Let's create a whimsy box together (for the days we need it most)
How to create your own whimsy toolbox for the days you need a little more joy
Hello friends,
Yesterday, I was a little indecisive about what to write next, so I asked in our group chat. No one was around, so I thought I should start by writing about how to create a whimsy toolbox. Another piece about how to improve our metacognition skills will be with you soon.
First, I want to mention how I got the idea. A few years ago, I was listening to an audiobook called “Why has nobody told me this before” by Julie Smith (I would definitely recommend it, it’s such a good book filled with amazing life skills for better mental health). And the book suggests creating a toolbox for times when we feel down, something that could help uplift our mood. It’s been a while since I listened to it, so I hope I am remembering correctly, but as I remember it, she was suggesting that we should gather the things that help us calm ourselves and remind us of our happy moments in a box. And we should use them as happy reminders on our bad days.
Your box could include a scent that reminds you of your happy days, or a tea that brings back joyful memories because you drank it every day when you were studying in another country, or a picture from one of the happiest days of your life, a note from someone you love, or even just a playlist that you can’t listen to without dancing. (I feel like this could also make a good article to write about, and I should listen to the book again for this.)
So, I thought I could adjust this box to a whimsy toolbox to be used when we feel like we should play with life a little more or when we realize we are taking life too seriously, and we need to add more whimsy to our lives.
Why might we need a whimsy box in our lives?
Here is something science actually backs up: when we allow ourselves to be playful and a little whimsical, our brains respond in a really beautiful way. Oxytocin goes up, cortisol goes down, and we start building new positive neural pathways, which means whimsy makes us calmer, happier, and more creative.
And a whimsy box is one of the simplest ways to invite more of that into your everyday life, not as an escape from reality but as a reminder that reality can be a little more magical than we usually let it be.
What to add to our whimsy toolboxes?
Colourful sugar sprinkles for your morning coffee: A tiny tin of sugar sprinkles just for your coffee or your matcha. Not for any special occasion, just for a random weekday when you need your day to start with a little more magic than usual.
A tiara for ordinary days: A tiny tiara, a paper crown, anything that makes your day a little more whimsical. The rule is simple: put it on while doing the most boring tasks. Doing the dishes? Tiara on. Writing emails? Tiara on. There is something about doing ordinary things while wearing something like a tiara that makes life feel instantly more fun. Try it once. You will never go back.
A little pouch of confetti: I really believe every small win needs to be celebrated. So why not celebrate with confetti? You stayed within your budget that week, you worked out daily, didn’t drink more than 3 cups of coffee that day, and you had 5 new followers on your Substack… these are all worth celebrating. Just throw that confetti.
Note papers for writing kind notes: Small pieces of paper and a pen for leaving little messages for people you have never met. Put one into a random book in a bookstore. Leave a note on a café table. “You are doing better than you think.” “I hope today surprises you in the best way.” Kindness costs nothing and might mean everything to someone who needs it that day.
A wish notebook: Not a goals journal. Not a vision board. A wish notebook, where you believe every wish you write down will genuinely come true. Write in it with full sincerity. And something even more magical can be looking back one day and realising how many of them actually did come true.
A lucky object from a flea market Something small you found while wandering (a ring, a coin, a tiny figurine, a stone, a fancy cup) that you have decided is lucky. You can carry it when you need a little luck that day. The magic is entirely in believing.
A stone or a shell collection: I am almost certain you did this when you were little. I loved collecting stones and shells when I went to the beach. I really think this is also a great mindfulness exercise and is so fun. Plus it is a great way to remember a fun beach day. You could try collecting something else you love collecting as well.