If you have recently left an unsafe situation, you likely have not focused on your wellness for a long time. When you are in survival mode, wellness is not a priority. Now that you have left that unsafe situation behind, it is time to focus on your wellness. Here are five tips that will help you care for yourself after leaving an unsafe situation.
1. Acknowledge The Situation Honestly
You likely have not fully evaluated the situation you left. You may have gotten used to making excuses for the circumstances. Now that you have left, it is time to acknowledge the gravity of the situation you left behind fully. It is okay to cry, yell, and talk about it, but you must acknowledge it. Until you are honest with yourself, you will struggle with moving on. Imagine you are looking at your situation as a bystander, and consider what you would think if someone you knew lived through that situation. It can help to put the past in perspective and help you to move on.
2. Keep In Mind You Are Not Alone
No matter what anyone has told you, you are not alone. Some people have gone through similar situations. More than 20,000 phone calls are placed each day to domestic violence hotlines. Whatever you have been through, allies out there want to help. Consider joining a support group. A support group can help you to talk about your situation and promote healing.
3. Start with Small Changes
There is no doubt an adjustment period after leaving an unsafe situation. Emotional and physical wellness may take a little time to achieve. Starting with small changes like walking daily, learning to meditate, and taking baby steps towards becoming the person you are now free will add up and get you where you want to be. Slow and steady is how you will win the wellness race.
Learn something new. Learning will take your mind off your worries and allow you to explore new things.
4. Don’t Make Radical Decisions Right Now
When you leave an unsafe situation, you will feel much lighter, hopeful, and in some cases, almost joyful. While all these feelings are wonderful, it is not the best time to make big decisions. For example, if you have always dreamed of living in an RV, you can start making those plans, but you should hold off on purchasing for a few months until you get your footing again. About 11.2 million families own an RV, about a 62% increase in the last decade.
Getting the RV of your dreams will not fix any lingering residue from the bad situation you came from. The same is true of any other large purchase. For example, you may have always wanted a two-seater spa or a larger one that can hold up to 8 people and 610 gallons of water, but now is not the best time to make those buying choices. Take a step back, and wait a couple of months before you make a big purchase.
5. Feed Your Happy
Wellness is the concept that your mind, body, and spirit work together. When you leave an unsafe situation, all three have likely been damaged somehow. Now is the time to feed your happiness, which will heal your mind, body, and spirit and put you on the path to wellness. Do what makes you happy, whether bike riding, painting, reading, yoga, or something else. Make time to feed whatever makes you feel content and happy.
Everyone deserves to feel safe. You will come back from this and be stronger. Just take one day at a time and focus on your wellness.
