Divorce (or separation) can be a deeply emotional and traumatic experience, especially for mums. The weight of navigating single parenthood, emotional upheaval, and a redefined life can feel overwhelming. And as a single mum, the journey of healing from trauma can be particularly challenging. Balancing parenting responsibilities with your own recovery requires dedicated self-care practices that promote holistic healing. By nurturing your body (as well as your mind and soul), you can support your journey towards recovery and find a path to inner peace and resilience. This blog post is tailored specifically for single mums, exploring self-care activities that rebuild, nurture, and strengthen your physical well-being. Let’s look at body movement for trauma…
Understanding Self-Care for Trauma Recovery
Trauma can leave emotional scars and disrupt your sense of safety. Self-care for healing goes beyond bubble baths and face masks. It’s about creating a holistic approach that addresses the specific needs arising from your experience. Here’s how self-care supports your journey:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Trauma can heighten stress levels and dysregulate your nervous system. Self-care practices like mindfulness and exercise can bring a sense of calm and nourish your nervous system.
- Improves emotional regulation: Divorce can trigger a rollercoaster of emotions. Self-care helps you develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate these emotions constructively.
- Boosts self-esteem: Divorce can chip away at your sense of self. Self-care allows you to rediscover your strengths and rebuild your confidence.
- Promotes emotional well-being: Taking care of yourself creates space for emotional healing and fosters a positive outlook.
Nurturing Your Physical Well-Being
1. Exercise and Movement
Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Whether it’s walking, boxing, dancing, or any other form of exercise that ideally increases your heart rate, find an activity you enjoy and can stick with consistently.
2. Mind-body Practices
Practices combine physical movement with mindfulness and can help you reconnect with your body, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. Some examples of this are yoga, tai chi, and qigong. Working with the breath and noticing your movements can help calm the nervous system, which is an essential aspect of trauma recovery.
3. Nutrition and Hydration
Nourishing your body with healthy foods can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This fuels your energy and supports your mood. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial for maintaining overall health and energy levels.
4. Prioritise your Sleep
Good sleep is essential for trauma recovery. It’s the time when the body repairs itself. Create a calming bedtime routine, ensure your sleep environment is comfortable, and practice good sleep hygiene to improve sleep quality. And aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. It’s vital!
5. Take Time to Rest
Go easy on yourself. Recovering from trauma is tough. Allow yourself to take breaks and rest throughout the day. Short naps or quiet time can help you recharge and reduce stress.
As a divorce coach, I understand the additional challenges mums face. Here are some additional tips:
- Schedule self-care time: Block out time in your calendar, even if it’s just 15 minutes, dedicated solely to self-care activities.
- Seek support from other mums: Connect with support groups or online communities for mums going through divorce. Sharing experiences and gaining encouragement can be invaluable.
- Delegate and ask for help: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your children, co-parent, family, or friends. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness.
Remember: Self-care is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to adjust your self-care practices as your needs evolve.
Healing from trauma as a single mum is a complex and deeply personal journey. And your healing journey is unique. By incorporating self-care practices that nurture your body (as well as your mind and soul), you can create a supportive environment for your recovery and rebuild a fulfilling life for yourself and your children. Remember that it’s okay to seek help and take the time you need to heal. You CAN empower yourself to move forward with strength and hope, setting a powerful example for your children along the way.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.
PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
- Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
- Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?
Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.
The purpose of the Clarity Call is:
- For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
- For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
- To see if we are both comfortable working together.
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