7 Simple Ways to Start Healing from Trauma
Trauma can weigh you down, affecting your mind, body, and spirit in ways you might not even notice. Whether it stems from a single event or ongoing experiences, trauma can shape how you view yourself, others, and the world around you.
At GloFusion, we understand how deeply trauma can impact your life. The positive news is that healing is within reach, and there are practical steps you can take to begin your journey forward. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of trauma, outline seven simple steps to help you heal, and highlight activities that can support your recovery process.
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Understanding the Different Types of Trauma
- Acute Trauma: Results from a single, distressing event, like an accident or natural disaster.
- Chronic Trauma: Stems from repeated exposure to stressful situations, such as ongoing abuse or living in a violent environment.
- Complex Trauma: Involves multiple traumatic events, often linked to repeated abuse or neglect, especially during childhood.
- Secondary Trauma: Occurs when someone is indirectly affected by trauma, typically through close relationships with survivors or through work in fields like healthcare or counseling.
- Developmental Trauma: Arises during childhood due to abuse, neglect, or a dysfunctional family environment, leading to long-lasting effects into adulthood.
7 Tricks to Help You Overcome Trauma
Now that you have a better understanding of the types of trauma, here are seven powerful strategies to help you on your path to healing:
- Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings The first step in overcoming trauma is acknowledging what happened and accepting the emotions that come with it. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or scared. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. Acceptance is a crucial step towards healing.
- Practice Grounding Techniques Grounding techniques are exercises that help you stay in the present moment, reducing the impact of traumatic memories. Techniques like deep breathing, focusing on your surroundings, or using your senses (like holding a cold object or smelling something fragrant) can help bring you back to the here and now.
- Seek Professional Help Sometimes, the best way to heal is with the guidance of a therapist or counselor. Professionals trained in trauma therapy can help you process your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work through the pain in a safe and supportive environment.
- Build a Support Network Surround yourself with people who care about you and can offer support. This might include friends, family, support groups, or online communities. Sharing your experiences and connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly healing.
- Engage in Mind-Body Practices Trauma often leaves its mark not just on the mind, but on the body as well. Practices like yoga, tai chi, or meditation can help you reconnect with your body, release stored tension, and foster a sense of calm and well-being.
- Express Yourself Creatively Creative expression can be a powerful way to process and release trauma. Whether it’s through writing, painting, music, or dance, find an outlet that allows you to express your emotions and experiences. It’s not about creating something perfect—it’s about letting your feelings flow.
- Establish a Routine Trauma can leave you feeling disoriented and out of control. Establishing a daily routine can help restore a sense of normalcy and stability in your life. Even simple tasks like getting up at the same time each day, eating regular meals, and going for a walk can make a big difference.
Activities to Join for Overcoming Trauma
Besides healing strategies, joining certain activities can provide extra support in overcoming trauma. Support groups offer a sense of community where you can connect with others who have been through similar experiences, providing comfort and understanding. Art therapy lets you express your feelings in a safe, non-verbal way, and many communities have classes specifically for trauma survivors.
Yoga classes tailored for trauma survivors focus on gentle movements and breathing exercises, helping you reconnect with your body in a safe space. Meditation and mindfulness workshops teach ways to manage stress and stay present, helping you build a kinder relationship with yourself. Outdoor programs like hiking or nature therapy combine exercise with the calming effects of being outside, supporting your healing journey.
Writing groups or journaling workshops give you a way to process your trauma through words, offering an empowering way to share your story. Therapeutic dance or movement classes allow you to express emotions, release tension, and reconnect with your body in a healthy, healing way.
Final Thoughts
Healing from trauma is a journey, and it’s one that takes time, patience, and support. By understanding the different types of trauma and using these seven strategies, you can begin to release the pain and start moving toward a brighter future.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone—there are activities, groups, and professionals ready to support you every step of the way. You’re stronger than you think, and with the right tools and support, you can overcome the impact of trauma and reclaim your life.
