Important Elements of Self-Care During Grief

Grief can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Self-care is a great way to help cope with the emotional and physical stress of loss. Here are some ways to incorporate self-care into your grief process.

• Allow Yourself to Grieve – Grief is a natural and necessary process; it's important to allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness of your loss. Denying yourself the ability to grieve only delays your healing.
• Take care of Yourself Physically – Grief can affect your physical health. So much science supports the benefits of eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising to help maintain your strength and energy. Make your physical health a priority as you grieve.
• Seek Support – Grief can be a lonely, isolating experience. It's essential to seek support from loved ones, friends, as well as community or church members to help. Sit with a trusted friend and devise a list of tangible ways for them to come alongside you. Allowing people to serve or do things for you blesses them and you.
• Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, prayer, yoga, and Pilates can help to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. Find a favorite quote or Bible verse, reflect on them, and practice how to put them into practice. Square breathing can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.
• Engage in Activities You Enjoy – Doing things you enjoy, whether reading, writing, playing music, going for a walk, hiking, or running. Choosing to stay engaged in things you've always loved can help to lift your mood and provide a sense of purpose. But also give yourself space to try new things.
• Be Kind to Yourself – Grief is a complex process; it's essential to be kind and patient with yourself as you navigate it. Be careful how you talk to yourself during this time. Your grief will be unique to you and your relationship with your loved one.
• Give Yourself Time – Grief takes time, and the process can't be skipped or rushed. It's important to be patient and allow yourself the time you need to heal. There's no framework for how it should look or timeline on how long your grief should last, and the key is to permit yourself to grieve.
• Seek Professional Help – Grief can manifest in many ways. If you find that your grief is overwhelming, paralyzing, or interfering with your daily life, professional therapists can help you find healthy coping mechanisms that help you find healing in your grief journey.