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living after trauma

Journeys Lifestyle Therapy

Living After Trauma – How Therapy can Change A Life

*Note from the Editor in Chief. This article comes with a trigger warning. It concerns the journey of someone going through counselling, including brief details …

Jennifer Balfour 4 July 20236 September 2023

The wonder sketchbook — 'Drink Me' by Erika (Team Wonderment)

Earthy nail polish — Jackie from Earthy Nail Polish "You are right, I often sit and draw following ‘Draw with Rob’ on youtube with my son and there is such a sense of pride at the end, of doing something together and of something you can feel proud of."

marvling bros — by Hayley from Marvling Bros

essex house dolly

by Georgina Sturmer - Guest Author

Tom Walters - Guest Author from TW Body Mechanic
a drawing of a sunflower which always reminds me of summer! — Tom Walters - Guest Author from TW Body Mechanic a drawing of a sunflower which always reminds me of summer!

Sarah Vaughan - Guest Author
I really like to sketch and paint nature, these are a few sketches that I have done — Sarah Vaughan - Guest Author I really like to sketch and paint nature, these are a few sketches that I have done

Elise Waters - Guest Author from Paguro Upcycle

Karin Stephan Guest Author from Earkick - I scribble landscapes, suns, hills, rivers and trees whenever I need to zone out from work.

journaling — Laura from Lovendu

Tracy Richardson - Guest Author

Mark Morton - Journalise

Eimear - Kindling Dating

Yen -
paguro Upcycle
An endearing attempt of drawing my son Alexander with just four simple crayons. He's a boundless bundle of energy that constantly keeps me on my toes, yet his infectious joy brings an unparalleled happiness into my life. — Yen - paguro Upcycle An endearing attempt of drawing my son Alexander with just four simple crayons. He's a boundless bundle of energy that constantly keeps me on my toes, yet his infectious joy brings an unparalleled happiness into my life.

jewellery — Harjit - Jewelled Buddha

Noah Goldhirsh - Author

Noah Goldhirsh - Author

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Harriet Barcella - Guest Author
I often talk about how self-care is the act of caring for yourself every day. Not big things, but all the tiny everyday things. Drinking plenty of water, eating nourishing food, moving your body, getting outside, getting enough sleep and so on. However, my absolute non-negotiable every day is getting outside and having time in fresh air. — Harriet Barcella - Guest Author I often talk about how self-care is the act of caring for yourself every day. Not big things, but all the tiny everyday things. Drinking plenty of water, eating nourishing food, moving your body, getting outside, getting enough sleep and so on. However, my absolute non-negotiable every day is getting outside and having time in fresh air.

the wonder bookshelf — Neil - Team Wonderment Writing free verse poetry helps me release my emotions instead of keeping them locked up inside.

the wonder self-care journal — Erika (Team Wonderment) My go to self-care activity, especially when my anxiety is high, is definitely listening to loud music. Possibly even having a little boogie as well.

the wonder self-care journal — Jennifer Balfour - Guest Author My go to self-care is anything to do with music , spending time with my family and taking my dog Ollie out for a walk.

the wonder self-care journal — Ciaran (Team Wonderment) In short meditation grounds me, increases my self-awareness and self-understanding, whilst enabling me to grow and flourish. Committing to daily meditation at the end of last year changed my life for the better in so many ways and set me on the path I am today.

Jackie - Earthy Nail Polish -I love a pamper day, conditioning treatment for the hair, a nourishing face mask and of course a mani pedi. I often hang out with my sisters, catch up, treat ourselves to a nice lunch and just enjoy beautifying ourselves.

Dr Sona Kaur - My go-to self-care activity involves spending quality time with my family and friends, exploring the wonders of nature through long walks or picnics, and taking breaks to travel and unwind.

Hayley - Marvling Bros
I read, books are a great escape from real life and also educational. They can invigorate you or send you to sleep. Books are like friends. — Hayley - Marvling Bros I read, books are a great escape from real life and also educational. They can invigorate you or send you to sleep. Books are like friends.

