We live in a fast-paced world where staying busy is king and slowing down feels like a pipe dream. It is an exhausting way to live for anyone but can be especially difficult for those suffering from the emotional complications of trauma. When your mind is stuck in a revolving cycle of emotions, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with everyday life. There are typically two camps people fall into when trying to navigate the daily stresses of life under the umbrella of trauma: They either grit their teeth and power through, never slowing down and staying as busy as possible (often culminating in anxiety), or they find themselves struggling to keep up with the simplest of tasks, aimless and overwhelmed (presenting in depression).
Learning to care for yourself is a life skill that many in the western world have to learn and prioritize. Learning self-care is even more important for those embarking on a trauma-healing journey.
Why Self-Care Matters During Trauma Healing
A therapist specializing in trauma therapy can help you break free from the past by giving you tools to help you process and cope with your traumatic experiences. During the trauma-healing process, self-care is crucial to success. Allowing yourself the space to grieve, process, and heal from traumatic experiences offers you the best path toward healing. A trauma therapist will help you create a list of ways to support your body and mind while you work on healing. These may include:
· Rest
· Improved Sleep
· Exercise
· Journaling
· Talking with a trusted friend
· Developing a new hobby
· Meditation
· Establishing a healthy routine
· Avoiding addictions
Rest and Meditation
Building rest into your everyday life is a crucial step in healing. Confronting traumatic memories and experiences is emotionally draining. Finding quiet spaces in your day to allow your mind and body to rest will give you the energy to process and heal. Rest can be as simple as laying down for twenty minutes every day with your eyes closed. Sometimes, rest will involve sleep—other times it will simply involve being still for a time. Rest is a discipline that everyone can learn.
Improved Sleep
There are numerous studies indicating the restorative and healing effects that sleep has on our bodies. Sleep is shown to improve overall health, mood, and energy. Sleep allows you to see a situation for what it is and process it more clearly. Improving sleep may involve relaxation techniques, simple routines or, in some cases, may require medication to allow the body to relax and rest. A licensed therapist can help you find the best method for you to improve your sleep.
Exercise
The benefits of consistent exercise go beyond the mere physical. Exercise boosts serotonin levels, giving your body energy and stamina. Exercise is shown to improve mood, sleep, and energy. The benefits to starting an exercise regimen are endless and always encouraged.
Journaling
Writing a few sentences daily allows the mind to slow down and process. Sometimes, the act of journaling gives you the freedom to express the things that are too difficult or painful to say out loud. Getting memories and emotions out of your head and onto the page has enormous healing benefits. Likewise, keeping a written record of things that bring you joy also has the power to shift your mindset, unlocking the potential for joy over heartache.
Finding Connection
Having someone you can open up to allows you to process out loud the things that have traumatized you. It’s extremely important, however, that this person is someone you can explicitly trust, and who is a healthy and safe person for you to talk with.
Developing a New Hobby and Establishing a Routine
Routines and hobbies help give a sense of structure and purpose to your days. Hobbies don’t need to be time-consuming or complex. They can be as simple as reading or walking. Building a routine that includes time for these simple hobbies is an excellent addition to any trauma-healing journey.
Avoiding Addictions
A natural human response to pain is to seek escape. Sometimes, that escape comes in the form of addictive behaviors. A crucial step in emotional healing is avoiding substances/people/behaviors that pull you out of reality and keep you from facing your emotions. If addictions are deep, you may need to seek professional treatment in helping you overcome those addictions. A trained and licensed therapist can assist in finding you the help you need to overcome addiction.
Taking the First Step Toward Healing
Healing the emotional wounds left by trauma can be a daunting, but empowering, journey. The first, and most important, step in breaking free from the past is asking for help. Through the guidance of a trained therapist, as well as connection with other trauma survivors, you can move beyond the events that scarred your past and into a future that is safe and healthy. Our Tampa-based trauma therapists are ready to walk you through your healing journey. Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa for more information.
Read more about healing from Trauma in our Trauma series:
Understanding the Impact of Trauma and How Therapy Can Help
Supporting a Loved One Through Trauma: How to Help Without Overstepping