Taking Care Of Yourself

Have you ever had a friend or family member give you advice on how you should take care of yourself? Perhaps they feel if you get back to your normal routine it will help you get over your loss or that perhaps you've grieved long enough? If you can relate, you are not alone....

People mean well, but unless they've experienced your loss they can't begin to understand. The same is true if your spouse dies, only another widow or widower can relate to that loss. Something people fail to recognize is your "normal" will never be the same for you, but as time moves on you'll begin to create a new normal for yourself without your loved one.

Can I encourage you to do what feels best for you? Allow yourself the time you need to work through the pain and emotions you are feeling.

Remember, it is also just as important that we recognize if/when we are stuck as well. We need to make sure we are not keeping busy to avoid our grief either.

We need make sure we take care of ourselves physically, emotionally & spiritually.

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Physically:

When you're grieving you may lose the desire to exercise, if this is you I recommend going for a simple walk in nature, this always helps me to feel closer to Nathan. By doing so, it will produce chemicals in your body such as endorphins and serotonin which relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your sense of well-being.

Emotionally:

You may find yourself dealing with an array of emotions such as regret, fear, anger, bitterness, deep sorrow, confusion, I recommend finding a support group, friend or family member with whom you can share openly with. By allowing yourself to grieve you are releasing it. Make sure you're not numbing the pain & avoiding it because you will only prolong your grief.

Spiritually:

What Care Notes say about grief is true, we need to give our souls time to heal. "The journey through grief is long and arduous; be sure to let your soul catch up." We may find ourselves questioning our spirituality especially if your faith has been tested on the deepest level.

Friends I encourage you to reach out for help, there is no shame in needing it. At some point we will all need help. Be patient with your grief journey, it is unique for everyone so do not compare your journey with another because we all experience different levels of despair.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime