Ways to take Care of Yourself
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Allow yourself to grieve: Often, we push the grief away or tamp it down by distracting ourselves with activities or tasks. Trying to avoid grief only leads to prolonging it — the grief has to be allowed to surface. Unresolved grief can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems.
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Tangibly express your feelings: This can be done in many ways, depending on your creativity or usual means of expression. You can write about your loss in a journal or send a private note to the person you’ve lost. You can make a scrapbook, photo album, or create an online memorial celebrating that person’s life. You can also get involved in an organization or philanthropy that was meaningful to them, or donate in their name.
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Be physically healthy: Your mind and body are connected, and physical health helps with the emotional healing process. It’s natural to feel lethargic or low energy, but taking a walk or a run can help promote the process. Combat your fatigue with an appropriate amount of sleep, and choose foods that provide you not just with comfort but energy.
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Don’t judge yourself, or let others judge you: You are allowed to grieve for as long and as deeply as you need to. No one — including yourself — can tell you when to “move on” or “get over it.” It’s okay to be angry, to cry, not cry, or even laugh — you need to allow for moments of joy in your grief, and feel no guilt for having a moment without pain. We recommend that you read the Mourner’s Bill of Rights to reassure yourself of your “right” to grieve.
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