Good Grief - Part 3

In this episode about grief, the following topics were discussed:

1) drinking lots of fluids - while this may seem a strange thing to mention as part of the needs of
grieving persons, it is important. Research has proven that during grief the body more quickly absorbs
the fluids we drink. Thus, more fluids are needed. 

2) exercising - (a little bit every day.) Physical exercise helps to keep the body chemistry working
normally and will help to decrease signs of depression: Take a walk with a friend. Go to a yoga
class. Put on some music and just move about in the privacy of your own room!

3) trusting in the process of grief - Grief is a natural process of bringing you back to a
place of balance physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It has its own timing. Trust that
within an emotionally safe environment you will be able to express the emotions that need to be
expressed and will move toward healing naturally.

4) establish a grief container - It can be very helpful to set aside a little bit of time each day, at the same time if possible. During this time, be intentional about your grieving needs. Write about your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Look at photos and write stories. Listen to your favorite music and allow whatever feelings to come up to be expressed. Limit this
time to no more than 45 minutes. Begin and end this time period the same way each day. For example, you might light a candle and then blow it out at the end. You might open your journal and return it to its place on the shelf each day. You might begin and end with a few moments of silence or prayer. Create your own ritual. This routine of opening and closing in the same way becomes the container that gives you cues this is the time to grieve and to ``hold your grief
inside" when the time ends.