The consequences of not taking care of ourselves in grief can be devastating. Over time, our bodies and our spirits may have difficulty coping with the ongoing stress that grieving often brings. Grievers need to learn how to take care of and nurture themselves so that the grieving process can become a time of healing and growth.

1. Taking Care of Yourself While Grieving

2. Grief Demands That YouTake Care of Yourself

3. Most of us are not very good at taking care of ourselves We are often overcome by demands, expectations and stress. We need to simplify our life . . . So that we can acknowledge our loss Make Space for Your Grief

4. How much time do you spend each day taking care of yourself? Do you allow time to promote a sense of calm, healing and growth? Time to Take Care of Yourself

5. It takes time to integrate the death of someone we loved into our heart & soul Not simply time to feel sorry for yourself Not becoming selfish or self-indulgent Creating Conditions That Help

7. Emotional

8. Cognitive

9. Social

10. SpiritualRecognizing Your Reactions to Stress

11. Taking Care of Your Physical Self Do what you enjoy most! Be deliberate about what you eat: eat fresh fruits & vegetables and drink plenty of water Allow time for regular exercise Set aside 30 minutes every day for rest and relaxation Avoid alcohol & sugar

12. Taking Care of Your Emotional Self Write or draw a journal of your feelings Give yourself the gift of touch – accept hugs! Slow down – let your life become easier and more enjoyable Listen to music Do something you enjoy every day!

13. Taking Care of Your Cognitive Self Do one thing at a time. Don’t be surprised by short-term memory problems or confusion Avoid making any major changes or decisions for the first year Set small, daily goals that you know you can accomplish Take notes – Don’t rely on your memory

14. Taking Care of Your Social Self It’s natural to feel disconnected Be careful not to withdraw into your own small world Allow yourself to be supported and nourished by others Reach out to others who are grieving.

15. Taking Care of Your Spiritual Self Give yourself time It is not uncommon while grieving to wrestle with difficult and often unanswerable questions that challenge your spiritual beliefs It takes courage to struggle with doubts, fears and anger Find someone who will understand and accept your struggle unconditionally

16. Make a commitment to care for yourself! By taking care of yourself you will allow the grieving process to become a time of healing and growth.