Health & Wellness for Those Grieving
April 29, 2010
Each day it seems that new results are being released about our nation’s health & wellness. The news, however, doesn’t seem to be positive; obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure occurring in all segments of our population at alarmingly high rates. The latest study reports that chronic conditions, as those noted above, affect almost HALF of our population…sobering statistics indeed!
Which leads me to discuss health & wellness conditions for another population segment: those who are grieving. Sometimes when we are lost in our grief, the last thing on our minds is taking care of ourselves, or being attentive to our well-being. The ongoing need for eating healthy meals and getting physical exercise may not always register in our blurred awareness or be a priority…our “normal” life has been altered, so why should we try to go on as usual?
We may not have an appetite; we may not feel like going to the gym or out for a walk; we may not be sleeping well. All these physical changes impact our mental & emotional bodies as well. Our relationships suffer…we’re not “ourselves” with family, friends & coworkers. An unfortunate and unhealthy cycle of stress and distress infiltrates our body and life.
So, how do we begin to recognize this, much less have the presence of mind and energy to address and remedy it? Maybe it starts by simply taking time to be aware of what’s happening, or not happening, in our daily routine and consciously making an effort to take a break from grieving…just for a few moments to experience some stillness. Perhaps in these moments of calm, we can find the clarity to understand and accept that we are still here…alive…in our life…and we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally & emotionally..
If you aren’t the one grieving, reach out and be a supportive friend: take a walk together; deliver a healthy meal; extend your emotional support by offering a sympathetic ear. Many times that’s all that’s needed to break the unhealthy cycle of grieving…an empathetic gesture to show that someone cares.
Sharon Clark
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