Practical Guide to Feeling Better
Confide in someone.
Don't try to carry this burden alone; share it with those who care about you. For some people, it helps to tell the story over and over; others prefer to be silent at times. Decide what would be most helpful to you. Tell family members and friends what you need - whether it's help with household chores, a hug, or someone to spend a few hours with you.
Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling.
Anger, grief, shock, and other emotions are all normal reactions to traumatic events. Express your feelings. Find ways to release stress and anger constructively.
Get enough rest, and eat regularly.
Resting (even if you cannot fall asleep) and eating nutritious foods will help provide the physical and mental stamina needed to deal with a stressful situation.
Make as many small or daily decisions as possible.
This often helps restore some sense of control in your life. Know your limits.
Practice relaxation or meditation.
It is important to take periodic breaks from the stress of a traumatic event. Find activities that soothe or relax you, such as taking a warm bath or listening to soft music. Make time for them each day. Buy a relaxation cassette at a bookstore, or consider taking a meditation class in your community.
Give yourself more time.
For a while, you might find it takes more time than usual to complete a task. Be patient and don't expect too much from yourself. Give your best effort, but don't become frustrated if it isn't perfect.
Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.
Try to find a balance that allows you to stay involved in the normal aspects of your life, while giving you an opportunity to rest as needed.
Take one thing at a time.
For some people under tension, an ordinary workload can feel overwhelming. This is a temporary condition. Try breaking larger tasks or problems into smaller, more manageable segments and then take them one step at a time.
Escape for a while.
Sometimes it helps to temporarily get away from the source of the tension. Whether it's a brief trip, a change of scenery, or losing yourself in a book or movie, taking a short break from the situation may help to restore your physical and emotional energy and give you a chance to put things in perspective.
Redefine your priorities.
Focus your energy and resources on things most important to you. Give yourself permission to eliminate unnecessary activities.
