COPING WITH GRIEF

If you look for advice on dealing with grief, you will likely find a myriad of ideas-some more helpful than others. Everyone grieves differently. What works for one person may not work for someone else.

Here are some basic guidelines that have proved practical for many:

• 1: ACCEPT SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
• According to your needs, balance time spent with others and time spent alone.
• 2: WATCH YOUR DIET, AND MAKE TIME FOR EXERCISE
• Eat healthful food, drink plenty of water, and exercise moderately.
• 3: GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
• Recognize that sleep is essential to dealing with the fatigue of grieving.
• 4: BE FLEXIBLE
• Since everyone grieves differently, find what works for you.
• 5: AVOID SELF-DESTRUCTIVE HABITS
• Avoid the misuse of alcohol or drugs​—which creates more problems than it solves.
• 6: BALANCE YOUR TIME
• Alternate periods of grieving with time for socializing and recreation.
• 7: KEEP A ROUTINE
• Regain a sense of normalcy by keeping yourself occupied with a good routine.
• 8: AVOID MAKING BIG DECISIONS TOO SOON
• If possible, wait a year or more before making big decisions you may later regret.
• 9: REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE
• Collect pictures and mementos or write in a journal to keep alive your memory of the person who has died.
• 10: GET AWAY
• Make time for a change of pace​—even if for just a day or part of a day.
• 11: HELP OTHERS
• Renew your sense of purpose by doing things for those who need help, including others affected by the loss of your loved one.
• 12: REEVALUATE YOUR PRIORITIES
• Use this opportunity to gain new insights into what truly matters and, as needed, make adjustments to your priorities.

 Realistically, nothing will completely erase the pain you feel. However, many who have lost a loved one can attest that taking positive steps, such as those listed in this article, helped them to find comfort. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of every possible way to alleviate grief. But if you try some of these suggestions, you may find that they will bring you a welcome measure of relief.