Deep grief affects our whole mind-body systems. We may notice emotional, physical, and cognitive changes when we’re grieving. Grief can lead to tunnel vision, making it tough to be objective and to see the practical things we could do to feel better.
At Moloney Family Funeral Homes , we value self-care, especially during times of intense loss. Our compassionate team encourages our neighbors in Hauppauge , Central Islip , and Holbrook to care for themselves while grieving.
Here are some simple ways to tend to yourself after losing a loved one:
Do your best to get regular and restful sleep.
Quality rest plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. When you sleep, the body recharges and revitalizes itself. The stress and anxiety that accompany grief
can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to problems like insomnia and oversleeping. To combat these issues, do your best to follow a regular sleep schedule and give yourself plenty of time to wind down at night before crawling into bed. You might be surprised at how getting quality sleep night after night can improve the outlook of your entire day.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods.
When you’re experiencing deep grief , doing simple things like drinking enough water or eating nourishing meals can fall to the wayside. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated improves both your physical and mental health. Try to occasionally make plant-focused meals at home or embrace a practice like Meatless Monday.
Try meditation.
Meditation, even for just 10 minutes a day, can have profound effects on the body and mind. It helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system to restore a state of calm and relaxation. If you find the idea of sitting in silence intimidating, start with a guided meditation. There are many quality meditation apps and websites available online for free.
Get creative.
Grief brings with it a lot of heavy feelings. Expressing these emotions through a creative act can help relieve some of their intensity. Try writing down your thoughts in a grief journal every morning or painting a picture to share your grief story in a visual way.
If after tending to your self-care, you still experience deep sadness or depression, contact our team. We offer aftercare resources and can connect you with mental health counselors and therapists in the New York area. We want you to know that you’re not alone in your grief.
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