Grieving is not only a difficult thing to get through, but it can also actually affect your mental and physical well-being in very real and visible ways. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, inability to focus, and can even weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to getting sick. As providers of cremation services in St. Peters, MO. we know how real these effects can be. To help you battle these effects, we dive into some ways to keep your mental and physical well-being healthy during this challenging time. 

What is Grief Fatigue? 

While everyone experiences grief differently, many people will experience grief fatigue. This grief fatigue will bring with it feelings of tiredness and overwhelm. It can also bring on physical symptoms as mentioned earlier. Other physical symptoms people may experience can include: 

• Headaches 
  
• A tight feeling in the chest 
  
• General aches 
  
• Inability to sleep 
  
• Inability to stay focused 
  
• Restlessness 
  
• Exhaustion 

How to Deal with Grief Fatigue 

The first thing you need to do is to accept that grief fatigue is a real thing. Once you accept it and identify it, you can then begin to do things to help counteract it. Some of these things include: 

• Creating (or continuing with) a Daily Routine - A routine is a great way to keep you moving from task to task even if you lack motivation. With a routine, you don’t have to think, you just do. If you already had a daily routine, then try to continue with it. If you need to alter it or if you did not have one before, create a new routine. Make sure to include things that keep your mind and body healthy such as adding in a walk or run, and making time to have a healthy breakfast. 
  
• Talk to someone - Often times when we are grieving, we may turn away from others and begin to self-isolate. This can be very detrimental to our well-being. Keeping all of our feelings and thoughts inside can weigh us down and over time, can cause deeper feelings of sadness and depression. Talking with someone can help unload these thoughts can leave us feeing lighter and more grounded in our feelings. Find someone to talk to. This could be a friend, family member, or professional therapist. 
  
• Focus on Mind-Body Relaxation - When we feel overwhelmed, our mind and body knows it. We become tense and stressed. We may have heightened anxiety or even heart palpitations. Make sure to take time each day to relax. Slow your breathing. Close your eyes. Let go for a bit and just sit still. How you chose to do this is just whatever works best for you. Some people may enjoy taking a long hot bubble bath while others may take a mediation class, or go for a hike in the park. 

Grief fatigue is a real thing. After your loved one’s cremation services in St. Peters, MO. it is important that you realize this so that you can address it. While it wont make the pain and sadness you feel go away, it will help ensure you get through this challenging time in the healthiest way possible.