Helping Yourself Through Grief
When we are overwhelmed by pain just making it through the day can be difficult. One thing that you do have control over is taking good care of yourself. Below are some suggestions of things you can do to help maintain your health during this stressful time.
Healthy Eating Habits
♦ Rest and good nutrition are important for the healing process.
♦ Eat at least one health meal a day.
♦ Avoid skipping meals or overeating.
♦ Drink plenty of fluids
♦ Avoid excess sugar, caffeine and alcohol
Exercise/Physical Fitness
♦ A consistent exercise/physical fitness regime can help you work out stress, deal with anger, improve sleep and physically feel better. (Consult with your doctor).
♦ Take a brisk walk, at least 20 minutes, three times each week. Moderate exercise such as a bike ride, golf, swimming, tennis or walking offers an opportunity to work off frustration and release anger.
Relaxation Exercises
♦ Taking slow, deep breaths is a simple way to calm yourself.
♦ The are books on meditation at the library and book stores.
Dealing with Overwhelming Feelings
♦ Be gentle and patient with yourself. It takes productive time to heal.
♦ Keep decision-making at a minimum and decline new responsibilities.
♦ It’s ok to need comforting. Ask for help from family and friends. Accept help and support when offered.
♦ If weekends, holidays, birthdays and anniversaries are especially difficult times, schedule activities you find particularly comforting for these time periods.
♦ Reading provides both insight and pleasure, making grief easier to handle.
♦ Keep a journal. It’s a good way to reflect on what you are thinking and feeling.
♦ Plan new interests. Join an interest group, take a class, learn something new, rediscover old interests, activities and friends.
♦ Plan something to look forward to-a trip, a visit or a meal with a special person.