Watch Now: Hygiene and Healing -Small Steps

Self-care after trauma can be an uphill climb. Trauma is often followed by exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, and even dissociation. These are all normal initial reactions-your body and mind are hard at work to cope. For some, these responses continue or worsen. Signs like ongoing distress, severe dissociation, or intrusive memories that disrupt your sense of safety might indicate deeper struggles.
Trauma can render unique burdens associated with self-care. High pain tolerance, emotional dysregulation, or feelings of low self-worth can render the simple acts impossible. But healing starts small.

Start with the basics: Wash your face, brush your teeth, shower, or even change your clothes. Those small wins count. Establish routines around meal times, sleep, and easy exercise. Feed your body and, if you can, delight your senses—apply lotion, enjoy soothing smells, or the sound of soft music.

Emotional self-care is important, too: Speak to trusted friends or groups, watch light-hearted shows, try mindfulness. As simple as the process may seem, even a one-minute halt to breathe more deeply can also help you again feel your bodily sensations.

And last but not least: professional support from trauma-informed therapy can guide you beyond merely coping into authentic healing.

Whatever the step that feels manageable, it counts and counts. So be gentle as you rediscover your power over self-care.

For practical tools check out animations in this website!