Grief and Self-Care: Taking Care of Yourself During Difficult Times
by Laura Clipson
• Published 14/09/2023
Whether faced with the loss of a loved one, a break up, a career setback, or any other emotionally distressing event, it’s important to prioritise self-care while going through the process of grief. Grief is a natural response to any kind of loss, and while it can be overwhelming, practising self-care can help you to heal and find solace. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can take care of yourself during difficult times.
Self-care involves intentional actions that prioritise your mental, physical and emotional well-being. During times of grief, self-care becomes a lifeline that can help you manage the intense emotions and maintain a sense of balance. Here are a few ways you can practise self-care during the grieving process:
Prioritise emotional well-being
Try to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as journaling, listening to music, creating art, and spending time in nature. Engaging in your hobbies and interests can help to ground you during times of grief. Make sure to take some time for yourself every now and then, for example set aside some time to read that book you’ve had your eye on, or pamper yourself with a long, hot bath with candles lit.
Establish a routine
Following a daily routine can provide structure and stability during difficult times. Simple changes such as having a set time to go to bed and get up can make a big difference. Over time you can add more things to your routine, such as exercise, socialising and hobbies.
Maintain physical health
Maintaining your physical health can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, helping to improve your overall mood while keeping your physical body healthy. Even gentle exercise such as walking or yoga are beneficial. Eating a well balanced diet and staying hydrated are also important to maintain both physical and mental health.
Engage in mindfulness
Meditation and deep breathing can help you to stay present and manage overwhelming emotions. Practising mindfulness techniques can help you to reduce stress, sleep better, and develop an attitude of self-care.
Create a memorial
Honouring your loved one’s memory with a memorial can provide solace in times of grief. Creating a memorial space by planting a garden or a tree will provide a physical location that you can visit. You can also engage in acts of kindness in their name.
Seek support
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide a listening ear and guidance when needed. Connecting with others can help to alleviate feelings of isolation. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your grief, speak to a professional who can help you.
Allow yourself to grieve
Rather than suppressing your emotions, allow yourself to feel and express them as they come. Healing will take much longer if your emotions are bottled up. You may feel a range of different emotions during the grieving process, which you will need to work through in order to begin to heal.
Practising self-care can help you to nurture your mind, body and soul as you navigate through your grief. It is important to remember that healing takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Prioritising self-care and seeking support where needed can help you find moments of peace in the midst of difficult times.
