***Permission from the other party was granted.
A close friend of mine has finally left her toxic relationship. She has suffered from domestic violence in the relationship for years. She feels lost as a person and didn’t know where to start picking up the pieces in her life so she came to me for guidance and support. I know all too well how easy it can be to get stuck in a negative mindset due to overwhelming physical or emotional pain. I was extremely proud of her to have the drive to start her journey of healing.
People face mental and emotional challenges throughout their lives. It's easy to get stuck in a painful place, but never allow hurtful moments to dictate the entirety of your life. Studies have shown that these practices can aid in overall well-being and gain resilience.
Mindfulness- Through the practice of being mindful that you learn to get out of autopilot mode and take control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Research has shown the practice may reduce anxiety and depression and help you manage pain, addiction, and insomnia. In addition to this, it might also change the structure and function of your brain in positive ways.
Creativity and being Artistic- Research has shown being involved in the arts like music or writing for example can overall improve wellness. Creative activities such as creative writing/journaling, music, or drawing, for example, are all also mindful practices as well. Often hobbies also need to be challenging and require some level of expertise and take a level of focus and concentration which can increase spiritual intelligence. Gaining skills by mastering your craft will raise your self-esteem and promote self-growth.
Connecting With Others- Studies have shown setting aside time for connecting with others can have an immensely positive impact on your life. It's easy to see why time with people we love is so important: laughter, having fun, a shared joke, a hug, or a sympathetic ear can all have a powerful healing effect. When you interact with others regularly and maintain strong connections, you're helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation — two factors that are known to increase stress levels and contribute to a negative mood. People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them.
My friend has been doing well. Besides seeing a therapist, she joined a yoga class and is considering going back to school to pursue her passion for writing. She had stated that she was the happiest she has been in a very long time.
Comments / 1