How to take care of yourself when you're grieving

Grief can be heavy, unpredictable, and exhausting. Here are some gentle, practical ways to care for yourself while grieving:

• Let emotions come and go without judging them.

• When grief drains your mental, emotional, and physical reserves, rest more than usual, say no without guilt, and lower your expectations of productivity and “normal” functioning.

• Eat something nourishing each day.

• Drink water, even if you need reminders.

• Keep a simple sleep routine (lights dim, screens down, consistent time).

• Reach out - even a little bit. You don’t have to talk about your grief to be supported; you could do something as simple as asking a friend to come and watch telly with you. Connection eases the feeling of isolation that grief can create.

• Let people help with small tasks (meals, lifts, companionship).

• Try to make space for the loss, even though it’s painful. Like with any emotion, avoiding grief often makes it feel heavier.

• Use grounding techniques on overwhelming days and keep breathing.

• Seek professional support when needed

• Be patient with yourself and your own unique process and timeline.