Disclosure: collaborative post
Everyone experiences accidents in their life, from stubbing their toes to full-on car crashes. But while the physical injuries can be damaging, they often pale in comparison to the trauma that follows.
But what is trauma, exactly?
The best way to think of trauma is as the mental equivalent of a scab. It’s a set of emotions designed to protect your mind from any further assault. And, like a scab, it can hurt when you encounter a similar knock.
Psychologists call trauma an “acute stress reaction” usually in response to a stimulus related to the original event. A person, for instance, who was ill with stomach flu, can feel panic every time they see vomit on TV. Similarly, someone who had their purse stolen can feel intense fears if they find themselves alone while out of the house.
The good news, though, is that overcoming trauma is possible. Here’s what to do to put your life back on the right track.
Get Support
Traumatized people have an unfortunate habit of self-isolating as if their condition is infectious. It is not. And, more importantly, such practices prevent recovery.
People who have been involved in a car accident, for instance, don’t stay silent. Instead, they seek representation for personal injury accident circumstances that are beyond their control.
Asking for support, therefore, is the first step on the road to recovery. You must have somebody who understands your experience and with whom you can share it. You may also want to join a support group or reconnect with old friends.
Be More Active
So long as you don’t have an ongoing painful injury, it can be helpful to be more active if you have trauma. Physical activity for around thirty minutes per day can dramatically improve brain health and slash rumination.
Researchers now believe that exercise’s rhythmic properties are what make it so beneficial. The act of swinging your arms and legs can help you feel freer in your own body.
You might also want to include an element of mindfulness. Many physical activities, like yoga, deliberately focus on techniques that improve mental wellbeing.
Try To Self-Regulate
A lot of professional trauma experts recommend that people with the condition attempt to “self-regulate.” The idea here is to find ways to control your anxiety when you feel agitated or out of control.
There are several strategies that you can use.
The first is to “stay grounded.” This technique literally involves being aware of the fact that you’re still attached to the ground and not out of control. It consists of concentrating on the sensation of your feet on the floor and your back on the chair.
The second thing to do is practice mindful breathing. Ever since ancient times, people have known that focusing on the breath is calming. Usually, you can focus on your lungs for just a couple of minutes and immediately feel better.
Finally, try to accept your feelings as they come through. Remember, they’re just feelings: they can’t hurt you in any other way.
