Self-Care Gentle Reminder
Apr 20, 2022 14:34:04 GMT
Post by Sef on Apr 20, 2022 14:34:04 GMT
Be G.E.N.T.L.E
There is a wealth of good information available on the process of grief and how we can work through our emotions after losing a beloved animal companion, but in the very first days (or hours) of that loss, the concept of “healing” can seem like a distant mirage when we are simply trying to survive from one moment to the next. There is perhaps nothing more critical and often overlooked during these first, urgent moments than taking good care of ourselves. Simple things like deep breathing, getting adequate rest, and allowing our feelings to simply “be,” can go a long way toward strengthening us. A good way to remember these important self-care practices at this challenging time is to think of the word Gentle:
G – Get adequate rest. As we grieve and mourn our loss, it is important to listen to our bodies and rest when we feel physically and emotionally exhausted. Grief is hard work, and we need periodic breaks from it—even if it is just a short nap or some quiet time to oneself. Gently excuse yourself from any obligations that you don’t feel up to at the moment, and let close friends and family know what you need. Listen to your body. Unplug as much as you need to right now.
E – Eat well. Grief can greatly affect one’s appetite, and you likely will not feel like eating anything for a while—certainly not big meals. However, your body needs fuel so that it has enough energy to get through this difficult time and eating small meals (soup can be especially comforting) or nutritious snacks throughout the day can help keep your strength up. Also remember to stay well-hydrated. Tears, which have proven emotional and physiological benefits, can deplete us if we are not careful.
N – Nourish your soul, too. Meditate, pray, or practice deep breathing to help calm yourself and get centered. Sometimes in the midst of our most intense and often confusing emotions, it can be hard just to catch our breath. Allow some moments throughout the day to practice breathing slowly and fully in through your nose, and slowly and fully out through your mouth. Imagine inhaling patience and compassion for yourself as you do so.
T – Take things a day at a time. In the hours and days immediately following a loss, we may wonder how we can possibly face another day without our beloved pet. How will we survive this? Will we ever be okay? Know that what you are experiencing right now is perfectly normal, and that things will not always feel this overwhelming. In time, as you work through your grief and the many emotions around it, the sharp edges of this enormous pain will start to soften and become more manageable. For now, just take things a day or even a moment at a time.
L – Light exercise, even if it is gentle stretching or Yoga, can help lessen the effects of anxiety and depression on our bodies and minds while we are grieving. You may not feel like doing too much physical activity at first but try to do a little bit each day. This could be a walk to the mailbox or a short trip around the block just to get out and get some fresh air. If you have a park or other green space available, you might find the sights and sounds of nature to be soothing.
E – Express your emotions. The loss of a beloved pet can evoke so many different emotions: denial, profound sadness, guilt, anger, confusion, and more. Know that everything you are feeling right now, and in the days ahead, is a very normal part of the grieving process. If you need to cry, cry for as long and as intensely as you need to. If you need to express anger, pound your fists into a pillow or find some seclusion where you can yell at the top of your lungs. Just let it all out. Sharing your loss with caring, supportive friends or family can be a tremendous help as well. Some people find journaling to be another good outlet. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to express what you’re experiencing right now, as long as you do no harm to yourself or others.
Think back to all of the love, kindness, and compassion that you gave so freely to your pet throughout his or her time with you. Now, in these most challenging moments, is the time to give a little of that back to yourself.
There is a wealth of good information available on the process of grief and how we can work through our emotions after losing a beloved animal companion, but in the very first days (or hours) of that loss, the concept of “healing” can seem like a distant mirage when we are simply trying to survive from one moment to the next. There is perhaps nothing more critical and often overlooked during these first, urgent moments than taking good care of ourselves. Simple things like deep breathing, getting adequate rest, and allowing our feelings to simply “be,” can go a long way toward strengthening us. A good way to remember these important self-care practices at this challenging time is to think of the word Gentle:
G – Get adequate rest. As we grieve and mourn our loss, it is important to listen to our bodies and rest when we feel physically and emotionally exhausted. Grief is hard work, and we need periodic breaks from it—even if it is just a short nap or some quiet time to oneself. Gently excuse yourself from any obligations that you don’t feel up to at the moment, and let close friends and family know what you need. Listen to your body. Unplug as much as you need to right now.
E – Eat well. Grief can greatly affect one’s appetite, and you likely will not feel like eating anything for a while—certainly not big meals. However, your body needs fuel so that it has enough energy to get through this difficult time and eating small meals (soup can be especially comforting) or nutritious snacks throughout the day can help keep your strength up. Also remember to stay well-hydrated. Tears, which have proven emotional and physiological benefits, can deplete us if we are not careful.
N – Nourish your soul, too. Meditate, pray, or practice deep breathing to help calm yourself and get centered. Sometimes in the midst of our most intense and often confusing emotions, it can be hard just to catch our breath. Allow some moments throughout the day to practice breathing slowly and fully in through your nose, and slowly and fully out through your mouth. Imagine inhaling patience and compassion for yourself as you do so.
T – Take things a day at a time. In the hours and days immediately following a loss, we may wonder how we can possibly face another day without our beloved pet. How will we survive this? Will we ever be okay? Know that what you are experiencing right now is perfectly normal, and that things will not always feel this overwhelming. In time, as you work through your grief and the many emotions around it, the sharp edges of this enormous pain will start to soften and become more manageable. For now, just take things a day or even a moment at a time.
L – Light exercise, even if it is gentle stretching or Yoga, can help lessen the effects of anxiety and depression on our bodies and minds while we are grieving. You may not feel like doing too much physical activity at first but try to do a little bit each day. This could be a walk to the mailbox or a short trip around the block just to get out and get some fresh air. If you have a park or other green space available, you might find the sights and sounds of nature to be soothing.
E – Express your emotions. The loss of a beloved pet can evoke so many different emotions: denial, profound sadness, guilt, anger, confusion, and more. Know that everything you are feeling right now, and in the days ahead, is a very normal part of the grieving process. If you need to cry, cry for as long and as intensely as you need to. If you need to express anger, pound your fists into a pillow or find some seclusion where you can yell at the top of your lungs. Just let it all out. Sharing your loss with caring, supportive friends or family can be a tremendous help as well. Some people find journaling to be another good outlet. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to express what you’re experiencing right now, as long as you do no harm to yourself or others.
Think back to all of the love, kindness, and compassion that you gave so freely to your pet throughout his or her time with you. Now, in these most challenging moments, is the time to give a little of that back to yourself.