Grief + Self-Care

As a griever—widow or not—showing yourself kindness is essential. Every single day. Even if it’s just a little. Intentional self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

This list is a starting point for nurturing yourself, but feel free to add anything that feels right for you.

• Accept Help

• Ask for Help

• Be Honest

• Be Mindful

• Buy Yourself Flowers

• Buy Something New

• Dance

• Declutter

• Deep Breathing (longer exhales than inhales)

• Delegate Tasks others can do

• Do The Heartwork

• Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

• Don’t Answer the Phone

• Eat Something Nourishing

• Feel the Emotion When It Comes

• Forgive Others

• Forgive Yourself

• Get a Massage

• Get Your Nails Done

• Give Yourself a Break

• Give Yourself Grace

• Go for a Drive

• Go for a Walk or Run

• Go to Therapy

• Go Outside

• Have a Friend Over

• Have Groceries Delivered

• Honor Yourself by Leaving Social Events When You Need To

• Hug Someone

• Hug Yourself

• Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate

• Interrupt Anxious Thoughts

• Just Be

• Laugh

• Limit Alcohol & Drugs

• Love on Your Kids

• Love on Your Pets

• Meditate

• Order Groceries Online

• Pay It Forward

• Practice Gratitude

• Practice Mindfulness

• Reduce Negative Self-Talk

• Reduce Duties & Responsibilities

• Say "No" Without Apology

• Say "Yes" to What You Want

• Set & Uphold Boundaries

• Sleep

• Smile

• Stretch

• Take a Bath or Long Shower

• Take Breaks

• Take Time for Yourself

• Take Yourself on a Date

• Travel

• Trust Yourself

• Unplug from Technology

• Walk Your Dog

• Watch the Clouds

• Write

• Do Yoga
  

Grief is hard. Taking even a small step toward caring for yourself can make a difference. Trust yourself to know what feels right for you, and let these suggestions guide you back toward nurturing your heart and soul.