Trauma Support Daily Check-In: Sunday, October 8 2017
Hello everyone! So for today's check-in I think it would be beneficial to write about self-care techniques 
Trauma can be hard to self-care for, but it definitely is doable with time and effort. I'll share some self-care techniques I enjoy, and I'd love to hear yours as well!
1. Music
Music can have a profound impact on us, especially when it's calming or something we can relate to. It can be easy to relate to explicit songs, however when recovering from something as important as trauma it's important to remember to try to stray away from those types of songs. Since it can in turn make our brains more hyper or triggered, that wouldn't be good for recovering. Some songs I tend to enjoy when recovering from something include songs from instrumental artists, songs that are uplifting, and so on! And even better thing to do is to play your own music (or learn how to play) on a guitar, piano, or other instrument you enjoy or would like to enjoy! Here's an example of a song I find to be very calming: Weightless by Marconi Union
2. Venting
In addition to music, it cna be important to let our feelings go and release them from our heads. Whether you vent to a close friend, a family member, a therapist, or even with a Listener on 7 Cups, it can be so important to put your feelings out there. When you go through recovery from trauma, it often can unforunately feel like a very lonely time. However, you may be surprised to know how big your support system actually is! Your friends are always here to lend you a helping hand, your family is there too, and just by participating in this forum you automatically have a strong support system on 7 Cups! If you're available for people to vent to, or would like to vent to someone about trauma, maybe you can include that in your forum post reply to this check in 
3. Writing
Unfortunately, there can be feelings of shame surrounded with pain and the recovery process. If you do feel shameful or not ready to vent, writing down and recording your feelings for the day in a journal or diary can be so beneficial! To put your feelings on paper and write them out can feel like a major relief. As your review past days' entries, you'll be amazed at how much you've progressed since you began writing. If you feel worse, reviewing your old entries can be helpful to read what self-care and coping mechanisms you've used in the past to cope with your trauma so you can use those again. Bonus points if you decorate your journal!
4. Reading
Just like writing, reading is also helpful! It can provide a similar relief to writing or venting. There's lots of resources out there to read, from self-help books to other people's recovery journeys. You'll be amazed at how much there is out there regarding trauma to aid your recovery process
I hope you've enjoyed this list I've compiled! Although there are many, many more coping mechanisms and self-care techniques, this will hopefully serve as a helpful starter for you. Feel free to add more, and I hope you have a lovely day! 
@Emily619 Good Morning Emily nice post.
Loud inspiring music and a whole lotta bummie shaking usually does it for me lol.
With Music I am very careful with my selections. It has been truthfully said Music Makes the Mood! We as creatures are effected by tones and vibrations. It can be said we are vibrational beings. Low tones and low frequency's can cause depression and aggression. Be mindful when programing your moods. 
When I'm down, I don't listen to something somber even if it's supportive. Phoohey NO! I put on 70's Funk cause it makes me laugh and want to dance.
@Raveninthelabrynth
That sounds awesome; I'm so glad you know many coping mechanisms that work for you! Did you grow up in the '70's?
@Emily619 can't say I grew up but ya I guess I did lol
@Raveninthelabrynth
Once a kid, always a kid
@Raveninthelabrynth They Say I'm Different by Betty Davis is one of my all time favourite records sui generis -- nasty, audacious funk with a crackerjack lineup of top tier studio players backing her up (Davis's pedigree as a songwriter/producer & influence on ex husband Miles Davis -- esp his fusion period and explorations of Afrocentricism -- can't be overstated).
@melliotm Nice Mel, awesome taste ;)
how are you today?
@Raveninthelabrynth I'm surviving. Nerves still on edge a bit, thanks to some unsettling dream activity last night but managing as best I can to be kind and compassionate to myself while certain feelings pass by. Trying to keep stress/stimulation to a minimum today after pushing myself the last few days (which had to be done and for which am proud of myself for doing). Self care is definitely today's primary agenda.
In other words, expect lots of calm relaxation GIFs on my feed today 😊⛺
@melliotm Awesome hon. Good job at pushing yourself a bit and knowing when to back down.
Definately chilling out is the order of the day.
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@Emily619
Hi, Emily and everyone. Hope the day finds you well.
