Your Essential Post Therapy Self Care List
Picture this: You just walked out of your therapists office, you did some deep work like EMDR, or suddenly remembered a childhood memory your mind had been protecting you from. Post therapy self care was NOT on your mind today.
You’re ready to face it, but it still hurts.
Later that day you notice you’re having mood swings, a backache or headache, or you’re finding yourself mentally and physically exhausted even though it felt like a “regular” day.
This brings to mind a specific session I had, and a particularly rough night afterward.
You might feel headaches and fatigue because your heart and brain are doing a big emotional workout, stirring up old trauma and stress that’s been tucked away, which can leave your body feeling heavy and worn out.
When you’re diving into those suppressed feelings, your nervous system can get overwhelmed, sending tension to your head and draining your energy, almost like you’ve been carrying a weight you didn’t even know was there. Give yourself grace, your body just needs a little time to catch up, and in this post therapy self care list are some tips you can use to help it do so.
External Self Care
We are beginning with external self care because when our mind and emotions feel heavy, the easiest thing to do is patch up the outside. When we feel at peace physically it’s easier to practice the long term interal self care.
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Bath Bombs & Shower Melts
There isn’t anything quite like shower or bath with a relaxing essential oil scent in the air, especially after therapy. Regardless if you’re a shower or a bath person – adding a shower melt or bath bomb to your cleansing experience will certainly help you clear your mind and feel more peaceful as you navigate strong feelings.
Lightly Scented Lotion
There isn’t any reason to make your headache worse with a bunch of artificial scents or pilling textures on your skin. Give your body some love without the Bath & Body Works scents.
Epsom Salt
After a diving in and doing the deep work, your body’s been holding so much as you heal. Epsom salt in a warm bath can be a gentle gift to help you release that tension.
The magnesium soaks into your muscles, easing the physical weight of emotional work, while the quiet soak lets you breathe deep, reminding you of God’s peace washing over you as you let go of what’s been stored up, making space for healing to bloom.
Acupressure Mat
An acupressure mat can be a loving way to care for your body as you heal, helping you release the stress that’s been clinging to you.
Lying on it for just 10 minutes can stimulate your nervous system, melting away the tightness from emotional release, and inviting a wave of calm over your body.
Dry Brushes
I love to dry brush and coincidentially discovered it helps a ton with removing the toxins in your body after an emotional release.
As you brush in gentle strokes, you’re not just boosting circulation but you’re exfoliating your skin and symbolically brushing away the old.
Internal Self Care
Now that you’ve been able to pamper yourself, let’s look inward. Take a dive into some of these ideas, not just as a form of self care, but a true reminder of your worth and purpose.
Natural Pain Relief
You might feel headaches or body aches as your body releases stored trauma. I don’t like to take over the counter medicine if I can help it, so arnica has been my go-to.
Arnica can be a gentle, natural way to ease the physical pains. Rubbing a bit of arnica gel on your temples or sore spots can soothe the tension, or taking an oral supplement like the one listed here can be incredibly releiving.
Blue Light Glasses
On the topic of physical pains, sometimes those headaches we have are worsened by all of the blue light we are exposed to on our devices. I love to use blue light glasses after 5pm to deter any additional factors that would contribute to a headache.
A New Journal & Pretty Pens
Let’s face it: A new journal and set of pens can make anyone feel better. What’s the deal with fresh stationary and why does it make us feel so good?
After a particularly tough session I can find myself journaling for an hour, laying everything I’m thinking and feeling out on paper.
Your Favorite Drink
Sipping your favorite drink after therapy is like a warm hug for your soul.
A small, intentional act to nurture yourself as you heal from the deep work you’ve done.
Whether it’s a soothing tea or a glass of red wine (my personal favorite), let each sip remind you to taste, grounding you in this moment of rest and helping you feel cherished as you continue to grow into the woman you’re called to be.
Your Favorite Snack
The same concept of the drink rings true for your favorite snack.
Your favorite snack can be a sweet way to care for yourself as you heal, bringing a little joy to your body and spirit.
Grab a bite of chocolate, some protein, or pickup a nutritous meal from your favorite restaurant to enjoy at home.
As you savor each bite, let it be a reminder that God delights in you.
This article was all about post therapy self care. I hope it has shown you how vital it is to nurture yourself after the deep work of therapy, especially when you’re healing from trauma.
Those sessions can leave you feeling raw which is why these gentle practices are so important to help you heal, not just cope, as God guides you to freedom. You’re so worth this care, and I’m praying these steps bring you peace and strength on your beautiful healing journey.
Until next time,
Audye
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