Self-care is an essential step in beginning the journey to healing for victims of betrayal and emotional abuse. Victims are often conditioned to ignore their personal needs and desires, making it crucial to re-establish self-care routines to regain a sense of normalcy and well-being.
Establishing a Simple Self-Care Routine
After discovering betrayal, such as a partner using pornography or lying, victims often feel their lives are chaotic and overwhelming. Setting a simple self-care routine can help navigate these traumatic times. Here are some basic practices to consider:
- Hygiene: Brushing teeth and showering
- Nutrition: Eating at least one balanced meal per day, if possible
- Hydration: Drinking water a few times a day
- Exercise: Taking a short walk around the block or doing one small stretch
Spiritual and Emotional Self-Care
Incorporating daily practices like prayer, meditation, or journaling can provide emotional stability and spiritual grounding.
Affirmations and Personal Mottos
Choosing a simple affirmation or personal motto can be challenging for those whose lives have been shattered by betrayal. Here are some affirmations that might help victims of trauma:
- I am worthy of love and respect.
- This pain will not last forever.
- I love myself.
- I am beautiful.
- I can do hard things.
Powerful Self-Care Stories
“There was a time when my future seemed extremely bleak. A friend asked me: Do you have a roof over your head? I said: Yes. Have you eaten today? I said: Yes. She suggested: Walk outside, feel the grass under your feet, take a deep breath, and look at the clouds for a minute. I did that, and everything felt beautiful in that moment. Despite all my trials, I realized that the present moment would be the same if my life were perfect.” — Anne Blythe, Founder of Betrayal Trauma Recovery
Practice Mindfulness
In the wake of traumatic crises, women can benefit from practicing moments of mindfulness. The symptoms of betrayal trauma and abuse can be severe, yet grounding oneself in the present can bring peace and solace.
Attend a Support Group
The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Sessions meet daily across various time zones, providing victims with an opportunity to process trauma, share their stories, express difficult feelings, and ask important questions. Join today and find a community of supportive women ready to validate you in your trauma.
Be Present in the Moment
“During my ordeal, when my ex was arrested and my future seemed bleak, I continued to pray. My answers were to “be still,” which left me confused and unsure of what to do. A friend guided me to walk outside, feel the grass under my feet, take a deep breath, and gaze at the clouds.
I realized that even if I had the best husband in the world, this moment would still be the same. This helped me start taking a break from the trauma to focus on the present. Skiing with my kids, I found hope that my future could be better.”
— Anne Blythe, Founder of Betrayal Trauma Recovery
Focusing on simple self-care routines and mindfulness can significantly improve the well-being of victims of emotional abuse. Remember, you are worth it, and your life is worth living. We’d love to see you in a Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Session TODAY.
Anne, thank you for saying this over and over, ” Part of our mission here at Betrayal Trauma Recovery is to educate every single woman in the world about what abuse is and what it looks like and that pornography is abuse. If you’re in a relationship with an active pornography user, you’re in an abusive relationship, and then what to do to create boundaries for your own safety.”
I did not fully realize I was not safe. My body told me. My heart told me in many ways, my crying and asking for counseling told me, but I still denied THIS FACT. Thank you for all you do. Unlike Tyler, my husband refused help. We had wise pastors walking with us who have walked this path many times, who helped set boundaries, who loved and encouraged both of us, but when he was not responsive they set boundary after boundary to protect me. Unfortunately, I had to file for divorce and going through that trauma now. Thank you, Tyler, for walking into the pain and helping others.
I’m so glad it’s helpful! It’s so painful – and the consequences of my husband’s abuse and the destruction of my family are long term, and difficult. But God is with us:). Hugs!