Healing from trauma is a very personal journey. Though it might take time, many activities and practices can help. Trauma can leave a lasting mark on both the mind and body, so it’s important to address these feelings safely and supportively. Activities for healing aim to offer comfort, ease tension, and build strength. Here are some ideas that might be useful for you or someone you care about during this healing process:
Here are some popular trauma healing activities for adults:
Grounding Exercises
Healing from trauma is a very personal journey. Though it might take time, many activities and practices can help. Trauma can leave a lasting mark on both the mind and body, so it’s important to address these feelings safely and supportively. Activities for healing aim to offer comfort, ease tension, and build strength. Here are some ideas that might be useful for you or someone you care about during this healing process:
Consider these activities and practices as they may assist with trauma recovery and contribute to overall well-being.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a different kind of treatment that can help people work through trauma. EMDR therapy aims to reduce the emotional stress linked to traumatic memories, letting people deal with these memories in a safe and controlled way. In an EMDR session, a therapist leads the client through a series of eye movements while they focus on specific traumatic memories, which helps lower the emotional impact.
Many find EMDR useful because it lets them explore traumatic events without being overwhelmed. As a structured therapeutic method, it offers clear direction and shows progress, making it a popular option for those wanting to recover from past traumas. Talking about EMDR with a qualified therapist can be important when considering therapy options.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation encourages people to notice their thoughts and feelings without judging them. It can be supportive for those recovering from trauma, allowing for a slow build-up of self-awareness. Practising mindfulness helps you recognize and manage tough emotions without getting overwhelmed.
Focusing on the breath or certain sensations in the body is common in mindfulness meditation. This gentle focus creates a safe environment to observe thoughts and emotions, gradually increasing acceptance of what arises. Sticking with mindfulness may help you develop a better handle on how you react to trauma-related thoughts.
Physical Activities
Physical activity is known to be good for mental health and is especially helpful in healing from trauma. Regular exercise like walking, running, or yoga can help release tension caused by stress and trauma. Moving your body also lifts your mood, eases anxiety, and improves sleep.
Yoga combines movement with breath, which is very grounding and healing. Some people find tai chi or dance helpful for releasing tension and feeling relaxed. It’s important to choose an activity you enjoy and can keep up with to support your healing journey through physical exercise.
Journalling
Writing in a journal can be a good activity for traumatized people. It offers a private space to share thoughts and feelings that might be hard to speak out loud. Journaling can help release emotions, sort thoughts, clarify feelings, and spot patterns over time.
For those who’ve gone through trauma, using specific prompts like writing about what makes them feel calm or setting personal goals can be helpful. Keeping journaling flexible is key since there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The aim is to build a habit that encourages self-expression, reflection, and growth.
Building Social Connections
Experiencing trauma can make people feel alone or cut off from others. Making social connections again can help heal by giving a sense of belonging and mutual support. This doesn’t have to mean jumping into significant group events. Small, meaningful connections with trusted friends or family members can provide support and understanding during tough times.
Group therapy or support groups can also help build connections. These places allow for sharing experiences with others who get what it’s like to deal with trauma. Finding a supportive community helps create a safe space to heal, highlighting the importance of healthy relationships in recovery.
Creative Outlets
Creative activities like painting, drawing, or playing music let people express feelings that words might not fully convey. These outlets can help ease daily stress and give freedom and personal expression. Creativity can distract from upsetting thoughts and create a feeling of accomplishment and progress.
For those worried about creating, it’s good to remember that making a masterpiece isn’t the goal. It’s about expressing emotions and trying out different art forms to explore feelings. Finding time for creativity can bring joy and new insights, which can help balance the tough parts of healing from trauma.
