vision for yourself at the end of this journey? 

Just like we prepare for physical disasters, this is a moment when we can emotionally prepare for the inevitable challenges ahead. Instead of waiting to react, we invite you to talk with your family or class about what you all need to practice to get through this time. What is working for you right now that we missed?

 

If you are looking for some community, emotional emergency kit skills, and even, dare I say, play and joy, come join us in one of our programs for coaches, family-service providers, or educators.

Programs for youth-serving professionals

 

  1. Amanda

    This is powerful and I continue to be so deeply grateful for all of the work that you do!

    Reply
    • Victoria Serrato

      Hi Amanda,

      We’re so glad this connected with you and has helped!

      Reply
  2. SOS Survival Products

    Wow, I absolutely loved this. I usually only prepare an emergency survival kit, but I have never thought about the importance of having an emotional first aid kit until I read this. Listening to relaxing music before going to sleep is a great tip! What songs do you usually listen to?

    Reply
    • Dorothy Ponton, Digital Marketing Manager

      That’s a great question. I bet it is unique to everyone, depending on what calms you or energizes you.

      Reply
  3. Kristen

    I need help desperately with our soon-to-be 4th-grade girls in addressing their social dynamics. They are so cruel to each other but then can be very kind and every day someone is crying. Please help! I would love to have you come into our class next year or if I could get the emergency kit training I would so appreciate any information on it.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dorothy Ponton, Digital Marketing Manager

      Hi Kristen,

      Someone from our team will be in touch shortly. We are able to offer online programs, as well as in-person for a limited number of locations in the US.

      Reply
  4. Michelle Jenkins

    I would like to see if you have an community engagement person to do a presentation virtual for my Parental Group

    Reply
    • Dorothy Ponton, Digital Marketing Manager

      Hi Michelle, Someone from our engagement team will be reaching out shorty.

      Reply
  5. Carol Parks

    This is so powerful and inspiring. How can I contact you directly?

    Reply
    • Dorothy Ponton, Digital Marketing Manager

      Hi Carol, Thanks for asking, I’ve emailed you.

      Reply
  6. Judy Reid

    Thanks Simone for the Wade quote and the clever wording on the emotional emergency kit. What a wonderful concept!
    I felt peace of mind just reading it.
    Hang in there!

    Reply

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