One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends Our health Grief is a whole-body experience. The stress and emotional turmoil of grief can have an impact on our physical health. We can help ourselves by looking after our bodies: running, walking, going to the gym, team sports, yoga, or whatever appeals to us. We can try to eat healthy foods and get enough sleep. Even if we feel unable to do much, a little can make a big difference. Returning to activities we used to enjoy can be helpful. Making or fixing things can give us a sense of fulfilment, and the process can give us peace of mind. All of this is important for our mental health. Going back to work “I was glad to get back to work. In the beginning it was difficult, but the normality of working propelled me through the day.” We may return to work soon after the death of our child. Sometimes the workplace can feel a relief from the pressures at home. Returning to some of our normal routines, roles and responsibilities may be helpful. On the other hand, it can be difficult to face colleagues, customers and contacts, when we do not know what to say to them and, similarly, they might not know what to say to us. Some will express their sympathy, but others will be embarrassed, anxious and even avoid us altogether. Thankfully, there are likely to be those who show kindness, even when we are not easy to be with. Hopefully there will be at least someone who is willing to listen when we want to talk about our child. Staying in touch with people Some of us do not go out to work. We may work from home, or we may be unemployed, disabled or retired. If we are around the home for much of the day, we will have fewer opportunities to interact with other people. This can leave us isolated with our thoughts and grief. It may be helpful to make arrangements to see friends, to try to accept invitations to social events, or to have regular digital or phone contact with family members and friends, so that we do not feel that we are walking this road alone. We can feel torn about accepting invitations to go out. We suspect there is little chance we’d be able to enjoy it much, but being in company can be good for us.
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