Nicola- Essex House Dolly - For self care I love playing solitaire on my phone with no noise or going to the cinema on my own! When I had recovery therapy from my last relationship, I had to begin enjoying my own company. I learnt that the mistake I had been making for years with male relationships and female friendships was where I couldn’t be on my own.

Georgina Sturmer - Guest Author
I do my best to make time for exercise each week, as it has a positive impact on my energy levels. But my dog is probably my best source of self-care. She encourages me to get outside in the fresh air and notice what’s going on around me. She’s always pleased to see me, and I can’t fail to smile when I see her waggy tail. — Georgina Sturmer - Guest Author I do my best to make time for exercise each week, as it has a positive impact on my energy levels. But my dog is probably my best source of self-care. She encourages me to get outside in the fresh air and notice what’s going on around me. She’s always pleased to see me, and I can’t fail to smile when I see her waggy tail.

Sarah Vaughan - Guest Author My go to self-care activity is always connecting with nature, whether it's standing barefoot in the garden and taking a few deep breaths, or a walk in the woods or on the beach, nature always soothes my soul.

Elise Waters Guest Author from Paguro Upcycle - Pamper night – face mask, hair mask or dye, nail painting, cup of herbal tea and cosy up with a good book.

Tom Waters Guest Author from TW Body Mechanic - Working out in the gym with my favourite music playing as it lets me switch off during the session and the dopamine release afterwards can lasts for hours,

Karin Stephan Guest Author from Earkick - I use the Earkick selfcare companion app daily. It takes me only a few seconds to journal and reminds me to go outside for exercise in nature. If I get that done with consistency, I'm mentally and physically ready to deal with whatever the day or life throws at me. My morning routine is something sacred that no one and nothing can take away from me.

Laura from Lovendu - I love treating myself to a series on Netflix and letting myself just watch and enjoy. Even if I’ve already watched it 10 times. I also like going for walks and baking.

Tracy Richardson - Guest Author
Pausing to breathe. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, too busy or out of sorts I pause and practice nasal breathing with an extended exhale phase to help stimulate my parasympathetic nervous system, promote calm and clarity of thought. — Tracy Richardson - Guest Author Pausing to breathe. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, too busy or out of sorts I pause and practice nasal breathing with an extended exhale phase to help stimulate my parasympathetic nervous system, promote calm and clarity of thought.

Mark from Journalise
recently I got back into (motor)biking after a few years without one, and heading out for a blast through the Kent countryside with a stop for a coffee en-route has become my latest self-care activity. Just myself and my thoughts out in the beautiful countryside, finding new routes, learning to get the best out of the machine, and worrying about nothing else. The best self-care activities are those that take your mind off the everyday stresses and worries and that you completely involve yourself in. — Mark from Journalise recently I got back into (motor)biking after a few years without one, and heading out for a blast through the Kent countryside with a stop for a coffee en-route has become my latest self-care activity. Just myself and my thoughts out in the beautiful countryside, finding new routes, learning to get the best out of the machine, and worrying about nothing else. The best self-care activities are those that take your mind off the everyday stresses and worries and that you completely involve yourself in.

Eimear - Kindling Dating
Walking! We live near Hampstead Heath and whenever I can get out on my own, maybe listen to a podcast and just walk through the trees, and then look up and see the London skyline I know I am in the right place and all is going to be well. I usually challenge myself to take at least one lovely picture to make sure I am keeping my head up and looking around to really soak in nature. — Eimear - Kindling Dating Walking! We live near Hampstead Heath and whenever I can get out on my own, maybe listen to a podcast and just walk through the trees, and then look up and see the London skyline I know I am in the right place and all is going to be well. I usually challenge myself to take at least one lovely picture to make sure I am keeping my head up and looking around to really soak in nature.

Gillian McMichael - Author 'Coming Home'
Every morning I meditate. Without this in my life I would be stressed and on high alert all the time. I take 20 mins each morning to sit, breathe and be with myself. I set my intention, turn my attention inwards and just be. This is my time and I love it! — Gillian McMichael - Author 'Coming Home' Every morning I meditate. Without this in my life I would be stressed and on high alert all the time. I take 20 mins each morning to sit, breathe and be with myself. I set my intention, turn my attention inwards and just be. This is my time and I love it!

