Why the Wells of Well-Being are Essential During Times of Trauma

Hello everyone,

I’m writing to you as a therapist to share some thoughts on why the five wells of well-being are so crucial when we’re going through traumatic experiences. These wells—physical, emotional, social, financial, and purposeful—are like pillars that help us stay balanced and grounded during tough times. Let’s delve into why they matter so much and how they can help calm our nervous systems, drawing on the wisdom of experts like Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine.

1. Physical Well-Being: Grounding the Body

When we’re dealing with trauma, it often shows up in our bodies. You might notice your heart racing, your muscles feeling tense, or just a general sense of exhaustion. Engaging in physical activities like exercise, yoga, or even a walk in the park can do wonders. Bessel van der Kolk, who wrote The Body Keeps the Score, emphasises that physical activity is key to trauma recovery because it helps release built-up tension and stress. Moving your body releases endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and promotes relaxation, all of which help soothe the nervous system.

2. Emotional Well-Being: Processing Feelings

Our emotions can become overwhelming when we’re dealing with trauma. It’s important to find ways to understand and manage these feelings. Journaling, meditation, or talking to a therapist can really help. Peter Levine, author of Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, highlights the importance of processing emotions to prevent unresolved stress from piling up. When we work through our emotions, it helps to calm our nervous system and prevent trauma symptoms from getting worse.

3. Social Well-Being: Building Support Systems

Trauma can make us feel isolated, but having a strong social network can provide essential support. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can offer comfort and practical advice. Bessel van der Kolk points out that social support is vital for trauma recovery. Having supportive relationships activates the social engagement system, a part of our nervous system that helps regulate stress and fosters a sense of safety and belonging.

4. Financial Well-Being: Reducing Stressors

Financial worries can add a lot of stress, especially when you’re already dealing with trauma. Achieving financial well-being by budgeting, managing expenses, or getting financial advice can significantly reduce stress. Feeling financially secure means you can focus more on healing and less on survival. While van der Kolk and Levine don’t directly address financial well-being, reducing overall stressors fits perfectly with their approaches to trauma recovery.

5. Purposeful Well-Being: Finding Meaning (spiritual wellbeing)

Trauma can shake our sense of purpose and meaning in life. Engaging in activities that align with our values and passions, like volunteering, hobbies, or setting personal goals, can help restore a sense of purpose. Purposeful well-being gives us something to look forward to and helps build resilience. Van der Kolk discusses how finding meaning and purpose can transform the trauma recovery process, providing a pathway to healing and growth.

6. Creative Well-Being: Expressing the Self

Creative well-being involves engaging in activities that stimulate our imagination and allow us to express our inner world. According to Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, creativity is a vital part of our identity and well-being. Whether through painting, writing, music, or any other form of artistic expression, creativity can provide a powerful outlet for processing emotions and experiences. It helps in reducing stress, fostering resilience, and bringing joy and fulfilment into our lives. By tapping into our creative well-being, we can discover new perspectives, heal from trauma, and connect more deeply with ourselves and others.

The Interconnectedness of Well-Being and the Nervous System

Each of these wells of well-being helps settle our nervous system in its own way. The nervous system, especially the autonomic nervous system, regulates our stress response. Trauma can make it hyperactive, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. By nurturing our physical, emotional, social, financial, and purposeful well-being, we create a holistic support system that helps both our mind and body find balance and resilience.

Reflection

In summary the wells of well-being are more than just abstract ideas; they are practical tools that help us manage and recover from trauma. By focusing on these areas, we can create a supportive environment that calms our nervous system, promoting healing and a return to a balanced, healthy state. Experts like Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine remind us of the importance of these practices in trauma recovery, highlighting their role in achieving long-term well-being.

Take care, and remember to nurture all the wells of your well-being.

If you found this blog interesting and want to consider your wells further you might be interested in our new blog: “Reflecting on the wells of well being” which is released Monday the 5th September 24