Although you might have had time to prepare for their passing, you are bound to experience a wide range of emotions when a loved one in hospice passes away. Grief can take a toll on your mental and physical health, which is why it’s essential to care for yourself during these difficult times. So your overall quality of life doesn’t suffer in the wake of a loss, consider the following advice. 

3 Self-Care Tips to Follow While Grieving

1. Get Plenty of Sleep

From guilt to anxiety, there are several emotions associated with grieving. The thoughts running through your head could keep you up all night. Foregoing sleep won’t give your brain a chance to rest and recharge, and this could make it difficult to concentrate during the day, leaving you feeling even more stressed and irritable. To remain healthy, try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. To make it easier to fall asleep, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon and evening. You can also meditate to help your body relax or purchase melatonin, a natural sleep-aid. 

2. Remain Active

Even if you’d prefer to remain curled up on the couch, it’s essential to keep moving while you’re grieving. From going on a brisk walk around the neighborhood to swimming laps at the pool, exercising will help boost your spirits. That’s because endorphins are released during workouts, and these neurotransmitters help combat stress and anxiety to elevate your mood. 

3. Reach Out for Support

While grieving, you might isolate yourself from others. After dealing with a loved one in hospice, you may find it hard to readjust back into a healthy routine. Socializing with friends and family could make it easier to cope with the loss as they can provide emotional support and a shoulder to cry on. You can also join a support group for people who’ve had loved ones in hospice care. They can provide valuable insights to help you manage grief and give you an outlet to speak about shared experiences.

If it’s time for your loved one to be admitted into hospice, contact the caring, compassionate professionals at Lifetime Care. Serving clients in New York’s Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, and Schuyler counties, the agency is part of a family of companies that have been providing health insurance and home health care solutions for over seven decades. Bereavement services are also available to help you adjust to life after a loss, which you can find out more about online. To learn about hospice services at the Rochester location, call (585) 214-1000, dial (800) 598-4995 for assistance at the Lakeville location, and (315) 331-7990 for the Newark facility. Become a Facebook follower for more advice to remain healthy while dealing with the loss of your loved one.