Patient Education Living with Loss | Page 14

Other Ways to Care for Yourself It is normal to have low periods and to feel depressed while grieving. Be gentle with yourself as you find a good routine to get you through the dark days. Make taking care of yourself your first priority each day. Resting or doing nothing is fine, as long as you mix in some active times. Don’t let yourself become isolated from friends and family. Consider some of these options: ■ Invite a friend to eat with you or take a walk together. ■ Resume a favorite sport or hobby. ■ Go to the movies or the library. ■ Visit a park. ■ Volunteer to do something for someone else. ■ Work in your yard or garden. ■ Get a massage. ■ Create a scrapbook or fill a photo album. ■ Try something new that you’ve always wanted to do. These activities will help keep your mind and body active as you heal. Set small, daily goals and don’t get discouraged if you sometimes don’t feel like doing anything. Your energy and interest will increase with time. 13