Self-Care for Grievers

By: Betty Dangler
Tuesday, January 24, 2023

As with any new year, people always like to make resolutions. Usually by the middle of January, these resolutions are nearly forgotten or, you tell yourself, “there is always tomorrow”.

As grievers, there is one resolution you should be making this year for yourself. That resolution is self-care. Self-care helps you on your journey of healing. It keeps things in a healthy balance and helps you gain a better perspective on what is really going on in your life.

All too often grievers will complain that things seem out of control. Do you find that you are eating too much or too little? Are you exercising too little or too much? Is your retail shopping out of control? Are you getting enough sleep or not sleeping at all?

The goal of self-care is to help manage stress, prevent physical illness and to honor one’s own needs. As a griever, you need to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Here are some self-care tips to consider:

-Recognize that grief is a journey that you must go through when you lose a loved one. There is no way around it.

-Ask for support from close family and friends with whom you are comfortable.

-Do things you love. Read a book, see a movie, call a friend to go to lunch or dinner, knit, garden, paint.

-Eat healthy and stay hydrated to boost your physical strength.

-Exercise. Take a walk and get out in the fresh air.

-Get enough sleep. The recommended amount is 7-8 hours a night.

-Try to journal your thoughts. It helps to release those pent-up feelings and brings calm.

-Music releases tension too. Sing (in the shower or join the choir), play that musical instrument that has been sitting around collecting dust or take up a musical instrument for the first time.

-Remember to laugh. Don’t feel guilty. Children have a special way of making us laugh out loud. Laughter lightens your mood by releasing tension.

I challenge you to try at least one of these suggestions and see if you feel differently. You might be pleasantly surprised. Go ahead, give it a try!

 

 

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