Emotional trauma can impact anyone and occur at any time. Whether it is something you have recently experienced or something that has been packed away, it is quite possible to feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or unhappy. While there is no clear-cut time frame for healing, knowing that you can move forward and regain your power is important. Here are six ways that you can begin your recovery process.
Connect with Others
We are all human beings, and social connection is ingrained in all of us. Following a traumatic event, you may feel lonely or even inadvertently isolate yourself from others. Connecting with others around us, to any degree, is a huge piece of the healing puzzle.
Lean on your support system to help you through your struggles. By no means do you need to place focus on what you are going through. Share whatever amount of information you feel comfortable with, but be honest in doing so. You may also find that attending a support group could be a guiding help.
Self Care
In the new era post-covid and post “great resignation,” one thing is for sure… self-care is the new gold standard! Find activities that reduce your stress and make you feel good. It can be something simple like taking a bath or getting a massage. Go outside and sit in a warm, sunny spot for some vitamin D. Drink a cup of your favorite tea (or coffee if that’s more your fancy). Put on a comedy show for some laughs. Self-care reduces stress and can trigger positive emotions to combat the negative ones you may be feeling. Cut out some time and enjoy it!
Movement and Exercise
Research has proven time again that physical activity can improve symptoms relating to most mental health struggles. Emotional trauma is no exception. By giving your body some movement and exercise, you are helping release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals.
Meet your body where it is at. Movement can be a light walk around your neighborhood. Take in some greenery and nature for a two-for-one deal (look up forest bathing for more details). Go for a jog or run. Ride a bike. Have a dance party to your favorite upbeat tunes. Movement is great for aiding healing.
Practice Mindfulness
One place to start is with a journal. This might be a new concept for you, and that is perfectly ok! Grab a notebook and jot down thoughts from the day. Think about things you are grateful for and turn your focus to something positive. Some journals come with daily prompts if you find yourself at a loss for words.
Meditation is another way to practice mindfulness and detach from your internal, negative thoughts to give yourself a clear mind. If you are just starting out, here is an easy exercise to start with:
Notice five things you can see
Notice four things you can feel
Notice three things you can hear
Notice two things you can smell
Notice one thing you can taste
Channel Creativity
If you are currently struggling with life after a traumatic event, you may have noticed less interest and excitement in the day-to-day grind. Find activities that give you a creative outlet and allow you to have fun. Pick up a new (or old and forgotten) hobby. Listen to music, read the lyrics, or learn to play an instrument. Music itself can be very healing. Engage in an art project; this can be something crafty or a house project that has been put off. Great outcomes can result from creatively stimulating your brain.
Seek Treatment
Therapy can be a great step if your day-to-day journey needs more guidance. You do not have to do any of this alone. We are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Learn more about our trauma and PTSD therapy in Colorado. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
