After a loved one’s funeral, navigating the grieving process can be challenging. Even with the stresses of the funeral out of the way, many mourners continue to feel emotional pain. While acknowledging your loss is important, you shouldn’t neglect self-care during this time. Here’s what you need to know. 

How Mourners Can Practice Self-Care

1. Get Enough Sleep

The death of a loved one is already a period of extreme stress that can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Not getting enough sleep can further complicate matters, heightening feelings of stress and causing you to feel fatigued. Practice good sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, lowering the room temperature, and using meditative breathing to relax your body. 

2. Spend Time With Others

Spending time with others who care about you ensures that you don’t lose touch with your support system. Plus, it gives you opportunities to share your feelings or forget about your loss for a few moments. Many people also find it beneficial to join a support group or visit a grief therapist.

3. Improve Your Diet & Physical Habits

Stress from the grieving process can take a toll on your physical health, but the right habits can counteract this. Exercise each day to improve sleep and mental stability. Even going for a walk outside can help you feel better; don’t stress yourself out by forcing a 45-minute run. Finally, be mindful of your diet, as well. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables to stay energized.

If you need help planning a funeral, contact Porto Funeral Homes. Serving New Haven County, CT, for over 75 years, this caring funeral home provides personalized, dignified services, giving attention to the small details to help you memorialize your loved one. To learn more about their burial and cremation services, visit them online or call (203) 467-3000 (East Haven) or (203) 934-5000 (West Haven).