Grief

Take Care of Yourself

• Eat well. Eat nutritious foods, even though your appetite may be lacking, your body needs substance. Small meals or snacks may be something to consider.
   

• Get plenty of rest. Low energy is a common symptom of grief work.
   

• Take walks or engage in moderate exercise. It will help to relieve tension and regulate breathing.
   

• Sometimes breathing is impaired due to loss or grief. Take deep breaths throughout the day.
   

• Be careful with alcohol and drugs. Unless ordered by a physician who knows you are grieving, try to avoid them.
   

• Keep a brief journal. Read books on grief.
   

• Cry. Weeping is only a stage, it will not last forever. Don't be afraid; cry as often as you need. For men and women, this is not the time to be brave. Realize this is the body and minds ways of releasing saddness and grief.
   

• Talking. Find a friend, a group, or any safe place to talk about your loved one and your feelings about the loss. You may find yourself talking out loud to the loved one that has passed. It is okay; you are not going crazy. This can be a good release.
   

• Allow yourself to experience the many feelings that you may have such as anger, saddness or guilt. Use activities like hitting a pillow, walking very fast or swimming to express all of that.
   

• Try relaxation excerises, yoga or meditation. Tapes can be found in any bookstore. All can be helpful in reducing stress.
   

• Express your feelings in whatever way is comfortable for you - prayer, music, art etc. Now is not the time to shut away your feelings.
   

• Rember that grief takes time. You will get better. Do not have unrealistic expectations. Be easy on yourself.
   

• Need to tell and retell and remember things about the loved one and the experience of their death
   

• Feel their mood change over the slightest things
   

• Cry at unexpected times