Self-care becomes essential in helping one to reduce the turmoil and volatility that undermines their ability to work or even function well daily.
Unfortunately, many survivors view self-care as a comfort they cannot afford or don’t deserve as many victims of abuse are often forced to put the needs of their abuser before their own. This shouldn’t be the case at all because everyone merits self-care which can be done using simple strategies within a person’s means. It could involve creating a healing journal or even watching your favourite TV show.
Being kind to yourself is important. One needs to find interesting ways to take care of themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Doing things that make you happy can serve a crucial role in healing.
With compassion, acceptance of oneself, and some self-care tips, one can gain a better version of themselves leading to great achievements.
Here are 12 self-care tips that can be helpful. Remember these are for you to decide what will work for you.
Survivors, having endured hurtful words, physical and emotional abuse for a long time, need to reprogram their subconscious mind. They could replace all the negative words the abuser told them with positive words. This can be done by recording positive affirmations like “I am worthy, I am valuable, I am beautiful, I will make it.’ Listening to your own voice saying these affirmations daily, is a great way to rewrite the narrative abusers have written for you and eliminate one’s own inner toxic critical voice.
Studies show that trauma lives in our bodies and minds till we find ways to discard it. Dr. Sussanne Babbel, in her book Heal the Body, Heal the Mind , observes that “traumatic events can leave mental and physical scars but these scars don’t have to define you. By practicing exercises and mind-body interventions, one can learn to move past trauma, restore relationships, and cultivate spiritual awareness.”
Therefore, it’s important to look for an exercise that you love like aerobics, dancing, walking, yoga or jogging to release the negative thoughts and feelings. Physical activities are a good stress reliever.
This could be drawing, writing, painting, photography, making music, or doing arts and crafts. This is a good way to release the trauma in alternate ways that engage both mind and body. Remember, hobbies have always been a good antidote for daily pressures.
Find a validating mental health professional or counselor. At their support you will be able to address your trauma triggers in a safe space.
Being around people who have gone through similar experiences can be useful, help you regain confidence and yourself. Sharing your story with other survivors can be incredibly healing and liberating. Look up groups on Facebook, Google and Safe Speak.
Simply taking just a few moments daily to practice some deep breathing exercises can decrease stress, relax your mind, body, help you sleep better and keep you focused.
This will keep you focused. It can also rebuild a sense of wellness and happiness. Attaining one’s goals will bring a sense of achievement and a positive mindset that is valuable to you, your loved ones and society.
Friends can be good medicine. A Harvard study established that having solid friendships helps promote brain health. Friends help us deal with stress, make better lifestyle choices that keep us strong, and allow us to rebound from health issues and disease more quickly.
This could include time for work, rest, eat, sleep, relationships, and recreation. Eat three meals a day and drink enough water.
Finally, throughout this process of healing, learn and appreciate yourself. Count your blessings. Acknowledge the baby steps. Healing is a journey and, with a positive attitude and commitment, you will make it.
These tips can be very useful in one’s recovery. You can choose the ones you are comfortable with and transform them to a habit. That will involve daily commitment and, more importantly, having a self – care plan. Your self-care plan can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. Start by identifying your daily needs and coping strategies when trauma threatens to overwhelm. Subsequently, create your plan.
