BEREAVEMENT: HEALTH TIPS

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH.

Grief can put a lot of stress on your body. You need to take extra care during this time to keep yourself healthy. You may not feel like you have the energy, but even small steps can make a difference.

Here are some tips:

EAT A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET.

Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains (at least half should be whole grains), limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars, make lean, low-fat or nonfat choices when possible (i.e. meat and milk), and balance what you eat with how much physical activity you get.

GET REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

Adults should work up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.

Make plans to have friends join you for walks, favorite sports or other types of physical activity. This can help you stick to exercising.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

Do something relaxing before bed (i.e. take a bath, listen to music or read).

Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

Ask your health-care provider for more advice if sleep problems continue.

MANAGE STRESS

Let family members and friends know how they can help with practical matters related to the death.

Try to lighten your schedule while you're grieving. Consider reducing your work hours for a while. Or try to take some time off, if necessary.

Set aside quiet time for yourself.

Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, picturing peaceful scenes and mediation.

Don't rely on alcohol (a depressant) or other drugs to cope with your pain. Please moderate your intake during bereavement.