Gamma Jill will not take credit for these. I found these on another site. That site is just a click away for more infomation that I have not added to my site!!
Even though these are not mine, I do feel that these tips are excellent and need to be emphasized as often as possible!!!
Sing your heart out! Cry into a towel or pillow.
Do something you've always wanted to do, but haven't gotten around to yet. There's no better time like now.
Do something physical! Taking a walk is probaby the easiest and cheapest one. While you are out there you'll notice the flowers, the sky, passersby, etc and be thankful for the small things.
Run, climb or dance. These things require more energy than walking and are good stress relievers.
Take time to be kind to yourself. It takes time to overcome a tragedy. Do not feel as though you must be healed NOW! Give yourself time.
Keep a journal. This is a wonderful way, not only to help process your thoughts but when you look back. You can see patterns that need to be changed. It can also show you how much healing you have done.
If you have a flashback, hold on to something. Maybe a table or even a friend. Take a deep breath, exhale slowly. Focus on what is going on around you that you can see and touch. Keep doing this until you feel better.
Flashbacks are caused by triggers. Identifying those triggers and eliminating the ones you can will help keep your flashback from recurring as often.
Nightmare duty can be assigned to another person. If you have a nightmare, you know the ones that leave you unsure where you are or who you are with, you can assign someone else in the household to turn on all the lights, maybe find some calming music, and do whatever it takes to make you feel safe.
You can try re-directing your dreams. When you lie down to go to sleep, tell yourself that if you experience a nightmare you are going to turn it around. It takes a lot of work, but some say it works for them.
If you feel like you are more secure with a stuffed animal... get one! Is it really going to matter to anyone else if you have a teddy bear on your bed? It is you who needs to heal. If it helps you feel better to do this then do it. If you are afraid to go in to a store and buy one for yourself, then tell yourself it is part of taking care of that scared part inside of you. Because that is exactly what you are doing!!
SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT!!! Find some. If you do not have anyone to sort your feelings out with or if you want to do it without face to face contact, we are an online e-mail support group. We are not Professionals. We have simply been there too. E-mail me if you need information on this group.
You have an opportunity to do something new. You may experience anger and deep frustration. THIS IS NORMAL. Some people take up voice lessons, learn to play a musical instrument, begin karate, or any number of things. What matters is that it gives you time to heal and use some of your anger.
Take 5. Take 5 minutes everyday and just be nice to yourself. You may be thinking how can I do that??? It isn't so difficult. Next time you are in stalled traffic, pop in a soothing tape (one that you use especially for times like these.) Set the alarm so you get up 5 minutes earlier and watch the sun rise. Right before going to bed take 5 minutes and make a determined effort to set them aside for "you" time. It's not as hard as you might think.
Take soothing warm baths scented with your favorite salts. These need not be expensive but can really take the pressures away. While you are doing this, listen to some soft relaxing music.
Do you like hot tea? Or flavored hot chocolate or coffee? Sit down and fix yourself a cup. Sip it slowly. Take your time. Enjoy!
When you feel anxiety climbing to the uppermost limit, stop what you are doing. Look around you. If you do not feel safe go to a safe place immediately. When you are safe try to concentrate on breathing out very slowly. Do this several times until you feel better. Resist the urge to rush. Just concentrate on breathing out slowly and relaxing.
When you get angry don't be afraid of it. Rip an old newspaper to shreds. Stomp all over a pillow. Run in place. Throw safe objects that aren't breakable into other safe spaces, stomp your feet, yell, scream into your pillow. Do whatever it takes to get the anger out. Don't hold it in.
Remember those wonderfully fun looking puddles you always wanted to splash in as a child? Well, why not now? It is a great stress breaker too. The puddles are still there.
Is it winter and you have snow in the yard? Build a snowperson. It'll be fun, and takes lots of energy. Best done by recruiting neighborhood kids to help. (Be careful, the woman suggesting this also advised of the possibility of snowball fights.)
Go to a used book store and prowl around until you find a book you like. They may be re-runs but it will be "new to you" and an inexpensive treat.(Gamma Jill prefers SF&F Books. ;-) )
How about a foot massage? Grab your favorite lotion and slowly caress your feet, taking your time and relaxing as you go.
Find a really good friend who care's to talk to and go places with.
Go out to a movie. If you don't have anyone to go with-- go anyway. It can be a relaxing afternoon for you!
Treat yourself to a manicure or go to a salon to just have your hair styled. It's a great pick-me-up!
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