• Bring along extra provisions.Taking care of yourself with good nutrition, plenty of rest and other self-care practices will make your journey more bearable.
• Pause at rest stops along the way. If you have a support system of friends, relatives or neighbors, now is the time to seek them out and open yourself up to their support.
• Bring an umbrella. Storms are inevitable.Your personal resources, including your religious or spiritual beliefs, can serve as your umbrella.
Self-Care Tip Learn to breathe deeply and slowly when you feel anxiety, sadness or pain of any kind.Take several long, slow, full breaths. Notice the sound and feel the sensation of each breath. Greater calm and well-being usually return after a few minutes of conscious breathing.
Tips to Prepare for Your Grief Journey
• Pack lightly.Your grief can be a heavy burden.You don’t need to face everything all at once. Put down your excess baggage; it’ll be there to pick up when you’re able and willing to do so.
• Bring along a companion.A supportive listener, a trusted friend, a clergyperson or a counselor can give you perspective about your journey.
• Know that there’ll be some bumps and detours along the way. A grief journey is never completely smooth, even though it may start out that way. Expect some rough terrain. • Find a navigator to guide you. By reading books on grief, consulting with others who’ve been through it, or getting support from you bereavement counselor, you’ll find the road less treacherous.
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The Elizabeth Hospice
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The Elizabeth Hospice
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