Katie - KG Salon
My self care is defiantly working out in the morning and going for a walk. I also love listening to podcasts and reading books. — Katie - KG Salon My self care is defiantly working out in the morning and going for a walk. I also love listening to podcasts and reading books.

Kamalyn Kaur - Author
For me it is definitely exercise and music. Exercise is a great way of releasing any extra energy from the body, helping me to feel relaxed and reenergized!

As for music, for me, that is one of the quickest ways to change how I feel. In just a few moments I can feel uplifted; motivated; relaxed; or happy, just by picking the right playlist. Music is one of the most powerful mood boosters – it can help us visualize; transport us into a different world; and help us heal. The recent rise in sound baths as healing is proof of this! — Kamalyn Kaur - Author For me it is definitely exercise and music. Exercise is a great way of releasing any extra energy from the body, helping me to feel relaxed and reenergized! As for music, for me, that is one of the quickest ways to change how I feel. In just a few moments I can feel uplifted; motivated; relaxed; or happy, just by picking the right playlist. Music is one of the most powerful mood boosters – it can help us visualize; transport us into a different world; and help us heal. The recent rise in sound baths as healing is proof of this!

Harjit - Jewelled Buddha
I’ll go for a walk. Usually in my local park which has a coffee shop that I can grab a coffee and get lost in a book. But walking is definitely my go to. It clears my head and gives me time to unwind in nature. — Harjit - Jewelled Buddha I’ll go for a walk. Usually in my local park which has a coffee shop that I can grab a coffee and get lost in a book. But walking is definitely my go to. It clears my head and gives me time to unwind in nature.

Yen - Paguro Upcycle
Taking a walk in nature is my self-care go-to. The serenity of being surrounded by plants and the natural world instantly puts me at ease. Back home, I indulge in diffusing essential oils that evoke the essence of nature, continuing the tranquillity from the outdoors into my space. — Yen - Paguro Upcycle Taking a walk in nature is my self-care go-to. The serenity of being surrounded by plants and the natural world instantly puts me at ease. Back home, I indulge in diffusing essential oils that evoke the essence of nature, continuing the tranquillity from the outdoors into my space.

Dhilon - Story Locker
I have a huge passion for fitness and believe that making sure I set aside time to train - whether at home or at the gym - has really helped my mental as well physical health.

Spending time with my family is also hugely important. Trying to get a business off the ground means irregular work patterns, stress and the ever-present temptation to spend “just another few minutes” working on a task. Going on long country drives and exploring new towns and cities with my wife and two sons is the best way to mentally recharge the batteries. — Dhilon - Story Locker I have a huge passion for fitness and believe that making sure I set aside time to train - whether at home or at the gym - has really helped my mental as well physical health. Spending time with my family is also hugely important. Trying to get a business off the ground means irregular work patterns, stress and the ever-present temptation to spend “just another few minutes” working on a task. Going on long country drives and exploring new towns and cities with my wife and two sons is the best way to mentally recharge the batteries.

Jonny - Eco Tortoise
Undoubtedly going to the gym and exercising. I used to do strongman training, until I injured myself too much, and then started doing CrossFit training – again until I injured myself too much. Now I tend to just go and do some cardio and weights. I love it because it’s just you against yourself in the gym. Pushing yourself as hard as you can.

Whenever I exercise, I instantly feel my mood lift. When I go periods of not exercising for whatever reason, I notice myself going into a deep spiral. It really is something that is make or break for me in terms of mental health. — Jonny - Eco Tortoise Undoubtedly going to the gym and exercising. I used to do strongman training, until I injured myself too much, and then started doing CrossFit training – again until I injured myself too much. Now I tend to just go and do some cardio and weights. I love it because it’s just you against yourself in the gym. Pushing yourself as hard as you can. Whenever I exercise, I instantly feel my mood lift. When I go periods of not exercising for whatever reason, I notice myself going into a deep spiral. It really is something that is make or break for me in terms of mental health.

Noah Goldhirsh - Author
I love to walk in nature! It helps me to clear my head and feel connected to the world around me. — Noah Goldhirsh - Author I love to walk in nature! It helps me to clear my head and feel connected to the world around me.