The theme for this month is Play. This blog highlights the following topics: Try new activities, Bilateral music, Good Mood Foods, benefits of strong social connections and What is Trauma from a experts point of view. Read more below…
This is a list of monthly “trauma recovery tips” from a trauma specialist to help you reduce the effects of trauma and chronic stress on your life so you can live from a place of healing, hope and happiness.
Healing from trauma is a different process for each person. As a trauma-focused therapist I never tell my clients to do anything that I haven’t tried or use regularly in my life. I have learned over the years through experience, research, feedback from clients and insights from other professional’s successful ways of healing emotional wounds as well as managing persistent stress. What I share with you here is both cutting edge and tried-and-true techniques for healing.
Trauma Tip #1
Try a new activity something that you have never done before. Trying something new is great for your brain and for your spirit! I have a list of all of the things that I would like to try. Each month I go down the list and select a new adventure. It may be zip lining, taking a pottery class, learning to play guitar or going on a new hike. It doesn’t matter what you do just as long as you find ways to be creative, try new things and play.
Trauma Tip #2
Bilateral music- Use bilateral music to help reduce stress and anxiety. Try this out-BioLateral Music by David Grand.
Trauma Tip #3
Good Mood Foods. You have probably noticed that the foods you eat will affect your mood. Use food as medicine and improve your mood. Cut out processed foods, sugar, high carbohydrates, fast foods, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and caffeine. Eat plenty of protein. Include protein in every meal in order to balance blood sugar and energy swings. Eat vitamin rich whole foods including, colorful vegetables and fruits and dark leafy greens (at every meal). Eat nuts, seeds, nut butters and avocados. Healthy fats are good! Use healthy oils such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Trauma Tip #4
Strong social connections are good for healing. Here are some tips: work out with a buddy, attend church, be part of a hobby group or social change group, attend family dinners or birthday parties. Being more socially engaged with others will increases Oxytocin (a feel-good chemical in your body). Social engagement is good for emotional and physical health.
Trauma Tip #5
What is trauma? Trauma is a disconnection from self. Check out this video from trauma expert Gabor Mate.
This information is provided by Lemecia Lindsey, LICSW. Lemecia has dedicated her private counseling practice to helping clients heal from trauma. She specializes in EMDR therapy, Neurofeedback and is an Integrative Medicine Mental Health Provider.
*This list is not a substitute for medical intervention. Consult with a doctor to decide what is best for you.