Our guest blogger this week is Camille Johnson of bereaver.com. Camille created Bereaver after she went through the ups and downs of the bereavement process herself following the loss of her parents and husband. With the help of her friend who was also experiencing a loss of her own, she learned how to grieve the healthy way, and she wants to share that with others. There is no one way to grieve, but it is important to do it in a way that supports your physical and mental health throughout.
Coping with Grief
If you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, it can be hard to think about anything else. But while coping with grief means taking time to focus on your own emotions and processing your experience, it doesn’t mean ignoring other aspects of your life entirely or neglecting your physical health. Below are some tips for coping with grief by developing a healthy lifestyle that can offer comfort when you need it most.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
When grieving, it’s easy to become isolated and withdrawn. To begin healing, reach out and spend time with loved ones. Even if it feels like a struggle at first, getting out of your house and into another space can be therapeutic.
Eat Healthy Foods
Stay away from junk food, and eat healthy whole foods. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and high-fiber grains are some of your best bets for good nutrition. Healthy fats, such as nuts and fish, help you feel full longer. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine to ensure you get more restful sleep.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial when you’re coping with grief. When grieving, you may have difficulty falling asleep at night, and you may wake up feeling tired and unrested. If getting enough sleep is difficult for you now, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about sleep aids that may help.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity can help distract you from your grief, but that doesn’t mean you have to dedicate hours to it every day. Exercise is just as beneficial even in short bursts. Instead of exercising for an hour at one time, take more walks throughout your day, or try going up and down stairs more frequently (instead of taking an elevator or escalator). Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine boosts your health and energy levels.
Try Something Creative To Express Your Feelings
If you’re feeling down, try expressing your feelings in a way that feels comfortable for you — through art, music, poetry, or writing. You don’t have to be good at anything — just being creative and letting out your feelings can be helpful.
Meditate on Healing Thoughts
It can be difficult to keep your mind focused when you’re grieving, but meditation can help. When meditating, focus on your breathing, get rid of all distractions, and think about healing thoughts — such as imagining your loved one in a peaceful place. By doing so, you start feeling better and can grieve while focusing on hope and healing.
Time Heals
Though it’s a difficult time in your life, grieving is also an opportunity for change. Remember things will be different, but they can get better.
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