Flashbacks. Nightmares. Disturbing images.

Headaches. Chest pain. Stomach aches.

Lack of concentration. Difficulty sleeping.

No desire to do the things you once loved.

Withdrawing. Isolation.

Anxiety. Depression.

The list of signs and symptoms goes on and on.

Whether or not your trauma just happened or it occurred years ago, you're probably wondering when and how to heal from it.

Here's how to begin healing from trauma.

Fuel Your Body Properly

First things first, take care of yourself. When you have a healthy body and mind, you're more likely to be able to cope with any thoughts, emotions, or feelings related to the trauma.

Eat healthy and well-balanced meals throughout the day. The trauma may cause you to change your eating habits. Try not to skip meals, eat unhealthy foods, or overeat. By focusing on 3-5 meals a day that are each full of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, you'll be off to a good start on fueling your body properly so that your body and brain can run at their best.

Prioritize Your Sleep

Another way you can take care of yourself is by getting enough sleep each night. Sleep is one of the most important activities you can do for rest and recovery.

Another negative symptom of trauma can be difficulty sleeping, which can bring on other symptoms like being on edge or not being able to concentrate.

Move Your Body

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help you burn off energy and release endorphins to get you in a better mood.

Moving your body doesn't have to mean running for miles or hitting the gym for hours. Getting your body moving will look different for everyone depending on their interests, experience, and exercise level.

Find whatever activity gets your body moving. Aim for at least 30 minutes of the activity or activities of your choice each day.

Get Social

Your trauma may cause you to want to withdraw from others or self-isolate, but keep in mind that this may make your signs and symptoms worse.

Connecting with others is a basic human want and need. Being social doesn't mean you have to talk about the trauma you experienced. Just surrounding yourself with friends, family, or loved ones may be enough to pull you out of your funk, even if it's just for the time you're spending with them.

It's also important to talk about your trauma with loved ones if and when you feel comfortable doing so. If for some reason you don't feel comfortable sharing details, try to search for a support group in your local area. Connecting with others who share similar histories and stories can be a great way to help you cope as well.

Practice Mindfulness Techniques

Learning how to acknowledge, accept, and control your own thoughts and feelings can help immensely, especially when your emotions are at a heightened state.

Purchase a notebook at the store and start journaling each day. Set aside 10 minutes during your day and write down how you're feeling. A journal can be a great tool at the moment or to look back on and see how you were feeling and the things you did to help cope.

Grounding techniques are also a great way to stay present and in the current moment. Often anxiety can cause you to stress or worry about the past or future. Grounding yourself by focusing your attention on the present moment will help you feel more at ease and calmer.

Seek Professional Help

No matter the exact reason for the trauma, it takes time to heal. You don't have to go through this alone. In order to fully heal, it's best to reach out to a licensed and trained therapist for additional support.

If you're interested in looking into therapy options for trauma, reach out to us today to set up a consultation.