| by nature, is a process which turns a | | | | processes, giving your mind a brief respite from |
| person’s emotions inward. Few things | | | | your grief. You may even enjoy inviting a friend |
| matter outside of the internal sorrow, pain, and | | | | over to share these activities with you. |
| loss. Even eating, hygiene, work and other family | | | | What can I do if I want to go out? |
| members can fall by the wayside as the | | | | When you feel like being out, shopping and |
| bereaved person tries to cope with their grief. | | | | errands can keep your thoughts on other things. |
| While grieving, it is important to take care of | | | | A meal with a friend can be relaxing and |
| yourself, care for your health needs, eat nutritious | | | | refreshing. A trip to the movie theater will allow |
| and balanced meals, and stay active. Grieving is a | | | | you to be out of the house. At the same time, if |
| process and may take weeks, months or even | | | | your thoughts wander and you feel the need to |
| years. For some, especially bereaved parents and | | | | cry, the dark room can let you feel less |
| siblings, the grieving process may last a lifetime | | | | self-conscious about letting go of your tears. |
| because the memory of the loss never really | | | | Having a supportive friend present at such times |
| goes away. | | | | is often better than "going-it" alone. |
| Keeping busy can speed your recovery during the | | | | Doing volunteer work is a great way to keep |
| grieving process. How? Being busy will allow you | | | | busy as you grieve. Working to help others |
| to focus your attention on things outside of | | | | encourages you to use your personal experiences |
| yourself. | | | | and talents. It also gives you a sense of |
| What can I do to stay busy at home? | | | | accomplishment and a feeling of satisfaction. |
| There are many things you might consider to | | | | Working with others eases the loneliness and |
| stay active during the grieving process. If you | | | | sadness felt after the loss of a loved one. If you |
| don’t feel like going out of the house, you | | | | like working with children, you might volunteer |
| may find an outlet by concentrating on | | | | your time at a library or work with a literacy |
| housework or a hobby. Cooking, baking, reading, | | | | program which teaches children to read. Homeless |
| cleaning, or working on artwork can occupy your | | | | shelters and food pantries are always in need of |
| mind, give you time to clear your thoughts, and | | | | volunteers. Hospitals, nursing homes and |
| keep your hands busy. Listening to music, | | | | disease-related research charities also appreciate |
| recorded literature, or watching a movie can also | | | | the help of any who volunteer their time and |
| be helpful. Such things create alternate thought | | | | services. |