Childhood abuse and trauma, together with cumulative negative experiences with toxic people as our lives move forward, often results in an exaggerated physiological response to stressful situations. Our emotional reactions register within our mind and body, and this can also lead to mental and/or physical illnesses.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, in his book, The Body Keeps the Score, shows “how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust”. This is a great book with beneficial insights into the workings of stress and trauma on our bodies and minds. (Amazon Link to this book: https://amzn.to/3SHQIsE).
When we are aware of how abuse, stress, and trauma can affect our minds and bodies, we have the opportunity to minimize our exposure to these situations and/or learn how to successfully manage it in our lives. There are many helpful activities that we can engage in, which I have discussed in previous posts, that include deep breathing, mindfulness, self-care, talking with a trusted individual, and so on. We are empowered when we learn about the impacts of certain negative situations on our wellbeing, and then take steps to minimize those impacts. Protecting ourselves from harm is imperative, and we have the right to take steps to keep ourselves safe.
Until next time,
Heather ~Natural Clarity Coaching~ naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter
