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New book on dealing with trauma reveals how, even during the lockdown, you can repair, heal and grow
Ssound familiar? “Tough times. It’s the receipt of news that sucks all the air from your lungs, making you wonder how you’ll ever breathe again.”
When Suzy Reading was writing her latest book, she had no idea just how relevant these words would soon become for millions of people around the world.
With its focus on how to repair, heal and grow during difficult life events such as bereavement, divorce and illness, Self-care For Tough Times, could easily be retitled, Self-care For Lockdown Living.
“I finished it in December and knew it would be broadly relevant as someone is always struggling through a tough time,” said Suzy.
“I never dreamt it would be applicable to everyone, all at once. I don’t think we fully understand the enormity of what we are all experiencing – it really is unprecedented.” As self-isolation begins to take its toll, the wellbeing expert believes focusing on small acts of self-care – which she prefers to think of as healthcare – could help us come out the other side
● Author Suzy
Reading feeling whole.
And from practising yoga to taking a minute for breathing exercises, Suzy insists we shouldn’t feel guilty for spending time on ourselves.
She explained: “The term self-care has been muddied by brands touting their wares, and it’s often associated with luxurious pampering acts and expensive products. So, I think using a different phrase, and reframing the term, can be quite useful.
“Self-care doesn’t have to be you first – it’s me as well. It’s about making sure your health and wellbeing is a priority.
“What really helps prompt people to think differently is asking the question,‘without my health, what do I have?’”
She added: “There are so many very big and real emotions swirling around right now, and we don’t have any of the normal things that would usually help distract us.
“But, if we turn to really simple soothing practices, it can help us deal with the uncertainty, and even build some healthy habits that will sustain us in the next chapter.”