Mindful Healing: How 4 Basic Mindfulness Practices Help With Trauma Recovery

Breathe

You can do it just about anytime, anywhere. (Excusing yourself to the restroom is a surefire, no-explanation-required trick if you need a moment alone.) If you can, take a step outside for some fresh air. Placing your hands on your stomach can physically ground you. Then, whether with a breathing technique or simple deep breaths, slow down, inhale the present, and exhale the past. 

Meditate

You can start and end your day with it or even try it on your lunch break. Need some guidance? There’s an app for that (a lot of which are free!) Meditation, especially as a daily practice, is a tried and true technique for dealing with trauma for a reason. Consider it a way of taking your breathing techniques to the next level, because by designating time to breathe and ground yourself, getting and staying in the present moment can ascend into a practice of self-healing.

Move

If you’re holding trauma so deep in your body that efforts to ground yourself aren’t working, you don’t have to hold still. Getting your blood pumping can be especially effective at reminding you that your heart is beating in the present. So, elevate your heart rate, elevate your breathing, and elevate yourself into the present by getting some exercise, even if it’s as simple as a long walk.

Journal

Having trouble understanding exactly what triggers you? It can be hard to know, especially if your trauma is fresher, and you’re still processing. Putting pen to paper might help. When you put your thoughts and feelings into written words, it can be easier to both speak them to your support system and understand them for yourself, making journaling a practice worth practicing.

Wrapping it up

Trauma recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re likely going to need training buddies. If you need a little extra support, our experienced counselors at Tri-Star Counseling are prepared to cheer you on as you race into your healed and more grounded present.