We often hear how important it is to take care of ourselves, especially after the death of a loved one. It may even feel that everyone you encounter continues to remind you to just breathe, get some rest, lay off the caffeine, or gives you their best self-care tip. The truth is we don’t always feel like we can take time for ourselves. Sometimes we stumble through our day-to-day not recognizing how desperately we need to listen to what our body is telling us. We need self-care to begin to heal, and it helps to know what will work best for us. Here are a few helpful reminders on your journey to improved self-care.
Ask for Help
Reach out to others and let them know what you need from them. Family and friends are better able to support you when they know what you truly need. Remember asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Be Kind to Yourself
Do something you enjoy. Spend time with loved ones, go see a funny movie, read, listen to music you love, call a friend, write or draw, cuddle with your pet, and remember to take time to pamper yourself.
Give Yourself a Break
Allow time to relax and be okay with not feeling yourself. It is okay to feel like you are not functioning at the same level as before the death. Let others know how you are feeling and talk about your grief.
Take Care of Your Health
Getting quality sleep and eating healthy can help you on the road to feeling better. It can be difficult sometimes, and it is important to recognize when you need to adjust your lifestyle. Sometimes light exercise or going for a short walk can help improve the way you feel.
Everyone can use more self-care in their life. It is such an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others. When you are taking care of yourself, it allows you to be present and have the energy to be available to others. Improved self-care and developing a healthy support system can make such a positive difference in your life.
The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing…not healing…not curing…that is a friend who cares.” Henri Nouwen
