How to Take Care of Yourself As You Grieve

Grief is an inevitable part of life and it is incredibly important to take care of yourself during these times. Whether you've lost a loved one, experienced a breakup, or faced another significant life change, grief can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling emotionally drained and physically exhausted. Self-care becomes not just important but essential for healing and navigating the grieving process.

Read along for a few ways you can take care of yourself as you grieve:

Face your feelings.

Trying to avoid feelings of sadness and suppressing your grief will not help in the healing process. In order to heal, you have to acknowledge the pain. Unresolved grief can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems.

Express your feelings tangibly or creatively.

When you feel unable to talk to others about your grief, it can help to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. You could also release your emotions by making a scrapbook or volunteering for a cause related to your loss.

Maintain hobbies and interests.

There's comfort in getting back to the activities that bring you joy and connect you closer to others. Maintaining your hobbies can help you come to terms with your loss and aid the grieving process.

Don't let anyone tell you how to feel.

Your grief is your own; no one can tell you when it's time to "move on" or "get over it." Let yourself feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment. Don't tell yourself how to feel.

Look after your physical health.

The mind and body are connected. When you feel healthy physically, you'll better cope emotionally. Don't use alcohol or drugs to numb the pain of grief or lift your mood artificially.

Remember that everyone’s grieving journey looks different and what works for one person, may not work for another. Find what works best for you and allow yourself the time to heal.

If you are in need of some helpful resources, visit our Resources page!