A recent study at Duke University posed an interesting question: what is your daily trauma intake? Think about it. You wake up, check the news and what is the first thing that you hear or see? Destruction, shootings, death, poverty, war. That is just before breakfast. You obviously need to know what is going on in the world, yet are constantly bombarded by trauma, tragedy, and damaging stories. After getting ready for work, you head to the office in traffic, often witnessing gridiron movement and car accidents. You think about the obstacles you will face for the day. You are bamboozled with meetings, tests, disputes, and deadlines, once you get to work or school.
Trauma Intake
You are constantly intaking trauma throughout the day. So the big question is; what is your daily trauma intake? Have you taken in too much today? You may be taking in so much trauma, that is it actually hurting your mind and your body.
Internal Peace Brings External Peace
What do you envision when you think of peace? Maybe you see the ocean, a sunrise, sunset, or perhaps a rainbow. There are multiple ways you can allow peace to help align or even supersede the intake of constant daily trauma.
Your mind is a battlefield. There are many daily events that are competing for your attention and peace of mind. Nevertheless, there is hope! When you are under attack, some things you may try include:
Read a daily devotional relevant to your particular faith. Look at the bigger picture (eternal perspective) rather than the woes of today.
Practice meditation. Clear your body, mind, and spirit of any stress or anxiety caused by the dilution of significant daily traumas.
Exercise or train for a 5K, half marathon, or even a triathlon (depending on health and exercise level). Expose of excess trauma from a physical aspect.
Talk to a professional about how daily trauma affects you personally. Let a professional assist you with purging feelings and thoughts.
Do your own research and figure out your specific trauma threshold. Knowledge is power! The more you know about yourself, the more empowered you are to make necessary changes.
For more information on daily trauma intake, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues please do not hesitate to reach out to Amy Wine Counseling Center at 832-421-8714. We’re all in this together!