Being in an emotionally abusive relationship is a often very challenging and results in low self esteem coming out of the relationship. The victim may feel incompetent, inferior, and even question his or her sanity as a result of much time spent around someone with an agenda of control, manipulation, and dominance. During this difficult time, it is important to take good care of yourself in all aspects to assist with the recovery process. Here are the last 3 of 5 steps you can take to help you recover emotionally and physically from the stress of an emotionally abusive relationship:

1. Put an exercise program into place. Consult your doctor to determine the ideal level of exercise for you before you start. In an ideal situation, cardiovascular exercise is an excellent choice because it promotes the release on endorphins, which are feel good compounds released during physical activities that cause sustained elevated heart rates. Biking, dancing, swimming, running, treadmill, elliptical, and basketball are all good choices. Start slowly and choose activities you enjoy.

2. Seek support in others. Surround yourself with family and friends who give you positive messages about you. You are trying to reprogram the cutting words and criticisms of a partner deliberately trying to keep you feel down about yourself, and you need to hear the truth about yourself as often as possible as you recover from this abuse. Talk things out with a professional counselor if you find you need more help to process your emotions or truly understand your past issues. If you are ready to start taking action and move forward, work with a coach who will help you see things more clearly and achieve your own goals.

3. Do at least one kind thing for yourself each day. This is a way to communicate to yourself on an emotional level that you are worth caring for and making an effort to please. If you take care of yourself, your expectations of the behavior of others toward you will be higher as well. Make a list of things you enjoy doing, and pick one to do daily. These needn't be large events or purchases, but small things that are easy to fit in during the course of a day.

By the way, what is holding you back from making the best choices to achieve the life you deserve?

Shannon Cook is a personal coach and resource guide who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and "difficult" divorces, including the physical, emotional, practical and relationship components.

Shannon E. Cook
March 14, 2009

For a free copy of my ebook, "Strategies For Escaping Emotional Abuse", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-strategiesforescapingemotionalabuse.html

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