Being human
From time to time, we all experience unfortunate events, unexpected situations, or traumas. Although traumas might involve physical injuries and damage, they can also be primarily emotional. If unaddressed, the results of these emotional experiences can last for years. So we want to focus on how to get healed.
Today, we are focusing on some of the emotional aspects of trauma and what you can do to expedite your recovery. Take a moment to look back at your life and see if there are any old hurts or wounds that could use your attention. You can also use this as a guide the for next time you experience an intense situation that leaves you emotionally smarting or drained for a while.
Strategies:
1. Give yourself some credit. Compliment yourself on making it through. You are still here and you’re alive. Whether your trauma involved purely emotional upheaval or physical injury as well, the fact is that you’re strong enough to have survived it.
2. Time. Give yourself some time to recuperate. You may not be completely recovered by next week. Healing from emotional trauma takes time and rest. In the evenings after work, allow yourself some time to relax.
3. Lighten up. Take it easy on yourself. Depending on what your emotional trauma has been, you may find that you are returning to work and carrying out your everyday life activities while you’re still trying to heal. Maybe you can’t finish every task you wanted to complete while at work. Remind yourself that you’re doing what you can to get better and will soon be as efficient as ever.
4. Think positively. Long known to conquer many afflictions, thinking positive thoughts will help you speed up your emotional healing. When you’re thinking troubling thoughts like, “I feel so sad today,” remind yourself, “They may be small, but I’m taking important steps each day to feel better.”
5. Do something you enjoy. Find moments in each day to do what you like to do. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day. Sit outdoors and watch the birds, work on the bookshelf you’re building, or check out your social media websites. Staying in touch with the things you love will speed your recovery.
6. Cry. Give yourself permission to cry. If you feel emotions building up inside you, it’s quite natural to want to release them by having a good cry. Crying will provide some relief and help you leave some of your pain behind you. Go ahead and cry.
7. Music. Listen to the music you love. Nothing brings joy to the soul in quite the same manner as music. Your prescription is: listen to music each day for at least 15 minutes. Some days you’ll find yourself extending that time a bit and maybe even singing along. Music will help you heal.
8. Pamper yourself. If ever there is a time to indulge in the creature comforts you love, it’s whenever you’re healing from trauma. On your day off, lie on the sofa and read a book. Play games all day with your kids. Take a nice long walk with your best friend.
9. Laugh. Watch situation comedies on television. Laughing is good for your emotional healing process. You have probably seen a few comedies that you find humorous and entertaining. Now is the time to ensure that you watch a few every week. This is a bit of healthy escapism.
10. Get physical. Incorporate physical movement into your day. Check in with your physician, and if they say it’s okay, engage in some physical activity each day. Go for a swim. Lift weights, or get on that dusty treadmill sitting in the corner. Physical exercise releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
11. People. Surround yourself with the people you love. Play with your kids. Talk to your partner. Call your best friend. Invite your sibling over for a visit. Remind yourself of all the positive people you have in your life and take advantage of their loving care and support.
12. Get help. Recognize that a time may come when you need to seek out professional help. Allowing your emotional injuries to prevent you from living a full life is unproductive after the first few weeks or months. Instead, call a local mental health professional to help you sort through your challenging times.
Healing emotionally after a trauma takes time, patience, and effort. Try putting some of the above strategies to work for you to help process everything and reach your emotional recovery. Trust that you will be better soon and re-discover the rich, full life that’s waiting for you.
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyarmstrong/4745609679/sizes/z/in/photostream/
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