Ways to Find Comfort When Healing from Trauma
Healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey. Some life experiences uplift and inspire us, while others leave lasting emotional wounds that can feel overwhelming. If you’ve experienced trauma, you may find yourself struggling to manage emotions, feeling unsafe, or unsure of how to begin the healing process. One powerful way to support yourself through this journey is by incorporating comfort items and calming hobbies into your daily life.
Finding Comfort in the Aftermath of Trauma
Trauma affects not only our emotional health but also our nervous system and sense of safety. One important step in coping with trauma is identifying healthy, grounding coping strategies that provide stability and relief. These strategies don’t have to be complex—they can be simple, accessible tools that bring moments of peace.
The Power of Comfort Items in Trauma Recovery
Comfort items can be anything that helps you feel safe and soothed. This might include a cozy blanket, a childhood stuffed animal, a meaningful piece of jewelry, or even a small object with sentimental value. These items often serve as emotional anchors, providing security and familiarity when emotions feel overwhelming.
Simply holding or being near a comforting object can help regulate your nervous system. These tangible items become powerful reminders of safety, helping you ground yourself when anxiety or distress starts to rise.
Grounding Techniques Using the Senses
When you’re feeling disconnected or anxious and can’t quite name why, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present. Trauma can cause dissociation or a feeling of being “checked out.” In those moments, comfort items can act as sensory tools to help you feel more rooted in your body and your surroundings.
You can try:
Focusing on the texture of a soft blanket
Noticing the scent of a favorite candle or essential oil
Feeling the weight of a stone or object in your hand
Listening to calming music or nature sounds
These sensory-based grounding techniques are especially helpful in trauma recovery, offering immediate and accessible ways to re-center.
The Healing Role of Hobbies and Creative Outlets
Hobbies and creative practices are more than just distractions—they can be therapeutic. Activities like painting, gardening, journaling, or yoga offer ways to express emotions and foster emotional resilience. They create structure, build self-esteem, and provide a healthy outlet for processing difficult thoughts and feelings.
Engaging in a hobby you enjoy—even briefly—can:
Shift your focus from distressing memories to the present
Improve your mood and sense of accomplishment
Support self-expression and emotional release
Over time, hobbies become small rituals of healing—offering moments of joy, calm, and reconnection with yourself.
Connection Through Shared Interests
Coping with trauma can feel isolating, but connecting with others who share your interests can reduce feelings of loneliness. Whether it’s joining a local group or engaging with a community online, finding people who understand your passions can offer comfort, validation, and support.
Healing Is Not Escaping—It’s Nourishing
Incorporating comfort items and meaningful activities into your life isn’t about avoiding your pain—it’s about meeting yourself with compassion during difficult moments. These tools help you build a sense of safety as you move through the healing process.
Bonus: Create Your Own Grounding Basket
A DIY grounding basket is a powerful way to create a personalized comfort toolkit. Choose a box or basket that feels special to you and fill it with sensory and calming items:
Soft blanket or stuffed animal
Scented candle or essential oil
Fidget toy or stress ball
Herbal teas or favorite snacks
Affirmation cards or grounding scripts
Keep it nearby for easy access when you need a moment to reset. It’s a simple, practical way to nurture your healing space.
Want more ideas for comfort tools?
Visit my Pinterest board for visual inspiration: