Coping Strategies that Work

Get moving. Get outside and/or get some exercise.

Eat and drink. Make sure that you are getting enough to eat and drink, and try to make healthy choice.

Rest. Get enough sleep; take breaks.

Practice meditation, prayer, or other rituals from your faith tradition. This can be a source of strength and healing.

Seek support. Look for it in the various parts of your life, from friends, family, neighbors, your faith community, and co-workers.

Nurture yourself. Being in nature, taking a hot bath, being creative (painting, clay, music, etc.), getting a massage, gardening, going to a concert, reading, or any other activities that re-charge you.

Allow time off. Take time off from your routine, from your house, from your job, or even from your grieving for a while.

Play. Participate in sports, go shopping, socialize with friends, eat out, play video games, rent a movie, etc.

Use humor. Cultivate your own sense of humor and seek out opportunities to laugh or at least smile (reading the comics, watching a comedy, etc.)

Enjoy loved ones. Spend time with family and friends whom you love.

Write. Putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be healing and helpful.

Allow tears. Crying is normal and healthy during grief. Tears can be a welcome release.

Seek out grief support. Look into support groups and counseling, which can really help you along your grief journey.

Prepare for difficult days. When facing the holidays or other special days during the year, make a plan for how to get through the day. Consider trying something new, changing tradition a little.

Help others. Reaching out to others who are hurting, donating to or volunteering for good causes can help you to feel connected to others, and can help you to feel needed.

Memorialize. Find ways to honor your loved one and to keep his or her memory alive.

Breathe. Remind yourself to stop and take slow, deep breaths.