Sweating Out the Pain: How Exercise Can Aid in the Healing Process for Narcissistic Abuse Survivors
Narcissistic abuse is a silent killer, leaving victims feeling confused, isolated, and helpless. It’s time to break the silence and stand up to these toxic individuals.
By: Elizabeth Wieck
(A Narcissistic Abuse Survivor)
Narcissistic abuse can leave deep scars that impact every aspect of a survivor’s life. The pain and trauma can be overwhelming and leave survivors struggling to cope with day-to-day life. However, there are many ways to aid in the healing process, and one of those is exercise.
Studies have shown that exercise has many benefits for mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving mood and self-esteem, and aiding in the release of endorphins that can help combat feelings of pain and sadness. For narcissistic abuse survivors, exercise can be a powerful tool in rebuilding their sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
One of the primary ways that exercise can help survivors is by empowering them to reclaim control over their bodies. Narcissistic abusers often manipulate and control their victims by denying them agency over their own bodies. This can lead to a profound sense of powerlessness and detachment from one’s own physical self. However, exercise allows survivors to take ownership of their bodies, to push themselves, and to achieve goals that they may have thought were beyond their reach.
Additionally, exercise can help to combat the effects of the stress hormone cortisol, which is often elevated in those who have experienced trauma. High levels of cortisol can have a number of negative effects on the body, including impairing the immune system, reducing bone density, and contributing to weight gain. Exercise can help to reduce cortisol levels, which in turn can help to mitigate some of these effects.
Another benefit of exercise is that it can serve as a form of meditation, allowing survivors to clear their minds and focus on the present moment. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with anxiety or other forms of emotional dysregulation. Exercise can help survivors to feel grounded, connected to their bodies, and present in the moment.
Of course, exercise is not a panacea for the complex emotional and psychological wounds that can result from narcissistic abuse. Survivors should always seek out professional support, such as therapy or counseling, to help them navigate the healing process. However, incorporating exercise into their recovery journey can be a powerful and positive step towards reclaiming control and building a sense of resilience.
It’s important to note that every survivor’s journey is unique, and not everyone will feel ready or able to incorporate exercise into their healing process. As with any form of self-care, it’s essential to listen to one’s own needs and boundaries and to prioritize safety and self-care above all else.
Exercise can be an incredibly powerful tool in the healing process for narcissistic abuse survivors. By helping survivors to reclaim control over their bodies, reducing the effects of cortisol, and providing a form of meditation, exercise can be an important step towards building resilience and reclaiming a sense of agency and self-worth.
Survivors should always seek out professional support and prioritize self-care, but incorporating exercise into their healing journey can be a positive and empowering choice.
Please share in the comments ideas and your own methods you use to heal from Narcissistic Abuse.
We can educate and inspire each other!
I’d like to hear!
