Our mental health and our physical health might seem separate, but in reality, how we are physically really affects our emotional health and well-being.
Following trauma, normal routines of sleeping, eating, and exercising can be affected.
Making healthy changes can seem overwhelming, but taking care of your health is a great way to help your recovery.
A good place to start is to consider what aspects of health and well-being you really value.
Maybe it’s being connected to people? Your physical health? Or your mental well-being? Ask yourself, is what you’re doing giving you the best chance to recover? And what’s getting in the way of recovery?
Focusing on the reasons to make changes, can give your motivation to recover a boost.
Making small changes to your activity levels, and what you eat and drink, can have a positive impact on your mood.
You might need to work on improving the quality of your sleep, by having a consistent bedtime and wake time, making sure you unwind before bedtime, and making sure you keep worries and your sleep separate. Some changes are harder and might mean dealing with cravings. The three D’s can help deal with this; delay, distract, decide. Remember all cravings reach a peak and eventually go down.
Sometimes it can help to get advice and support in looking after your health. Seeing your GP for recommendations is a great first step. Whatever you do, looking after your health gives you the best possible chance of recovering from trauma.