Caring for Yourself in a Time of Grief

The body and basic needs

Try to eat, drink water, and sleep, even when you don't feel like it. An exhausted body has a harder time bearing grief.

A little movement

A short walk, fresh air, the smallest bit of activity ease anxiety. No heroics are needed, just small steps.

The right to rest

Allow yourself to do nothing and not to be productive. Recovery moves at its own pace, and that's normal.

Be careful with painkillers

In grief there's a strong temptation to numb the pain with alcohol, overwork, or an endless screen. This only delays the feelings and, over time, makes things worse. It's better to move through grief in small steps, leaning on people rather than running away from it.

• Eat, drink water, sleep, even if you have to force it.
• A little movement eases anxiety.
• Allow yourself rest and unproductive days.
• Don't numb the pain with alcohol and overwork.