The Coping Tool Box - Part 1

 “We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.” Marshall McLuhan.

·      A turtle carries his home and is his home.  Octopuses may carry a shell around and use it for hiding when they feel threatened.  Beavers create dams.  Crows are believed to make compound complex tools.

·      Studley Tool Chest - 39x20x9 when closed (40x40 inches when open) and contains 300 tools. Crafted from mahogany rosewood, ebony, and mother-of-pearl. Created circa 1890-1920 by Henry O Studley, a mason, carpenter and piano maker.  It was designed to hang on a wall and the genius in its design is that each tool fits snugly into its space.  Some reward you with a satisfying, audible click as each tool s`naps into its close-fit nook.  It is said to weigh 72 lbs. when empty and 156 lbs. when full.

Studley Tool Chest Photo by @oldwolf_workshop

 

Sample of some of the tools in the Studley Tool Chest*

·      Small clock maker's hammer

·      Spokeshave

·      Set of 10 center bits

·      Inside calipers

·      Gunsmith's screwdriver

·      Stanley #1 bench plane

 

If you would like to see and learn more of the Studley Tool Chest, visit this website and read this article. Fine Wood Working Magazine 1993 Article - Studley Tool Chest Makes Smithsonian

The Mental Health America association suggested putting together a coping tool box.  When the waves of angst, anxiety, despair, and worry bubble up from below and surface, a coping toolbox is a collection of techniques, items, skills and processes that you can immediately reach for to handle and manage those feelings.  You get to customize it according to your sensory hierarchy.  There is not just one method that works for everyone and that makes it a great conversation starter and idea generator. 

 

How can you use your senses to create your coping tool box?  Use your five senses. Tuning into your sensory experiences can be comforting during intense moments.

  • Touch: stress ball, silly putty, stuffed animal, weighted blanket, exercise where you touch the ground or feel or get in tune with the movement of your body to the ground

  • Hear: pop bubble wrap, listen to a calming playlist, go outside and listen to running water or the wind in the trees

  • See: photos with loved ones, hyper focus on the details in nature, affirmation/quote cards

  • Taste: sour candy, mints, a flavorful herbal tea

  • Smell: candle, scented lotion, essential oils

Some scientists have proposed that there are more senses that we have learned about since first grade.  So why not incorporate those in the construction of your coping tool box?

  • Thermosetting - the sense of heat (there is some debate that the sense of cold may be a separate sense) – Hot pulsating shower, sun bathe, feel the sun’s warmth on your bare skin, hot cup of tea and hold the tea cup in your hands,

  • Proprioception - the perception of body awareness (Example: close your eyes and touch your nose. Can you accomplish this on the first try?). How about incorporating some stretching exercises and really try to focus on the part of your body that is tense or tight and try to loosen it up? Stretching will help to enhance flexibility, unravel the tightness and assist in making further movements and workouts safe, efficient, and constructive for your body.

  • Nonsense – Sometimes you have to do or say something nonsensical – do a silly happy dance; laugh until you snort; call your best friend and give them a corny dad joke. See below:

    • What do you get if you cross an angry sheep with a moody cow? An animal that’s in a baaaaaaaaad moooooooood.

    • What did the alpaca say to his date? “Want to go on a picnic? Alpaca lunch.”

    What are your nonsensical dad jokes that you can add to the mix? Comment below in the comments section. Please, like, share, and follow.

GIFT ALERT

I would like to gift to everyone who reads this blog, during May 2022, Mental Health Wellness Month my children’s story app, “Talk About the Monster”.  It is a whimsical little story for children to take a little big step to face anxiety and fear.  Click on the hyperlink to download your copy.   Please like, follow and share the news with your community.

 Download my copy

Photo by @jessimiller.photography

Talk About The Monster Mobile App


*for more information on other tools in the Studley tool chest see this article: Fine Woodworking May 1993, No. 100

Studley Tool Chest List

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