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The consequences of not taking care of ourselves in grief can be devastating. Over time, our bodies and our spirits may have difficulty coping with the ongoing stress that grieving often brings. Grievers need to learn how to take care of and nurture themselves so that the grieving process can become a time of healing and growth.
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Taking Care of Yourself While
Grieving
Grief Demands That YouTake Care of Yourself
Most of us are not very good at taking care of ourselves
We are often overcome by demands, expectations and stress.
We need to simplify our life . . .
So that we can acknowledge our loss
Make Space for Your Grief
How much time do you spend each day taking care of yourself?
Do you allow time to promote a sense of calm, healing and growth?
Time to Take Care of Yourself
It takes time to integrate the death of someone we loved into our heart & soul
Not simply time to feel sorry for yourself
Not becoming selfish or self-indulgent
Creating Conditions That Help
Recognizing Your Reactions to Stress
Physical
Emotional
Cognitive
Social
Spiritual
Taking Care of Your Physical Self
Do what you enjoy most!
Be deliberate about what you eat: eat fresh fruits & vegetables and drink plenty of water
Allow time for regular exercise
Set aside 30 minutes every day for rest and relaxation
Avoid alcohol & sugar
Taking Care of Your Emotional Self
Do something you enjoy every day!
Write or draw a journal of your feelings
Give yourself the gift of touch – accept hugs!
Slow down – let your life become easier and more enjoyable
Listen to music
Taking Care of Your Cognitive Self
Do one thing at a time.
Don’t be surprised by short-term memory problems or confusion
Avoid making any major changes or decisions for the first year
Set small, daily goals that you know you can accomplish
Take notes – Don’t rely on your memory
Taking Care of Your Social Self
Reach out to others who are grieving.
It’s natural to feel disconnected
Be careful not to withdraw into your own small world
Allow yourself to be supported and nourished by others
Taking Care of Your Spiritual Self
Give yourself time
It is not uncommon while grieving to wrestle with difficult and often unanswerable questions that challenge your spiritual beliefs
It takes courage to struggle with doubts, fears and anger
Find someone who will understand and accept your struggle unconditionally
Make a commitment to care for yourself!
By taking care of yourself you will allow the grieving process to become a time
of healing and growth.
