“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” Jack Kornfield

You've heard the old saying, “put on your own oxygen mask first"? Whether you are anticipating leaving or feel you must stay in a difficult situation, it is so important that you get adequate rest, eat healthy foods, see your doctor regularly, take vitamin and mineral supplements, and unwind at the end of a stressful day. . .at least as much as you are able! 

Do it for your sake, and for the

 sake of your children. 

Draw yourself a hot bath with some essential oils or healthy salts. Invest in a sound machine and a salt lamp to place by your bedside to help you relax at night. Make sure you take time to be quiet and still and do deep breathing exercises daily.

Grab a treat and watch a chick flick. Read a good book. Do things that relax you ~ work on a puzzle, go for a walk, sip some herbal tea, call a friend. Find ways to bring rest and comfort to your soul. 

When you are in a state of trauma, you need to take mini vacations from the stress of your situation. Getting out of the house with supportive friends will refresh your soul and help you face daily challenges. You don't need to plan a big getaway! There are endless possibilities for lovely day trips, and what's better than a fun movie night when you can take a break from your stressors and just laugh with those who best understand you! 

There is no substitute 

for good friends!

Plan a "high tea" and have fun decorating the table for the occasion. Buy tickets to a theatre production and go out to dinner before or after. Plan a craft night. Go bowling! In the midst of your trauma you may have forgotten how to step away from your troubles and just have fun. Friends can help you laugh and to remember who you are, aside from your most taxing roles.

We all need times when we can unplug form the normal stressors in our lives and find a quiet place to recharge. It is hard for most women to justify this time, but it is truly necessary. Some phone apps that may help you relax and be refreshed while you keep track of your mental and emotional state are:

 We all need times when we can unplug form the normal stressors in our lives and find a quiet place to recharge. It is hard for most women to justify this time, but it is truly necessary. Some phone apps that may help you relax and be refreshed, and keep track of your physical, mental, and emotional state are:

The Pause App

Emoods

Mindfuness Coach

Headspace

ThinkUp

BetterMe

MyFitnessPal

Breathe2Relax

 Invest in an essential oil diffuser. Buy some healthy soy candles. Purchase a squeezable stress reliever. 

Get a weighted blanket. 

Creating a safe, cozy, and comforting space you can retreat to is ultra important when you are processing trauma!

There are many treatments and exercise programs that effectively diminish trauma. EMDR, Brain Spotting, Neurofeedback, Massage, Acupuncture, Salt Caves, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, saunas, far infrared sauna, aromatherapy, yoga, pilates, and Oxycise, to name a few. The more complex your trauma, the more you need physical aids that can calm down your nervous system and adrenal glands.  

Find the right counselor or therapist who is qualified to help you, and a support group in your area where you feel connected and understood. There are also phenomenal online support groups if there are none in your area. We offer guidelines here to help you know what to look for in a counselor or in a group. There is a list below of organizations to guide you to the right support.

Pursue activities that help you develop your unique gifts and talents. What makes you smile? Further education? Crafts? Painting? The outdoors? Traveling? Community Theatre? Music Lessons? 

Although you may be tempted to be reclusive, try to engage in activities that refresh your spirit and light up your weary soul. There is nothing wrong with retreating to a safe space to rest and refresh your soul, but getting out of the house can be just as important. 

Our Current Groups:

• Recovering from Betrayal
• Coipng with Divorce
• Medical Trauma & Chronic Illness Support
• Grief Support Group

Whether you are battling cancer, getting divorced, grieving the loss of a loved one, or facing a devastating betrayal, you can expereince feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety and/or depression. A support group will take the edge off your pain. You will connect with fellow sufferers and be heard, be embraced, and be comforted, You are not alone!

A  Truly Special Guest

Julie St. Onge, an R.N. Peer Group Facilitator, APSATS Board Member, and Life Coach,has researched and discovered  powerful somatic therapies to help calm your whole system when you are chronically in a "fight, flight, or freeze" state. 

Julie will host short video snippets to address everything from boundaries, grounding, brainspotting, and EMDR to disclosure and polygraphs, tools and resources, and books and articles that can help you heal and move forward  with purpose and  peace.

Walk for Physical & Mental Health

 Leslie Sansone's philosophy is centered around the idea that even the simplest of movements can have a huge impact on a person's fitness level. She believes walking is a sport for life, and that nearly everyone can participate. Her approach is one of encouragement and inspiration She also teaches that walking can reduce stress and renew the spirit.

Get alerts to your phone so you can throw on your sneakers and squeeze a powerful walk (in the comfort of your living room!) into your busy day!

Join our Oxycise exercise group! Go to the Oxycise page to get involved in this gentle but effective system that helps you lose weight, increase lung capacity, experience increased energy and mental clarity, and much more!

"As simple as it may sound, using the powerful breathing exercises learned in the Oxycise! system, you will not only increase metabolism and burn fat, but you will increase energy, decrease stress, and improve your flexibility and strength! Oxygen is a powerful tool, yet it is one that most of us take for granted and do not fully utilize.

Our effective breathing workout teaches you how to harness the power of oxygen with very specific breathing techniques. All you need to get started is our Oxycise!  

If you are sick of counting calories and measuring portions, feeling sick and depressed, then it’s time you tried Oxycise! You will love the deep breathing techniques that anyone can do, regardless of fitness level or age.  You will love even more the changes in your health and body shape!"

Oxycise Team

 More often than not, women who suffer from Complex PTSD have a host of health issues as well. Many women also suffer from thyroid issues. Constant stress and adrenaline rushes lead to all sorts of chronic illnesses. 

Join our community of women who are trying to regain some level of health as we share information about some of the supplements and therapies that have helped us most!

Conventional medicine has its place in our health journey. However, there are many alternative medicines, therapies, herbs, and supplements that can equip your body to heal from the maladies caused by long-term stress.

Here is a list of Facebook groups and pages you may find helpful:

Flying Free (Natalie Hoffman)

Biblical Christian Egalitarians

Ezer Rising

Spiritual Sounding Board

Thyroid Sexy

Hashimoto's 411

Successfully Starting Over After Divorce

Healing Betrayal Trauma

Oxycise Health and Weight Loss

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support Network

Women Entrepreneurs

Motherhood Is A Circus

A Cup of Tea and a Good Book

Wounded Warrior Book Club