Kicking off a new year can be tough for grieving families.
It often comes with mixed feelings. When you reflect on the last year, what are the things you want to hold on to? What would you prefer to leave behind? Maybe, you want to hold on to the love and memories you have with your special person? Or, maybe you want to leave behind the pain, the struggles, the hard times, and the heartache? It’s so different for everyone. The New Year brings time for reflection. Be kind to yourself as you venture through your world of grief.
During the holidays, we do so much for others, we often leave off caring for ourselves. It’s important that we begin the year with “Presents to Give Ourselves,” also known as “Self-Care.” Here are a few ideas to get you started:
| Color in a coloring book See a comedy Blow bubbles Drink hot cocoa (by the fire, if you can) Make and enjoy some S’mores Say “yes” Say “no” Laugh a little Eat a healthy meal Make a surprise gift Sing in the shower Yell out loud Tell someone you love them Hug someone Enjoy silence – turn off your electronics and just be “you.” Read a book Crank up the music Bake cookies Take a nap Take yourself to lunch or dinner Sing in the car Get a massage Volunteer for a good cause Buy new and fun socks Talk to a friend Play with your dog or cat Volunteer at an animal shelter Dance in the kitchen Have a good cry Build a snowman Watch a movie Laugh a lot! | Exercise Take a walk Try a new activity Go to the movies Take a bath Practice deep breathing Take 10 minutes to just be by yourself Play a game Watch the sun set Have a good cry Try a new food Send a note to someone you care about Get your hair cut Buy yourself a gift Write in your journal Get your nails done Change your bed sheets Get a pedicure Share with others Take a break Punch a pillow Go to the Gym Drink a Smoothie Plan/take a vacation Drink lots of water Have coffee or tea with a caring friend Schedule self-care on your calendar Get a new outfit Go to the library Read a magazine Have a “fun” snowball fight Lounge on your couch Enjoy your favorite meal or dessert |
Wishing all of you the very best for 2019 – May you be the best “YOU” that you can be!
Jennifer Buell Haskamp
Clinical Coordinator, SandCastles Grief Support Program