We’ve returned to normal (somewhat) so why is everyone struggling?
There is no denying that we have experienced a collective trauma in recent years. The global pandemic, exposure of ongoing racial inequities, and the current public mental health crisis are traumas that we have experienced collectively.
Even though things appear to have gone back to “normal,” our brains and bodies are just now beginning to process the impact of these past few years.
As a result, many of us are witnessing a falling apart that occurs after withstanding prolonged exposure to stress, distress, and trauma. This impacts our mental and physical health, as well as that of our students/clients and our families.
Since the immediate threat to our safety has decreased, our nervous systems can now regulate enough to metabolize the stored stress from our hypervigilance and having to “hold it all together.” We are now collectively “safe enough” to release our stored stress.
It’s not unlike a child who holds it together at school and then comes home and completely melts down. Children do this because they feel safe enough at home to release all the stress they suppressed during the school day. Finally being able to process the stress may leave us feeling exhausted and depleted. And may also be why we see our students/clients struggling with so much physical and emotional fallout..
One of the many benefits of simple trauma-responsive mind-body strategies is that they can be used throughout the day to create a sense of safety and ease distress when we need them.
Here are 3 simple mind-body strategies we invite you to try when it all feels like too much to hold:
Hand on Head and Heart: Placing a hand on your forehead and resting a hand over your heart can settle your mind and body. Use throughout the day to reset and remind yourself that you are safe in this moment.
Tapping: Ever bounce your knee or tap your foot when you are anxious? It’s a natural way the body discharges stress. If things feel overwhelming try tapping the center of your chest as you breathe slowly. Exhale through your mouth to release anxious energy as you tap.
Head on Desk: Everyone needs a reset sometimes. Rest your forehead in your hand or your head on stacked fists as you take five slow breaths. Do this throughout the day to decrease all the visual input around you and to redirect blood flow to the front of your brain.
Try these strategies to extend kindness to yourself and others. We have experienced collective trauma. We can also work together to foster communal healing.
We would love to hear what mind-body strategies you use when everything feels like too much. Email info@move-mindfully.com