HELPING HANDS RESOURCE CENTER 

When someone you love passes away, you’re likely to experience a wide range of emotions, from sadness and guilt to anger and denial. It’s vital to learn how to cope with grief by maintaining your mental and physical health. Below are some tips to help you cope with grief by making healthy lifestyle choices during this time.

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Have someone you can talk to about your feelings during tough times. Letting them know what they mean to you can give you much-needed perspective, and it allows them to comfort you in ways they may not even be aware of.

Get Enough Sleep

Not only does getting enough sleep make you less prone to bouts of depression and anxiety, but it also helps your body repair and regenerate after a tough day at work. Aim for eight hours of rest each night. No matter how busy your schedule is, create time for proper sleep each night. You're likely to be more energized, focused, and productive during your waking hours when you get sufficient sleep.

Eat Healthily

When you’re grieving, it can be hard to eat healthy meals. Your food cravings may change, and certain foods may even remind you of your loved one in an unpleasant way. But if you’re looking for healthy ways to cope with grief, try eating nourishing meals that include lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Exercise Regularly

Your body needs regular exercise. If you don’t have time to make it outside for a run, work out at home with a YouTube exercise video, or join an indoor fitness class. Just move — exercise helps relieve stress and creates space between you and your troubles.

Binge on Netflix or See a Movie

It’s okay to take time off from life and spend some time alone. To help forget about your loss, try binge-watching favorite movies or shows on Netflix or seeing what’s new at your local cinema. Both activities can offer respite from reality — and from painful reminders of what you’ve lost. If you feel like socializing, go out for a drink with friends.

Go Out for a Meal

There’s nothing like sitting down for dinner with loved ones, even if it’s not every night. It’s essential to connect — and your meal can serve as a reminder of how much you care about yourself and others. Leave your phone off, grab that best friend or partner, and go out to have a nice meal together. You deserve it.

Avoid Becoming Isolated

If you’re working from home, a consequence is an increased risk of isolation. Keep in touch with friends or colleagues and ensure you're never without human interaction for too long. If possible, limit the amount of time spent alone at work to just one or two days per week.

Happiness in Life

Although there’s no way to grieve without pain, there are healthy ways to cope while still holding onto memories of loved ones. Spending time around loved ones can help lift your spirits and remind you there's still happiness in life.

The Helping Hands Resource Center supports sufferers of trauma and hardships so they can move forward and rebuild their lives. Learn how you can volunteer and make a difference.

Written by: Camille Johnson

 Links to article: https://www.everydayhealth.com/insomnia/relationship-between-insomnia-anxiety-depression-its-complicated/

https://betterme.world/articles/what-to-eat-when-you-dont-feel-like-eating/

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-netflix-shows-and-movies-to-binge-watch-now/

https://www.epilepsy.com/stories/importance-connecting-others-after-loss

https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/7-ways-to-stay-mentally-healthy-while-working-from-home/