Six Tips to Help Cope With Grief During the Holidays

For people who are in the grieving process, the holidays can enhance feelings of personal grief, according to a U.S. expert.

Traditionally, the holidays are a time of family, friends and laughter, but for people who are in the grieving process, grief can separate us from what used to make us happy, according to Cynthia Bozich-Keith of Purdue University's School of Nursing.

However, although every person's grief is individual, there are several things a grieving person can do to get through the season.

She suggests:

• Be sure to take time out to care for yourself, whether it is through pampering or just slowing down your pace.
• Be sure to eat a nutritious diet, exercise, get adequate sleep and avoid alcohol.

• Talk about your feelings with people you love and who love you. Allow yourself the right to talk about the person who died.
• Be realistic about the difference between what you want to do and what you can do vs. what you should do.
• Don't feel guilty if you find yourself enjoying yourself around the holidays.
• Embrace your memories and find comfort in them. Our
  memories often bring us to both tears and laughter, but they are what
  sustain us through the years.

Source: United Press International. Powered by Yellowbrix.