Outline: 5 Tips on How to Let Go of Past Trauma – Acknowledge – Talk – Write – Seek – Practice | How Trauma Affects Your Business | Affirmations To Improve Your Work Life | Final Thoughts

An estimated 60% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. That means that as many as 120 million American adults are currently dealing with the effects of trauma. 

Trauma can happen to anyone at any time. It doesn’t discriminate. And the effects of trauma can be long-lasting and even debilitating if not dealt with in a healthy way. 

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience caused by a single event or by repeated exposure to an event or situation. There are many different types of trauma, but some of the most common include physical trauma, sexual trauma, emotional trauma, and trauma related to natural disasters or war. 

No matter what type of trauma you’ve experienced, it’s important to understand that you are not alone and there are ways to heal from the pain. 

Tips on How to Move Past Emotionally Scarring Events (Trauma)

Here are 5 tips on how to let go of past trauma:

1. Acknowledge What Happened

The first step in healing from trauma is acknowledging what happened. Though difficult and emotionally taxing, it’s a significant part of the healing process. Denial will only make the healing process more difficult. 

One way to begin acknowledging your trauma is to start journaling. Write down what happened, when it happened, and how you feel about it. 

2. Talk About What Happened

Talking about your trauma can be difficult, but it’s often necessary if you want to get over a traumatic event. 

There are many benefits of talking about your trauma. It can help you process your emotions, work through your experiences, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Talking about your trauma can also help you connect with others who have been through similar experiences.

Talk about your trauma with those you trust, like a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. It’s also important to be as specific as possible when sharing your experience.

Related Read: 5 Healthy Habits for Entrepreneurs to Live a Fulfilled Life

3. Write About What Happened

As briefly mentioned above, writing about your experiences is also helpful. You can use a journal or a public forum such as a blog. Writing can help you express what you feel and work through your emotions. 

It can also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. For small business owners, coping mechanisms are especially helpful in dealing with the stress of running a business.

The Untangle Method is a great place to start if you don’t know where to begin.

4. Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to cope with your trauma, seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you work through your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. 

It’s OK to start on your own. Read books, watch YouTube videos, and read articles. Tons of people on the internet have shared their knowledge and experiences, but they can only get you to a certain point.

If your trauma is mild, you could get over it on your own, but if it is severe, you might want to seek the help of a professional.

Also, as small business owners, be cautious not to fall for the trap that you can deal with everything alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t have to do this alone. It’s OK to ask for help.

5. Practice Self-Care

It’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally when dealing with trauma. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. It also includes taking time for yourself to do things that make you happy. 

Here are some practical tips for incorporating self-care into your life: 

1. Make time for yourself daily: Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, make sure you have time to do something that makes you happy. It could be reading, listening to music, taking a walk, napping, or anything else that brings you joy. 
2. Eat a healthy diet: Fuel your body with healthy foods that will give you the energy you need to heal. 
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which help improve your mood. 
4. Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for good physical and mental health. 
5. Take breaks when you need them: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate

How Work-Related and Emotional Trauma Can Affect Your Business

Work-related and emotional trauma can have a significant effect on businesses. It often leads to:

• Decreased productivity, 
• Increased absenteeism, 
• High turnover rates,
• Legal liabilities, and 
• Increased insurance costs. 

Here are a few things business owners can do to reduce the effect of trauma on their businesses: 

1. Create a Trauma-Informed Workplace 

A trauma-informed workplace is one that is aware of the effects of trauma and is committed to supporting employees dealing with trauma. 

This includes having policies and procedures in place to support traumatized employees and creating a safe and supportive work environment by providing training for employees and managers on how to support one another. 

2. Provide Employee Assistance 

Programs like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) help employees who are struggling with the effects of trauma. 

EAPs provide confidential counseling, support, and resources to employees. They also help businesses by reducing the cost of absenteeism, turnover, and productivity losses. 

3. Promote a Culture of Wellness 

Promoting a culture of wellness in the workplace can help prevent and reduce the effects of trauma. 

This includes offering wellness programs, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and providing support to employees who are struggling with mental health issues..

Related Read: Reasons Why Mental Health Support Is Important for Small Business Owners

10 Work Affirmations To Improve Your Work Life

Another powerful tool to help you heal from trauma is to repeat affirmations on a consistent daily basis. The more you repeat these to yourself, the faster your subconscious will accept them as truth.

Don’t worry if you don’t fully believe them in the beginning. As time passes and you stay consistent, you will be amazed by the results.

Positive work or business affirmations work pretty much the same way as positive affirmations for anxiety and stress.

Here are 10 potent work or business affirmations you can repeat to yourself daily:

1. I can do anything but I can’t do everything.
2. I am courageous enough to face my fears. 
3. Love and support surround me. 
4. I am capable of healing. 
5. I am safe in my business.
6. My goals are realistic and achievable. 
7. I am an excellent problem solver. 
8. I can confidently express my views at work.
9. My work life inspires and motivates me. 
10. I am whole and complete.

Final Thoughts

Emotional or specific work-related traumas such as working in a toxic environment affect our lives as well as our businesses (or work).

Hence, why it’s necessary for business owners to put policies and programs in place to mitigate the effects of trauma in the workplace. 

Acknowledging the experience, talking about it, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help are all great ways to begin the healing process.

Related article:

Should you Let Bygones be Bygones?