Learn more about the diagnostic criteria of PTSD.

People find different things traumatic. Trauma is in the eye of the beholder, and no one can tell another person what is traumatic and what is not.

Comparison can easily steal your joy and self-contentment if you constantly compare yourself with others. In this blog, I share five ways to stop comparing yourself to others.

When you compare yourself to others and strive to be more like them instead of your authentic self, the world misses the beautiful gifts you have to offer.

This is an excellent grounding tool to use when you have nightmares and flashbacks or feel scared and ungrounded. It will help you to become aware of your surroundings and present moment. It reminds you that you are safe now; you had a nightmare or flashback, but as of right now, at this moment, you are safe, and the danger is over. You can practice this tool almost anywhere, while standing in line, at your desk, or even while you garden.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a powerful stress reliever and is helpful to treat insomnia. When your body is relaxed, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps you feel more calm and grounded. The relaxation of the body sends a message to your brain, saying, “Hi brain, I am relaxed, we’re okay, you can relax too.”

Square breathing is a powerful stress reliever and concentration sharpener. Slow and intentional breathing can regulate and calm your autonomic nervous system, which will help you feel more at peace and relaxed; it also reduces anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion.