One of the most empowering and transformative aspects of trauma recovery is learning to recognize the subtle signs that your body is releasing trauma. These signs reflect progress in your journey toward emotional and physical balance. In this article, we’ll explore some key indicators that signal healing, providing hope and reassurance along the way.
Understanding Trauma and the Body
Trauma is a profound and lasting emotional, psychological, or physical response to an event outside of our control that overwhelms our natural ability to cope. It can stem from a single event, such as an accident or loss, or develop over time through prolonged exposure to stress or adversity, like childhood neglect or chronic illness. The effects of trauma often reach deep into our psyche and body, altering how we navigate the world, process emotions, and respond to stress.
As we explore trauma and its impacts, it is important to distinguish trauma from grief. While they can share some common traits, such as feelings of helplessness, guilt, uncertainty, anger, etc. the role they play in the body and the nature of their onset have distinct differences. Grief is a healthy and natural response to loss or change, such as a natural death, major life changes, or terminal illness. Most grief is relatively short-lived (avg. 6 months to 2 years), and most people gradually regain normal functioning. While grief is a response to loss, trauma is the physical/psychological/emotional response to a distressing and unexpected event. It often elicits intense feelings of terror, helplessness, and fear, disrupting a person’s sense of safety and control. Symptoms of trauma can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, anxiety and avoidance of settings, events, or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event, irritability, and difficulty with concentration and memory.
*For more on grief, Nora McInerny’s TEDTalk “We don’t ‘move on’ from grief. We ‘move forward’ with it” is a powerful exploration of what it means to heal from loss.
If the experienced trauma is too much for the mind/body to process effectively, it can become stored in the body (muscles, connective tissue, organs). The brain often disconnects from this part of the body as a means of blocking the memory of the trauma. While the brain may believe it has dealt with the trauma effectively, the body is strained, keeping the nervous system locked in a heightened state of fight, flight, or freeze, disrupting how we respond to stress and engage with the world. This dysregulation impacts cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, leading to an overactive or imbalanced release. Prolonged elevation in cortisol levels can contribute to a range of health problems, including digestive issues, weight gain, emotional irritability, reduced bone density, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of heart disease. Healing requires addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of trauma, acknowledging its presence in both the mind and body.
*For further reading on the subject, The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. is an essential resource for understanding and treating traumatic stress.
10 Hopeful Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma

Healing from trauma is rarely marked by dramatic breakthroughs. While transformative moments can occur, the majority of progress often unfolds through small, consistent steps. These signs, though subtle, indicate that your body is processing and releasing stored emotional and physical stress. Celebrate these milestones as meaningful progress on your journey toward balance and recovery. While the path to recovery is deeply personal and non-linear, the body provides hopeful signals that healing is happening. Below are ten hopeful signs that your body is releasing trauma—small yet significant steps that reflect meaningful progress.
*This list is not ranked in order of importance; the numbers are for convenience only. Healing looks different for everyone, so if you notice progress in some areas but not others, don’t be discouraged. The key is to keep showing up for yourself and honoring your unique journey.
1. Improved Sleep Patterns
If you’ve struggled with insomnia, nightmares, or difficulty staying asleep, noticing even small improvements in your sleep can be a sign of healing. Maybe you’re falling asleep faster, sleeping longer, or waking up feeling slightly more rested. Not only does this personal development reflect your personal growth, but better sleep has been found to help reduce cortisol in the body, which can help with emotional regulation and physical health.
Why it matters: Sleep is often one of the first things trauma disrupts, and better sleep is often one of the earliest indicators of progress. It shows that your body is beginning to feel safer, allowing your nervous system to shift out of a constant state of alertness. Restorative sleep also lowers cortisol levels, helping regulate emotions and improve physical health.
2. Reduced Physical Tension
Chronic tension in areas such as the jaw, shoulders, and chest is a common signal of trauma-related stress. These physical manifestations often stem from the body’s fight-or-flight response. If you begin to notice less tension or discomfort in these areas, it is often a sign that you are starting to release distress in the body.
Why it matters: Chronic muscular tension is closely tied to your fight-or-flight response. A reduction in tightness can signal that your nervous system is regulating. Practices like yoga, heat therapy, and magnesium supplements can further support this process.
3. Frequent Emotional Releases
Tears, laughter, or even unexpected moments of anger or joy are signs your body is releasing trauma. If you’ve been holding onto grief, anger, or sadness for a long time, the act of expressing those emotions is a significant milestone in your healing journey.
Why it matters: Emotional release is a necessary step in trauma recovery. When emotions are ignored or repressed, they often cause physical and emotional strain. Allowing yourself to feel and express these emotions helps restore balance and health.
4. Feeling More Present
Trauma often anchors us in the past or creates anxiety about the future. When you start noticing moments of mindfulness and connection to the present, it’s a powerful sign of progress.
Why it matters: Being present shows that your mind and body feel safe enough to exist in the here and now. This shift doesn’t erase past trauma but allows you to engage more fully in life as you heal.
5. Increased Energy Levels
Trauma can drain your energy, leaving you feeling fatigued and unmotivated. If you start feeling a little more energized—whether it’s to take a walk, connect with others, or tackle daily tasks—it’s a hopeful sign that healing is taking place.
Why it matters: Increased energy indicates that your nervous system is functioning more efficiently, and spending less effort keeping you in survival mode. This extra energy can be channeled into activities that support your recovery and bring you joy.
6. Greater Emotional Awareness
Healing often involves becoming more attuned to your emotions. You may find it easier to identify your feelings, understand their roots, and process them in healthy ways.
Why it matters: Emotional awareness strengthens self-understanding and resilience, empowering you to face challenges with greater clarity and intention.
7. Stronger Connections with Others
Trauma can make it hard to trust others or feel safe in relationships. If you’re finding it easier to open up, engage authentically, or build deeper connections, it’s a sign that you’re healing.
Why it matters: The ability to connect with others signals that your trauma responses are easing, paving the way for healthy intimacy and trust.
8. Physical Sensations of Release
You may notice sensations like warmth, tingling, or lightness in your body during moments of emotional release or relaxation. These feelings often signal that your body is letting go of residual stress.
Why it matters: Physical sensations of release signify that your body is processing and letting go of emotional blockages, helping you feel more balanced.
9. Improved Digestive Health
Trauma can wreak havoc on the digestive system, leading to issues like bloating, nausea, or irregular bowel movements. If you notice these symptoms easing, it may be a sign that your nervous system is regulating.
Why it matters: The gut and brain are closely connected, so improved digestion often reflects reduced stress and a calmer state of being.
10. A Sense of Inner Peace
Perhaps one of the most profound signs that your body is releasing trauma is a newfound sense of calm or “inner peace”. You may begin to notice fewer intrusive thoughts, less emotional overwhelm, and the beginning of acceptance in the face of your post-trauma reality. This is a sign that the emotional weight of trauma is lifting, allowing you to experience greater mental clarity and emotional stability.
Why it matters: A sense of newfound peace often signals that you are finding balance in your new “norm”. Your nervous system is returning to a more balanced state, and you are reconnecting with your authentic self to a more balanced state, and you are becoming more in tune with your authentic self.
The Healing Process: What to Expect
It's important to acknowledge that trauma healing is not a linear process. There will be moments of growth and moments of setbacks. Healing can sometimes feel like two steps forward, one step back, but that doesn’t mean progress isn’t happening. Be patient with yourself. Recognize that each small step counts and that your body’s healing is happening at its own pace.
Self-compassion is key. There may be days when the trauma resurfaces or when emotions feel overwhelming. Instead of judging yourself, offer kindness and understanding. Each day is an opportunity to move forward, even if it’s just a little bit. Celebrate the small wins as much as the big ones.
Strategies to Support Trauma Release

In addition to recognizing the signs your body is releasing trauma, there are several ways you can support your healing process. Here are a few strategies:
Self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help you reconnect with your body and ease stress.
Therapy and counselling provide a safe space for exploring your trauma and learning coping mechanisms.
Journaling can be an effective tool for processing emotions and gaining insight into your thoughts. For more ideas, here are 20 gratitude journal prompts to improve mood and well being
Community support from groups or trusted friends can create a sense of connection and encouragement during your journey.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, VMA Psych is here to help. Our experienced therapists provide tailored trauma counselling to support your recovery, offering tools and guidance to help you thrive.
Contact us today to book a session and begin your journey toward healing and balance.
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