Tips for Adopting a Healthier Lifestyle After a Loss
Grieving is a process that’s different for everyone. Some people may find solace in talking about their loved one, while others may prefer to keep their thoughts to themselves. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. However, Olotita shares some tips to help yourself heal healthily.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When you’re grieving, you may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Attempt to follow a regular sleep routine. Even on weekends, go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can interfere with sleep. If you can’t sleep, get up and do something calming until you feel tired again.
Exercise
A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining your mental health while grieving. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Start slow if you’re not used to exercising. Taking a brisk walk around the block is an excellent place to start. You can also try yoga or other gentle forms of exercise. As you get stronger, you can increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. If you have little time, there are ways to add more physical activity to your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your destination, or go for a walk on your lunch break.
Gym memberships are always an option, but they definitely require discipline and scheduling. You could also consider adding a gym to your home and working out on your own schedule! If you need some extra space, converting a garage or finishing a basement is always an option.
Eat Healthily
When you’re grieving, you may not feel like eating. However, Better Place Forests notes that it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods can help your body heal and give you the energy you need to get through the day.
Try to eat three meals a day, even if you don’t feel hungry. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Reduce processed meals, sweets, and excessive quantities of caffeine or alcohol.
If you have a tendency toward emotional eating, it’s wise to keep this top of mind when you can. That doesn’t mean beating yourself up when you turn to food as a way to feel better, but knowing why you’re doing so can help eventually break a cycle.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spending time with loved ones can offer support and comfort during grieving. Whether you talk about your feelings or spend time together in silence, being around people who care about you can make a big difference.
If you’re struggling to be around people, try joining a support group for grieving individuals. This can provide an outlet for your emotions and allow you to connect with people who are going through a similar experience.
Declutter and Organize Your Home
Clean Market points out that a cluttered and disorganized home can add to your stress levels. Take some time to declutter and organize your living space. Get rid of anything you don’t need, such as old clothes, unused furniture, or knick-knacks. Organize the items you keep in a way that makes sense to you. For example, you might alphabetize your books or put all of your holiday decorations in one place. Having a tidy home can help you feel more relaxed and in control.
Reduce Work Stress by Delegating or Changing Jobs
When done correctly, delegating can relieve stress and improve morale. Focus on identifying tasks that can be delegated to others. These tasks should be ones that employees are capable of completing and that will not put undue strain on them. Working with a recruiter can give you access to pre-vetted remote talent.
If your workplace is causing too much stress, it may be high time to consider changing jobs. Experiencing grief may remind you just how short life is and encourage you to get on a path toward a more fulfilling career. Before seeking a new position, you should update your resume with your latest work history and accomplishments. When you go online and create one for free, you’re able to choose from a library of professionally designed resumes and then add your own copy, photos, colors, and images. Soon you’ll have a slick CV in hand to give to potential employers in person or share online.
Grieving Is Important to Your Health
Grieving is difficult, but it’s also a natural and necessary process that allows you to come to terms with your loss and start the healing process. So give yourself time and space to heal, stay as active as possible, hire freelancers or switch jobs to reduce work stress, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
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