The workplace is often where we spend a significant portion of our lives, yet it’s also where unresolved trauma can quietly manifest. For women navigating the aftermath of birth trauma or other challenging life events, maintaining focus, fulfillment, and emotional well-being at work can feel like a daunting task.

In this post, we’ll explore the subtle ways trauma impacts our professional lives and provide supportive strategies to nurture emotional health in the workplace.

 

How Trauma Manifests at Work

 

When trauma lingers, it doesn’t just stay confined to personal spaces. It follows us to the office, manifesting in subtle and often unexpected ways:

 

1. Difficulty Concentrating:

Your brain may still be processing the trauma, leading to challenges in staying focused on tasks or completing work efficiently.

 

2. Increased Irritability or Frustration:

Little things that once didn’t bother you may now feel overwhelming, creating tension in workplace relationships.

 

3. Imposter Syndrome or Self-Doubt:

Trauma can fuel feelings of inadequacy or perfectionism, making you question your abilities even when you’re excelling.

 

4. Avoidance or Disengagement:

You might find yourself withdrawing from collaborative efforts or dreading meetings as your nervous system attempts to avoid further stress.

 

5. Physical Symptoms:

Fatigue, headaches, or a sense of being “on edge” can make daily tasks feel exhausting.

 

Why This Happens

 

The nervous system plays a key role in how trauma impacts our work lives. Trauma activates the fight, flight, or freeze response, and when left unresolved, it can keep us stuck in this heightened state.

Additionally, subconscious beliefs shaped by past experiences—like “I’m not good enough” or “I need to do it all perfectly”—can resurface in high-pressure environments.

 

 

Balancing Work and Emotional Well-Being

 

Creating emotional health in the workplace requires a blend of conscious actions, somatic practices, and self-compassion. Here are some supportive strategies to help you navigate trauma’s impact on your professional life:

 

1. Ground Yourself Before the Workday:

Start your morning with grounding practices like deep breathing, stretching, or a short meditation to help calm your nervous system and center your mind.

 

2. Set Micro-Boundaries:

Protect your energy by setting clear boundaries around your availability. Communicate these boundaries with colleagues where necessary.

 

3. Practice Mindful Breaks:

Step away from your desk for a few minutes every hour. Use this time to focus on your breath, take a short walk, or simply observe your surroundings.

 

4. Reframe Your Inner Critic:

When self-doubt creeps in, counter it with affirmations like, “I am capable, and I deserve to take up space here.”

 

5. Prioritize Self-Care Outside of Work:

Emotional health at work begins with how you nurture yourself outside of it. Make time for activities that bring you joy, like journaling, Qoya dance, or spending time in nature.

 

Somatic Practices for Work Stress

 

Because trauma often lives in the body, integrating somatic practices into your day can help release tension and build resilience:

Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold again for 4 counts.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense each muscle group for 5 seconds, then release, starting from your toes and working upward.

Desk Stretches: Take a few minutes to stretch your shoulders, neck, and back to release physical tension.

 

Spiritual Approaches to Workplace Wellness

 

Spiritual practices can also offer a grounding presence in your professional life:

Intentional Morning Rituals: Begin your day with gratitude journaling or a quiet moment to set your intention for the day.

Energy Clearing: Use sound or visualization techniques to clear your space of any negative energy, inviting calm and focus.

 

 

Reclaiming Fulfillment at Work

 

Trauma can make work feel like a place of pressure rather than purpose. Reconnecting with what inspires you about your work can reignite your sense of fulfillment:

Reflect on moments when your work has positively impacted others.

Focus on small wins each day to remind yourself of your contributions.

Explore long-term goals that align with your values and passions.

 

 

Healing is a Journey

 

Healing your emotional health in the workplace isn’t about being perfect—it’s about taking small, intentional steps to nurture your well-being. Be patient with yourself, and remember that every moment of care you give to yourself is a step toward greater balance and resilience.

If this resonates with you, join our Sacred Circle for Transformation, a space where women come together to share their journeys, explore practices for nervous system regulation, and support each other in building resilience.