Healing from Childhood Trauma: 5 Habits to Help You Heal

 

Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is possible to heal from these memories with the right approach, but it is a complex and challenging journey. To aid in the recovery process, it is essential to establish positive habits.

1. Seek professional support: Therapy with licensed therapists specializing in trauma, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can be beneficial in processing traumatic memories, developing coping mechanisms, and rebuilding a sense of safety and trust.

2. Treat yourself with kindness and love: Childhood trauma often leads to feelings of shame, self-blame, and worthlessness. Developing self-compassion can counteract these negative beliefs and promote healing. Cultivating self-compassion through mindfulness meditation, journaling, or affirmations can help.

3. Prioritize your needs first: Recognize that it is okay to prioritize your own needs and feelings, even if it means disappointing others. Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for your well-being and healing process.

4. Nurture your mind and body: Regular self-care activities can help soothe and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Activities that resonate with you include exercise, spending time in nature, hobbies, sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and spending quality time with loved ones.

5. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices can help stay present in the moment and develop awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This can help regulate overwhelming emotions and reduce dissociation or flashbacks. By establishing these positive habits, you can create a foundation for healing and embark on a path towards a more fulfilling and resilient life.