Healing from trauma is a journey full of bumps and humps. Traumatic experiences like car accidents, domestic violence, or physical abuse can leave deep emotional wounds, taking a toll on a survivor’s mental health and overall well-being. Fortunately, by incorporating some self-care practices into daily routine, one can improve their overall well-being and initiate the healing process.
So, are you a trauma survivor and looking for the best self-care practices? In this article, we’ve come up with proven self-care practices, tailored specifically for trauma survivors, that will empower you and give you a path to recovery. So, let’s dive in:
1. Establish a Support Network
If you’re suffering from trauma, you’ll experience a wide range of emotions like disbelief, fear, anxiety, etc. During this tough phase, you need someone who can listen to you and understand what you’re going through.
For example, you can get in touch with your loved ones (a friend, an office colleague, or a relative) who has recovered from the trauma. He/she will better understand your situation and provide a sense of validation, empathy, and belonging. You can also join support groups or online forums which gives trauma survivors invaluable opportunities to speak up about their feelings and emotions.
So, establishing a support network and building relationships with trustworthy individuals can go a long way in your emotional recovery.
2. Engage in Mindfulness Practices
Engaging in mindfulness practices is one of the best self-care practices for trauma survivors. It allows you to ground yourself in the present moment without any interpretation, promoting a sense of calm and self-awareness.
Mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation can help you relax your mind and soul, resulting in releasing tension and stress. By incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can develop resilience, regain confidence, and enhance your overall well-being.
3. Seek Professional Help
Seeking therapy and professional support plays a key role in a survivor’s healing journey. For example, you can consult with an experienced therapist who will provide a comfortable space where you can freely talk about your feelings and what you’re going through. Communicating effectively with your therapist will help him/her understand your situation and suggest you the best coping strategies accordingly.
Some traumatic experiences like a car accident can also result in financial losses, which can wreak havoc on your mental health. But if you have insurance, you’ll be reimbursed for the amount. This is where you can seek help from a professional accident lawyer.
A proven accident lawyer will help you take some burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your healing process. He/she will guide you on the legal process and deal with insurance companies so that you get fair compensation for your losses.
Having an experienced lawyer by your side is crucial, especially if you’re going through a car accident trauma.
4. Exercise Regularly
If you’re a trauma survivor, it doesn’t mean sacrificing your physical activities. Know that exercising regularly is a vital component of self-care for trauma survivors. Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to lift your mood, reduce stress and depression, and enhance overall well-being.
If you’re just starting, you should engage in light exercises, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing to release endorphins which are natural mood boosters. Exercising also promotes sleep, increases your energy levels, and reduces stress.
However, if you’re an accident survivor, then engaging in physical activities might not be a good idea. In such cases, you can consult with your doctor about when you can continue your physical activities. He/she will better guide you on the frequency and the time duration according to your health conditions.
5. Prioritize Relaxation
Trauma survivors often deal with heightened levels of stress and anxiety, making it crucial for them to get adequate rest.
If your stress levels are uncontrollable, then it is wise to get adequate sleep, take frequent breaks, relax your muscles, and practice deep breathing exercises. Also, creating a safe and calm environment in your home can do wonders for your stress levels.
So, by incorporating rest into your daily routine, you can recharge your body and create space for emotional healing.
6. Keep a Journal
Keeping a journal is one of the most powerful self-care practices which is essential for trauma survivors. Journaling can help you write down the thoughts and feelings you’re experiencing at the moment.
When suffering from trauma, prioritizing self-care practices is crucial. It will enhance your mood and show a path to recovery.
To sum up, follow all the self-care tips mentioned above to recover from trauma and regain resilience and find strength amidst adversity.
