@doodledwellness

When we dissociate, it is the brain trying to protect itself. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The trauma, distress, emotions, and bodily sensations are too intense for the brain/body to deal with. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ So it “shuts down” by disconnecting from bodily sensations, experiences, memories, and their surroundings. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ To reconnect with our bodies, we must show the body that feeling/experiencing is safe. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ We do this slowly. For me - yoga/stretching was a way for me to feel my body again. It showed me I can feel the sensations my body creates and that is is SAFE TO DO SO. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ This practice bringing me back home to my body. ⁣⁣ Here are some other practices to help make your body a safe space: ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ✨Stretching ⁣⁣ ✨ Yoga (yin yoga is my fav) ⁣⁣ ✨ Self hug (heavening technique)⁣⁣ ✨ Giving your body attention when it’s hungry, tired, thirsty, needs to use the bathroom (you are showing your body you will listen to it’s signals rather than ignore them) ⁣⁣ ✨Feeling your feet when walking ⁣⁣ ✨Naming what’s around you (grounding you in your surroundings) ⁣⁣ ✨Tasting your food/tech free meals ⁣⁣ ✨Stimulating vagus nerve (eg. Humming, breathing in slowly + holding + exhaling slowly and longer than the inhale) ⁣⁣ ✨Stroking soft/soothing fabrics or an animal⁣⁣ ✨ Dance ⁣⁣ ✨Shake (release tension from body) ⁣⁣ ✨Spend time in nature (this is grounding - we are a part of nature - we are animals) ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I hope you find some of these helpful. Remember to approach these slowly. Celebrate all successes. And that a little progress/time is better than no progress/time devoted to these exercises. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Once we learn how to feel safe in our ourselves, we can learn how to feel safe around others. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Come home to your body 💜⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Disclaimer: some signs of dissociation/depersonalization also show up in anxiety, depression, ADHD etc. please use this post as a guide only and seek professional help to learn more. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I have some free resources in my bio as well 💜 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #dissociation #mindbody #traumahealing #bodyconnection #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealing