Grief and Self-Care Taking Care of Yourself While Mourning

When we are upset or not feeling well, self-care may be the furthest thing from our minds. However, self-care is important, and it is especially important during a time of mourning which can go on for months.

So, what, exactly, is self-care, and how do we apply it during mourning? That is what we want to talk about today in our blog article.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care is what we consciously do to improve or maintain our physical and/or mental health. It is any practices that we do to protect ourselves and make us feel well, psychologically, socially, and spiritually.

What Are Some Examples of Self-Care?

Some examples of self-care are things like meditating, exercising, eating well—even if we are not hungry, sleeping enough, and going to church. Self-care can be defined differently depending on the individual. Gardening, or pulling weeds in the peace of the outdoors could be self-care for a garden lover; taking a hot bath might be self-care for someone else or going for a long walk in a park.

During Mourning

While we move through the grief process, we are probably not spending a lot of time thinking about ourselves. But this is a period when self-care is more important than ever because it will lower your stress levels and help you cope with your grief better.

Think of self-care as what you can do to nourish your body and soul. Make time for it even when you are at your worst because self-care activities will make you feel better. Make an effort to eat something nutritious. Take a walk in the fresh air even if you don’t feel like taking your regular walk.

When you are overcome with grief, that is when you are most in need of self-care. Don’t feel guilty about what will help you heal. Taking time for yourself is important, family and friends will understand you needing to look after yourself.

Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, and has been providing compassionate funeral services on the Lower Mainland for over 60 years. We have deep roots in the community and take great pride in our caring ethics and exemplary service. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about funeral services, please call us at 604-463-8121.