I pretty much do all of the above with the addition of listening to white noise for focus or chilling, and of course BATHIES!!! Hooo, ever since I saw Cleopatra I decided I want a bath fit for a queen. All the soaps, bath oils, and cute or elegant things you can imagine. I don't have much of a collection. But I plan on having more. Eventually, I shall hire a bard to serenade me. Not to mention the attendants who can fix my wardrobe malfunctions to the air of my mood.
Oh! I forgot. Tea! I love having a little tea time with treats and some of my fancy loose teas and bone china. A queen of many nations, I guess. XD
@CaloenasNicobarica lol sounds like you got it all figured out. Rock your world
Showers, long Baths, and dancing are all great ways to relax. I also enjoy sitting quiet and listening to the world around me.
I would love to take a bath but unfortunately I do not have one here. I am supposed to take one every day for my muscle problems in my pelvic floor but I can only do it about once a week at the moment. My ex (I am hoping we are only apart temporarily) lets me come by to take a bath once a week in the house that still feels like my home. So that is super awesome from him. But I do wish I had one where I am living at the moment.
I am struggling to quiet my mind before sleep. It is 2230h here. I started by looking up sleep in the index of a thick book I have on mindfulness to see if there were helpful tips there. But there was a story about a woman who had sleep disturbances due to trauma and how mindfulness had helped her.. but no specifics about sleep and just a story that made me think too much. Finding it hard to relax now. The story really made me cry.
For me self care goes so much better with others around to make me want to look nice, clean up my space for them and feel restful enough to want to sleep. Living alone the weekends turn self care into a bit of a disaster for me.
@Kuma0187 I'm sorry you're estranged from the one you love. I do hope it works out for you.
Sorry you don't have a bath, but a shower or a warm moist cloth on the face can be quite relaxing too.
@Raveninthelabrynth
Thanks I hope so too. We are both ill with mental and physical issues which is why we need to be apart for a time. His decision. It is really hard but I really love him and he is amazing so for me it is worth waiting the tough times out to see what future we have.
The shower here is amazing which is one good thing. Just tough to persuade myself to use it if I am not seeing anyone. Weird how selfcare relies on company for me. First time I ever lived alone and I didn't realise how I did everything always in relation to someone else and never just for me. Sometimes I am really not sure what to do with myself.
@Kuma0187 Once upon a time I was married. When it fell apart I was quite lost for a longtime and fell into dark places. When I was freed I learned to find myself again. The real me. As lonely as it can seem, this is a wonderful time to explore who you are and be what you like. :)
@Raveninthelabrynth
I am doing my best. But I need therapy. I am terrified alone. Just at the beginning of understanding what my CPTSD actually means. I know what you are talking about will be part of the recovery, but I am not feeling it yet, just going through the motions with the idea that I will learn these things about myself in time.. because everyone says so. Not because I am actually in any condition to be on such a voyage of discovery. I am just getting through the days as they come. Sometimes the minutes. And telling myself to be patient with him. When all I really want to do is just go home and curl up in our bed.
But I know you are right and I am open to that. Just not well enough to be feeling it yet. It is not pure pain and anxiety every minute anymore though.. sometimes I feel happy. That is a massive improvement on a few months ago. I was in a hospital recently.
@Kuma0187 aww hon, in YOUR time. Everything will fall together. :)
@Kuma0187 We definately need to go through the process, as WE will.
I'm always about at some point, dear, feel free to post me any time you need or wish. :)
@Raveninthelabrynth
Thanks you are so sweet and your words have helped me more than once lately so you are always welcome to message me too :)
right now though I am going to try to sleep. I'm exhausted and it takes forever for me to go to the bathroom everynight so I should start earlier haha
It has really cheered me up that someone responded to my post. I don't feel so alone :) night night
@Kuma0187 Much Love Kuma my Friend, Sleep well and Have wonder Filled dreams.
Writing
Painting
Baths
Massages
@Rebekahwriter13 Alle nice things
Today was a nice self care day. Rainy, windy and cool so a perfect day to relax. I love to read, write, play the piano, listen to music, take naps with my softest blanket or have a Netflix movie day. Oh, occasionally it really helps to do something creative like drawing or painting.
On sunny cool days, I am all about nature. I love walks or hiking and kayaking. Even walking meditation is a wonderful way to take a few moments to just be mindful.
