YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

FRESH START emergency room to get the support you need.Healthy livingYou have probably spent so long coping with abuse, trying to keepyourself and your children safe and trying to figure out how to escapethe abuse that you have not had much time to think about healthy,safe living. Now that you are on your own, you can begin to addressthis.You may not yet feel completely safe, even though you have left yourabuser. You can feel safer and begin to increase your self-esteem bytaking self-defence or assertiveness training courses. These can helpyou develop your internal strength. Contact your local YWCA orother women’s organizations for information on such courses offeredin your area.Your physical health affects the way you feel and your ability to copewith stress. This is a good time to review your eating and sleepinghabits to make sure they are healthy. If not, you can take steps toimprove them. Try to eat and sleep regularly. If the stress of yoursituation is stopping you from getting enough sleep, talk with a doctor,a nurse or another health care professional about what you can do.You may not have had much time for recreational activities. This canbe a good way for you to find ways of freeing your mind of anxietyand your body of tension. You could try meditation, yoga, sports,dancing, reading, walking or crafts.Physical activity can help you have a better sense of well-being andhelp you stay healthy. It does not have to be strenuous – a daily 20-minute walk can be all you need. If you have children, you can takethem with you. If it is winter, and you live in a city, you can walk in ashopping mall.Take time to be alone or with friends; to get to know yourself as anindividual and not just as a mother, someone’s wife or partner.WHAT ABOUT MONEY?When you first separate from your partner, you will most likely beliving on much less money than you are used to. Even if you have ajob, your family has been used to two incomes and now only has one.It will take a while to sort out child and/or spousal support, so youmay need some assistance until this is in place.67