Living life with trauma, whether under treatment or unresolved, can be hard at times. Trauma does not stay in one place. We cannot put trauma in a box, a kennel, or a cage and say to it, “I’ll see you when I get back later.” Trauma comes with us everywhere that we go. Trauma lives in our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. Learning to live with trauma means learning to live in acceptance that sometimes trauma will come up where and when we do not want it to. For example, when we are at our office trying to fulfill the responsibilities of our daily job.
Work is part of what we do with our lives, unless we happen to have other circumstances. Trauma might live outside of the office, meaning trauma did not happen at the office, and someone with trauma brings it with them when they come to work. Trauma might have happened at the office and there may be a repeated reminder of that trauma. Job productivity loss adds up to the hundreds of millions every year due to the effects of mental health issues, like trauma. Fulfilling responsibilities, maintaining accountability, and doing something that we are hopefully passionate about or interested in gives us life at the office. Dealing with triggers or symptoms of our trauma can take away from our experience at the office, our performance, and possibly our jobs entirely. You can learn to handle your trauma at the office, just as your learn to handle, with love and tenderness, your trauma in all other areas of life.
Reduce your workload
When you are first starting to work through your trauma it might be a good idea to reduce your responsibilities and the amount you work, if that is probably. Talking about your trauma and your treatment with your employer is not required. However, if you find you cannot uphold your job, you may want to let your employer know you need some extra time in the day to take care of yourself.
Bring self-care to the office
Thankfully, there are ways you can take care of yourself while at the office. Take breaks for mindfulness and meditation. Keep a box of your favorite tea nearby. If you can, use a diffuser with lavender oil for soothing and relaxing aromatherapy. Hide a snuggly blanket under your desk. Have fidget toys and small objects to play with in moments of anxiety. Make sure to meet your needs for drinking enough water, and eating enough food throughout the day.
Get outside for a breather
If your office is indoors, it is critical that you take some time out of your day to get in the sunshine, when available, and take a few deep breaths. Wherever possible, try to walk near some trees, grass, and other kinds of greenery. Exposure to nature, natural sunlight, and fresh air will help reset your nervous system in a time of need and sustain your energy throughout the day.
Call The Guest House Ocala today for information on our residential treatment programs for traumas, addictions, and related mental health issues: 1-855-483-7800