Dealing with Trauma

Could past or current trauma be causing you to overeat?  When we dig deep and discover WHY we self sabotage , WHY we listen to the voice in your head that says, “Go through the drive through and supersize those fries.”  We can learn a lot about where are minds are and how past (or current trauma) may be holding you back from living the life you want.

Many of us have dealt with what therapists call, trauma.  Some of this trauma stems from our childhood, some as young adults, and some have dealt with trauma upon trauma most of their lives.  Trauma is any deeply distressing or disturbing experience.  Millions of people turn to food to deal with their trauma.  Food becomes their drug of choice and this emotional eating can be difficult to stop without the proper tools.  So how do you start dealing with past (or current) trauma in your life?  One of our life-coaches here at Unite gives a rough guideline to get started, here is the “Readers Digest Version”:

#1 See a professional therapist if you feel like you may have depression and get started on the proper treatment for you.

#2  Mindful breathing.  If you are feeling disoriented, confused, or upset, a quick way to calm yourself is through mindful breathing. Simply take 60 breaths, focusing your attention on each out breath.

# 3 Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating small, healthy meals throughout the day will help you keep your energy up and minimize mood swings. Avoid sugary and fried foods and eat plenty of omega-3 fats—such as salmon, walnuts, soybeans, and flaxseeds—to give your mood a boost.

#4 Trauma disrupts your body’s natural equilibrium, freezing you in a state of hyperarousal and fear. In essence, your nervous system gets “stuck.” As well as burning off adrenaline and releasing endorphins, exercise and movement can actually help your nervous system become “unstuck.”

# 5 Reduce stress. Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Schedule time for activities that bring you joy such as favorite hobbies.

# 6 Get social.  Meet up with a good friend, visit with a neighbor, try not to isolate yourself.

# 7 Get away.  Get out of your everyday environment.  Perhaps it’s a road trip for the weekend, plan a vacation, drive to the next town over and have lunch.  Mix it up a bit.

# 8 Journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings and start to discover WHY you are feeling the way you feel.  Connect to your spirit through writing.